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 

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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The Smiths release their first masterpiece: Hatful Of Hollow

In 1984 The Smiths released their debut album. It was a bit of a letdown. Nine months later Hatful Of Hollow was released. The band lived up to its promise and more. The birth of a true phenomenon!

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In 1979 Crass release their ultimate statement: Stations Of The Crass

In 1979 Crass released their second album. Stations Of The Crass bought the band’s ideology, conviction, rage and optimism home, with a vengeance. And successfully as well!

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Jesse Johnson – Verbal Penetration

After leaving The Time, Jesse Johnson started a successful solo career. In 2009 he made Verbal Penetration, an impressive tour-de-force.

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Prince releases his second album, the first real hint of what’s to come?

Prince’s second album pointed to the future and sounded more accessible and danceable than the year old debut. Could Prince deliver on his promise?

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Fleetwood Mac after Rumours, the only way is Tusk?

Is any band capable of making another classic album after the release of an album like Rumours? Fleetwood Mac tried. Did they succeed?

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Prince – The 25 best live bootlegs!

The A Pop Life panel has pondered the question which Prince performances resulted in the best live bootlegs. Bram, Edward, Erwin, Leon en Vincent went to work and came up with the ultimate list!

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