I always wanted to write a piece on how Bowie and Scott Walker responded to one another creatively, and this does a better job than I would likely manage. (The piece seems to suggest the two might not have met but I'm fairly certain Bowie is Walker's interviewer in much of 30th Century Man)

Strangely nostalgic for stock images of internet piracy.

There's a bloody Reform UK pop-up by my local Tesco. I live in Andrew Gwynne's constituency so I guess they think there's some truth to the rumours about Andy Burnham trying to take it on.

Hey! I have a new book out! It's called Writing the Magic and it's a collection of essays on fantasy writing co-edited by @dancoxon.bsky.social and myself (but mainly Dan), and it's published by @deadinkbooks.bsky.social today. deadinkbooks.com/product/writ...

Nice to see the Spirit of Dark and Lonely Water dressed for a state visit.

Some lovely new Daniel Knox for autumn. youtu.be/z1CpgP0xkwA?...

NEW ALBUM: Mercado 48. Out Dec 5. First single Alligator out now. 🎹 Listen + Pre-order: danielknox.lnk.to/alligator 🎥 Watch the new music video Directed by Manuel Sá and starring my dog Flor: t.co/DR1NmXykTS

I don't think we talk enough about what a big deal it is that all of Doctor Who is just there for free on iPlayer.

John Coltrane in his hotel room, France 1965, checking his push notifications.

Worst thing about the Rayner-Mandelson saga is knowing that Jonathan Pie is going to do a bit about it.

Simpler times.

Absolute Longlegs vibes to this whole thing.

I often wonder about Past Times. Was it the first seemingly innocent droplet that ushered in the storm of toxic nostalgia that has deluged our national politics? Or if it was in fact the dam holding back the whole ugly tide and if we bring it back everything will indeed be okay?

Tried to sum up some swirling thoughts on Ozzy Osbourne, class and art.

Ah no, Allan Ahlberg. Probably the author whose books I've probably spent the most time with, in one way or another. Having them read to me, reading them myself, reading them to my kids. All that time and investment made his books feel somehow inherently wonderful.

Was at a train station yesterday and my son pointed out a 'weird furry slug thing which looks like a bat' on the wall which, on closer inspection, turned out to indeed be a bat.

The first issue of Lost Levenshulme sold out fast. We printed some more, and they sold out too. So we printed a whole load more - they sold out too! So for for those who missed out, the full issue is now free to read online. levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/lost-levensh...

Trying to work out if I have any hobbies and I think the only one I can really land on is gossip.

Thinking of spending a fortune of hardback books and posting on social media pretending publishers sent them to me for free so other publishers see the posts and think I'm a literary influencer and send me some free hardbacks.

With Oasis being in town, I've decided to cash in by writing my own sentimental poem about Manchester.

Think this - Think They're Looking by Girl Group - might be my album of the year, and it's not even an album, it's an EP. I guarantee you will like this song: youtu.be/1B5yLUI0IUM?...

Just heard my uncle, my dad's brother, has passed away. Probably the first properly funny person I knew. I was quite intimidated by his sarcasm. Here he is playing an accordion - you can just tell from the look on his face and his wife's he's doing a bit which is annoying but also objectively funny.

Having a Black Sabbath phase because of all this - slightly disorientating to find that the album of the "final" Sabbath gig I went to when I was in college was recently rereleased in an expanded edition to mark it coming out 25 years ago.

My achievement of the day: finding a way of using Omar Rodriguez Lopez to soundtrack community arts.

Oddly tempted by these fashion proeessional sakteobard sport shoes on vinted.

Lots going on here, but my favourite detail of this is the daughter who hunts for the book in charity shops so she can write in the inner cover what a cunt she thinks the author is. Absolute maximum respect.

Nominations for the MCR Culture Awards close tomorrow & we’d love your support for Ghosts at the Old Library in Best Event. Local, haunting & rooted in community. If it stayed with you - take 2 mins to nominate: 🗳️ www.manchester.gov.uk/cultureawards ℹ️ levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/ghosts-at-th...

Absolutely loved Adam Curtis's Shifty currently on iPlayer.

Decided I'm going to start saying things 'walk' if they're good, eg. "oh man, I love this tune, it absolutely *walks*" Really think it'll catch on.

IMPORTANT UK UPDATE: Sparks visited Tebay services earlier today.

Ever wondered *why* the weather was so shite on the evening on 16th June 1816 at Lake Geneva? It actually begins over a year earlier and thousands of miles away - in Indonesia - and involves untold suffering and death. I wrote about it here: thelearnedpig.org/frankenstein...

I know there's a lot going on in the world, but I still can't get over the fact that Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in the face live at The Oscars.

Enjoying the reddit thread on rumours a big US production company is keen to take on Doctor Who but make it darker.

This summer we're Creating the Park - stories, workshops and creative happenings in Levenshulme’s green spaces 🌿 To kick things off, join us at Grounded Café on Saturday 28th June for a very special one off creative writing workshop with Marie Crook levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/2025/06/09/y...

RIP Sly. Genuinely one of the actual greats yet somehow still so underrated. Always *loved* the pitch drop of 'you really are now' here - just liquid weirdo music.

Absolutely love this weird little story.

Whenever I read about how Reform UK are going to 'do a doge' on council spending.

Nominations are now open for the Manchester Culture Awards, and we think Ghosts at the Old Library deserves a nod for Best Event. Whether you came to one of our performances, picked up a set of our chapbooks or listened to our podcasts - we’d love your support! www.manchester.gov.uk/cultureawards

NEW ALBUM: Za Za Za Za Za Za Za Za Za Za Za Za Za by Coinhammer, my band with Nick_Jones, is available on all platforms today (and limited edition of 50 CDs on Bandcamp). distrokid.com/hyperfollow/coinhammer/za-za-za-za-za-za-za-za-za-za-za-za-za-2

Been absolutely romping through Helen Cresswell books lately. Such a distinctive line in the uncanny sitting amid the everyday, and her writing itself is so sharp and rich and playful, it's wild she turned out over 100 books in her lifetime.

"It’s May, those sweet puff skirt blossoms already replaced by vigorous leaves..." If you’re walking through Chapel Street Park this weekend and spot one of our You Are Here signs - give it a scan. levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/you-are-here

Every few days I go for a run past this house and always think about how, *one day in the future when I'm rich*, I'll buy it and restore it. But it's been about eight years now - feels a bit beyond that stage, for the house and for me.

In fairness, there is a bit of a resemblance.

Working on a piece about Dave Rowbotham, guitarist with Mothmen, Imaginary Girls and (briefly) Durutti Column, who was murdered just round the corner from me in Burnage in 1991. I’m trying to understand more about his life and whether he had any family or people who knew him. Any leads appreciated.

You Are Here is now live - a new podcast series featuring five specially commissioned short stories, each rooted in one of Levenshulme’s real-world parks. Lignum Vitae, written and performed by Hette Phillips, is set in Chapel Street Park Find out more at levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/you-are-here

Just listened to this while walking around Cringle Park. It’s a powerfully imagined & deftly executed story of sorrow, survival & mistaken identity. Excellent work by writer Marie Crook, also @richardvhirst.bsky.social @levyoldlibrary.bsky.social

Spent today putting up signs for You Are Here, a new project I've put together which launches tomorrow. Featuring podcast recordings of five newly commissioned short stories, inspired by and set in five local parks in my neighbourhood. levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/you-are-here/

You Are Here - a new podcast series featuring five specially commissioned short stories, each rooted in one of Levenshulme’s parks. Parakeet by @dipikam.bsky.social is set in Highfield Country Park. Sign up to the newsletter to be first to hear it. levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/you-are-here/

Took the kids away to Blackpool for an Easter break and it's turned out to be great. Went to the zoo where the lions had a scrap - one of them even roared - and I got to see Stan Laurel's hat and the OG Orville. PLUS we're at the seaside!