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
Prince’s HITnRUN Phase One: hit or miss?
In the Summer of 2015 Prince releases one of the most controversial albums in his entire career. Uninspired EDM or not?
The Cure breaks through in 1985 with The Head On The Door
In 1985 The Cure (finally) reaches a huge audience. The combination of pop and doom works like a charm and saves Pinkpop. A look back!
Red Hot Chili Peppers and George Clinton work together, Freaky Styley was the funky result
In 1985 Red Hot Chili Peppers released their second album, Freaky Styley. The story of funk, punk, drugs and George Clinton!
Arcade Fire and the album I was waiting for, The Suburbs
In 2010 I was eagerly awaiting the third Arcade Fire album. The story of an indie classic. The Suburbs: veni vidi vici!
1985 is 40 years ago: 40 singles that gave the year its color
1985 is already 40 years old. A great occasion for compiling a list of 40 singles that helped shape that year!
Reviews
Peter Gabriel – Live At WOMAD 1982
In 1982 the first ever WOMAD festival takes place. The full first Peter Gabriel concert on that festival is available, now. A look back!
Little Simz – Lotus
Little Simz released her sixth album on June 6, 2025, and it's arguably her best yet. A review of a masterpiece!
Bryan Ferry & Amelia Barratt – Loose Talk
And then there was Loose Talk, an album that sees almost 80 year old Bryan Ferry going into new directions yet again. Original, moody and beautiful!
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.
Concerts
Dilek Türkan & Elif Sanchez, 08/30/2025
3½/5: A nice show at a special location in the greatest city in the world. Songs Atatürk used to love played in a surprisingly modern way.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA, 07/15/2025
3½:5: Kendrick Lamar was fantastic, SZA mediocre. A unique concert in a great venue in Paris with my sons!
North Sea Jazz Festival, 07/13/2025
4/5: Day 3 of the greatest festival in The Netherlands: North Sea Jazz. The day of Jacob Collier, WAR, Kamasi Washington and Diana Ross.
News items
News: Prince – Around The World In A Day: Newly Remastered Standard & Deluxe Vinyl & CD Editions Available
On November 21, 2025, the Prince And The Revolution album Around The World In A Day will be re-released, including all B-sides and more!
Sub articles
The Cure – The Head On The Door – Reissue liner notes
In 2006 The Cure's The Head On The Door was re-released, with extra songs and beautifully written liner notes. Read them here!
Opinions
Stop Violence Against Women
Unfortunately, violence against women is still is a problem, What's worse, it seems to get even bigger. What can we do?
