This definitely applies to the mid to late 90s too! 25-ish years ago when I collected 100 copies of No Parlez from charity shops as a sort-of art statement, Endless Flight was my second choice.

Love @rocksbackpages.bsky.social . It's been essential for my research on the Swells book. It's also featuring @rockingbob.bsky.social this month. Brilliant as always.

Anyone on here have a contact for ex NME editor Neil Spencer?

After speaking to Aki a few weeks ago was thinking of trying to contact Ian Astbury for the Swells book but my co writer pointed out we've used the Ladybird book quote (mentioned by "Susan Williams" herself) and also Joolz's description of how Southern Death Cult were formed. Still might worth a go.

Malcolm Bennett inspired advert in an old 80s NME.

Hey everyone! It's Thursday...and you know what that means! This visit to the Singles Bar features new and recent tracks from Hannah Schneider, Dead Chic, Blazoner, Gather The Lost and more... www.realgonerocks.com/2026/01/the-...

RIP Kenny Morris: original punk, Banshee drummer extraordinaire. I knew him well in the Banshees and was in touch with him recently about his memoir. Which I hope will be published. God bless you Kenny

Still the best rock documentary ever! youtube.com/watch?v=_DxL...

Yorkshire folk! The daughter of a friend's friend is making a film about the bands that played at Minsthorpe High School in the late 80s/early 90s – the likes of the Weddoes, Cud, House of Love etc. They're trying to track down the teachers who put the bands on – Mel and Trev. Anyone know them?

Because we're taking the time with this book on Swells (another 6 months maybe though a lot of it is written already) i'm delving into a lot of random things.i'll contact more people for a chat but if you want a chat let me know. Thanks to people who have already contributed.

Alright. This New Yorker doc hasn't got a happy ending (it's pre Trump leading into present Trump)

Might do an article on Rachel Carson

Which writer wrote "i piss all over Hunter S Thompson and have done for years"?

Didn't know the tragedy behind Rachel Carsen's Silent Spring before i watched this.

In a feat of new year generosity, I am giving away a signed copy of my book, Off The Ground: Paul McCartney In The 1990s. Quote-post this with something you like about Macca’s 90s activities. Winner chosen from those that most surprise or amuse me. You have a week or so. @reaktionbooks.bsky.social

Watching the documentary on Netflix about the New Yorker magazine. Interesting stuff. I'm always fascinated about how great magazines like this work . Once took out a years New Yorker subscription (partially by mistake). Ffs it's a hard read though.

If anyone shouts Hootenany too many times on this tv programme i now find myself watching i'm gonna travel back in time to July and smash the keyboard cover down whilst he's playing.

Because i'm back concentrating on the book a little bit i've been listening to the Revolting Cocks after a lot of people say Swells particularly liked them (and after reading his NME article about them and Ruby Trax). Thinking they were an awful american punk band it's nice to find they were good.

The word troll is sometimes overused. But we've got a right one here!

I always take a jar of novelty pasta with me to wedding receptions. That way, when I get bored, I can throw a few shapes on the dancefloor.

We're currently just 25 subscribers off the magical 2000 that ensures the long-term viability and stability of The Quietus. Join the Subscriber tier today & get instant access to hours of music in playlists covering our three main end of year charts: thequietus.com/subscribers/

I might be wrong but with the Bradford City of Culture year (nearly ended) there has seemed to be the bare minimum respect given for Swells, Aki Nawaz, Little Brother, Joolz etc

Fresh ep of @SquareWindowpod.bsky.social is a fab celebration of good and awful Christmas TV past. Featuring Mark Gatiss’s time-haunted pick of The Ghosts of Motley Hall. And me & @gkw.bsky.social celebrating the Woolworths adverts as a document of social history. podfollow.com/1838296345

60 YEARS AGO TODAY: Granada showcase The Music Of Lennon & McCartney, John and Paul introducing the likes of Lulu, Cilla, Henry Mancini, Marianne Faithfull, Peter Sellers's Richard IIIrd A Hard Day's Night, and Fritz Spiegl's Barock & Roll Ensemble.

Shocked by the awful death of Rob Reiner. I spoke with him for over an hour last night. We talked about his work and his plans for the future. I always enjoyed his company. We met at his Dad's in 1975. Last thing he said to me was "See you next year.." Such a terrible end. Such a sweet man.

Here is a bit of my resignation speech from last night

what a strange day - still can’t believe so many of you sent such kind messages (don’t worry, I am well aware there is plenty of hate in other places) - here is one of my favourite photos from Brighton last weekend - goodnight

Spoke to Aki out of Southern Death Cult and Fun-Da_Mental last week about Swells. Brilliant. He pointed out this response to the Fun-Da-Mental tour of Pakistan article in the NME. Properly argued debate but the end line "I also piss over Hunter S Thompson and have done for years" sticks out. FACT!

John Carey RIP. Everyone should read his books on Dickens and Donne and the Faber Book of Reportage. Vary rarely a dull review...

Faber Book of Reportage. Blimey. Remember reading that after borrowing it from the library. I get the impression John Carey loved public libraries.

Hope John Carey may have loved to have been talked about in this context. Fantastic writer. @jonsavage.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/music/musicb...

Happy 45th birthday to Sandinista by The Clash ▶️🔊 open.spotify.com/album/2UxN3U...

By the way, I believe my chat with Craig Charles about #IntoTheGroove will be broadcast on BBC Radio 6Music this Monday afternoon at about 2pm!

RIP John Carey. This book changed my life, and I wouldn’t say that if it wasn’t true. 🙏

John Carey "The Intellectuals and the Masses" is a great book and was apparently a massive influence on Swells when he was doing his Attack books imprint. Great critic.

Watching Anthology youtu.be/yIA_NVFnXZ8?...

Bobbie Gillespie. What a bellend!!

#FallFriday Mark E Smith reads an Xmas story youtu.be/4ZZ8m8I2kE4

Happy 85th birthday to the wonderful Dionne Warwick

This is great.

youtube.com/watch?v=5MDS... Spoke to Aki (Southern Death Cult/ Fundamental etc) yesterday for the book. He's got a great youtube channel.

What's behind door #11 of the Real Gone advent calendar? #MusicSky www.realgonerocks.com/2025/12/the-...

The Kenny Dalglish documentary by @asifkapadia.bsky.social is currently on Prime. It's a magnificent film about a great footballer, a great human being and two great British cities. A difficult and angering watch at times, for obvious reasons, but pretty much an essential one. #DontBuyTheSun

Started laughing thinking about this again so am contractually obliged to repost it. Written by @quantick.bsky.social

Looking forward to the George Harrison Record Collector special. Will get my preorder in tonight.