Music Maps – The Rock n Roll Book Club Podcast

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

Join us to discuss the music book of 2024 & one of the best music books of all time - Street Level Superstar - A Year With Lawrence has swept the board in the end of 2024 charts. Sunday Times writer Will Hodgkinson spends a year with Lawrence from Felt.

Our starting point is the West Midlands suburb of Water Orton - Television, Subway Sect & T-Rex proving formative influences of Lawrence's earlier years.

Eventually he forms Felt & they achieve a degree of success with their debut 7", Index. The band achieve a degree of success with 10 albums across a 10 year period including a stint on Creation Records.

However their success was limited by the many rules Lawrence enforced upon the band including a specific type of plectrum only, rectangular guitar cases only, specific clothing & others.

Lawrence's next project in the early 90s was Denim - while seemingly on the cusp following a tour with Pulp in 1996 the band did not achieve the success Lawrence long craved. His complete lack of compromise at some points of his life more of a hindrance.

The books is not a typical music biography & is more a character study & an examination of Lawrence's eccentric life. Will spends a year in Lawrence's company as they travel to Waltham Cross, Chelsfield, Welling, Beckenham & Temple Fortune.

We cannot describe how engaging this book is & really could not recommend it any higher.

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tiffany Murray grew up at Rockfield Studios after her Mum was appointed chef - she tells us about meeting Black Sabbath & Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, Queen, Iggy Pop, Motorhead, Simple Minds, The Teardrop Explodes, Echo & The Bunnymen, Adam & The Ants, Siouxsie Sioux, Lemmy's parents, Showaddywaddy, Rush & Bauhaus.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on our first trip to Seattle for part 1 of our conversation with Steve Turner from Mudhoney - Steve's book Mudride is out now on Omnibus Press.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

Steve grew up in the Seattle of the 1970s & his first access to punk rock comes via the pages of Skateboarder magazine which leads to picking up his first guitar during senior year of High School.

While still at school Steve meets future bandmates Mark Arm & Stone Gossard (later of Pearl Jam) & he & Mark form Mr. Epp & The Calculations.

The Seattle Scene begins at the Metropolis Club & the band splinters into two, Steve & Mark then start a new band which becomes Green River with Stone Goassard joining. Others floating around the city include Duff McKagan (future Guns n' Roses) & Kris Novoselic (future Nirvana).

A key gig follows with Sonic Youth & local legends The U Men at the Gorilla Gardens which becomes the new centre of the Seattle scene & the band sign with Homestead Records shortly after.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are joined by ex The Fall drummer Simon Wolstencroft AKA Funky Si - after meeting Ian Brown & John Squire at Altrincham Grammar School he & John follow The Clash around the UK travelling to gigs as far away as Bristol & London. In addition to a huge interest in The Sex Pistols & The Clash, other bands they follows as teens included The Slits, The Ramones, Siouxsie & The Banshees & the 2 Tone movement. 

Simon, Ian Brown & John Squire along with Pete Garner & Andy Couzens they form punk band The Patrol while attending South Trafford College.

In 1980 Simon meets Johnny Marr & along with fellow future Smiths member Andy Rourke they become Freak Party - the band ultimately fizzle out as they are unable to find a suitable singer. It is during this time Johnny Marr comes up with the name Funky Si.

A couple of months later Simon is contacted by Johnny Marr & asked to join his new band The Smiths - ultimately Simon decides against it as he doesn't like Morrissey. Although he did play on their first ever recording in Ancoats.

Simon later works with Ian Brown again during his post-Stone Roses solo career - co-writing Golden Gaze on Ian's second solo album Golden Greats, appearing on Top Of The Pops & playing a final gig at Alexandra Palace.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing DETOURS - occasionally we come across something which does not fit directly into our Music Map but we think our listeners will like anyway - this week we are joined by James Brown, founder of Loaded Magazine, NME features editor (at age 22), fanzine creator & originator of the GQ Man of The Year.

Changing the landscape of the publishing world with Loaded - the magazine achieved instant stratospheric success & at its peak counted among its contributors Irvine Welsh, Vic Reeves & Howard Marks.

We talk about the 90s & adventures with Oasis, the Beastie Boys, Sampdoria FC & more.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jakko Jakszyk joins us to take us on a tour through his wide ranging career encompassing his current role as singer of King Crimson, stints in The Lodge, Level 42, solo albums on Stiff Records & Chiswick Records, working with Tom Robinson, remix work for the likes of Emerson Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull & Yes. Briefly being a member of The Kinks, a sideline in comedy, a brief interaction with Michael Jackson, Robert Fripp's dealings with Kanye West, initially joining The 21st Century Schizoid Band & then ultimately King Crimson themselves & more.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on a trip to Zanzibar by way of India & Feltham as we trace the early years of Freddie Mercury.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar in 1946 as Farrokh Bulsara but was later sent to school in India - attending a strict boarding school.

Freddie's first band was in India but when the Bulsara family relocated to Feltham in South East London he found himself in the midst of Swinging London.

He met future bandmate Tim Staffell at Isleworth College & later met future Queen guitarist Brian May who was in a band called Smile. Roger Taylor also came in but Freddie didn't officially join until later.

After bouncing around various bands in the London area & also a stint in Liverpool, Freddie eventually names the band Queen & also designs their iconic logo. Their first gig takes place at Truro City Hall in the Summer of 1970 & the rest is history.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathy Valentine joins us to talk about her career, her new book, her time with The Go-Go's, her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & more.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

Kathy Valentine grew up in Austin, Texas but also spent time in London as a teenager via family connections. On one such visit she saw Suzi Quattro on Top of the Pops & decided to form a punk band back in Austin.

Kathy's first band The Violators also featured Carla Olsen (who later collaborated with Gene Clark, Bob Dylan, Mick Taylor, Percy Sledge, Ry Cooder & more) & in August 1980 they drove to LA in pursuit of their dream. Once in LA they become The Textones & release two singles, one of which is an unreleased Tom Petty track.

A chance meeting at the end of 1980 leads to Kathy leaving the band to join The Go-Go's with Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey & Gina Schock.

Her first gig was on New Years Eve of 1980 at the Whiskey a Go Go.

The band sign with IRS in April of 1981 & fly to New York the next day to begin work on what becomes the Beauty & The Beat album with producer Richard Gottehrer (Blondie, Dr. Feelgood, Richard Hell). 'Our Lips Are Sealed' becomes the first single co-written by Specials frontman Terry Hall. The track breaks through despite resistance from radio & within the industry.

The Go-Go's open for the Rolling Stones & The Police in the coming months as well as an appearance on Saturday Night Live alongside Eddie Murphy. The album reaches number 1 & becomes one of the most successful debut albums of all time & is still the only album to reach top top spot entirely written & performed by an all female band.

Second album Vacation follows in 1982 with a title track written by Kathy & leads to an appearance on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. The band are playing larger venues including a date with David Bowie on the Serious Moonlight Tour.

The final Go-Go's album Talk Show is made in England with producer Martin Rushent & founder member Jane Wiedlin leaves the band not long after the supporting tour.

The Go-Go's were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 & the band will be playing in 2025 including the Cruel World Festival in Pasadena, California.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we present our first live episode - recorded at one of our live events here in Walthamstow, East London - talking all things Britpop & the 90's with Miranda Sawyer & Sian Pattenden.

Including Suede, Blur, Elastica, Sleeper, Pulp, Oasis, The Verve, Robbie Williams, Tricky, Glastonbury & a lot more.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Sian Pattenden

Recorded by Rob Donnelly-Jackson

Recorded at the Walthamstow Trades Hall

Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell & Rob Donnelly-Jackson

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 1989 album is 10 years old on October 27th 2014 - so we thought we'd take a deep dive into the story behind this iconic record.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is extremely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Joining us is writer Caroline Sullivan - her book 'Taylor Swift Era by Era' is out now on Michael O'Mara publishing - On her previous album Red, Taylor Swift had started to move into more of a pop direction & for her 5th album she decides to dive into the world of pop - what led her to this change of direction? Was it a gradual process? How did her fans & record label react?

Shortly before making 1989, Taylor Swift bought her house in Rhode Island - previously been owned by Standard Oil fortune heiress & socialite Rebekah Harkness & also relocates full time to New York City. This change of scenery leads to album opener 'Welcome To New York' which takes an 80s synth pop inflected sound which ends up running through the entire album.

The album features 7 songs produced by pop producers Max Martin & Shellback, as well as Ryan Tedder, British songwriter Imogen Heap but also marks one of the first contributions from Jack Antonoff who subsequently becomes a key collaborator on later releases.

1989 & lead single Shake It Off are announced via a livestream atop the Empire State Building in August of 2014 & Shake It Off becomes her biggest hit to date, spending 8 weeks at the top of the chart, shifting over 10 million units.

The album spawns 7 hit singles including a further 2 number 1s (Blank Space & Bad Blood) & crosses over in a way prior releases hadn't - going onto sell over 14 million copies.

The 1989 World Tour makes over $250m worldwide across 85 dates & becomes known for its many guest appearances including Mick Jagger, Joan Baez, The Weeknd, HAIM, Ed Sheeran, Lorde & dozens more.

Taylor Swift becomes the first woman to win 2 Grammy Awards with this album b ut also withholds her music from streaming services including Spotify & Apple Music & writes a strongly worded article in the Wall Street Journal making the case for music being paid for & not free.

Ryan Adams releases his version of the entire 1989 album in the autumn of 2015 & Bad Blood is re-released featuring Kendrick Lamar. Taylor also writes a song for Rihanna & Calvin Harris under the name Nils Sjöberg.

All this & more - join us to hear all about it.

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bella Union label founder Simon Raymonde joins us this week to talk us through his time with the Cocteau Twins.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

Simon joined the band in 1983 having met Robin Guthrie & Elizabeth Fraser a couple of years prior while working at Beggars Banquet record shop in South Kensington. The first album he is involved with is 1984's self produced Treasure - although Brian Eno & Daniel Landis were briefly discussed as possible producers.

Find out about Cocteau Twin's unique way of working in the studio - going in with nothing prepared or written in advance - as well as how they created their unique sound.

A collaboration with legendary Harold Budd follows along with various EPs but the band turn down the chance to record the soundtrack to David Lynch's Blue Velvet.

Around this time the band move into an industrial unit in North Acton & this newfound creative freedom leads to the Blue Bell Knoll album which comes out on 4AD in 1988. But not long after Cocteau Twins relocate to what becomes their September Sound studio in Richmond (rented from Pete Townshend).

Not long after the classic Heaven Or Las Vegas album is recorded, coming out in 1990 & achieving the timeless sound the band had been striving for.

Prince samples '50-50 Clown' from the album not long after & was reported to be a fan of the band but the band leave 4AD not long after the tour ends at the Aladdin Casino in Las Vegas.

Signing with Fontana shortly after & the Four-Calendar Cafe album follows in 1993 along with their final album Milk & Kisses in 1996 - the band tour extensively & play festivals at Roskilde & Lollapalooza but their final gig comes at the Phoenix Festival in the summer of 1996.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us to take a deep dive into the life & career of LBGTQ icon Dusty Springfield - starting with her early life first in West Hampstead in London & then briefly in High Wycombe, Dusty attended a convent school but reinvented herself after leaving school into the glamorous blonde icon she became famous as.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

When our guest biographer Lucy O'Brien first wrote about Dusty in the late 1980s little was known about her but her legend has grown exponentially since - we talk about her interest in Hollywood film stars & what might have triggered her transformation from the shy & slightly plain Mary O'Brien to the larger than life Dusty Springfield.

Dusty joined singing act the Lana Sisters in 1959 & they sign to Fontana - a year later she leaves to join The Springfields with her brother Tom Springfield. The band achieve success with hits in the UK & unusually for the time, the US.

Sun Records boss Shelby Singleton was among the first to identify her R&B potential & brought The Springfields to Nashville to record, but not long after a show at the London Palladium in late 1963 Dusty leaves the band.

Within a month her first solo release 'I Only Want To Be With You' reaches number 4 in the charts - her debut album A Girl Called Dusty follows in 1964. A track from the album 'You Don't Own Me' was recently used as the intro music for Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour - we talk about why we think it may have been used.

Dusty helped introduce Motown to the UK & attended the first UK tour & championed the label - we also talk about the influence of her key collaborators Bacharach & David, Goffin & King, Ivor Raymonde & more.

She was the foremost female of the British Invasion of 1964 & scored a huge hit with 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me' in 1966 & a Dusty Springfield track became a Northern Soul classic under the name Patti Austin but remained unreleased until the 1970s.

By 1968 the hits weren't coming as easily as before which leads Dusty to turn to America to reinvent her sound.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Wynn joins us to tell us all about his time with the Dream Syndicate, the formation of the band & the Paisley Underground scene. Steve's new book is out now on Jawbone Press & his latest record Make It Right is out on Fire Records.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

The Dream Syndicate formed in 1981 with Kendra Smith, Karl Precoda & Dennis Duck joining Steve in the band. Steve briefly had another band with Sid Griffin who later formed the Long Ryders but chose to concentrate on what became the Dream Syndicate.

The band comes together remarkably quickly with a demo, first show & a band name all within 3 weeks of forming - their debut EP followed shortly after & sold out its initial pressings immediately.

The scene that builds becomes known as the Paisley Underground & also includes The Bangs (later The Bangles), Salvation Army (later The Three O'Clock) & Rain Parade. Other bands including Green On Red & The Long Ryders are described by Steve as 'Paisley Adjacent'.

The band sign with LA label Slash Records & release their debut album The Days of Wine & Roses in 1982 which is an instant success.

The Dream Syndicate's first national tour follows & features a stop at the 9.30 Club in Washington D.C. & the legendary Maxwells in Hoboken & a missed show at the Danceteria in New York. Prince (allegedly) attended the bands show at First Avenue in Minneapolis.

Kendra Smith leaves the band shortly after the tour & with that the first phase of the Dream Syndicate comes to an end.

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Featuring exclusive clips from Jah Wobble, Stewart Lee, Caroline Catz & Richard Norris sharing their memories of the Scala Cinema - documentary makers Jane Giles & Ali Catterall join us to share the history of the cinema from its original Soho location & its 2nd home in Kings Cross in London.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

The first cinema was built on the site of the Scala Theatre which featured extensively in The Beatles' feature film debut A Hard Days Night in 1964. This original Soho location opened as a cinema in 1976 originally known as The Other Cinema, becoming the Scala in the summer of 1978.

The cinema soon gained a reputation for its eclectic programming & diverse clientele. The Scala also put on gigs including Throbbing Gristle, Spandau Ballet,

The Slits, A Certain Ratio, Durutti Column & New Order.

The Scala relocated to Kings Cross in 1981 but the new location had a musical history of its own having played host to gigs from Hawkwind, Soft Machine, Flamin’ Groovies, Mott the Hoople, Status Quo, Viv Stanshall, Lou Reed (the cover for Transformer was taken here) & Iggy & The Stooges (the Raw Power cover was also taken at the Scala at their only UK gig).

At the new location the Scala's legendary all nighters soon became infamous & were attend by the likes of Ian Curtis, Shane McGowan & more.

The Scala closed its doors in 1993 in the wake of the lease for the building reaching an end & a controversial screening of A Clockwork Orange.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

You can watch the Scala documentary on BFI Player: https://player.bfi.org.uk

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clem Cattini tells us about the birth of British rock & roll - Clem has played on over 40 number 1 singles, including Shakin’ All Over by Johnny Kidd & The Pirates & of course Telstar with his band the Tornados, the first British band to top the charts in America. 

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

We start in late 1959 when Clem leaves Larry Parnes represented backing band The Beat Boys & subsequently ends up as a member of Johnny Kidd & The Pirates. In early 1960 they hit the top spot with the iconic 'Shakin' All Over'.

Despite this success the band played some less than salubrious gigs which we hear all about - as well as the origin of Johnny Kidd's famous eye patch & how he came to leave The Pirates.

Not long after Clem auditions for Joe Meek at his legendary studio at 304 Holloway Road, subsequently joining The Tornados - we hear all about the goings on at Joe's studio, his time with Billy Fury & how the Tornados later came to make the legendary Telstar - becoming the first British band to top the US charts in late 1962.

Clem also became friends with The Beatles as they crossed paths on the concert circuit of the early 1960s & tells us about his many encounters with the Fab Four.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2 of our chat with Prince biographer Matt Thorne picks up where we left off with the release of his debut album For You in 1977 on Warner Bros.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

We find out about Prince's fast way of working in the studio along with his decision to produce, sing & play most of his records himself.

Prince put a full time band together following the release of his debut album & heads out on his first proper tour since singing to Warners.

His second album titled simply Prince follows in 1979 & spawns 3 hit singles (‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’, ‘I Feel for You’ and ‘Sexy Dancer’) - I Wanna Be Your Lover sells over a million copies in the US but remarkably fails to crack the top 10 in the chart.

A strange appearance on Dick Clark's American Bandstand follows & Prince's 'I Feel For You' becomes a huge hit for Chaka Khan.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we chart Prince's formative years in Minneapolis, Minnesota with biographer Matt Thorne.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

We discuss his family background, how he came to be named Prince, his early bands & songwriting (he wrote his first song at the age of 7).

Prince's early influences remained pretty consistent throughout his life & included Larry Graham, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, Sly Stone, the Jacksons, Tower of Power, Miles Davis, Carlos Santana, Joni Mitchell, Rufus and Chaka Khan.

Some of the early gigs Prince attended included James Brown, Joni Mitchell & Todd Rundgren leading to the formation of his first band Grand Central.

Prince's remarkable work ethic was there from the start & this leads to his eventual signing to Warner Brothers Records in 1977, then one of the largest contracts for a new artist in history.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulp Part 1 - Nick Banks joined Pulp in 1986 after seeing an ad outside Sheffield Leadmill & as a fan of the local band already decided to audition, making his live debut at the Adelphi Hotel in Hull shortly after.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

Following Jarvis Cocker's decision to relocate to London in 1988, Nick follows suit & Pulp begin to focus more on gigs in the capital. The Separations album is recorded the following year but doesn't come out until 1992.

Island Records eventually become interested & the His n Hers album begins to take shape. A John Peel Session follows 13 years after Pulp's first & Jarvis Cocker borrows £5000 off his Grandma to facilitate the release of the Babies single.

Geoff Travis comes to the rescue amid wrangling with the band's label & the His n Hers album is recorded at Britannia Row Studios in Islington, North London.

A Top of the Pops debut follows & gigs with Blur & Supergrass come shortly after as well as a memorable Christmas gig at the Theatre Royal.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us to take a deep dive into the little known history of Joy Division right here on our home turf in Walthamstow, East London. Find out from a first hand source how the band came to play 2 gigs here in 1979 - how it came about, how many people were there, what happened & more.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

Joy Division's first trip to London had been in late 1978 when they played the Hope & Anchor in Islington just after Christmas, at that gig they met some punks from Walthamstow & later come to play 2 shows at the now demolished youth centre on Markhouse Road. About a week later the now iconic bridge photo was taken of Joy Division by Kevin Cummins.

Following their debut release the Factory Sample, on March 30th 1979 Joy Division play their first gig in E17, after which the band stayed at a house on The Crescent here in Walthamstow lying on mattresses in the living room.

Hear about some recently uncovered photos from this stay in E17 as well as the conjecture over whether the band stayed or not as they entered Strawberry Studios in Stockport the very next day to begin recording the Unknown Pleasures album with Martin Hannett.

We will tell you about some of the mysteries surrounding the 2nd gig as the date is officially unknown & little remains in terms of advertising, promotion, setlist or bootleg recordings.

Also hear about how Ian Curtis's legendary Mac featured in several iconic photos ended up in a charity shop here in Walthamstow.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on our first trip to Scotland, Edinburgh to be precise to retrace the history of on elf post-punk's most iconic bands, Josef K.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

The band were only around a few years but their influence has grown enormously in the intervening years, biographer Johnnie Johnston takes us through our first look at C81, Postcard Records, & the Sound of Young Scotland.

We talk about the Scotland of the 1970s & how it differs from today, how the band met & came together, The band's connection with the Worlds End Murders of October 1977, Josef K's key influences including the Velvet Underground, Talking Heads, Iggy & the Stooges & of course the advent of punk.

A key gig in the city of Edinburgh took place at the Playhouse in May of 1977 when The Clash, Subway Sect, The Jam, The Slits & Buzzcocks all appearing on the same bill. The band later open for the Clash in 1980. We discuss both as well as the legendary 'Sound of Young Scotland' showcase gigs in Edinburgh & Glasgow. Josef K also got support slots with Magazine, Bauhaus, The Cure, Teardrop Explodes, Echo & the Bunnymen in the wake of those legendary gigs.

Was Postcard was the right fit for the band? We also mention earlier signings to the label including The Go-Betweens, Aztec Camera & Orange Juice.

Along with that we touch on Josef K's unique sound with 3 rhythm guitars but no lead, the John Peel session the band recorded, their subsequent influence on the likes of Franz Ferdinand, The Wedding Present & The Smiths.

And of course, Josef K's curious decision to re-record their debut album, their sudden break up & a little about what happened to the members after & much more.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.