Clock DVA, more than anyone except perhaps their fellow travellers Cabaret Voltaire, reflected the industrial heartbeat of Sheffield. Literally so.

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Manu Chao’s song Bongo Bong was everywhere around the turn of the century. Its distinctive ping and cod reggae rhythm is irresistible – at least at first. (more…)

New Australian quartet Bleak Squad make their debut with a dark and doom-laden slice of gothic noir called Lost My Head.

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Country Joe & The Fish is a name I remember hearing in my youth, though I don’t remember hearing any of their records.

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I don’t normally like this sort of thing but Slady – the all-female Slade tribute band – are just brilliant, right down to the sandpaper rasp of “Gobby Holder.”

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In the late Seventies, after The Saints lit the fuse of Australian punk with their classic single (I’m) Stranded, they were followed to the UK by Radio Birdman.

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Clean Up Woman is one of the greatest soul songs of all time, recorded by Betty Wright when she was only 17. I’m amazed I’ve not posted it before. (more…)

Tony Clarke never had a big hit in his lifetime but is revered here for one of the biggest Northern Soul favourites of all time – Landslide. (more…)

Sharon Van Etten is my favourite singer. And, against strong competition, Seventeen is my favourite song of hers. It reduces me to tears every time I hear it.

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