Three Record Labels And Some Records

Some people follow singers and bands, but it takes a special kind of obsessive to follow a record label. Small indie record labels were willed into existence as a result of major label complacency; they were a necessary presence, a revitalising shot in the limp arm of a dying, overblown music industry back in the…

The Night Nu Metal Died…Or Did It?

Nu-Metal. Everyone hates and disdains it, but for teenagers hooked on S Club 7 or Steps, it was poppy enough to lure them away from the fake smiles and slick dance routines, and loud enough that it appealed to their burgeoning - some might say inevitable - rebellious streak. Just like other genres of music,…

Hall Of Fame: Disgraceful by Dubstar

Hall Of Fame is the strand of this blog where I discuss my favourite things. It might be a book, an album, a movie or a video game. The Britpop boom saw nearly every band with a guitar get signed up by a major label. Sometimes these bands were very recognisably Britpop in their appearance…

Three Spooky Books and Some Creepy Tunes for Halloween

  I've always loved Halloween. It's my birthday away from my actual birthday. Christmas is for the family, Easter is for the kids, but Halloween belongs to me! I dress up too much, so Halloween is a chance for me to kick back and have fun. From the 1st of October until the 31st, I…

Being A Teenager In The ’90s

As things change, things also stay the same. A mystery assailant with a grudge against high-profile officials sends bombs in the US Mail. Sabrina The Teenage Witch gets up to silly magical hi-jinks with the help of her two kooky old aunts. RuPaul hosts a chat show crammed with celebrity guests. You might think I'm…

Hall Of Fame: Anniemal by Annie

Hall Of Fame is the strand of this blog where I discuss my favourite things. It might be a book, an album, a movie or a video game. Pop music in 2005 was a foreign country and I'd lost my passport just like Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud. The borders in pop were vast, the…

Playlist

Playlist is back!  Today's musical choice is... The History Of Apple Pie!  They're a flawless fantasy band whose soundtrack is the background for a John Hughes movie which doesn't exist.  Their debut album is out now and you must go and buy it at once.  Create a scene in the John Hughes movie of your…