Erwin Barendregt

Erwin Barendregt, owner of A Pop Life (.nl) blog. Subtitle My life with music show the reason behind blog-subjects. Personal stories and preferences are the main subject for the posts and reviews on this blog. Erwin is a passionate musiclover and can frequently be found in concert venues in Holland, and is a person who lacks the stamina/talent to be a musician himself :-).

Most commented posts

  1. Prince releases the fine album Come (and nobody seems to care) — 48 comments
  2. Lovesexy: Prince’s crowning achievement — 48 comments
  3. 30 years ago, the best show I ever witnessed — 40 comments
  4. Prince is victorious (once again) with Sign O’ The Times — 30 comments
  5. My 10 best Genesis songs — 26 comments

Author's posts

Nov 10 2018

Queen and fascism: the Jazz album

Following the release of the Jazz album, Queen was called a fascist band. A preposterous statement. In search of the story behind the seventh Queen album.

Nov 03 2018

My 10 favorite Dutch albums

After many top 10 lists it was about time to present my best Dutch albums. Enjoy!

Oct 27 2018

Japan – Obscure Alternatives

The second Japan album signals a change in course. The band itself doesn’t like looking back on it, but the album holds up surprisingly well.

Oct 21 2018

Neil Young – Comes A Time

In 1978 Neil Young released the Comes A Time album. It was highly anticipated, for it meant a return to the Harvest sound. A look back at a one-off Neil Young album.

Oct 17 2018

The Waterboys say farewell to ‘the big music’: Fisherman’s Blues!

In 1988 The Waterboys surprised a lot of people with their new album Fisherman’s Blues. Where had their well-known and popular ‘big music’ gone? The story about a search for simplicity and honesty.

Oct 13 2018

Herbie Hancock – Head Hunters

In 1973 Herbie Hancock released a hybrid album. It unified rhythm and blues, jazz and funk. It was an instant mega success. The story behind the phenomenal Head Hunters!

Oct 05 2018

Mazzy Star – So Tonight That I Might See

In 1993 Mazzy Star releases their second album, the beautiful So Tonight At I Might See. David Roback and Hope Sandoval are victorious. A look back.

Sep 29 2018

Outkast – Aquemini

Outkast’s third album Aquemini is 20 years old. At the time, the follow-ups Stankonia and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, had yet to be created. The story of a masterpiece.

Sep 22 2018

Funkadelic – One Nation Under A Groove

One Nation Under A Groove: the most successful Funkadelic album turns 40 years old. A look back on an essential funk offering.

Sep 18 2018

Kiss solo albums: Ace Frehley

In 1978 Kiss released four solo albums in one day. The album by the underrated guitar player Ace Frehley was the best, by far. A look back at a unique feat.

Sep 09 2018

30 years ago, the most special show I ever witnessed

Today, 30 years ago, I witnessed the most special show in my life. Prince played in Dortmund to a predominantly Dutch crowd. The show was broadcast simultaneously!

Sep 03 2018

Tom Waits – Swordfishtrombones

Early 1983 Tom Waits’ caraeer, which was once filled with so much promise, is vitually over. Until he releases Swordfishtrombones!

Aug 28 2018

Aswad – Live And Direct

In 1983 Aswad performed at the Notting Hill Carnival. It was one of the best shows of their entire career and became one the best-known reggae live albums of all time. A look back on a beautiful summer’s day.

Aug 18 2018

Herbie Hancock – Future Shock

In 1983 a strange video was shown. It featured images and sounds from the future. Herbie Hancock’s Rockit and the Future Shock album announced new times.

Aug 08 2018

N.W.A. – Straight Outta Compton

30 Years ago gangsta rap came bubbling up from the undergound. N.W.A. released their influential and shocking Straight Outta Compton. Hip-hop would never be the same again.