Reading About Music: A Personal History James Griffiths 2023-07-22 | In this video I look back on my 40+ years of reading about music...magazines, books etc. And show some old favourites and pivotal reads. Let me know about yours.
Vinyl Finds #93: 5 Records, 1 Rant James Griffiths 2023-07-15 | Showing 5 records I picked up after many hours of digging over two consecutive days at X-Records in Bolton. Enjoy!
Eponymous Albums and Other Fun Stuff (Richard McCook My Quarter Contest Response) James Griffiths 2023-07-12 | This video is a response to Richard McCook's contest which invites us to show 4 eponymous albums, the albums from our collection with the most and least number of characters in the title, and finally poses a highly enigmatic question for us to answer. Catch his original video here: youtube.com/watch?v=fF-P8UyW7pM&t=317s
My Complete Music DVD Collection (Possibly) James Griffiths 2023-07-05 | Finally getting round to showing my large collection of music DVDs before the disappear into slim slipcases and the clunky shop-bought ones get chucked in the nearest skip. Enjoy!
My Musical DNA in 46 Songs: Pair 1 - 1963 James Griffiths 2023-06-29 | In response to Dave at The Dark Stuff channel:youtube.com/watch?v=dp_Ce49XMpA&t=1878shere is part 1 of my Musical DNA!Check out the ongoing playlist below:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN3saKgtGDsdihmMbqXrUr-T_Ktbd86ku
Vinyl Finds #92: Summer Digging (part 1) James Griffiths 2023-06-20 | Apologies for the 'rustling against shirt microphone' FX, need to get to grips with this before the next video.Summer finds - enjoy!
Revisiting River Deep Mountain High by Ike & Tina Turner James Griffiths 2023-05-26 | Originally released (then quickly withdrawn) on Phil Spector's 'Philles' label in 1966, 'River Deep Mountain High' was a curious game of two halves , with 6 tracks by produced by Spector in his customary cavernous, Wagnerian style, and 6 produced by Ike in his usual gutbucket, funky soul idiom.As a tribute to the recently departed Tina Turner, I look back at this landmark soul release and talk about my discovery of it via the 1979 'Music For Pleasure' re-release.
Classic Fade-In Intros: 10 Personal Favourites! James Griffiths 2023-05-20 | I've always loved songs that 'fade in', giving the impression that the music is always going on somewhere and we're just eavesdropping in for a few precious moments. Here are 10 of my favourites, can you think of any more?Here's Calicosilver (Jeff)'s original video:youtube.com/watch?v=W0wHiNVQSG8
Revisiting RocknRoll Music Vol 1 by The Beatles James Griffiths 2023-05-14 | The original 'Rock'n'Roll Music' double-LP by The Beatles was first released by Capitol Records in 1976. In 1980 the collection was reissued by the Music for Pleasure label in the UK as two separate records, and I got the first one shortly after John Lennon's death in early 1981.In this video I explore the history and controversy behind this often derided compilation, and share my memories of the part in played in my musical evolution. Thanks for watching.
Vinyl Finds #91: New Wavey Pick-ups From Oxfam! James Griffiths 2023-05-12 | Showing another batch of records from Ye Olde Charitie Shoppe known as 'Oxfam'. All with a bit of a late-seventies/early eighties theme. Enjoy!Sub to Rob Ison here:youtube.com/@robison5396
Albums That Were Hell To Make James Griffiths 2023-05-01 | In this video I discuss a selection of albums whose creation involved arguments, strife, bitterness and misery. Hope it cheers everyone up, and be interested if you can think of any more!
If You Like This Record, You Probably Like The Beatles James Griffiths 2023-04-27 | In this video, Ross Goodall and I each show 10 records which we think think are likely to appeal to Beatles fans and admirers. Or, to turn it on its head for a moment, we think if you like these records, there's a pretty damn good chance you also like The Beatles. Please feel free to prove us right or wrong!Subscribe to Ross Goodall HERE: youtube.com/@RossGoodallMusic
Top 12 Second Tracks James Griffiths 2023-04-20 | Following on from my previous video discussing 12 great opening songs from albums, it's now time to talk about some favourite second songs. Anyone sense a series coming?Thanks for watching!
Top 12 Favourite Opening Tracks James Griffiths 2023-04-14 | OK, you know how this works...a different day, a different thought process, a different 12. But here's today's, with many favourites left out. Let me know yours!My and Ross Goodall's video on Andy Partridge's songs here:youtube.com/watch?v=tcqKUN9e5HQ&t=1926s
Revisiting Sheer Heart Attack by Queen (with Rob Ison) James Griffiths 2023-04-08 | Rob Ison joins me for a deep dive into Queen's seminal third album 'Sheer Heart Attack'. Released in 1974 and boasting the huge hit single 'Killer Queen', the LP found the band veering off at outlandish tangents, dealing with the repeated health crises of their guitarist, and laying the template for much of what they'd go on to achieve in subsequent years. Thanks for watching and please leave a comment.Sub to Rob Ison HERE:youtube.com/@robison5396
My New Book: Queen in the 1970s is Available Now James Griffiths 2023-04-07 | Just a quick plug for my new book, 'Queen in the 1970s', published as part of Sonicbond's 'Decades' series...available now in most territories (Amazon, plus other bookstores worldwide). Sonicbond homepage: sonicbondpublishing.co.uk
Albums That Start With Sound Effects James Griffiths 2023-03-30 | 10 classic albums that start with sound effects of one kind or another...can you think of any more?Thanks for watching!
Revisiting Year of the Cat by Al Stewart (Album Discussion & Review) James Griffiths 2023-03-26 | See the 'Revisiting' Album Reviews playlist here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN3saKgtGDscLrwqDZxaicwY2upE8fnUnA British soft-rock classic released slap bang in the middle of the summer of punk (1976), 'Year of the Cat' made an international star of Scottish singer-songwriter Al Stewart overnight. A huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic, the record beguiled listeners with its soft and dreamy sound, the result of Al's new collaborative partnership with legendary British producer Al Parsons. In this video I look back on this landmark album from one of the most notable British singer-songwriters, and discuss the origins and meanings of its enigmatic and beguiling songs.
A Zoom Chat With Kevin Godley (Part 2) James Griffiths 2023-03-24 | Check out part 1 here: youtu.be/KrOkXlyC5MsIn the second and final instalment, Kevin shares his memories of his post-10cc career, focussing mainly on his work as a ground-breaking maker of pop videos with a roll-call of star clients including The Beatles. There are fascinating 'behind the scenes' tales from the video shoots for George Harrison's 'When We Was Fab', Paul McCartney's 'Come On People', and The Beatles' 'Real Love', along with some hilarious anecdotes about the making of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood 'Two Tribes' promo, the invention of The Gizmotron, and Kevin and Lol Creme's groundbreaking collaboration with Trevor Horn on the 'Cry' single. Thanks for watching, we hope you enjoyed the show!Thanks to Henry Hemming and the rest of the 'Beatles Zoom' group for helping to make this conversation a reality.
A Zoom Chat With Kevin Godley (10cc/Godley & Creme) - Part 1 James Griffiths 2023-03-18 | Part 2 is now uploaded: youtube.com/watch?v=N3HO5EMsAVQI'm excited and honoured to present this video on behalf of the online Beatles chat group 'Beatles Zoom' , headed by Henry Hemming. Kevin Godley, one of the legends of British pop music, shares some stories from across his long and remarkable career, in the company of myself and other members of our online fan group. In Part 1, Kevin focuses on his early years in the music business, from 10cc's origins as Neil Sedaka's backing group at Stockport's Strawberry Studios, through to huge international chart success with hits such as 'Donna', 'I'm Not in Love' and 'I'm Mandy Fly Me'. Part 2 coming soon!
Coming Soon to the Channel - A VERY Special Guest James Griffiths 2023-03-16 | Hi, apologies the comments are turned off for this preview. The comments section will be business as usual when part 1 of the interview goes live, hopefully tomorrow. See you then!
My 20 Favourite Steely Dan Songs (plus Album Ranking 1972 -1980) James Griffiths 2023-03-11 | In this video I select 20 of my favourite songs from the original run of seven Steely Dan albums (1972 - 1980), then rank the band's studio records from that same period. Let me know your faves and rankings of the great Dan!
Revisiting Rattus Norvegicus by The Stranglers (with Richard McCook) James Griffiths 2023-03-05 | Subscribe to Richard McCook here:youtube.com/@CookieMusic43Released in 1977, 'Ratticus Norvegicus' (misleadingly subtitled 'IV'), was the debut album by The Stranglers, a menacing quartet from Guilford whose dark, punkish sound disguised an intriguing swirl of top-flight musicianship.In this video, Richard McCook and I look back upon this landmark release and our mutual longterm appreciation of the music of The Stranglers.Enjoy!
Revisiting Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) by The Beach Boys James Griffiths 2023-02-26 | Following the artistic success but commercial disappointment of their 'Today' album, The Beach Boys bowed to record company pressure and went back to singing about sun, surf, girls and having fun. Roughly half the resulting album was brilliant. In this video I discuss the record which gifted to the world the miraculous sound of 'California Girls' and the fragile beauty of 'Let Him Run Wild'.
Vinyl Finds #90: Clearing the 2022 Inbox (Not) James Griffiths 2023-02-24 | In this video I show yet more records. Enjoy!Sub here to Stevie's Vinyl Cupboard:youtube.com/@SteviesVinylCupboard
Revisiting Flowers in the Dirt by Paul McCartney (with Ross Goodall) James Griffiths 2023-02-19 | Beatles/McCartney fan and all-round music fan Ross Goodall joins me for a deep dive into one of Paul McCartney's undoubted career highlights. 'Flowers in the Dirt' was a milestone release in the summer of '89, teaming Macca up with a vast array of collaborators, writers and producers including Elvis Costello and Trevor Horn.In this video Ross and I explore the history and legacy of the album, choose our favourite tracks, and try to place the record in the context of McCartney's life and career.Subscribe to Ross' channel HERE:youtube.com/@RossGoodallMusic.
Revisiting Kill the Moonlight by Spoon - with The Digital Gramophone James Griffiths 2023-02-12 | An in-depth look at the 2002 milestone release ('none more minimal') by the Texan indie band Spoon, in the company of Jon from The Digital Gramophone.Sub him here:youtube.com/@TheDigitalGramophone
Revisiting Night and Day by Joe Jackson James Griffiths 2023-02-09 | In the latest instalment of my 'Revisiting' series I look back on Joe Jackson's landmark fifth album 'Night and Day', a career high-water mark which saw him dissecting many elements of eighties culture, including incurable diseases, urban crime and controversial gender politics. Enjoy!
Albums That Were Disowned by Their Creators James Griffiths 2023-02-04 | In this video I talk about albums that were, to one or extent or another, disowned by the musicians who created them. Can you think of any others?Check out the 'Cool for Cats' podcast here:open.spotify.com/show/3z320potO0LxPA9MitVePc
Music Books I Read in 2022 James Griffiths 2023-01-25 | In this video I show a selection of excellent music biographies I read last year. Enjoy!
Vinyl Finds # 89: Heightside Records Come Through Again James Griffiths 2023-01-15 | Showing a few choice finds from Todmorden-based dealers 'Heightside Records', plus two others from 'Malcolm's Musicland' in Chorley. Enjoy!Follow me on Facebook:facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058796123279Heightside Records on Facebook:facebook.com/people/Heightside-Records/100057074725423Malcolm's Musicland:facebook.com/malcolmsmusicland
ABBA - Ranking the Classic Albums (1973 - 1981) James Griffiths 2022-12-31 | In this video I finally find a way of ranking the eight studio albums that ABBA put out between the years 1973 - 1981. Happy New Year!
Revisiting Out of the Blue with Tommy Burton James Griffiths 2022-12-29 | In the company of Tommy Burton's from YouTube's 'Tommy's Musical Adventures', I look back on one of the most spectacular double albums of the seventies....we bring you 'Out of the Blue' by Jeff Lynne and his Electric Light Orchestra.Check out Tommy's channel here:youtube.com/@UClwIotnLc-Cg1MeB-3GGpzgFollow me on Facebook:facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058796123279
The Moody Blues on Vinyl (Incomplete Collections # 7) James Griffiths 2022-12-25 | Randomly selecting Christmas Day 2022 to show my Moody Blues collection and talk about them a bit. Compliments of the season!
Revisiting Goodbye Yellow Brick Road with John Heaton & Richard McCook James Griffiths 2022-12-21 | Pour yourself a festive drink, grab a mince-pie and join John Heaton, Richard McCook and myself for an in-depth look at Elton John's classic 1973 double album 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. It sold 20 million copies you know!!Merry Christmas!Check out the 'Revisiting' album reviews playlist here:youtube.com/watch?v=r8-joNXvruI&list=PLN3saKgtGDscLrwqDZxaicwY2upE8fnUn
My HMV CD-Buying Frenzy!!! James Griffiths 2022-12-17 | In this video I show just some of the many, many CDs I have picked up new from HMV this year, in what I would describe as a prolonged bout of 'retail therapy'. Share your own experiences here!
Revisiting Back in Black By AC/DC (with Steve Whitty) James Griffiths 2022-12-14 | In 1980 AC/DC roared back into existence with new singer Brian Johnson, following the untimely death of Bon Scott. Against all the odds, 'Back in Black' went onto become one of the best-selling albums of all time and to this day remains a hard rock leviathan. In this video, Steve Whitty and I discuss the making of this legendary beast of a record, and chew over the music and its resounding legacy. Enjoy!Sub here to Steve Whitty: youtube.com/@UCfSUNNuf6QdIxMS9Qmnh8Hg
Why Yellow Submarine Is Not A Crap Song (and why it definitely belongs on Revolver) James Griffiths 2022-12-09 | In this video I give various reasons why 'Yellow Submarine' is a great song and an important recording - and explain why I think it definitely belongs on 'Revolver'.Thanks to Alan, Static Traveller, for getting there first:youtube.com/watch?v=jI5ymny9o8M&t=1s
Vinyl Finds #88: 4 Records I Found by Turning Left Instead of Right James Griffiths 2022-12-03 | In this video I show 4 really nice records (one of them a grail of sorts) which I only found because I decided, at the last minute, to turn left instead of right at a certain T-junction in Gwersyllt in North Wales. Have you ever found records by turning left instead of right? Let me know!
Early Bowie: Some Thoughts & Observations James Griffiths 2022-11-26 | In this video I discuss the pre-fame music of David Bowie, focussing on the contents of his first album along with various singles and B-sides as collected together on a vinyl compilation I recently picked up. Please share your own thoughts and observations on early Bowie!
Revisiting Now And Zen by Robert Plant (Album Discussion & Review) James Griffiths 2022-11-18 | Robert 'Percy' Plant's fourth solo record found him flexing a few old Zep muscles while pushing boldly into the realms of late-eighties sampling. The album featured his old partner-in-crime Jimmy Page, as well as a guest vocal appearance from Kirsty MacColl. Not without a certain amount of 'eighties production baggage', 'Now And Zen' remains an eminently listenable LP which laid the foundations for Planty's musical adventures in the 1990s and beyond.In this video I discuss the record's genesis, production and reception, while throwing light on the reasons for its long-standing place in my musical affections.
Tangled Up in Bob: My 30 Year Dylan Journey James Griffiths 2022-11-10 | In this video I tell of the ups and downs and ins and outs of my thirty year association with the music and records of Bob Dylan.Apologies to Stephen 'Psych in the Valleys' Alexander for referring to him as 'Stephen Armstrong'.
What Makes a Successful Album Cover? - Another Fat Bearded Discussion With Hedley James Griffiths 2022-11-03 | In this video, Hedley 'Another Fat Bearded Man Talking About Records' Brown and I discuss what makes successful album cover artwork, and if dodgy artwork can harm a record's critical and commercial success.Subscribe to Hedley HERE:youtube.com/channel/UCDsan_nsQM4uxVJXDhvfxkQ
Vinyl Finds #87: Charity Shop Records & Gifts James Griffiths 2022-10-29 | A well over-due vinyl update where I show just some of the records I've been picking up lately, along with a few gifts. Enjoy!
Revisiting Armchair Theatre by Jeff Lynne (Album Review) James Griffiths 2022-10-22 | Released in 1990 during the period when he was one of the most successful and sought-after rock-pop producers in the world, Jeff Lynne's 'Armchair Theatre' found the bearded Brummie shedding the digital processors and drum machines and 'getting back to analogue'. A charming and disarming back-to-basics record, it was made with some help from George Harrison, Tom Petty, a drummer from an all-female, Danish rock band, and a small Indian string/percussion and vocal ensemble.It's still one of my favourite albums of all time, so here it is featuring in part 5 of my 'Revisiting' series. Enjoy!
My Thirty Favourite Beatles Songs (Part 2: 10-1) James Griffiths 2022-10-15 | Part 2 of my personal 'Beatles Greatest Hits' list, beginning at number 10 and counting up to 1. Let me know your top 10!
My Top 30 Favourite Beatles Songs (Part 1: 30 - 11). James Griffiths 2022-10-14 | In this video I attempt to compile a list of my thirty favourite Beatles songs, while missing out many favourite Beatles songs which should probably be in the list. Part 2 coming soon. Enjoy!
Revisiting Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel (Album Discussion & Review) James Griffiths 2022-10-08 | Released at the very start of the nineteen-seventies, just as The Beatles were exiting the scene, Simon and Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' allowed them to bow out with a timeless collection of songs which saw Paul Simon at the top of his game as a composer. But behind the scenes all was not well between the two lifelong friends and long-time collaborators. With Garfunkel turning to movie acting and Simon ever-more certain that he needed to pursue a solo career, the making of the LP was a tense affair and would bring down the curtain on the duo's recording partnership.In this video I tell the story of the making of this legendary LP, and share some memories of discovering it as a child - and of still loving it as an adult.Thanks for watching - please click on the bell icon to make sure you receive notifications of more episodes of 'Revisiting'.
Top 10 Landmark British Hit Singles: Comparing Lists With Richard McCook James Griffiths 2022-10-02 | In this video, YouTube music legend Richard McCook and I each present a list of what we think are the 10 most iconic/landmark/game-changing British hit singles ever. But will our lists coincide or veer off in radically different directions? Tune in and find out!Do please send us your lists also, and let us know what you think of ours.Thanks for watching...
