Stewart Davidson
@stewartdavidson.bsky.social
Apparent owner of a babbling left hemisphere. A PhD who quit academia in an attempt to get a life. Franco-Scottish 🏴🇫🇷 dual national, allotment gardener, Buddhist, music geek and sci-fi/dystopian fiction buff.
Pinned
Way back in the mists of time – or June 2017 to be precise – @drniklaw.bsky.social and I embarked on an endurance challenge for the ages, which was to listen to, and provide a pithy review of, every album on the Guardian’s list of 1,000 Albums To Hear Before You Die.
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
#MusicChallenge
Day 13- A song with a complex production
Time to geek out about the hidden rhythm behind 'Videotape' by Radiohead.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvKh... (Deep Dive)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_IH... (shorter video)
#MusicChallenge
Day 13- A song with a complex production
Time to geek out about the hidden rhythm behind 'Videotape' by Radiohead.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvKh... (Deep Dive)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_IH... (shorter video)
The secret rhythm behind Radiohead's "Videotape"
YouTube video by Vox
www.youtube.com
February 12, 2026 at 6:51 PM
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
#MusicChallenge
Day 13- A song with a complex production
Time to geek out about the hidden rhythm behind 'Videotape' by Radiohead.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvKh... (Deep Dive)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_IH... (shorter video)
#MusicChallenge
Day 13- A song with a complex production
Time to geek out about the hidden rhythm behind 'Videotape' by Radiohead.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvKh... (Deep Dive)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_IH... (shorter video)
Jim Ratcliffe says he's sorry that his 'choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe'. It wasn't just your choice of language, Jim, it was the fact that you were spouting complete crap.
February 12, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Jim Ratcliffe says he's sorry that his 'choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe'. It wasn't just your choice of language, Jim, it was the fact that you were spouting complete crap.
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic 🎼
#MusicChallenge 🎶
Day 1️⃣2️⃣: A song with beautiful harmonies
'Shit Talk' by Sufjan Stevens.
A massively underrated track.
#MusicChallenge 🎶
Day 1️⃣2️⃣: A song with beautiful harmonies
'Shit Talk' by Sufjan Stevens.
A massively underrated track.
Sufjan Stevens - Shit Talk (Official Lyric Video)
YouTube video by Sufjan Stevens
youtu.be
February 11, 2026 at 10:52 PM
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic 🎼
#MusicChallenge 🎶
Day 1️⃣2️⃣: A song with beautiful harmonies
'Shit Talk' by Sufjan Stevens.
A massively underrated track.
#MusicChallenge 🎶
Day 1️⃣2️⃣: A song with beautiful harmonies
'Shit Talk' by Sufjan Stevens.
A massively underrated track.
There's no way for me to regularly watch my Scottish team (Partick Thistle) on TV, it would cost a fortune to get access to the EPL to watch my English team (Arsenal) but I can watch my French team (Olympique Lyonnais) for £2.49 per match. Bonkers.
February 11, 2026 at 7:50 AM
There's no way for me to regularly watch my Scottish team (Partick Thistle) on TV, it would cost a fortune to get access to the EPL to watch my English team (Arsenal) but I can watch my French team (Olympique Lyonnais) for £2.49 per match. Bonkers.
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
#MusicChallenge
Day 11 - A song that sounds unlike anything else
'The Disintegration Loops' by William Basinski.
The whole backstory to these decaying recordings adds to their haunting sound. There's nothing that sounds like them.
#MusicChallenge
Day 11 - A song that sounds unlike anything else
'The Disintegration Loops' by William Basinski.
The whole backstory to these decaying recordings adds to their haunting sound. There's nothing that sounds like them.
William Basinski - The Disintegration Loops (Full Album) (In-Order)
YouTube video by athen
youtu.be
February 10, 2026 at 8:03 PM
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
#MusicChallenge
Day 11 - A song that sounds unlike anything else
'The Disintegration Loops' by William Basinski.
The whole backstory to these decaying recordings adds to their haunting sound. There's nothing that sounds like them.
#MusicChallenge
Day 11 - A song that sounds unlike anything else
'The Disintegration Loops' by William Basinski.
The whole backstory to these decaying recordings adds to their haunting sound. There's nothing that sounds like them.
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
#MusicChallenge
Day 10. A perfect song for dancing.
'Dance to the Music' by Sly & the Family Stone.
#MusicChallenge
Day 10. A perfect song for dancing.
'Dance to the Music' by Sly & the Family Stone.
Sly & The Family Stone - Dance To The Music (Audio)
YouTube video by SlyATFamilyStoneVEVO
youtu.be
February 9, 2026 at 9:00 PM
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
#MusicChallenge
Day 10. A perfect song for dancing.
'Dance to the Music' by Sly & the Family Stone.
#MusicChallenge
Day 10. A perfect song for dancing.
'Dance to the Music' by Sly & the Family Stone.
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic 🎼
#MusicChallenge 🎶
Day 9️⃣: A song that feels underrated
'The New Saint Jude' by the absurdly talented Andrew Bird.
Such a gorgeous chorus and I've no clue what's going on with the time signature(s). It may be the most disguised 4/4 I've ever heard.
#MusicChallenge 🎶
Day 9️⃣: A song that feels underrated
'The New Saint Jude' by the absurdly talented Andrew Bird.
Such a gorgeous chorus and I've no clue what's going on with the time signature(s). It may be the most disguised 4/4 I've ever heard.
The New Saint Jude
YouTube video by Andrew Bird - Topic
youtu.be
February 8, 2026 at 10:57 PM
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic 🎼
#MusicChallenge 🎶
Day 9️⃣: A song that feels underrated
'The New Saint Jude' by the absurdly talented Andrew Bird.
Such a gorgeous chorus and I've no clue what's going on with the time signature(s). It may be the most disguised 4/4 I've ever heard.
#MusicChallenge 🎶
Day 9️⃣: A song that feels underrated
'The New Saint Jude' by the absurdly talented Andrew Bird.
Such a gorgeous chorus and I've no clue what's going on with the time signature(s). It may be the most disguised 4/4 I've ever heard.
I've been listening to early R.E.M. recently and keep returning to this video – their TV debut. It's an incredible performance from a band who simply know they belong on this stage but, crucially, not in an arrogant way. Theirs is a confidence born of extensive touring and practice #nowplaying
R.E.M. Performs "Radio Free Europe" & "So. Central Rain" | Letterman
YouTube video by Letterman
www.youtube.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:39 PM
I've been listening to early R.E.M. recently and keep returning to this video – their TV debut. It's an incredible performance from a band who simply know they belong on this stage but, crucially, not in an arrogant way. Theirs is a confidence born of extensive touring and practice #nowplaying
For health reasons I've been off coffee for a couple of weeks, but today I made my comeback with a veritable bowl of the black stuff. It's been a shock to the system. I feel like I could melt rock just by staring at it.
February 8, 2026 at 2:38 PM
For health reasons I've been off coffee for a couple of weeks, but today I made my comeback with a veritable bowl of the black stuff. It's been a shock to the system. I feel like I could melt rock just by staring at it.
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
#MusicChallenge
Day 8 - A song that made you explore an era of music
'Sweet Home Chicago' by Robert Johnson. Johnson was my gateway to early blues, and my god did I mine that seam with an obsessive zeal.
youtu.be/O8hqGu-leFc?...
#MusicChallenge
Day 8 - A song that made you explore an era of music
'Sweet Home Chicago' by Robert Johnson. Johnson was my gateway to early blues, and my god did I mine that seam with an obsessive zeal.
youtu.be/O8hqGu-leFc?...
Sweet Home Chicago
YouTube video by irayoswahili
youtu.be
February 8, 2026 at 9:52 AM
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
#MusicChallenge
Day 8 - A song that made you explore an era of music
'Sweet Home Chicago' by Robert Johnson. Johnson was my gateway to early blues, and my god did I mine that seam with an obsessive zeal.
youtu.be/O8hqGu-leFc?...
#MusicChallenge
Day 8 - A song that made you explore an era of music
'Sweet Home Chicago' by Robert Johnson. Johnson was my gateway to early blues, and my god did I mine that seam with an obsessive zeal.
youtu.be/O8hqGu-leFc?...
Ushering in the afternoon with my late dad's 1969 pressing of Fleetwood Mac's 'Then Play On'. Peter Green was the man. #NowPlaying #Music #MusicSky #Vinyl #VinylSky #NowSpinning #VinylCommunity
February 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Ushering in the afternoon with my late dad's 1969 pressing of Fleetwood Mac's 'Then Play On'. Peter Green was the man. #NowPlaying #Music #MusicSky #Vinyl #VinylSky #NowSpinning #VinylCommunity
Why have we largely given up on car doors that open vertically? It's one 80s design feature that actually has some functional merit.
a man stands in front of a car that says dmc
ALT: a man stands in front of a car that says dmc
media.tenor.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Why have we largely given up on car doors that open vertically? It's one 80s design feature that actually has some functional merit.
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
#MusicChallenge
Day 7: A song with a unique voice
'You Are The Everything' by R.E.M.
Michael Stipe's voice is as extraordinary as it is instantly recognisable.
youtu.be/c9HNjW2Rx60?...
#MusicChallenge
Day 7: A song with a unique voice
'You Are The Everything' by R.E.M.
Michael Stipe's voice is as extraordinary as it is instantly recognisable.
youtu.be/c9HNjW2Rx60?...
You Are The Everything (Remastered 2013)
YouTube video by R.E.M. - Topic
youtu.be
February 6, 2026 at 11:14 PM
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
#MusicChallenge
Day 7: A song with a unique voice
'You Are The Everything' by R.E.M.
Michael Stipe's voice is as extraordinary as it is instantly recognisable.
youtu.be/c9HNjW2Rx60?...
#MusicChallenge
Day 7: A song with a unique voice
'You Are The Everything' by R.E.M.
Michael Stipe's voice is as extraordinary as it is instantly recognisable.
youtu.be/c9HNjW2Rx60?...
Trump claims that 'we're taking in more than $18 trillion into the United States because of tariffs'.
In reality $264.05 billion was raised via tariffs in 2025. That's 1.47% of 18 trillion. If you're going to pluck a figure from the sky at least make it remotely plausible.
In reality $264.05 billion was raised via tariffs in 2025. That's 1.47% of 18 trillion. If you're going to pluck a figure from the sky at least make it remotely plausible.
US tariff revenue dropped by almost $3 billion from November to December
A new report from the US Treasury released Tuesday showed that $27.89 billion in tariff revenue came into US coffers in December, capping off a year that saw President Trump reorder US trade policy.
finance.yahoo.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Trump claims that 'we're taking in more than $18 trillion into the United States because of tariffs'.
In reality $264.05 billion was raised via tariffs in 2025. That's 1.47% of 18 trillion. If you're going to pluck a figure from the sky at least make it remotely plausible.
In reality $264.05 billion was raised via tariffs in 2025. That's 1.47% of 18 trillion. If you're going to pluck a figure from the sky at least make it remotely plausible.
#MusicChallenge
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
Day 6- A Song With No Clear Chorus
Saturday Sun by Nick Drake.
youtu.be/QwaqO3i_eQA?...
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
Day 6- A Song With No Clear Chorus
Saturday Sun by Nick Drake.
youtu.be/QwaqO3i_eQA?...
Saturday Sun
YouTube video by Nick Drake - Topic
youtu.be
February 6, 2026 at 7:31 AM
#MusicChallenge
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
Day 6- A Song With No Clear Chorus
Saturday Sun by Nick Drake.
youtu.be/QwaqO3i_eQA?...
#IsmuasMonthOfMusic
Day 6- A Song With No Clear Chorus
Saturday Sun by Nick Drake.
youtu.be/QwaqO3i_eQA?...
#nowplaying Cantus for Winter in Six Parts by Zaké, which is very nice.
Cantus for Winter in Six Parts, by zakè
6 track album
pitp.bandcamp.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:55 PM
#nowplaying Cantus for Winter in Six Parts by Zaké, which is very nice.
One of the sages in Frederick Lenoir's novel 'L'âme du monde' drops this lovely nugget:
'Le bonheur, c'est de continuer de désirer ce qu'on possède déjà'
'Happiness is continuing to desire what one already has'
I like that.
'Le bonheur, c'est de continuer de désirer ce qu'on possède déjà'
'Happiness is continuing to desire what one already has'
I like that.
February 5, 2026 at 7:33 PM
One of the sages in Frederick Lenoir's novel 'L'âme du monde' drops this lovely nugget:
'Le bonheur, c'est de continuer de désirer ce qu'on possède déjà'
'Happiness is continuing to desire what one already has'
I like that.
'Le bonheur, c'est de continuer de désirer ce qu'on possède déjà'
'Happiness is continuing to desire what one already has'
I like that.
It's a little known fact that Chapter 141 of the Magna Carta contains secret instructions on how to beat Sagat in Streetfighter II.
February 5, 2026 at 1:26 PM
It's a little known fact that Chapter 141 of the Magna Carta contains secret instructions on how to beat Sagat in Streetfighter II.
And so, as February takes hold, our thoughts turn to seeds... #allotmentgardening #allotment #allotmentlife #allotmentuk
February 5, 2026 at 1:21 PM
And so, as February takes hold, our thoughts turn to seeds... #allotmentgardening #allotment #allotmentlife #allotmentuk
Reposted by Stewart Davidson
Do they understand how mad they sound? As if anyone has ever decided to cross the Channel in a small boat because, if they make it, they might get to take a free taxi to a doctor's appointment?
"Pull factors" on steroids.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
"Pull factors" on steroids.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
February 5, 2026 at 7:01 AM
Do they understand how mad they sound? As if anyone has ever decided to cross the Channel in a small boat because, if they make it, they might get to take a free taxi to a doctor's appointment?
"Pull factors" on steroids.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
"Pull factors" on steroids.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
My wife bought an air fryer last week and has been trying to justify the purchase to herself ever since. She'd air fry her morning tea if the internet suggested it.
February 5, 2026 at 9:54 AM
My wife bought an air fryer last week and has been trying to justify the purchase to herself ever since. She'd air fry her morning tea if the internet suggested it.
Late night noodles go well with sci-fi.
February 3, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Late night noodles go well with sci-fi.
Looking forward to Crook's new creation, Small Prophets, having adored the gentle, humane humour of Detectorists.
‘Watching The Office recently, my heart just sank’ – Mackenzie Crook on comedy, cruelty and being TV royalty
After a very hard landing into fame in the 00s, he decided to take a softer approach – and hit on a winning formula for classic comedy. The star talks about his fantastical new show Small Prophets, hi...
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:51 AM
Looking forward to Crook's new creation, Small Prophets, having adored the gentle, humane humour of Detectorists.
Well, I am a Franco-Scots dual national after all. #NowPlaying #Music #MusicSky #Vinyl #VinylSky #NowSpinning #VinylCommunity
February 2, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Well, I am a Franco-Scots dual national after all. #NowPlaying #Music #MusicSky #Vinyl #VinylSky #NowSpinning #VinylCommunity