Ahead of his twenty fifth studio album Blackstar, Lorna Irvine looks at the BBC documentary which showed Bowie at a major turning point in his career. Almost forty years after its creation, Alan Yentob’s candid documentary for the Beeb on David Bowie still stands up beautifully, juxtaposing the disintegration of Bowie’s health and ego as heContinue reading “One From The Tempo House: Cracked Actor -When Bowie Killed Ziggy”
Tag Archives: Seventies
Overlooked Classics: Sparks-Propaganda
Dismissed by American rock critic Robert Christgau as being made by “twerps’ (his slagging off is usually a good sign- just ask Iggy Pop) the fourth studio album saw Sparks expanding upon their trademark baroque pop sound, forever torn between arch and urbane (Something For The Girl With Everything) and sincere (the beautiful Never TurnContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Sparks-Propaganda”
Demis in a Kaftan
We really need to make the kaftan *the* fashion item for 2024 spring/summer collection. Late Greek crooner Demis Roussos made the kaftan popular in the seventies, because he was a big fella, bless him. I like it: bold patterns, voluminous, teamed with big patent boots. It’s maximalist chic. Demis in a kaftan, I know, IContinue reading “Demis in a Kaftan”
The Ghost of The GTOs
Strange, isn’t it, that there are no male equivalents in the lexicon for the word ‘groupie’, even now? Perhaps groupies aren’t a thing anymore, or simply a more covert concern. Maybe it’s more likely there are more female artists making headway now- and about time,too. The GTOs fascinate me, simply because they’re a time capsuleContinue reading “The Ghost of The GTOs”
The Joy Of Kenneth
Drink up your strawberry Nesquik/Creamola Foam, finish the last crumbs of Findus Crispy Pancakes, peas and oven chips, and make a spirited dash to the wood-panelled TV set. It’s Kenneth time! Not a Kenny, most certainly not a Ken, Kenneth is a benign, smiling presence in a world of doubt. He’s crimplene- lean, a clean,Continue reading “The Joy Of Kenneth”
Spock’s Hubris
Say what you like about ol’ William Shatner, he never attempted a book of appalling poetry. Unlike Star Trek co-star Leonard Nimoy. Perhaps such artistic hubris was due to the fact that said actor shared his first name with Laughing Len Cohen, but let us not ask why. How bad is it? It’s pissed JimContinue reading “Spock’s Hubris”
Hit The North 