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Posted on March 20, 2011 - by Charlie Levels

Human League. Credo.

Human League. Credo.
Back in 1980, The Undertones told the story of Cousin Kevin, a spoilt and pampered child who was bought the best Subbuteo set and a fur-lined, sheepskin jacket that, according to Mrs Sharkey, cost quite a bit of money. Oh, and a synthesiser.  And in order for young Kevin to learn the said instrument his doting mother called up The Human League to advise her. Yes, for best synthesiser guidance contact The Human League. Not Kraftwerk. Not Jean Michel Jarre. Not even Plastic Bertrand. (more…)

Posted on March 15, 2011 - by Charlie Levels

Stars in Coma’s Midnight Puzzle

Stars in Coma’s Midnight Puzzle
First Class. No, that’s not another really short review. I mean, does anyone remember First Class? They had a hit back in the 70’s with a song called ‘Beach Baby’. It was an utter delight – had some fantastic brass, ringing guitars, harmonious vocals, key changes, melody changes, everything changes, and even the kitchen sink (metaphorically) is thrown in.

Posted on March 13, 2011 - by Charlie Levels

The Shortest Days: a liquorice assortment of songs

The Shortest Days: a liquorice assortment of songs
Let’s Whisper and  The Shortest Days.
Outstanding! (There, that’s my review of the fantastic debut album from two of the members of sunshine-pop band The Smittens. Oh, what’s that mister editor? You want more? Ok)
Dana Kaplan and Colin Clary have produced a jellybean, perky-pop record that perfectly matches the beautiful blue skies and warm Spring sunshine that has settled here in the UK in early March.  In other words, both give you a warm feeling inside and radiate a glow outside, blowing away the cobwebs of a long, dark winter spent listening to Springsteen-esque rock bands and squealing TV talent-show puppets with their hair and their teeth and their Robbie Williams infatuations.

Posted on March 6, 2011 - by Charlie Levels

Children, small animals, gaslight Anthems

Children, small animals, gaslight Anthems

Before I begin this review I have a confession to make – I really don’t like Bruce Springsteen.  I mean; I’m sure he’s a lovely man who likes children and small animals and his lyrics are heartfelt and his records very well produced with wonderful playing by very talented musicians. But put simply, it’s not for me. (more…)


Posted on February 28, 2011 - by Charlie Levels

Back To Talulah – They’ve Scoffed The Lot Reviewed

Back To Talulah – They’ve Scoffed The Lot Reviewed

Back in 1985, in ‘Back To The Future’, Doc Brown explains to a confused Marty McFly the theory behind his Space-Time Continuum premise.  Apparently, it is possible for time to split in two, skew off into a parallel whereby lives can be lived and experienced in an alternate reality – good or bad – depending on your point of view or who your parents got off with at a dodgy-looking school dance. (more…)


Posted on February 19, 2011 - by Charlie Levels

Phil Spector, Brian Wilson… Betrand Burgalat!

Phil Spector, Brian Wilson… Betrand Burgalat!
The term ‘musical genius’ is one often thrown around, maybe too casually, but generally aimed at the likes of Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, Serge Gainsbourg, Justin Bieber (hang on, one of those isn’t quite true!.)  Similarly, an adjective such as ‘avant garde’ or ‘leftfield’ are bandied about like confetti thrown to the wind every time someone comes up with a new drum sample or uses a Stylophone in a non-ironic, post-postmodern way. (more…)

Posted on February 15, 2011 - by Charlie Levels

Last Summer Orchids: Lyceum Review

Last Summer Orchids: Lyceum Review
Back last summer, during a brief spell of a balmy English summer when the sun was shining, our footballers were losing, our cricketers winning and our politicians arguing, Paisley and I sat on a hillside in deepest Derbyshire.   (more…)

Posted on February 9, 2011 - by Charlie Levels

Drink some Salads – A Brit Pop Retrospective

Drink some Salads – A Brit Pop Retrospective

Ah, the 80’s. A fabulous, decadent decade ushered in by old punks who threw away their bin-liners, slapped on mascara and used progressively more advanced computer-based technology to produce their opus magnum.  Elsewhere, faceless, grey-haired trainspotters and white-coated scientists manufactured shiny, production-line pap on an industrial scale.  (more…)


Posted on February 6, 2011 - by Charlie Levels

Verdena WOW reviewed

Verdena WOW reviewed
When The Beatles returned from their spiritual jaunt to India in the late 60’s they were armed with so many songs that their very next record, ‘The White Album’, became a double. As the fading embers of their career slowly died they had so many bits and pieces of half-formed ideas they simply glued them all together and stuck them on possibly the most famous side 2 of an album ever heard,‘Abbey Road’.

Posted on February 2, 2011 - by Charlie Levels

Don’t forget your White Shoes!

Don’t forget your White Shoes!

Close your eyes and imagine, if you will, that it is forever 1972. The world, it seems, is a much groovier place.

To fully appreciate the wonderful feeling of 1972-ness, picture yourself driving with your very best friends to the beach with the soft-top down. The sun is deliciously warm but tee-shirt breezes blowing in from the foaming surf are cooling and refreshing. (more…)



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