Ian Paul Sharp
@ianpaulsharp.bsky.social
Freelance music critic. I write 'LP: The Liner Notes' reading between the grooves on Substack.
Read, and commission, via ianpaulsharp.uk
Read, and commission, via ianpaulsharp.uk
I’ve just seen the news that Chris Rea has died. What a songwriter! I’m not going with ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ because there are plenty of opportunities to hear that just now. A great song and video: ‘Auberge’. Rest well, Chris.
youtu.be/hakXug2FNkc?...
youtu.be/hakXug2FNkc?...
Chris Rea - Auberge (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by Chris Rea
youtu.be
December 22, 2025 at 3:46 PM
I’ve just seen the news that Chris Rea has died. What a songwriter! I’m not going with ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ because there are plenty of opportunities to hear that just now. A great song and video: ‘Auberge’. Rest well, Chris.
youtu.be/hakXug2FNkc?...
youtu.be/hakXug2FNkc?...
'Christmas Eve and Other Stories' (LP>Playlist #063) is out. Listen now. Link in bio.
December 18, 2025 at 10:06 AM
'Christmas Eve and Other Stories' (LP>Playlist #063) is out. Listen now. Link in bio.
My latest review for The Progressive Aspect - Thea Gilmore’s excellent seven CD boxed set ‘My Own Private Riot 2008-2015.
theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2025/12...
theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2025/12...
Thea Gilmore – My Own Private Riot 2008-2015 (7CD Boxset)
Thea Gilmore has made 21 albums, and counting, across a diverse range of genres we can summarise as folk rock. The first, Burning Dorothy, was released in 1998, and a further six followed before we…
theprogressiveaspect.net
December 14, 2025 at 1:01 PM
My latest review for The Progressive Aspect - Thea Gilmore’s excellent seven CD boxed set ‘My Own Private Riot 2008-2015.
theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2025/12...
theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2025/12...
A piece about Marillion's 'An Extended Collection of Recycled Gifts' and Les Penning's and Rob Reed's 'Christmas Collection'. linktr.ee/ianpaulsharp
December 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM
A piece about Marillion's 'An Extended Collection of Recycled Gifts' and Les Penning's and Rob Reed's 'Christmas Collection'. linktr.ee/ianpaulsharp
Now live on LP - some thoughts about the latest boxed set from The Who: 'Who Are You'. Link in bio.
November 11, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Now live on LP - some thoughts about the latest boxed set from The Who: 'Who Are You'. Link in bio.
Andrew Latimer (of Camel) sent a gift to his listeners today, which he describes as one from the vaults; he’s reviewing tracks for a possible acoustic album. We hear Latimer accompanied by Guy Lebanc on a 13-minute understated, beautiful, epic song.
andrewlatimer.bandcamp.com/track/lady-f...
andrewlatimer.bandcamp.com/track/lady-f...
LADY FANTASY, ACOUSTIC, by Andrew Latimer
track by Andrew Latimer
andrewlatimer.bandcamp.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Andrew Latimer (of Camel) sent a gift to his listeners today, which he describes as one from the vaults; he’s reviewing tracks for a possible acoustic album. We hear Latimer accompanied by Guy Lebanc on a 13-minute understated, beautiful, epic song.
andrewlatimer.bandcamp.com/track/lady-f...
andrewlatimer.bandcamp.com/track/lady-f...
Radiohead in the round in Madrid. An unusual staging incorporating a striking video presentation. Musically, it’s a straight reading of ‘No Surprises’ from their peak album OK Computer. Will you be catching Radiohead on this tour?
Read 'LP', link in bio.
youtu.be/XvtOPJUxsk8?...
Read 'LP', link in bio.
youtu.be/XvtOPJUxsk8?...
Radiohead 11/4/25 “No Surprises” at Movistar Arena in Madrid,Spain
YouTube video by Gregory M
youtu.be
November 9, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Radiohead in the round in Madrid. An unusual staging incorporating a striking video presentation. Musically, it’s a straight reading of ‘No Surprises’ from their peak album OK Computer. Will you be catching Radiohead on this tour?
Read 'LP', link in bio.
youtu.be/XvtOPJUxsk8?...
Read 'LP', link in bio.
youtu.be/XvtOPJUxsk8?...
I’m getting some preliminary ideas together for the next LP>Play, due on 17 November. New release Friday is always exciting, and this was one of those rare days when there was a surprise: a new single by Big Big Train. A progression in their sound?
Read 'LP': link in bio.
youtu.be/EvfelPfJ51U?...
Read 'LP': link in bio.
youtu.be/EvfelPfJ51U?...
The Artist
YouTube video by Big Big Train - Topic
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 12:31 PM
I’m getting some preliminary ideas together for the next LP>Play, due on 17 November. New release Friday is always exciting, and this was one of those rare days when there was a surprise: a new single by Big Big Train. A progression in their sound?
Read 'LP': link in bio.
youtu.be/EvfelPfJ51U?...
Read 'LP': link in bio.
youtu.be/EvfelPfJ51U?...
My Note yesterday was about the Grateful Dead. There’s another group with a loyal fanbase: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Have you ever followed a band from gig to gig?
youtu.be/hiLlkwE-NwQ?...
youtu.be/hiLlkwE-NwQ?...
King gizzard and the lizard wizard - orchestra - Phantom island - Royal Albert Hall - 04/11/25
YouTube video by Back in my day
youtu.be
November 6, 2025 at 1:15 PM
My Note yesterday was about the Grateful Dead. There’s another group with a loyal fanbase: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Have you ever followed a band from gig to gig?
youtu.be/hiLlkwE-NwQ?...
youtu.be/hiLlkwE-NwQ?...
LP>TRACK: Grateful Dead - From the Heart of Me/Sunshine Daydream 12-31-78
Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay passed yesterday. She sang with the Grateful Dead in the seventies.
youtu.be/Zh7sYUNkPic?...
Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay passed yesterday. She sang with the Grateful Dead in the seventies.
youtu.be/Zh7sYUNkPic?...
Grateful Dead - From the Heart of Me/Sunshine Daydream 12-31-78
YouTube video by lndifference
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 1:01 PM
LP>TRACK: Grateful Dead - From the Heart of Me/Sunshine Daydream 12-31-78
Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay passed yesterday. She sang with the Grateful Dead in the seventies.
youtu.be/Zh7sYUNkPic?...
Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay passed yesterday. She sang with the Grateful Dead in the seventies.
youtu.be/Zh7sYUNkPic?...
Every couple of weeks, a new playlist, using the algorithm in my brain. This one includes Camel, Spock's Beard, The Who, and more. Listen and read my guide at iansharp.substack.com/p/060
November 4, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Every couple of weeks, a new playlist, using the algorithm in my brain. This one includes Camel, Spock's Beard, The Who, and more. Listen and read my guide at iansharp.substack.com/p/060
My review of the new Spriggan Mist progressive folk album 'The Glare', written for The Progressive Aspect, is now live. Spoiler: It's excellent. #progrock #progressivefolk #paganrock #reviews #musicwriter
www.ianpaulsharp.uk/reviews/
www.ianpaulsharp.uk/reviews/
November 2, 2025 at 2:34 PM
My review of the new Spriggan Mist progressive folk album 'The Glare', written for The Progressive Aspect, is now live. Spoiler: It's excellent. #progrock #progressivefolk #paganrock #reviews #musicwriter
www.ianpaulsharp.uk/reviews/
www.ianpaulsharp.uk/reviews/
LP>TRACK Dyble Longdon, ‘Astrologers’
Judy Dyble was a member of Fairport Convention. David Longdon was probably best known as the lead singer of Big Big Train. Both are no longer with us. For Halloween, that gorgeous album cover by Sarah Ewing feels right.
youtu.be/-3kQLMl7hMs?...
Judy Dyble was a member of Fairport Convention. David Longdon was probably best known as the lead singer of Big Big Train. Both are no longer with us. For Halloween, that gorgeous album cover by Sarah Ewing feels right.
youtu.be/-3kQLMl7hMs?...
Astrologers by Dyble Longdon
YouTube video by Big Big Train
youtu.be
October 31, 2025 at 1:42 PM
LP>TRACK Dyble Longdon, ‘Astrologers’
Judy Dyble was a member of Fairport Convention. David Longdon was probably best known as the lead singer of Big Big Train. Both are no longer with us. For Halloween, that gorgeous album cover by Sarah Ewing feels right.
youtu.be/-3kQLMl7hMs?...
Judy Dyble was a member of Fairport Convention. David Longdon was probably best known as the lead singer of Big Big Train. Both are no longer with us. For Halloween, that gorgeous album cover by Sarah Ewing feels right.
youtu.be/-3kQLMl7hMs?...
LP>TRACK: Ghost of the Machine, ‘The One’ (Official Lyric Video)
From their second album, Empires Must Fall, released earlier in the year, this is a lively, melodic prog rock track. There could well be another track in LP>PLAY in a few days (subscription link in comments).
youtu.be/jBAYfl6iL14?...
From their second album, Empires Must Fall, released earlier in the year, this is a lively, melodic prog rock track. There could well be another track in LP>PLAY in a few days (subscription link in comments).
youtu.be/jBAYfl6iL14?...
Ghost Of The Machine - The One (Official Lyric Video)
YouTube video by Ghost Of The Machine
youtu.be
October 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
LP>TRACK: Ghost of the Machine, ‘The One’ (Official Lyric Video)
From their second album, Empires Must Fall, released earlier in the year, this is a lively, melodic prog rock track. There could well be another track in LP>PLAY in a few days (subscription link in comments).
youtu.be/jBAYfl6iL14?...
From their second album, Empires Must Fall, released earlier in the year, this is a lively, melodic prog rock track. There could well be another track in LP>PLAY in a few days (subscription link in comments).
youtu.be/jBAYfl6iL14?...
A piece about @robreed_official, his homage to Mike Oldfield, by way of tribute bands. Read it on Substack now - link in bio and comments.
October 28, 2025 at 12:09 PM
A piece about @robreed_official, his homage to Mike Oldfield, by way of tribute bands. Read it on Substack now - link in bio and comments.
LP>TRACK: Robert Reed, ‘Sanctuary II (Part 2)’
This week I’m examining Robert Reed’s Sanctuary series of Mike Oldfield homage albums. Read more about Sanctuary in LP this evening; subscribe now (link in comments) to receive this post and delve into many other albums.
youtu.be/I36pvjBihuk?...
This week I’m examining Robert Reed’s Sanctuary series of Mike Oldfield homage albums. Read more about Sanctuary in LP this evening; subscribe now (link in comments) to receive this post and delve into many other albums.
youtu.be/I36pvjBihuk?...
Robert Reed : Sanctuary II ( Part 2) REAL WORLD LIVE DVD
YouTube video by rob reed
youtu.be
October 27, 2025 at 3:14 PM
LP>TRACK: Robert Reed, ‘Sanctuary II (Part 2)’
This week I’m examining Robert Reed’s Sanctuary series of Mike Oldfield homage albums. Read more about Sanctuary in LP this evening; subscribe now (link in comments) to receive this post and delve into many other albums.
youtu.be/I36pvjBihuk?...
This week I’m examining Robert Reed’s Sanctuary series of Mike Oldfield homage albums. Read more about Sanctuary in LP this evening; subscribe now (link in comments) to receive this post and delve into many other albums.
youtu.be/I36pvjBihuk?...
LP>TRACK: Peter Gabriel, ‘Games Without Frontiers’ (Dave Johnson 50/50 video)
From the series that invites people to interpret Peter Gabriel’s songs with new videos.
youtu.be/pQ5XHVWhCZU?...
Free subscriptions to my music are now available at iansharp.substack.com
From the series that invites people to interpret Peter Gabriel’s songs with new videos.
youtu.be/pQ5XHVWhCZU?...
Free subscriptions to my music are now available at iansharp.substack.com
50:50
www.5050.dev
October 23, 2025 at 11:54 AM
LP>TRACK: Peter Gabriel, ‘Games Without Frontiers’ (Dave Johnson 50/50 video)
From the series that invites people to interpret Peter Gabriel’s songs with new videos.
youtu.be/pQ5XHVWhCZU?...
Free subscriptions to my music are now available at iansharp.substack.com
From the series that invites people to interpret Peter Gabriel’s songs with new videos.
youtu.be/pQ5XHVWhCZU?...
Free subscriptions to my music are now available at iansharp.substack.com
An hour of prog in this playlist released and my listening guide. This time hear tracks from @rush, @davidgilmour, @marillionofficial, @kingcrimsonhq, Chris Squire, @gordon_giltrap, @cosmiquehypnotique, @psb_hq, @theagilmore, and Martin Orford.
Link to listen and subscribe is in bio and comments.
Link to listen and subscribe is in bio and comments.
October 21, 2025 at 11:27 AM
An hour of prog in this playlist released and my listening guide. This time hear tracks from @rush, @davidgilmour, @marillionofficial, @kingcrimsonhq, Chris Squire, @gordon_giltrap, @cosmiquehypnotique, @psb_hq, @theagilmore, and Martin Orford.
Link to listen and subscribe is in bio and comments.
Link to listen and subscribe is in bio and comments.
LP>Live: MEER, ‘Picking Up the Pieces’ (live)
Recorded live at Hamar Teater, 19 March 2021. MEER are an “alternative progressive rock orchestra” from Norway. Their current album is 2024’s Wheels Within Wheels. This song is from their previous LP, Playing House (2021).
youtu.be/R6_gZ3fAATw?...
Recorded live at Hamar Teater, 19 March 2021. MEER are an “alternative progressive rock orchestra” from Norway. Their current album is 2024’s Wheels Within Wheels. This song is from their previous LP, Playing House (2021).
youtu.be/R6_gZ3fAATw?...
MEER – Picking up the pieces (live)
YouTube video by MEER
youtu.be
October 19, 2025 at 11:47 AM
LP>Live: MEER, ‘Picking Up the Pieces’ (live)
Recorded live at Hamar Teater, 19 March 2021. MEER are an “alternative progressive rock orchestra” from Norway. Their current album is 2024’s Wheels Within Wheels. This song is from their previous LP, Playing House (2021).
youtu.be/R6_gZ3fAATw?...
Recorded live at Hamar Teater, 19 March 2021. MEER are an “alternative progressive rock orchestra” from Norway. Their current album is 2024’s Wheels Within Wheels. This song is from their previous LP, Playing House (2021).
youtu.be/R6_gZ3fAATw?...
LP>Live: David Gilmour, ‘Comfortably Numb’ (Live at the Circus Maximus, Rome)
This is from Gilmour’s new live release. Sheer enjoyment, from the gentle dancing of the singers to the close-ups of the audience and their passionate participation. And if you want lasers …
youtu.be/bythBg2BzFo?...
This is from Gilmour’s new live release. Sheer enjoyment, from the gentle dancing of the singers to the close-ups of the audience and their passionate participation. And if you want lasers …
youtu.be/bythBg2BzFo?...
David Gilmour - Comfortably Numb (Live at the Circus Maximus, Rome)
YouTube video by David Gilmour
youtu.be
October 18, 2025 at 3:18 PM
LP>Live: David Gilmour, ‘Comfortably Numb’ (Live at the Circus Maximus, Rome)
This is from Gilmour’s new live release. Sheer enjoyment, from the gentle dancing of the singers to the close-ups of the audience and their passionate participation. And if you want lasers …
youtu.be/bythBg2BzFo?...
This is from Gilmour’s new live release. Sheer enjoyment, from the gentle dancing of the singers to the close-ups of the audience and their passionate participation. And if you want lasers …
youtu.be/bythBg2BzFo?...
LP>Live: Graham Nash, ‘Suite: Judy Blue Eyes’ (live at York Barbican, 05/10/2025)
This Stephen Stills song was originally recorded by Crosby, Stills & Nash. A delicate song suite with shifting moods. Graham Nash continues to be in great voice.
youtu.be/XciKfL6v6fA?...
This Stephen Stills song was originally recorded by Crosby, Stills & Nash. A delicate song suite with shifting moods. Graham Nash continues to be in great voice.
youtu.be/XciKfL6v6fA?...
Graham Nash - Judy Blue Eyes. Live at York Barbican. 5/10/2025. #concert #livemusic #grahamnash
YouTube video by Thomas Burnett
youtu.be
October 13, 2025 at 2:05 PM
LP>Live: Graham Nash, ‘Suite: Judy Blue Eyes’ (live at York Barbican, 05/10/2025)
This Stephen Stills song was originally recorded by Crosby, Stills & Nash. A delicate song suite with shifting moods. Graham Nash continues to be in great voice.
youtu.be/XciKfL6v6fA?...
This Stephen Stills song was originally recorded by Crosby, Stills & Nash. A delicate song suite with shifting moods. Graham Nash continues to be in great voice.
youtu.be/XciKfL6v6fA?...
LP>Live: Peter Gabriel, ‘Signal to Noise’ (Taking The Pulse)
Not every track that Gabriel treated orchestrally in his New Blood project succeeded as well as this, but he wrote ‘Signal to Noise’ with a big orchestral section in mind.
youtu.be/radX3rdnicI?...
Not every track that Gabriel treated orchestrally in his New Blood project succeeded as well as this, but he wrote ‘Signal to Noise’ with a big orchestral section in mind.
youtu.be/radX3rdnicI?...
Peter Gabriel - Signal to Noise (Taking The Pulse)
YouTube video by Peter Gabriel
youtu.be
October 12, 2025 at 4:38 PM
LP>Live: Peter Gabriel, ‘Signal to Noise’ (Taking The Pulse)
Not every track that Gabriel treated orchestrally in his New Blood project succeeded as well as this, but he wrote ‘Signal to Noise’ with a big orchestral section in mind.
youtu.be/radX3rdnicI?...
Not every track that Gabriel treated orchestrally in his New Blood project succeeded as well as this, but he wrote ‘Signal to Noise’ with a big orchestral section in mind.
youtu.be/radX3rdnicI?...
LP>LIVE: John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant's Memory, ‘Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)’
From the Power to the People box released today, a rapid and upbeat performance of Lennon’s hit single.
youtu.be/JkVuupkC8z8?...
From the Power to the People box released today, a rapid and upbeat performance of Lennon’s hit single.
youtu.be/JkVuupkC8z8?...
Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) (live) - John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant's Memory
YouTube video by johnlennon
youtu.be
October 10, 2025 at 11:51 AM
LP>LIVE: John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant's Memory, ‘Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)’
From the Power to the People box released today, a rapid and upbeat performance of Lennon’s hit single.
youtu.be/JkVuupkC8z8?...
From the Power to the People box released today, a rapid and upbeat performance of Lennon’s hit single.
youtu.be/JkVuupkC8z8?...
Listen to my guest review during The Prog Mill - Shaun Geraghty's show on Progzilla Radio. I'm reviewing 'Sanctuary IV' by Robert Reed, an unmissable album if you like Mike Oldfield.
progzilla.com/the-prog-mil...
progzilla.com/the-prog-mil...
October 9, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Listen to my guest review during The Prog Mill - Shaun Geraghty's show on Progzilla Radio. I'm reviewing 'Sanctuary IV' by Robert Reed, an unmissable album if you like Mike Oldfield.
progzilla.com/the-prog-mil...
progzilla.com/the-prog-mil...
As well as writing about music, I compile a couple of playlists each month. The one includes EBB, Stick Men, Kate Bush, Ray Davies, Paul Weller, Neko Case, Phil Collins, Dave Kerzner, Sarah McLachlan, and more.
Link for my listening guide is in the comments.
Link for my listening guide is in the comments.
October 7, 2025 at 11:03 AM
As well as writing about music, I compile a couple of playlists each month. The one includes EBB, Stick Men, Kate Bush, Ray Davies, Paul Weller, Neko Case, Phil Collins, Dave Kerzner, Sarah McLachlan, and more.
Link for my listening guide is in the comments.
Link for my listening guide is in the comments.