Posts by author
Ian Wade
Ian Wade is a freelance writer and sub editor who has written for a variety of Classic Pop specials, Quietus, MusicOMH, Official Charts and Guardian, as well as doing time for Smash Hits and The Face many years ago. He’s also DJed at Spiritland, BFLF and Soho Radio, and is currently writing a book about 1984.
New Order’s fourth studio album would see the band split their rock and electro-pop influences over the LP’s two sides. the resulting record, while not being exactly a fan favourite,…
10 of the best albums on Mute Records
With nearly 500 albums to choose from, there’s debate ahoy here, but here’s our selection of some of the key releases from the mighty Mute Records… Upstairs At Eric’s Yazoo…
Sam Brown interview: “I don’t want to criticise anyone who wants to look like a doll”
How Sam Brown came back from the silence (with a little help from ukuleles)… Back in 1989, Sam Brown whisked her way to the top with the anthemic single Stop!…
Classic Album: The Police – Synchronicity
Releasing a worldwide smash and becoming the biggest band on the planet would bring instant gratification to most artists, but for Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland, aka The Police,…
The story of Kraftwerk
In music, the terms ‘legendary’ and ‘influential’ are so commonplace as to lose almost all meaning. But it might be argued that More than any other band in history, Kraftwerk…
The Proclaimers interview: Baring their teeth
The Reid Brothers return with a “don’t bore us, get to the chorus” bite on their most political album to date. “The turbulence of the times are at least as…
Union Street: Vince Clarke’s side projects
It’s plain to see Vince Clarke is a born collaborator, for throughout his career he has sought to find like-minded souls with whom he can bring his visions to life.…
Paul Young interview: “I was taking on the responsibility of being a pop star”
In 2018, Paul Young celebrated 35 years of his debut album No Parlez. We chatted to him about this blue-eyed soul classic… Of all the good-time bands on the circuit…
Making George Michael’s Older
Inspired by the grief of losing his partner, the third album by George Michael, Older, was amongst the most powerful statements of his career… While the gap between Older and…
ABBA Voyage – first review and setlist
ABBA VOYAGE – ABBA ARENA, LONDON Rating: 10/10 It’s hard to believe, but ABBA only ever played a handful of live gigs in Britain – and less than double figures…