Hello to any Johns who featured in my 2025 Bluesky posts. Hopefully, we discussed happy music.

I think we should all dress a little bit more like Chicory Tip. #LifeGoals

This was the point where Simple Minds and I parted company, the "everything louder than everything else" production, more bombastic than anthemic sound left me cold. See also Eurythmics post 'Here Comes The Rain Again'.

If we meet up later remind me to tell you that 'When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman' was written by Even Stevens. His real name was Bruce Stevens, but, come on, fair play to the man...

Earlier this year I bought 'Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear?', a beautifully written, funny, warm book from @levparikian.bsky.social Some 50 years after I first listened to 'Supper's Ready' by Genesis (don't judge me), this book revealed the origins of Gabble Ratchet. Never too old to learn...

Calling @agnes-guano.bsky.social - did the '80s milk marketing campaign 'Gotta Lotta Bottle' ever get the 7-inch single treatment, like 'Luton Airport' or 'Don't Be A Dummy'?

On finding that your toilet roll or kitchen roll is finished, everyone raises the empty cardboard tube to their eye and pretends to be Nelson / Raleigh / other nautical types, right?

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to oversee a reissue of the the wonderful 'Off Centre' by the John Cameron Quartet. I sent copies to John, and to Danny Thompson, who said he was "chuffed". A lovely man and an extraordinary career. Everyone should be a bit more Danny.

Happy Brian Day, to all those that celebrate. "It's a sad thing, and it's a beautiful thing." #understood @needlemythology.bsky.social @kensweeney.bsky.social

Here’s my review for @arcanadotfm.bsky.social of just released ‘Splonge! An Introduction To Tubby Hayes’. 10 tracks recorded for Fontana between 1961-69 and compiled by @themumper.bsky.social for Decca Records. We owe them a debt of gratitude. @motorcitymick.bsky.social arcana.fm/2025/04/13/t...

In "well, there's a first time for everything news", I actually felt a small tinge of pride on seeing my labours in a sponsored online advert. Now I just need envy, gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, and wrath to complete the set.

"Hello, Glastonbury! I hope you enjoyed Charli XCX. I'm Neil Young, this is the Chrome Hearts, and tonight we are going to play 'Arc'."

Huge congratulations to @peteselby.bsky.social Three of the many wonderful books that he made happen last year have made the Penderyn Music Book Prize 2025 Long List.

With thanks to Modculture 'From the man who brought us the documentary comes the Splonge! An Introduction to Tubby Hayes vinyl compilation, pitched as a starting point to the 1960s work of the revered British jazz man. More details: www.modculture.co.uk/splonge-an-i...

The accompanying 4 x CD 98 tracks boxset to our forthcoming 'Ready Steady Girls' book called 'There's No Stopping Us Now' is @RoughTradeRecs for £36.99 Follow this link - www.roughtrade.com/en-gb/produc... Book & boxset as a bundle for £45 available over at - ourfavourite.shop/product/read...

In the 10 years since we released our film 'A Man in a Hurry' on the life & music of Tubby Hayes, we have been asked where to start in buying his records. Delighted then, to be asked to put together a compilation. amazon.co.uk/Splonge-Intr...

Left: 'Water On Glass', Kim Wilde, 1981. Photo: Gered Mankovitz. Right: 'Water On Glass', Jack Frost, 2025. Photo: Michael Mulligan

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: 90 Years of Tubby Saturday 18th January : 11am To celebrate Tubby's milestone birthday, we're hosting a special panel discussion featuring award-winning saxophonist Simon Spillett Peter Long Spike Wells and me. www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show/...

The presents are unwrapped but the paper fun continues.

Just before we down tools for the next few days... Work continues on the new expanded edition of Ready Steady Girls with some great collaborations coming up... Pre order info. here - ourfavourite.shop Follow Countdown Books to be the first to hear news and special offers...

Three years ago I wrote the first book published by Nine Eight. In the last week I have discussed Christmas No. 1 singles with eight local radio stations, a national broadsheet, and turned down a TV appearance. Truly, the gift that keeps on giving. If only I had asked them all for a fee.

I am as far from being an expert on Brian Auger as it's possible to get, but I love his recordings with Steampacket, Julie Driscoll, the Trinity, Oblivion Express, etc. and I want to see this film. Please share and contribute, if you can. www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/brian-auge...

As Bobby Helms returns to the Top 10 once more with 'Jingle Bell Rock', spare a thought for the neglected B-Side, 'Captain Santa Claus (And His Reindeer Space Patrol)'.

Ready Steady Girls – The Female Mods’ Forgotten Story £20.00 ourfavourite.shop/product/read... Please note: This is a pre order and will be shipped first week of February 2025 before general release. Order here - ourfavourite.shop/product/read...

When I line up my vitamin tablets at the beginning of each day I feel obliged to sing 'Echinacea' to the tune of 'Supernature' by Cerrone. We all do it, right?

I don't think Demon Music have arrived here yet, so... 'Parts Of the Process' is a definitive 11CD box set from Godley & Creme featuring all seven albums plus non-album tracks and 7" versions, a bonus disc of extended mixes and a 28-page booklet. Pre-order now: godleyandcreme.lnk.to/complete

In accordance with tradition, local bylaws, and the needs of my stomach, the first appearance of snow saw an opening of the Panettone. Any further downfall may result in the seal being broken on the Quality Street tin, and the making of mulled wine.

Public Service Announcement: The re-designed and updated 'READY STEADY GIRLS' book is now up for pre-order in a limited edition bundle along with the companion 'soundtrack' 'THERE'S NO STOPPING US NOW' 4CD set. Details at ourfavourite.shop

For those who missed Steve Rowland talking to myself and Mark Baxter about the revised and updated 'Ready Steady Girls!' book on Totally Wired Radio last week, here's the listen back link. Expect Dusty Springfield, Lesley Gore, Shirelles, Supremes, and gibberish. www.mixcloud.com/totallywired...