David Bryant
@23daves.bsky.social
Feel the music/ And you'll wonder/ Is he a Yankee?/ No I'm a London-aaargh
The views expressed here are personal, not that of my employer.
Owner of Everybody's Number 1 to Someone, a blog about NME Indie Chart toppers: https://indienumber1s.blogspot.com
The views expressed here are personal, not that of my employer.
Owner of Everybody's Number 1 to Someone, a blog about NME Indie Chart toppers: https://indienumber1s.blogspot.com
Pinned
74. The Sisterhood - Giving Ground (Merciful Release)
All the singles to top the NME Indie Charts since its launch in 1981, complete with an overview of the other music in the charts each week.
indienumber1s.blogspot.com
Blog update: In February 1986, Andrew Eldritch reached the indie number one spot with a record put out to prohibit Wayne Hussey from using a Sisters of Mercy related band name. Effectively a legal block on 45, it's as dull as reading dense legislation, but the drama behind it; that's another story.
Reposted by David Bryant
Good God, someone's just uploaded to YouTube a nearly 2-hour long video of one of the original Vic Reeves Big Night Out live shows at the Albany Empire from 1989. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKPU...
Vic Reeves Big Night Out - 30 April 1989
YouTube video by Peter Brooke Turner
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Good God, someone's just uploaded to YouTube a nearly 2-hour long video of one of the original Vic Reeves Big Night Out live shows at the Albany Empire from 1989. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKPU...
Mike Teavee's been watching Austin Powers today, then.
dr. evil from the movie dumb and dumber is sitting in a chair .
ALT: dr. evil from the movie dumb and dumber is sitting in a chair .
media.tenor.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Mike Teavee's been watching Austin Powers today, then.
Reposted by David Bryant
Worth noting of the initial leaked memo that it does not detail the pronounced and demonstrable bias exhibited by Laura Kuenssberg and Chris Mason, the former of whom objectively broke impartiality guidelines and was not similarly called to account. Presumably it's fine if it's bias to the right.
November 10, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Worth noting of the initial leaked memo that it does not detail the pronounced and demonstrable bias exhibited by Laura Kuenssberg and Chris Mason, the former of whom objectively broke impartiality guidelines and was not similarly called to account. Presumably it's fine if it's bias to the right.
I was doing some research on Fuzzbox earlier (yes, research, not "research", before you joke about it. ) and was a bit thrown by this. Definitely remember watching this on television at the time but have no memory of the weird incident.
youtu.be/-QWL0AznZ_4?...
youtu.be/-QWL0AznZ_4?...
Fuzzbox - Pink Sunshine - and a backing tape rewind
YouTube video by CutAndRunaway
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 7:18 PM
I was doing some research on Fuzzbox earlier (yes, research, not "research", before you joke about it. ) and was a bit thrown by this. Definitely remember watching this on television at the time but have no memory of the weird incident.
youtu.be/-QWL0AznZ_4?...
youtu.be/-QWL0AznZ_4?...
Reposted by David Bryant
Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
November 10, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
Reposted by David Bryant
Of course, the main problem with the Corporation is that news thinks it's the reason the BBC exists. It isn't. In the formative years of the Corporation, news was a part of it, but it wasn't the main event. The BBC's reputation was only partially made by news. The other stuff matters more.
November 9, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Of course, the main problem with the Corporation is that news thinks it's the reason the BBC exists. It isn't. In the formative years of the Corporation, news was a part of it, but it wasn't the main event. The BBC's reputation was only partially made by news. The other stuff matters more.
Reposted by David Bryant
Glad that someone has finally taken responsibility for the appalling assault on democracy that was the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
November 9, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Glad that someone has finally taken responsibility for the appalling assault on democracy that was the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
OK, which paper is going to run an interview with Noel Edmonds in two days time asking him what he'd do to fix the BBC?
"...and we'd have a good news hour of positive things that have happened around the world. Then we'd shout at council workers just doing their jobs in a special show hosted by me".
"...and we'd have a good news hour of positive things that have happened around the world. Then we'd shout at council workers just doing their jobs in a special show hosted by me".
November 9, 2025 at 9:11 PM
OK, which paper is going to run an interview with Noel Edmonds in two days time asking him what he'd do to fix the BBC?
"...and we'd have a good news hour of positive things that have happened around the world. Then we'd shout at council workers just doing their jobs in a special show hosted by me".
"...and we'd have a good news hour of positive things that have happened around the world. Then we'd shout at council workers just doing their jobs in a special show hosted by me".
Just tried some of this for the first time, and it's the closest thing I've tasted to meat in years.
www.redefinemeat.com/uk/products/...
(This will get replies along the lines of "If you want to be a vegetarian the mere IDEA of meat should disgust you, do you see, ahhhh!" but I don't care).
www.redefinemeat.com/uk/products/...
(This will get replies along the lines of "If you want to be a vegetarian the mere IDEA of meat should disgust you, do you see, ahhhh!" but I don't care).
Redefine Flank Steak - Redefine Meat
Savour Redefine Flank Steak, a plant-based marvel with a rich, meaty experience and deep aromas. Perfect for any kitchen and an extraordinary culinary delight.
www.redefinemeat.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Just tried some of this for the first time, and it's the closest thing I've tasted to meat in years.
www.redefinemeat.com/uk/products/...
(This will get replies along the lines of "If you want to be a vegetarian the mere IDEA of meat should disgust you, do you see, ahhhh!" but I don't care).
www.redefinemeat.com/uk/products/...
(This will get replies along the lines of "If you want to be a vegetarian the mere IDEA of meat should disgust you, do you see, ahhhh!" but I don't care).
I came running towards this thinking I'd be full of ideas, but... nothing I'd HATE my adult self for. I'd be disappointed that adult me liked ELO again, which I associated with childish things. I'd be surprised I joined the Greens, who 16yr old me thought were for daffy old hippies. But no hate.
What do you like now that 16 year old you would hate you for?
November 9, 2025 at 8:36 PM
I came running towards this thinking I'd be full of ideas, but... nothing I'd HATE my adult self for. I'd be disappointed that adult me liked ELO again, which I associated with childish things. I'd be surprised I joined the Greens, who 16yr old me thought were for daffy old hippies. But no hate.
Reposted by David Bryant
Also covered lower down the charts:
- Depeche Mode "Stripped" - does it owe anything to Orwell's "1984" or is that fanfic nonsense?
- Swans
- Television Personalities "How I Learned To Love The Bomb"
- Ex-Toto Coelo singer Anita Chellemah in 80s glam rockers Cherry Bombz
- Revolting Cocks
- Depeche Mode "Stripped" - does it owe anything to Orwell's "1984" or is that fanfic nonsense?
- Swans
- Television Personalities "How I Learned To Love The Bomb"
- Ex-Toto Coelo singer Anita Chellemah in 80s glam rockers Cherry Bombz
- Revolting Cocks
Blog update: In February 1986, Andrew Eldritch reached the indie number one spot with a record put out to prohibit Wayne Hussey from using a Sisters of Mercy related band name. Effectively a legal block on 45, it's as dull as reading dense legislation, but the drama behind it; that's another story.
74. The Sisterhood - Giving Ground (Merciful Release)
All the singles to top the NME Indie Charts since its launch in 1981, complete with an overview of the other music in the charts each week.
indienumber1s.blogspot.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Also covered lower down the charts:
- Depeche Mode "Stripped" - does it owe anything to Orwell's "1984" or is that fanfic nonsense?
- Swans
- Television Personalities "How I Learned To Love The Bomb"
- Ex-Toto Coelo singer Anita Chellemah in 80s glam rockers Cherry Bombz
- Revolting Cocks
- Depeche Mode "Stripped" - does it owe anything to Orwell's "1984" or is that fanfic nonsense?
- Swans
- Television Personalities "How I Learned To Love The Bomb"
- Ex-Toto Coelo singer Anita Chellemah in 80s glam rockers Cherry Bombz
- Revolting Cocks
Also covered lower down the charts:
- Depeche Mode "Stripped" - does it owe anything to Orwell's "1984" or is that fanfic nonsense?
- Swans
- Television Personalities "How I Learned To Love The Bomb"
- Ex-Toto Coelo singer Anita Chellemah in 80s glam rockers Cherry Bombz
- Revolting Cocks
- Depeche Mode "Stripped" - does it owe anything to Orwell's "1984" or is that fanfic nonsense?
- Swans
- Television Personalities "How I Learned To Love The Bomb"
- Ex-Toto Coelo singer Anita Chellemah in 80s glam rockers Cherry Bombz
- Revolting Cocks
Blog update: In February 1986, Andrew Eldritch reached the indie number one spot with a record put out to prohibit Wayne Hussey from using a Sisters of Mercy related band name. Effectively a legal block on 45, it's as dull as reading dense legislation, but the drama behind it; that's another story.
74. The Sisterhood - Giving Ground (Merciful Release)
All the singles to top the NME Indie Charts since its launch in 1981, complete with an overview of the other music in the charts each week.
indienumber1s.blogspot.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Also covered lower down the charts:
- Depeche Mode "Stripped" - does it owe anything to Orwell's "1984" or is that fanfic nonsense?
- Swans
- Television Personalities "How I Learned To Love The Bomb"
- Ex-Toto Coelo singer Anita Chellemah in 80s glam rockers Cherry Bombz
- Revolting Cocks
- Depeche Mode "Stripped" - does it owe anything to Orwell's "1984" or is that fanfic nonsense?
- Swans
- Television Personalities "How I Learned To Love The Bomb"
- Ex-Toto Coelo singer Anita Chellemah in 80s glam rockers Cherry Bombz
- Revolting Cocks
I actually agreed with the review of "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" at the time, and still do now. You're entitled to throw things at me if you want.
Always thought that Andy Partridge slagging off "Video Killed The Radio Star" was unusually tin-eared for him, though.
Always thought that Andy Partridge slagging off "Video Killed The Radio Star" was unusually tin-eared for him, though.
1985:
smash hits 3 16 january 1985, page 21
Full mag --> https://archive.org/stream/smash-hits-3-16-january-1985#page/n20
smash hits 3 16 january 1985, page 21
Full mag --> https://archive.org/stream/smash-hits-3-16-january-1985#page/n20
November 9, 2025 at 12:31 PM
I actually agreed with the review of "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" at the time, and still do now. You're entitled to throw things at me if you want.
Always thought that Andy Partridge slagging off "Video Killed The Radio Star" was unusually tin-eared for him, though.
Always thought that Andy Partridge slagging off "Video Killed The Radio Star" was unusually tin-eared for him, though.
In more Leamington news - found out this morning that one of the town's more famous sons Aleister Crowley once put a curse on the place, dooming anyone who was born here to be constantly compelled to return.
That's a bit Royston Vasey.
That's a bit Royston Vasey.
Spoke to a neighbour about the burnt out old 12 bedroom Victorian House at the top of my road.
"Yes, a hoarder lived there. You couldn't see past the piled up newspapers and magazines when he opened the door. And he kept a sheep in the garden. Thought I was going MAD when I first saw it..."
"Yes, a hoarder lived there. You couldn't see past the piled up newspapers and magazines when he opened the door. And he kept a sheep in the garden. Thought I was going MAD when I first saw it..."
November 9, 2025 at 12:20 PM
In more Leamington news - found out this morning that one of the town's more famous sons Aleister Crowley once put a curse on the place, dooming anyone who was born here to be constantly compelled to return.
That's a bit Royston Vasey.
That's a bit Royston Vasey.
I was going to write a poem on this very subject recently, inspired by a depressing online visit to my childhood haunts via RightMove.
What's it like to return to your home town years after leaving?
This poem from Whatever You Do, Just Don't finds that nothing's changed. But then everything's changed too...
This poem from Whatever You Do, Just Don't finds that nothing's changed. But then everything's changed too...
November 9, 2025 at 11:12 AM
I was going to write a poem on this very subject recently, inspired by a depressing online visit to my childhood haunts via RightMove.
Reposted by David Bryant
This morning, Sunday, Radio 4's religiously inclined cousin to the Today programme casually revealed the 1970s post boy charged with handling the rats in formaldehyde that the Boomtown Rats wanted to distribute across the US as a publicity stunt is now Pope Leo XIV. I'm sure I didn't dream this.
November 9, 2025 at 9:54 AM
This morning, Sunday, Radio 4's religiously inclined cousin to the Today programme casually revealed the 1970s post boy charged with handling the rats in formaldehyde that the Boomtown Rats wanted to distribute across the US as a publicity stunt is now Pope Leo XIV. I'm sure I didn't dream this.
INTERESTING
www.musicradar.com/music-tech/w...
www.musicradar.com/music-tech/w...
“With this poisoned music out there, we can bring AI firms to the negotiating table for fair licensing of training data for independent musicians”: Could Poison Pill be the antidote to illegal AI scra...
New startup believes it has the technology to disrupt the bots
www.musicradar.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:53 AM
INTERESTING
www.musicradar.com/music-tech/w...
www.musicradar.com/music-tech/w...
Reposted by David Bryant
Ah, 9 November – a sad one, this: 59th anniversary of the day Paul McCartney died, forcing the other Beatles to replace him with an orphan they had trained to impersonate him, and then (obviously) put clues in songs and on album covers so people could find out anyway
November 9, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Ah, 9 November – a sad one, this: 59th anniversary of the day Paul McCartney died, forcing the other Beatles to replace him with an orphan they had trained to impersonate him, and then (obviously) put clues in songs and on album covers so people could find out anyway
Reposted by David Bryant
Agnes, 78, from Leeds says she was just focused on getting home and having a nice cup of tea...
November 8, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Agnes, 78, from Leeds says she was just focused on getting home and having a nice cup of tea...
Re the last post by @jim.londoncentric.media, a few years back I also wrote about plans to demolish Piccadilly in the sixties to build a larger road, a skating rink, a floodlit viewing platform, and a 400ft bronze tower encased in glass. You could say it wasn't a popular idea.
Everyone Involved - The Circus Keeps On Turning/ Motorcar Madness
A vinyl collector's blog focused on odd and essential finds from the 60s and beyond.
left-and-to-the-back.blogspot.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Re the last post by @jim.londoncentric.media, a few years back I also wrote about plans to demolish Piccadilly in the sixties to build a larger road, a skating rink, a floodlit viewing platform, and a 400ft bronze tower encased in glass. You could say it wasn't a popular idea.
Reposted by David Bryant
I’d always wondered why no one had ever published a full, detailed map of the 1960s plan to turn London into a giant web of US-style urban motorways…. It turns even the politicians and designers didn’t make one at the time. It just didn’t exist. Until now.
Earlier this week I spoke to London Centric about the Ringways Map and all things unbuilt London - they’ve dedicated the whole of their latest edition to the story! substack.com/home/post/p-...
Would your home have been under a motorway?
"The most astonishing and destructive thing never to happen to London," says the man who has spent twenty years researching the first true map of the unbuilt Ringways.
substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:40 AM
I’d always wondered why no one had ever published a full, detailed map of the 1960s plan to turn London into a giant web of US-style urban motorways…. It turns even the politicians and designers didn’t make one at the time. It just didn’t exist. Until now.
Blog update: In February 1986, Andrew Eldritch reached the indie number one spot with a record put out to prohibit Wayne Hussey from using a Sisters of Mercy related band name. Effectively a legal block on 45, it's as dull as reading dense legislation, but the drama behind it; that's another story.
74. The Sisterhood - Giving Ground (Merciful Release)
All the singles to top the NME Indie Charts since its launch in 1981, complete with an overview of the other music in the charts each week.
indienumber1s.blogspot.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Blog update: In February 1986, Andrew Eldritch reached the indie number one spot with a record put out to prohibit Wayne Hussey from using a Sisters of Mercy related band name. Effectively a legal block on 45, it's as dull as reading dense legislation, but the drama behind it; that's another story.
Had a dream last night about a horror film involving an AI wheelchair invented by a malevolent billionaire. Strapline: "Don't worry - it knows where its owner needs to go".
I appear to be sleep-satirising again.
I appear to be sleep-satirising again.
November 9, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Had a dream last night about a horror film involving an AI wheelchair invented by a malevolent billionaire. Strapline: "Don't worry - it knows where its owner needs to go".
I appear to be sleep-satirising again.
I appear to be sleep-satirising again.
Now, this is what we should be doing - it would solve so many of the problems for artists in the UK at the moment, not least the ever-increasing and deeply unfair class divide.
musiciansunion.org.uk/news/ireland...
musiciansunion.org.uk/news/ireland...
Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts Scheme to Become Permanent from 2026
The Basic Income for the Arts scheme follows a successful pilot set up in 2022 to help Ireland’s arts and culture sector to recover from Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.
musiciansunion.org.uk
November 8, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Now, this is what we should be doing - it would solve so many of the problems for artists in the UK at the moment, not least the ever-increasing and deeply unfair class divide.
musiciansunion.org.uk/news/ireland...
musiciansunion.org.uk/news/ireland...