Scottish road, boat and plane trip to Orkney now at end, had a brilliant restorative week.

At the second most northerly record shop in the U.K, Grooves Records in Kirkwall Orkney, for #RSD25 this year. Lovely queue of people to chat to before opening and #DavidGimour, #NickMason and @thecoral.bsky.social records duly secured.

Outrage. Dave Coaches overlooked for New Year Honours (services to transport) . Always next year Sir David.

Happy Solstice. Pictures taken at Castlerigg on a magical winter’s day, 2009.

Set for the ages from Michael Head at the Liverpool Phil last night - two hours plus - lots from the Paleys and Waterpistol, plus guest appearance from Will Sergeant on Streets of Kenny.

Raucous Fontaines DC in Manchester last night, plus free luminous green art agit prop balaclavas for the audience…

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers.

2/20

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers.

1/20