Ian Paul Sharp
@ianpaulsharp.bsky.social
Music writer.
LP is my ongoing deep listening project: album essays, playlist editions, classic rock and progressive ambition. Records that last, played properly.
https://iansharp.substack.com
LP is my ongoing deep listening project: album essays, playlist editions, classic rock and progressive ambition. Records that last, played properly.
https://iansharp.substack.com
LP>Playlist #066 is live.
Van Morrison → Tony Banks → Rush
plus Beck, Al Green, Peter Gabriel.
An hour of deep listening. 🎧
iansharp.substack.com/p/066
Van Morrison → Tony Banks → Rush
plus Beck, Al Green, Peter Gabriel.
An hour of deep listening. 🎧
iansharp.substack.com/p/066
February 16, 2026 at 12:55 PM
LP>Playlist #066 is live.
Van Morrison → Tony Banks → Rush
plus Beck, Al Green, Peter Gabriel.
An hour of deep listening. 🎧
iansharp.substack.com/p/066
Van Morrison → Tony Banks → Rush
plus Beck, Al Green, Peter Gabriel.
An hour of deep listening. 🎧
iansharp.substack.com/p/066
Many listeners are saying the new @bigbigtrain album 'Woodcut' is a #progrock masterpiece. My review of the album and the book is new on 'LP'. iansharp.substack.com/p/bigbigtrai...
With 'Woodcut', Big Big Train’s future has arrived
The first full concept album from a fully underrated band
iansharp.substack.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Many listeners are saying the new @bigbigtrain album 'Woodcut' is a #progrock masterpiece. My review of the album and the book is new on 'LP'. iansharp.substack.com/p/bigbigtrai...
Phil Collins celebrated his 75th birthday on 30 January. @bbcradio2 are running an 'Eras' series hosted by @zoetheball. My contribution is a revised post for Substack, where you can also read my series on his solo albums. iansharp.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Phil Collins celebrated his 75th birthday on 30 January. @bbcradio2 are running an 'Eras' series hosted by @zoetheball. My contribution is a revised post for Substack, where you can also read my series on his solo albums. iansharp.substack.com
NEW RELEASE FRIDAY @thecure.com ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ is reissued in a version not featured on the Three Imaginary Boys album, as a CD, 7” and 12” single. Great song, and an excellently spooky lyric video too. More my writing at linktr.ee/ianpaulsharp
youtu.be/isNztTjXQsQ?...
youtu.be/isNztTjXQsQ?...
The Cure - Boys Don't Cry (86 Mix) (Official Lyric Video)
YouTube video by The Cure
youtu.be
January 30, 2026 at 5:18 PM
NEW RELEASE FRIDAY @thecure.com ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ is reissued in a version not featured on the Three Imaginary Boys album, as a CD, 7” and 12” single. Great song, and an excellently spooky lyric video too. More my writing at linktr.ee/ianpaulsharp
youtu.be/isNztTjXQsQ?...
youtu.be/isNztTjXQsQ?...
Reposted by Ian Paul Sharp
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 5:02 PM
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
This week in LP, a review of @davidbowie - 'Station to Station' as the Thin White Duke reaches 50. Link in bio.
January 28, 2026 at 10:15 AM
This week in LP, a review of @davidbowie - 'Station to Station' as the Thin White Duke reaches 50. Link in bio.
The first Style Council record, Cafe Bleu, has been expanded into a 6 CD super deluxe edition, one I’ll be reviewing fully in a couple of weeks. To be going on with, here’s the long version of ‘The Paris Match’, featuring a gorgeous vocal by Tracey Thorn.
youtu.be/c6NYXNAcsj8?...
youtu.be/c6NYXNAcsj8?...
The Style Council - The Paris Match (Long Version / Lyric Video)
YouTube video by TheStyleCouncilVEVO
youtu.be
January 26, 2026 at 5:04 PM
The first Style Council record, Cafe Bleu, has been expanded into a 6 CD super deluxe edition, one I’ll be reviewing fully in a couple of weeks. To be going on with, here’s the long version of ‘The Paris Match’, featuring a gorgeous vocal by Tracey Thorn.
youtu.be/c6NYXNAcsj8?...
youtu.be/c6NYXNAcsj8?...
Protest songs never really went away but, unsurprisingly, these days will bring many more. Lucinda Williams, except it from her new album World Gone Wrong which is a protest album. Remember the words on Woody Guthrie’s guitar. Never underestimate the power of music.
youtu.be/T6c8oLWr9kI?...
youtu.be/T6c8oLWr9kI?...
Lucinda Williams "The World's Gone Wrong" (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by LucindaWilliams
youtu.be
January 25, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Protest songs never really went away but, unsurprisingly, these days will bring many more. Lucinda Williams, except it from her new album World Gone Wrong which is a protest album. Remember the words on Woody Guthrie’s guitar. Never underestimate the power of music.
youtu.be/T6c8oLWr9kI?...
youtu.be/T6c8oLWr9kI?...
This week's prog playlist features @jeffbuckleymusic, @lyrband, @stevehogarthonline, @northsearadioorchestra, @davidbowie, @zappa, @gratefuldead, @pinkfloyd, @bigbigtrain, and Discipline. An hour of music and my listening guide - iansharp.substack.com/p/065
A new hour of music from ‘LP’, including Pink Floyd, Big Big Train and Discipline
LP>Playlist #065 also includes Jeff Buckley, LYR, Steve Hogarth, Midlake, North Sea Radio Orchestra, David Bowie, Frank Zappa, and Grateful Dead
iansharp.substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:15 PM
This week's prog playlist features @jeffbuckleymusic, @lyrband, @stevehogarthonline, @northsearadioorchestra, @davidbowie, @zappa, @gratefuldead, @pinkfloyd, @bigbigtrain, and Discipline. An hour of music and my listening guide - iansharp.substack.com/p/065
Reposted by Ian Paul Sharp
Your annual reminder that “Blue Monday” is a complete fiction invented by a company that wanted to sell you more holidays.
Enjoy January! It’s quiet and cosy and time for semi-hibernation, reflection and being kind to yourself!
Enjoy January! It’s quiet and cosy and time for semi-hibernation, reflection and being kind to yourself!
January 19, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Your annual reminder that “Blue Monday” is a complete fiction invented by a company that wanted to sell you more holidays.
Enjoy January! It’s quiet and cosy and time for semi-hibernation, reflection and being kind to yourself!
Enjoy January! It’s quiet and cosy and time for semi-hibernation, reflection and being kind to yourself!
Genesis split their 1993 live album 'The Way We Walk' into two volumes - one with short(ish) songs, the other with some longer prog compositions. Was that a good idea?
iansharp.substack.com/p/genesis-lo...
#progrock #genesis #rock #music
iansharp.substack.com/p/genesis-lo...
#progrock #genesis #rock #music
The way Genesis walk live - long trousers or short?
Prog years versus pop years, or is it all a version of Genesis music?
iansharp.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Genesis split their 1993 live album 'The Way We Walk' into two volumes - one with short(ish) songs, the other with some longer prog compositions. Was that a good idea?
iansharp.substack.com/p/genesis-lo...
#progrock #genesis #rock #music
iansharp.substack.com/p/genesis-lo...
#progrock #genesis #rock #music
A new hour of prog from 'LP' featuring @itspetergabriel, @iqhqlive, @finallygeorge, @wooddemons, @mostlyautumnband, @ebbband, @gazpachoband and more. Link in bio.
LP>Playlist #064
open.spotify.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:09 PM
A new hour of prog from 'LP' featuring @itspetergabriel, @iqhqlive, @finallygeorge, @wooddemons, @mostlyautumnband, @ebbband, @gazpachoband and more. Link in bio.
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?...