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 (see the terms of use). I love to hear from my readers!
For now, have very much (reading) fun!
Erwin Barendregt
Articles
The story of Slayer’s thrash metal classic Reign In Blood
In 1986 Slayer released the penultimate thrash metal album. The story of the monumentally heavy Reign In Blood!
Solange and the impressive A Seat At The Table
In 2016 Solange Knowles released the deeply moving, confrontational and important album A Seat At The Table. A look back!
Ingrid Chavez debuts with May 19 1992
One of the most unusual Paisley Park Records releases appeared in 1991. This is the story of Ingrid Chavez, Prince, and May 19 1992.
DJ Shadow – Endtroducing…..
In 1996 the debut album Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow was released. A beatiful piece of art that was made of samples in its entirety!
Cameo and the hit album Word Up!
In 1986 Cameo broke through on a global scale with their commercial and artistic highlight, album and single Word Up! A look back.
Reviews
Prince – Timeless
Unfortunately the Prince compilation Timeless is unbalanced and inanimate. And yet... just for Heaven alone it comes highly recommended!
Siba goes viral – Dounana
The story of Dounana, the song by the Syrian artist Siba, which went viral, two years after its initial release!
St. Vincent – Live In London!
The full recordings of St. Vincent's unique performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2025 are available now on the beautiful album Live In London!
Bruce Springsteen – Streets Of Minneapolis
Today Bruce Springsteen released the protest song Streets Of Minneapolis. Springsteen is angry, and rightfully so. Great song.
Concerts
The Waterboys featuring Steve Earle, 09/10/2026
4/5: The Waterboys and Steve Earle together were more than just a one-off ensembl. It seemed they were made for each other! Beautiful and exhilarating evening!
North Sea Jazz Festival, 07/12/2026
4/5: Day 3 of the greatest festival in The Netherlands: North Sea Jazz. The day of SML, Shabaka and Ally Venable.
North Sea Jazz Festival, 07/11/2026
3½/5: Day 2 of the greatest festival in The Netherlands: North Sea Jazz. The day of Cheikh Lô, Thundercat and Sun Ra Arkestra.
News items
News: Prince – 3121 Las Vegas Live
Record Store Day 2026: Prince - 3121 Las Vegas Live. A double live album from the famed 2007 Las Vegas 3121 residency!
Sub articles
DJ Shadow – Endtroducing….. – All samples
Always wanted to know which samples shaped the impressive debut album Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow? Read it here!
Opinions
NAZA – Go check it out!
NAZA: An in-depth investigation into the shocking systems behind the large-scale civilian deaths in Gaza. Check it out!
