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

Paul McCartney experiments on his second solo album

In 1980 Paul McCartney released his second solo abum. Misunderstood and too far ahead of its time, the album was trashed. A look back.

New Order’s second classic 12-inch: The Perfect Kiss

In 1985 New Order released their second classic 12-inch: The Perfect Kiss. Even better than Blue Monday? A look back!

Van Hunt and the story of his irresistible album The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets.

In 2015 Van Hunt released his genius The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets., a modern old-school funk and soul album. A look back!

World Party release highlight Goodbye Jumbo in 1990

In 1990 World Party released their second (and best) album. The story of World Party and the Goodbye Jumbo album!

Eels – Royal Albert Hall: a glorious bummer rock night

In 2014 Eels was on tour and stopped by at the London Royal Albert Hall. A night filled with initimate, moving bummer rock!


Reviews

André 3000 – 7 piano sketches

On May 6, 2025, André 3000 released an EP: 7 piano sketches. A good description of what the EP entails. A review.

Chaparelle – Western Pleasure

The debut album by Chaparelle is a pleasant surprise, country in the best possible form: authentic, classic and beautiful songs.

Sault – 10

Just before Easter 2025 Sault does what it does so well: release an album that once again leaves the competition far behind. A review!

Sault – Acts Of Faith

On the first day of Christmas 2024 Sault strikes once again: a new album and it's just as beautiful and impressive as all that came before. A review!



Concerts

Gaye Su Akyol, 05/11/2025

2½/5: Gaye Su Akyol in Paradiso - Tolhuistuin on May 11, 2025. A reasonable show containing a few highlights.

The Purple Jam, 04/21/2025

2½/5: Enthusiasm was huge, the performances were not that great, but The Family was outstanding!

Steel Pulse, 03/19/2025

4½/5: Steel Pulse at the Amsterdam Paradiso: a highly entertaining show. The band was filled with energy and drive, So was the audience. A superb combination!


News items

News: Bruce Springsteen – Tracks II: The Lost Albums

On June 27, 2025, Bruce Springsteen will release no less than 7 never before released albums. Tracks II: The Lost Albums.

News: Kendrick Lamar – GNX

On Friday November 22, 2024, at 6PM CET Kendrick Lamar surprise released his latest album: GNX!


Lists

Album yearlist 2024

Album yearlist 2024

Top2000 list 2024

Top2000 list 2024