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
The Smashing Pumpkins and the underrated Adore
After reaching world domination The Smashing Pumpkins continued their career with the release of Adore, an album that was nothing like they had done before. A look back.
Malcolm McLaren mixes world music with hip-hop: Duck Rock
On May 27, 1983, Malcolm McLaren released his first solo album, a highly innovative album that brought hip-hop and world music together. The story of Duck Rock.
The complete Liquid Liquid story: Slip In And Out Of Phenomenon
In 2008 the compilation Slip In And Out Of Phenomenon was released, a look back on the short, yet influential career of Liquid Liquid (1981-1983).
10 Royalty Songs
King's Day in The Netherlands. A great occasion to compile a 'royalty' list. This is a 100% random list and could have been 10 times as long. Please, feel free to add to the list!
Timbuk3 – Eden Alley
Timbuk3 and their second album Eden Alley. The story of an undervalued album and an underrated band. A look back.
Reviews
The Smashing Pumpkins – ATUM
The Smashing Pumpkins - ATUM, A rock opera in 3 parts. Isn't that a bit pretentious? Hell yes, but in spite of that, does it fare well? Yes!
Sudan Archives – Natural Brown Prom Queen
On September 9, 2022, Sudan Archives released her second album: the beautiful Natural Brown Prom Queen. Definitely highly recommended!
Prince And The Revolution – Live
In 1985 Prince And The Revolution played to an audience of millions. The audio recordings have been remastered and (finally) released seperately. It's a beautiful document!
Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Over 5 years after the fantastic DAMN., Kendrick Lamar finally releases a successor. Is the new album really that good again? Yes, yes and yes again!
Concerts
Depeche Mode, 05/16/2023
4/5: Great visuals, a fitting tribute to the recently deceased Andrew Fletcher and the unbridled commitent of Gahan and Gore, make the opening show of the European tour a true spectacle!
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, 05/13/2023
4½/5: The 73 year old Bruce Springsteen at the modern La Défense Arena in Paris. Passion and fire throughout the 2 hours and 50 minutes long superb show!
The Waterboys, 04/03/2023
2½/5: The Waterboys at Paradiso, alas, too little musical sparkle. The long intermission wasn't helpful. The concert had lost its steam.
News items
News: Announcing Revolver Special Editions
On October 28th, 2022, the (best?) Beatles album Revolver will be re-released with new mixes and many extras. Something to look forward to!
News: Neil Young + Promise Of The Real Live album
On August 5th, 2022, the live album Noise & Flowers by Neil Young + Promise Of The Real will be released, a report of their 2019 European tour.
