Ed Percival
@edpercival.bsky.social
Member of Terry & the Chalkmen. Old git, happy to chat about good things like: XTC; prog rock; Crowded House; music in general; London gigs; Architecture; Comedy; Books; TV; Man Utd
Left of centre, pro-European
Listening to a new (to me) album, every day
Left of centre, pro-European
Listening to a new (to me) album, every day
Y2D16. Robbie Williams: Britpop
A Zadar boat trip reminded me just how many good songs he’s done. Out today, this retains all the confident swagger you’d expect, with an interesting diversity of styles and solid songs which I’m sure could grow on me.
7/10
A Zadar boat trip reminded me just how many good songs he’s done. Out today, this retains all the confident swagger you’d expect, with an interesting diversity of styles and solid songs which I’m sure could grow on me.
7/10
January 16, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Y2D16. Robbie Williams: Britpop
A Zadar boat trip reminded me just how many good songs he’s done. Out today, this retains all the confident swagger you’d expect, with an interesting diversity of styles and solid songs which I’m sure could grow on me.
7/10
A Zadar boat trip reminded me just how many good songs he’s done. Out today, this retains all the confident swagger you’d expect, with an interesting diversity of styles and solid songs which I’m sure could grow on me.
7/10
Y2D14. Solstice: Clann
We supported Andy Glass’s band in ‘83. He’s still going with a new troupe who deliver his relentlessly upbeat blend of folk and prog. The guitar playing is great, but I’m not wild about the songs.
7/10
We supported Andy Glass’s band in ‘83. He’s still going with a new troupe who deliver his relentlessly upbeat blend of folk and prog. The guitar playing is great, but I’m not wild about the songs.
7/10
January 15, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Y2D14. Solstice: Clann
We supported Andy Glass’s band in ‘83. He’s still going with a new troupe who deliver his relentlessly upbeat blend of folk and prog. The guitar playing is great, but I’m not wild about the songs.
7/10
We supported Andy Glass’s band in ‘83. He’s still going with a new troupe who deliver his relentlessly upbeat blend of folk and prog. The guitar playing is great, but I’m not wild about the songs.
7/10
Y2D15. The Blue Aeroplanes: Tolerance
Bristol Talking Heads/Indie/folk crossover. From the early 80s- it sounds like the sort of student band that I feel I’ve heard dozens of times before. Spoken word vocals are as bad as rap to my ears.
4/10
Bristol Talking Heads/Indie/folk crossover. From the early 80s- it sounds like the sort of student band that I feel I’ve heard dozens of times before. Spoken word vocals are as bad as rap to my ears.
4/10
January 15, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Y2D15. The Blue Aeroplanes: Tolerance
Bristol Talking Heads/Indie/folk crossover. From the early 80s- it sounds like the sort of student band that I feel I’ve heard dozens of times before. Spoken word vocals are as bad as rap to my ears.
4/10
Bristol Talking Heads/Indie/folk crossover. From the early 80s- it sounds like the sort of student band that I feel I’ve heard dozens of times before. Spoken word vocals are as bad as rap to my ears.
4/10
Y2D13. Finally George: Painter
Quality modern prog, very much in the BB Train arena, but perhaps closer to Cosmograf in the vocals.
An interesting collection of songs and arrangements with plenty to unpick and discover.
8/10
Quality modern prog, very much in the BB Train arena, but perhaps closer to Cosmograf in the vocals.
An interesting collection of songs and arrangements with plenty to unpick and discover.
8/10
January 14, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Y2D13. Finally George: Painter
Quality modern prog, very much in the BB Train arena, but perhaps closer to Cosmograf in the vocals.
An interesting collection of songs and arrangements with plenty to unpick and discover.
8/10
Quality modern prog, very much in the BB Train arena, but perhaps closer to Cosmograf in the vocals.
An interesting collection of songs and arrangements with plenty to unpick and discover.
8/10
Y2D12. Dead Poets’ Society: Fission
Confident, crunchy techno-rock which put me in mind of Muse. His voice is incredibly androgynous- akin to Billie Eilish- and some of the treatments seem quite similar. It’s got a very consistent style and atmosphere which is ultimately a bit monotonous.
6/10
Confident, crunchy techno-rock which put me in mind of Muse. His voice is incredibly androgynous- akin to Billie Eilish- and some of the treatments seem quite similar. It’s got a very consistent style and atmosphere which is ultimately a bit monotonous.
6/10
January 13, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Y2D12. Dead Poets’ Society: Fission
Confident, crunchy techno-rock which put me in mind of Muse. His voice is incredibly androgynous- akin to Billie Eilish- and some of the treatments seem quite similar. It’s got a very consistent style and atmosphere which is ultimately a bit monotonous.
6/10
Confident, crunchy techno-rock which put me in mind of Muse. His voice is incredibly androgynous- akin to Billie Eilish- and some of the treatments seem quite similar. It’s got a very consistent style and atmosphere which is ultimately a bit monotonous.
6/10
Y2D11. My Life Story: Joined Up Talking
I met the main man a few years ago, but didn’t follow up with exploring his work. This is a very strong album, packed full of interesting and varied songs, delivered with conviction. It’s from the world of Britpop and perhaps it arrived too late (2000).
8/10
I met the main man a few years ago, but didn’t follow up with exploring his work. This is a very strong album, packed full of interesting and varied songs, delivered with conviction. It’s from the world of Britpop and perhaps it arrived too late (2000).
8/10
January 13, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Y2D11. My Life Story: Joined Up Talking
I met the main man a few years ago, but didn’t follow up with exploring his work. This is a very strong album, packed full of interesting and varied songs, delivered with conviction. It’s from the world of Britpop and perhaps it arrived too late (2000).
8/10
I met the main man a few years ago, but didn’t follow up with exploring his work. This is a very strong album, packed full of interesting and varied songs, delivered with conviction. It’s from the world of Britpop and perhaps it arrived too late (2000).
8/10
Y2D9. Grandaddy: The Fambly Cat
More quirky fun from these crazy people. Could maybe have been a couple of songs shorter, starts and finishes well.
7/10
More quirky fun from these crazy people. Could maybe have been a couple of songs shorter, starts and finishes well.
7/10
January 12, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Y2D9. Grandaddy: The Fambly Cat
More quirky fun from these crazy people. Could maybe have been a couple of songs shorter, starts and finishes well.
7/10
More quirky fun from these crazy people. Could maybe have been a couple of songs shorter, starts and finishes well.
7/10
Y2D10. Bonny Light Horseman: Keep Me on Your Mind/ See Me Free
Folk supergroup of sorts. Early songs mix annoying male and female voices which both pay homage to Dylan. Unfortunately. Towards the end of the hour the songs seem to gain sophistication but are no more lovable.
5/10
Folk supergroup of sorts. Early songs mix annoying male and female voices which both pay homage to Dylan. Unfortunately. Towards the end of the hour the songs seem to gain sophistication but are no more lovable.
5/10
January 12, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Y2D10. Bonny Light Horseman: Keep Me on Your Mind/ See Me Free
Folk supergroup of sorts. Early songs mix annoying male and female voices which both pay homage to Dylan. Unfortunately. Towards the end of the hour the songs seem to gain sophistication but are no more lovable.
5/10
Folk supergroup of sorts. Early songs mix annoying male and female voices which both pay homage to Dylan. Unfortunately. Towards the end of the hour the songs seem to gain sophistication but are no more lovable.
5/10
Y2D8. The Cribs: Rock Star Shit
They have a new album out tomorrow and I was due to go and see them live tonight. However, having listened to this and the later album, I changed my mind. I found it depressing quite how bad a singer they have. Live, it’ll be worse and I love my hearing!
4/10
They have a new album out tomorrow and I was due to go and see them live tonight. However, having listened to this and the later album, I changed my mind. I found it depressing quite how bad a singer they have. Live, it’ll be worse and I love my hearing!
4/10
January 8, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Y2D8. The Cribs: Rock Star Shit
They have a new album out tomorrow and I was due to go and see them live tonight. However, having listened to this and the later album, I changed my mind. I found it depressing quite how bad a singer they have. Live, it’ll be worse and I love my hearing!
4/10
They have a new album out tomorrow and I was due to go and see them live tonight. However, having listened to this and the later album, I changed my mind. I found it depressing quite how bad a singer they have. Live, it’ll be worse and I love my hearing!
4/10
Y2D7. Ihlo: Union
Metal, it says. I liked the quiet and melodic bits, but there’s something about the clicky double bass drum and bass thumpy bits that really do nothing for me.
6/10
Metal, it says. I liked the quiet and melodic bits, but there’s something about the clicky double bass drum and bass thumpy bits that really do nothing for me.
6/10
January 7, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Y2D7. Ihlo: Union
Metal, it says. I liked the quiet and melodic bits, but there’s something about the clicky double bass drum and bass thumpy bits that really do nothing for me.
6/10
Metal, it says. I liked the quiet and melodic bits, but there’s something about the clicky double bass drum and bass thumpy bits that really do nothing for me.
6/10
Y2D6. Sufjan Stevens: Javelin
I fell for Illinois a few years ago, but hadn’t listened to more. This seems less wilfully quirky, but has a charm, intelligence and wit of its own. It demands further listening.
8/10
I fell for Illinois a few years ago, but hadn’t listened to more. This seems less wilfully quirky, but has a charm, intelligence and wit of its own. It demands further listening.
8/10
January 6, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Y2D6. Sufjan Stevens: Javelin
I fell for Illinois a few years ago, but hadn’t listened to more. This seems less wilfully quirky, but has a charm, intelligence and wit of its own. It demands further listening.
8/10
I fell for Illinois a few years ago, but hadn’t listened to more. This seems less wilfully quirky, but has a charm, intelligence and wit of its own. It demands further listening.
8/10
Y2D5. Ben Folds: Songs for Silverman
Rocking was one of my favourite discoveries of last year. This is a more consistent set of songs, but perhaps less interesting as a result. Still a very solid album by a great artist.
8/10
Rocking was one of my favourite discoveries of last year. This is a more consistent set of songs, but perhaps less interesting as a result. Still a very solid album by a great artist.
8/10
January 5, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Y2D5. Ben Folds: Songs for Silverman
Rocking was one of my favourite discoveries of last year. This is a more consistent set of songs, but perhaps less interesting as a result. Still a very solid album by a great artist.
8/10
Rocking was one of my favourite discoveries of last year. This is a more consistent set of songs, but perhaps less interesting as a result. Still a very solid album by a great artist.
8/10
Y2D4. IQ: Are You Sitting Comfortably?
I’ve enjoying the other stuff of theirs that I’ve heard, but this was bland and lifeless- possibly more so given the vocalist. Sounds like a band trying to fit into someone else’s genre.
4/10
I’ve enjoying the other stuff of theirs that I’ve heard, but this was bland and lifeless- possibly more so given the vocalist. Sounds like a band trying to fit into someone else’s genre.
4/10
January 4, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Y2D4. IQ: Are You Sitting Comfortably?
I’ve enjoying the other stuff of theirs that I’ve heard, but this was bland and lifeless- possibly more so given the vocalist. Sounds like a band trying to fit into someone else’s genre.
4/10
I’ve enjoying the other stuff of theirs that I’ve heard, but this was bland and lifeless- possibly more so given the vocalist. Sounds like a band trying to fit into someone else’s genre.
4/10
Y2D3. The Waterboys: A Pagan Place
Similar era and heritage to Aztec, but less satisfying due to less interesting melodies and his limited range. The Celtic Spector mix is tiresome. We supported them a couple of years before this came out and were impressed by his cool.
5/10
Similar era and heritage to Aztec, but less satisfying due to less interesting melodies and his limited range. The Celtic Spector mix is tiresome. We supported them a couple of years before this came out and were impressed by his cool.
5/10
January 3, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Y2D3. The Waterboys: A Pagan Place
Similar era and heritage to Aztec, but less satisfying due to less interesting melodies and his limited range. The Celtic Spector mix is tiresome. We supported them a couple of years before this came out and were impressed by his cool.
5/10
Similar era and heritage to Aztec, but less satisfying due to less interesting melodies and his limited range. The Celtic Spector mix is tiresome. We supported them a couple of years before this came out and were impressed by his cool.
5/10
Year 2, day 2. Aztec Camera: Frestonia
Very classy guitar based adult pop from the 80s. The follow up to albums that I listened to lots. A Neil Finn timbre to his voice. Comfortable and assured.
8/10
Very classy guitar based adult pop from the 80s. The follow up to albums that I listened to lots. A Neil Finn timbre to his voice. Comfortable and assured.
8/10
January 3, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Year 2, day 2. Aztec Camera: Frestonia
Very classy guitar based adult pop from the 80s. The follow up to albums that I listened to lots. A Neil Finn timbre to his voice. Comfortable and assured.
8/10
Very classy guitar based adult pop from the 80s. The follow up to albums that I listened to lots. A Neil Finn timbre to his voice. Comfortable and assured.
8/10
Year 2, Day 1. Steely Dan: Katy Lied
I like Pretzel. This feels familiar, but it’s not an instant grabber. It feels rather superficial.
6 out of 10
I like Pretzel. This feels familiar, but it’s not an instant grabber. It feels rather superficial.
6 out of 10
January 2, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Year 2, Day 1. Steely Dan: Katy Lied
I like Pretzel. This feels familiar, but it’s not an instant grabber. It feels rather superficial.
6 out of 10
I like Pretzel. This feels familiar, but it’s not an instant grabber. It feels rather superficial.
6 out of 10
But how satisfying has it been to devote 4.2% of my waking hours to discovering new music? I just compiled a playlist of the 9 plus rated albums and it comes in at 14 hours 20 minutes. And that’s before I get around to up rating the ones that have grown on me.
December 31, 2025 at 12:57 PM
But how satisfying has it been to devote 4.2% of my waking hours to discovering new music? I just compiled a playlist of the 9 plus rated albums and it comes in at 14 hours 20 minutes. And that’s before I get around to up rating the ones that have grown on me.
So that’s the year done. 365 albums, of which 87 were rated 8 or above and stay in the collection. 15 got a 9 and three got full marks.
My top 5 are…
…going to take me a while to sort out.
My top 5 are…
…going to take me a while to sort out.
December 31, 2025 at 12:16 PM
So that’s the year done. 365 albums, of which 87 were rated 8 or above and stay in the collection. 15 got a 9 and three got full marks.
My top 5 are…
…going to take me a while to sort out.
My top 5 are…
…going to take me a while to sort out.
Day 365! The Osmonds: Crazy Horses
Who doesn’t love the hit? A schizophrenic set of songs, kicking off with Zepp and voice box guitar among other proto metal screamers, yet interspersed with schmalz. At their rockiest it’s not bad. And Donny didn’t play the weh weh bit! Interesting
5 out of 10
Who doesn’t love the hit? A schizophrenic set of songs, kicking off with Zepp and voice box guitar among other proto metal screamers, yet interspersed with schmalz. At their rockiest it’s not bad. And Donny didn’t play the weh weh bit! Interesting
5 out of 10
December 31, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Day 365! The Osmonds: Crazy Horses
Who doesn’t love the hit? A schizophrenic set of songs, kicking off with Zepp and voice box guitar among other proto metal screamers, yet interspersed with schmalz. At their rockiest it’s not bad. And Donny didn’t play the weh weh bit! Interesting
5 out of 10
Who doesn’t love the hit? A schizophrenic set of songs, kicking off with Zepp and voice box guitar among other proto metal screamers, yet interspersed with schmalz. At their rockiest it’s not bad. And Donny didn’t play the weh weh bit! Interesting
5 out of 10
Day 364. Nina Simone: I Put a Spell on You
A wonderful set of songs, delivered masterfully. What a voice! I must spend more time in her company.
7 out of 10
A wonderful set of songs, delivered masterfully. What a voice! I must spend more time in her company.
7 out of 10
December 30, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Day 364. Nina Simone: I Put a Spell on You
A wonderful set of songs, delivered masterfully. What a voice! I must spend more time in her company.
7 out of 10
A wonderful set of songs, delivered masterfully. What a voice! I must spend more time in her company.
7 out of 10
Day 363. Melaine Dalibert & David Sylvian: Vermillion Hours
Sticking with ex-Japan types, this is a newish ambient work which is basically two pieces where a grand piano has a faltering tune picked on it with the sustain pedal held down and there are other background drones/echoes/loops.
7/10
Sticking with ex-Japan types, this is a newish ambient work which is basically two pieces where a grand piano has a faltering tune picked on it with the sustain pedal held down and there are other background drones/echoes/loops.
7/10
December 30, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Day 363. Melaine Dalibert & David Sylvian: Vermillion Hours
Sticking with ex-Japan types, this is a newish ambient work which is basically two pieces where a grand piano has a faltering tune picked on it with the sustain pedal held down and there are other background drones/echoes/loops.
7/10
Sticking with ex-Japan types, this is a newish ambient work which is basically two pieces where a grand piano has a faltering tune picked on it with the sustain pedal held down and there are other background drones/echoes/loops.
7/10
Day 362. Steve Jansen & Richard Barbieri: Stories Across Borders
An early collaboration between half of Japan. Instrumental plinking and plonking immediately familiar to fans of Tin Drum. Forms a very cohesive whole, but one which feels like a soundtrack to some other art piece.
7 out of 10
An early collaboration between half of Japan. Instrumental plinking and plonking immediately familiar to fans of Tin Drum. Forms a very cohesive whole, but one which feels like a soundtrack to some other art piece.
7 out of 10
December 29, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Day 362. Steve Jansen & Richard Barbieri: Stories Across Borders
An early collaboration between half of Japan. Instrumental plinking and plonking immediately familiar to fans of Tin Drum. Forms a very cohesive whole, but one which feels like a soundtrack to some other art piece.
7 out of 10
An early collaboration between half of Japan. Instrumental plinking and plonking immediately familiar to fans of Tin Drum. Forms a very cohesive whole, but one which feels like a soundtrack to some other art piece.
7 out of 10
Day 361. Tom Odell: Monsters
A second visit to Mr. Odell. Sparse production and intimate songs make this a little like a male Eilish. Lots of interesting variations in the instrumentation. He has a very expressive and versatile voice.
8 out of 10
A second visit to Mr. Odell. Sparse production and intimate songs make this a little like a male Eilish. Lots of interesting variations in the instrumentation. He has a very expressive and versatile voice.
8 out of 10
December 28, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Day 361. Tom Odell: Monsters
A second visit to Mr. Odell. Sparse production and intimate songs make this a little like a male Eilish. Lots of interesting variations in the instrumentation. He has a very expressive and versatile voice.
8 out of 10
A second visit to Mr. Odell. Sparse production and intimate songs make this a little like a male Eilish. Lots of interesting variations in the instrumentation. He has a very expressive and versatile voice.
8 out of 10
Day 360. Yes: Going for the One
I lost interest in Yes with the tedious Tales from.. not returning until 90125. But this is a good album, with accessible and interesting songs, that was enjoyable from the off. I’d not heard anything apart from Wondrous. Quality prog! Awful cover.
8 out of 10
I lost interest in Yes with the tedious Tales from.. not returning until 90125. But this is a good album, with accessible and interesting songs, that was enjoyable from the off. I’d not heard anything apart from Wondrous. Quality prog! Awful cover.
8 out of 10
December 27, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Day 360. Yes: Going for the One
I lost interest in Yes with the tedious Tales from.. not returning until 90125. But this is a good album, with accessible and interesting songs, that was enjoyable from the off. I’d not heard anything apart from Wondrous. Quality prog! Awful cover.
8 out of 10
I lost interest in Yes with the tedious Tales from.. not returning until 90125. But this is a good album, with accessible and interesting songs, that was enjoyable from the off. I’d not heard anything apart from Wondrous. Quality prog! Awful cover.
8 out of 10
Day 359. Adrian Belew: Salad Days
I hadn’t realised this was a compilation. A rich and madly diverse collection of songs, many just voice and acoustic guitar. He is a fantastic and original musician- perhaps easier to listen to than to watch.
Really enjoyed it.
8 out of 10
I hadn’t realised this was a compilation. A rich and madly diverse collection of songs, many just voice and acoustic guitar. He is a fantastic and original musician- perhaps easier to listen to than to watch.
Really enjoyed it.
8 out of 10
December 27, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Day 359. Adrian Belew: Salad Days
I hadn’t realised this was a compilation. A rich and madly diverse collection of songs, many just voice and acoustic guitar. He is a fantastic and original musician- perhaps easier to listen to than to watch.
Really enjoyed it.
8 out of 10
I hadn’t realised this was a compilation. A rich and madly diverse collection of songs, many just voice and acoustic guitar. He is a fantastic and original musician- perhaps easier to listen to than to watch.
Really enjoyed it.
8 out of 10