String Theory

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THE LONG PLAYER LISTENING PROJECT: DEC 23

I’ve had such a blast with this project, listening to an unfamiliar album or two every day, for a full year. 500 of them! Across ages, genres, prejudices and assumptions, challenging myself to listen with ‘mindfulness’ and attention.

50 or…

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THE LONG PLAYER LISTENING PROJECT: NOV 23

I remember 2nd February 2005 well - not the whole day, nor even where I was, but simply opening the newspaper. In the Obituary section of The Guardian, on opposing pages, were two pieces about Scottish musicians rooted in…

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THE LONG PLAYER LISTENING PROJECT: OCT 23

Throughout this project, with just a while to go, I’ve enjoyed the new finds most. People I didn’t know. The downside is a little frustration with not having done this before. I mean, you can quiz me about Miles Davis…

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THE LONG PLAYER LISTENING PROJECT: SEP 23

I used to love The Dave Clark Five when I was a kid in the 60s. They were a Tottenham group, clean cut, in strange uber-modern sci-fi suits and collars, and for a short time they rivalled The Beatles at…

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THE LONG PLAYER LISTENING PROJECT: AUG 23

Don’t you just love it when you come across an unexpected delight? Something that takes you away from your norms, but which somehow is rooted in your past, the gold standard for what you love? 

The Ones Ahead by Beverly…

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THE LONG PLAYER LISTENING PROJECT: JULY 23

Some glorious albums this month. Can't do them all justice!

Early in July I got chatting to a lecturer at the University of Manchester. We soon realised our musical taste and history was intertwined – specifically that we both love…

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THE LONG PLAYER LISTENING PROJECT: JUNE 23

Here’s my June list. Catching up slowly!

I’m writing in October which is proving to be a difficult time for me again. So I’ll keep it short and sweet…

I have always loved Kate Rusby. The flag carrier for…

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THE LONG PLAYER LISTENING PROJECT: MAY 23

May was a stupendous listening month, thanks mostly to wonderful albums by women. I hope you’ll find something to follow up on here!

Just like the search for a new swinging Sinatra album a few months back, I went looking…

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THE LONG PLAYER LISTENING PROJECT: APR 23

I already knew some of Snarky Puppy’s music. Formed in Texas, it’s a jazz collective that is deeply funky, great fun, and forever inventive. One of my fave videos of all time is Lalah Hathaway guest singing with them. This…

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THE LONG PLAYER LISTENING PROJECT: MAR 23

When I was 17, on Sunday evenings I would go down to Soho in the West End, to play. I would take the train down to Bunjie’s – a tiny coffee bar in a white painted brick vault, set in…

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