Blog

The songs I kept coming back to in 2026, featuring Arctic Monkeys, Foals, Wolf Alice, Blossoms and Fontaines D.C.

The story of Shack and 'HMS Fable', one of Liverpool's great overlooked albums. From Michael and John Head's beginnings with The Pale Fountains and the lost recordings of 'Waterpistol' to the acclaim of 1999 and the band's eventual reunion.

From Dublin's post-punk scene to some of the biggest stages in Britain and Ireland, explore the remarkable rise of Fontaines D.C. through 'Dogrel', 'A Hero's Death', 'Skinty Fia', 'Romance' and their fifth album, 'Dopamine Chamber'.

How The Specials' 'Ghost Town' captured unemployment, riots and racial tension in 1981, from Jerry Dammers' songwriting to the band's dramatic split.

Perhaps the most important British Gig ever. The Greatest Party We’ll Never Be Allowed to Throw Again: Big Beach Boutique II

From Johnny Marr's 'Set the Boy Free' to Peter Hook, Oasis, David Bowie and The Beatles, I explore fifteen of my favourite music books, biographies and autobiographies, alongside the audiobooks I'm currently enjoying.

From the Sex Pistols' legendary Manchester concerts to Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays and The Haçienda, discover the history of Factory Records. The story of Tony Wilson, the musicians and the extraordinary record label that helped shape Manchester's music scene before collapsing in 1992.

From their explosive Sheffield beginnings to 'AM', 'The Car' and 'Opening Night', a look at how Arctic Monkeys evolved and came to define two generations of fans.

From 'Definitely Maybe' and the B-sides to Live ’25 and Live ’27, a personal look at why Oasis still matter to new generations of music fans

The story of The La’s, Lee Mavers and the obsessive search for the perfect sound behind 'There She Goes' and one of British guitar music's great albums

Which songs should Oasis play on the Live ’27 tour? My proposed setlist includes changes to Live ’25, Be Here Now anniversary picks, Knebworth ideas and deeper cuts.

Mike Pickering’s untold story, from Factory Records and The Haçienda to M People, acid house and the rise of British dance music.