May 27 2024

My very last Prince show ever was an unrivalled highlight!

Prince in Antwerp 05/27/2014 (over-blog.com)

On May 27, 2014, I witnessed my last ever Prince concert. It was one of the best shows I ever saw him play!

May 24 2024

Prince and Mavis Staples, friendship and beautiful music

Prince and Mavis Staples - July 27, 1988 (youtube.com)

In 1987 Mavis Staples signed a deal with Paisley Park Records. It resulted in two beautiful albums, on which Prince spent a lot of his time and attention. A look back on a unique friendship.

May 16 2024

When Doves Cry: the best song of all time turns 40

Prince And The Revolution - When Doves Cry (single and maxi-single) (pinterest.com/store.prince.com)

On May 16, 1984 When Doves Cry was released. The first single of the upcoming Purple Rain album (and movie). Prince’s genius was about to conquer the world.

May 10 2024

G. Love And Special Sauce

G. Love And Special Sauce - G. Love And Special Sauce (bol.com)

In 1994 G. Love And Special Sauce made their debut, creators of The Hip-Hop Blues, a mix of Delta blues, hip hop, rock & roll soul and funk.

May 03 2024

Sly And The Family Stone’s breakthrough album Stand!

Sly And The Family Stone - Stand! - Featured Image (apoplife.nl)

In 1969 Sly And The Family Stone finally hit the big time with the release of their fourth album, Stand! and an unforgettable performance at Woodstock!

Apr 23 2024

Ohio Players and the start of the platinum trilogy: Skin Tight

Ohio Players - Skin Tight - Featured Image (youtube.com/spotify.com/apoplife.nl)

In 1974 the Ohio Players released part 1 of their ‘platinum’ trilogy, the unsurpassed Skin Tight, a funk classic!

Apr 12 2024

Hole – Live Through This

Hole - Live Through This (spotify.com)

In 1994 Hole released their second album. Was Live Through This overshadowed by Courtney Love’s private troubles?

Apr 01 2024

1-2-3-4! The Ramones and the It’s Alive story

Ramones - Live 12/31/1977 (motherjones.com)

1-2-3-4! The Ramones and the It’s Alive story, one of the best live albums ever. The ultimate Ramones album?

Mar 22 2024

Frank Zappa, Apostrophe (‘) and the Yellow Snow suite

Frank Zappa - Apostrophe (') - Featured Image (apoplife.nl)

In 1974 Frank Zappa released his most commercially successful album ever, Apostrophe (‘). Songs about yellow snow, an Eskimo and racism.

Mar 14 2024

The 15 best Japan songs

Japan 1981 (loudersound.com/apoplife.nl)

As a tribute to my favorite band when I turned 18, A Pop Life presents a compilation of the best Japan songs.