This was the song that sent Dave Cousins and his band of former folkies The Strawbs into the pop charts for the first time early in 1973.

(more…)

Around the turn of the century I made a musical pilgrimage to the tiny Texas town of Luckenbach, once immortalised in song by Waylon Jennings.

(more…)

She might not be a household name but Jean Shepard was a pioneer for women in country music, with a staggering 73 singles in the country chart between 1953 and 1981.

(more…)

For some musicians, a tragic death elevates a mediocre career to legendary status. But it didn’t work out that way for Cowboy Copas.

(more…)

I have to confess that growing up I only knew the name Brenda Lee from the Golden Earring song Radar Love. I’m not sure I even knew she was a real person. But she was.

(more…)

I would not have called myself a big fan but I once went to interview Lionel Richie, in Paris, almost entirely for my own amusement. I shall explain.

(more…)

During the short but sweet 2-Tone era, The Beat clocked up half a dozen hit singles of which Mirror In The Bathroom, which reached No.4 in 1980, was arguably the best. 

(more…)

Sometimes music can soothe the soul and the Polish composer Michal Janaszek somehow reflects the sorrows of the world while simultaneously trying to take them away.

(more…)

Suede’s debut album celebrates its 30th birthday today. Not that I need any excuse to celebrate such a landmark record. This is arguably my favourite track.

(more…)

Sheer perfection. My Girl is a classic from the opening notes of James Jamerson’s opening bassline, echoed by Robert White’s electric guitar. And then there’s the dancing!

(more…)