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Low-life. Off the back of 1983’s Power, Corruption & Lies, comes another New Order album who’s title aptly describes Boris Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister, Low-Life. The record continues down the path started by P,C&L in transitioning from the dying post-punk scene into the world of synthesiser-packed new-wave/indie mash ups with synth-dance-pop tracks such asContinue reading “The Sound of 1985.”

After Hours. Following a long, boring day at work showing a new employee the ropes of word processing, Paul meets Marcy in a coffee shop where they bond over the book he’s reading. Marcy informs Paul that her roommate Kiki sells sculpted plaster-of-Paris paperweights, and gives him her number so he can buy one; afterContinue reading “The Cinema of 1985.”

I had a horrible nightmare. I dreamed that I went back in time. It was terrible. Well, I’m safe and sound now, back in good old 1985. 1985? Great Scott. Amadeus. Blood Simple. Brazil. After Hours. No End. Psychocandy – The Jesus and Mary Chain. Fables of the Reconstruction – REM. Hounds of Love –Continue reading “Week 21: 1985.”

January: Fulgencio Batista flees Havana as Fidel Castro’s forces, led by Che Guevara, advance into the Cuban capital. The Cuban communists execute 71 Batista supporters The Soviet Union launches Luna 1, the first spacecraft to reach the vicinity of Earth’s Moon Alaska is admitted as the 49th state of the United States The International MaritimeContinue reading “The News of 1959.”

Chega de Saudade. Hailed as the first ever bossa nova record, the debut album of Brazilian musician João Gilberto, Chega de Saudade, is the epitome of easy-listening. The sound of Gilberto’s intimate vocals, gentle acoustic guitar and soft samba beat elicit an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and soothing calm, conjuring images of a tranquil bikeContinue reading “The Sound of 1959.”

Anatomy of a Murder. Respected small-town lawyer and former district attorney, Paul “Paulie” Biegler, returns from one his frequent fishing trips to find a message from the wife a potential client. His alcoholic friend and colleague, McCarthy, urges Paulie to take the case: a murder charge that became public knowledge while Paulie was out ofContinue reading “The Cinema of 1959.”

Another week of classic cinema and jazz. Can’t complain. Some Like It Hot. Nazarín. The Magician. Anatomy of a Murder. The 400 Blows. Mingus Ah Um – Charles Mingus. Newk’s Time – Sonny Rollins. Moanin’ in the Moonlight – Howlin’ Wolf. Chega de Saudade – João Gilberto. Little Girl Blue – Nina Simone.

January: Hamilton Watch Company introduces the first electric watch Russell Endean becomes the first batsman in test cricket to be dismissed for having handled the ball Prime Minister Anthony Eden resigns due to ill health and is replaced by Harold Macmillan American toy company Wham-O produces the first frisbee The Cavern Club opens Dwight DContinue reading “The News of 1957.”

‘Round About Midnight. Having formed his First Great Quintet of John Coltrane (replacing temporary tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins), Red Garland, Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones in 1955, Miles Davis went about recording his first album for new label, Columbia. These sessions would produce ‘Round About Midnight, released two years later in a hectic periodContinue reading “The Sound of 1957.”

Throne of Blood. Word arrives at Spider’s Web Castle of invading enemy forces to many of the lord of the castle’s fortresses. Washizu and Miki, two of the lord’s trusted commanders, admirably defend the fortresses under their control, defeating many enemies and turning the tide of war in the lord’s favour. As the heroes returnContinue reading “The Cinema of 1957.”