Welcome – A Pop Life

Welcome to my blog. In 2016 I wrote my first stories on my favorite albums. Due to the many, nice and positive feedback and comments I started this blog, A Pop Life subtitled My life with music.

What can you expect? Stories about music which I think is nice, beautiful of moving, reviews, concert reports and much more. I get very happy whenever I receive comments, whether through one of the social media channels or by using the comment form on this site. I love to hear from my readers!

For now, have very much (reading) fun!
Erwin Barendregt

Articles

Frank Zappa, Apostrophe (‘) and the Yellow Snow suite

In 1974 Frank Zappa released his most commercially successful album ever, Apostrophe ('). Songs about yellow snow, an Eskimo and racism.

The 15 best Japan songs

As a tribute to my favorite band when I turned 18, A Pop Life presents a compilation of the best Japan songs.

Sing It Back, the story of Moloko

Moloko, the group that introduced Róisín Murphy to the world of music. A look back at the career of one of the (dance) pop sensations of the 1990s/2000s.

Holger Czukay – Der Osten Ist Rot

In 1984 former CAN member and co-founder Holger Czukay released his third solo album. The story of Der Osten Ist Rot!

Pavement gains true steam on Crooked Rain Crooked Rain

On Valentine's Day 1994 Pavement release their second album. The story of the superb Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain!


Reviews

Sun Ra And His Intergalactic Research Arkestra – Paradiso Amsterdam 1970

In November 1970 Sun Ra And His Intergalactic Research Arkestra landed at the Amsterdams Paradiso for one unforgettable night. The recordings have been found and now we can all (finally) hear what we missed!

André 3000 – New Blue Sun

André 3000, the hip-hop genius, finally returns. With experimental jazzy ambient flute music? Oh, yes! A review.

Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert

Cat Power impresses again, this time with her interpretation of the famous Bob Dylan 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert. Stunning!

Prince & The New Power Generation – Diamonds And Pearls Super Deluxe Edition

The rerelease of Diamonds And Pearls is finally here. A great box-set dedicated to one of the lesser Prince albums.



Concerts

Pixies, 03/21/2024

3/5: Pixies in Paradiso, Amsterdam. The show lacked dynamics, some great moments, but too little to make the concert really work.

Underworld, 03/15/2024

4½/5: Underworld in Amsterdam: the average age of the men on stage is almost 66 and they play like they're 18 years old. Stunning!

Róisín Murphy, 03/08/2024

4/5: Róisín Murphy in Amsterdam on March 8, 2024. Barring the middle section it was highlight after highlight. A night to remember!


News items

News: Neil Young back on Spotify!

Two years ago Neil Young left Spotify. Today he announced his music he will be back on the streaming service.

News: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Wild God

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds will release their new album on August 30, 2024: Wild God!


Lists

Album yearlist 2023

Album yearlist 2023

Top2000 list 2023

Top2000 list 2023