Montag, 2. November 2026

Monday's Long Song

 


There was a time when guitarists used to encourage the audience to play air guitar. It has always been a bit of an embarrassment to watch old men doing this, re-enacting solos on their imaginary guitars. One of the men who inspired them was Rory Gallagher, an Irish guitarist who, in the early seventies, became one of the best, most famous and, by now, somewhat forgotten icons of his time.

He also made a name for himself through his live performances, in which he captivated his audience with his explosive playing and his passion for blues rock. In 1971, he released his second and finest studio album, Deuce, which encapsulates everything that set him apart. There are few guitarists whom you can recognise from the very first notes. His distinctive guitar riffs and slide guitar playing have certainly influenced more than just Johnny Marr. It’s time to remember him once again.

Rory Gallagher - In Your Town

Sonntag, 1. November 2026

New Song On Sunday

 


One of the best pop songs of the year so far was released by Bluegirl at the start of last week. Behind the name is the British-Cypriot alt-pop artist Phoebe Xenofontos, who has since been earning a living as a producer and co-writer for bands I’m not familiar with. With her debut, she has delivered a driving, atmospheric anthem about profound emotions. Nothing more and nothing less than great, melancholic existential pop.



Freitag, 30. Oktober 2026

Dopus No. 1

 


A friend recently sent me a link and recommended a band to me. The True Loves are a soul/funk band from Seattle who, with a magnificent horn section and a guitar that could well have come from Fela Kuti, have recorded one of the best funk tracks I’ve heard this year.