Jon Bryan, Author at Backseat Mafia

Classic Compilation: The Eels – Meet The Eels: Essential Eels, Vol. 1 (1996–2006)

To my ongoing shame, prior to hearing Meet the Eels, I had dismissed Eels as little more than a post-grunge novelty act after seeing them miming along with toy instruments…

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Track / Video

EP Review: Spirit of Play – Apocalypse EP

Smart, literate and good natured, Spirit of Play’s new EP is shot-through with the book-smarts and approachability you might expect from a four piece band consisting of employees of the…

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Not Forgotten: Half Man Half Biscuit – Voyage to the Bottom of the Road

There are times when the lowly court jester is the wisest man in the kingdom. Released just weeks before the lingering-fart that was Be Here Now confirmed that the Britpop…

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Classic Compilation: The Divine Comedy – A Secret History: The Best of The Divine Comedy

There have been few compilations as well timed as A Secret History: The Best of The Divine Comedy. Released just as Neil Hannon was enjoying the apex of his commercial…

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Classic Compilation: Elvis Costello – The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years

Of course there are far more Elvis Costello compilations on the shelves than are strictly necessary, and given that throughout his lengthy and relatively productive career he has frequently thrown…

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Not Forgotten: Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Messin’

Although never known as being one of the eras key acts, Manfred Mann enjoyed a few sizeable radio hits during the beat boom of the 60s. After the hits dried…

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Classic Compilation: The Beatles – Love

How many words have been written about The Beatles in the last five and a half decades? Too damn many that’s for certain, but it’s also probably one of the…

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Music
News

News: Richard Thompson announces new albums and tour news

A legendary singer songwriter, and one of the most celebrated guitar players to strap on a six-string, Richard Thompson will release a follow up to his well received 2014 release,…

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Not Forgotten: Marty Robbins – More Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs

Such is the high regard that 1959’s Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs is held, that the fact that the late great Marty Robbins released another 43 albums in his lifetime…

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Live Review: Ian Hunter and The Rant Band – The Plug, Sheffield, 29.10.2017

One of the great joys of music is being unable to introduce your friends to acts they didn’t know they liked. While I have been an Ian Hunter fan for…

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