Welcome – A Pop Life

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The Huffington Post

On December 29th, 2017, an article on my blog appeared on The Huffington Post. I was interviewed by Aisha K. Staggers, writer. Her findings were published under the title A Pop Life: The Music of Black America from Outside of America, One Blogger’s View. A very proud moment for me and my blog!

Hello and welcome to my blog!

Here I will regularly share stories about music and in particular music that has meant (or still does mean) a great deal to me. These can entail stories, memories, reviews, descriptions, etc. The only condition I have set for myself is that I own the music which I write about.

The primary categories for my stories are Posts and Reviews. On my primary blog (the Dutch version) I added all the concerts I have seen (as far as I know the exact date) as Concerten. These pages are in Dutch. I also added all my (yearly/decade) lists as Lijsten.

If you like some posts/reviews, I would very much like it for you to let me know. At the bottom of every post/review you can leave comments. Comments placed on the Facebook-page will be incorporated on this blog.

Through Contact I’d love to hear about (shared) memories. Maybe it leads to another story.

Erwin Barendregt 

D'Angelo - Live 2000 (redbull.com)

D’Angelo astonishes the music world with Voodoo

The new millennium isn’t even 4 weeks old yet when the first masterpiece is released: D’Angelo’s Voodoo is a rare and beautifiul piece of art. A look back!

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Aart Staartjes 1938-2020 (hartvannedeland.nl)

Aart Staartjes 1938-2020

Today Aart Staartjes passed away. My childhood hero is no more.

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Closing Of 2019

Closing of 2019. What was good? What wasn’t? What were the main events? What blog stories were favorite? A look back at 2019.

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Prince is alone for Christmas, Another Lonely Christmas

On December 26th, 1984, Prince played the first and only Christmas song he would ever release live for the first and last time at his homestate of Minnesota. The story of Another Lonely Christmas.

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War Is Over (If You Want It)

The iconic poster by John Lennon and Yoko Ono celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Some well deserved attention for an important message.

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Quiet Life: Japan changes direction

With the release of Quiet Life Japan went into new musical territory. The story behind the pivot point in the career of the vastly underrated band.

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The Clash and London Calling, the story of a triumph

At the brink of the new 1980s decade a masterpiece was released. The double album London Calling by The Clash is a caleidoscopic, impressive album. A look back.

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In 1984 charity hit the charts: Do They Know It’s Christmas?

At the end of 1984 the charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas? unexpectedly turned out to be one of the biggest singles of the year. The story behind this unique occasion.

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Timur’s top ten best songs of all time (by guest author Timur)

Excactly two years ago my son Timur published his top 10 best songs. He feels his list is no longer correct. So: a newly edited list, here on A Pop Life!

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In 1974 Genesis releases the masterful The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway

In 1974 Genesis released their master piece The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. A groundbreaking album, on several levels. A look back at the last Genesis album featuring Peter Gabriel.

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