Top day today in the ale trail with the crew. Photo op with the Cow Tower in the background.

Word of the day is ‘absquatulate’ (19th century): to leave in a hurry.

This is what I was up to 42 years ago today. Spinning the records at a New Order gig. They were very very late coming on (about 1am I think), so I earnt my money.

Happy publication day to Mumblin' Deaf Ro and Bluemoose Books . Ghost Mountain is officially published today and it deserves to soar. It's not like anything else and is a joy to read. A beauty. Treat yourself.

What a treat that was. Spent the weekend reading Ghost Mountain by Mumblin' Deaf Ro and absolutely loved it. Kept re-reading chapters as they were so good. The writing is just exquisite, every sentence a gem and a thing of wonder. This will live long in my memory. Bluemoose Books

In my happy place. Saturday afternoon in the pub, a book and a pint. Bliss

Wreckless Eric (Eric Goulden) republishes his long unavailable memoir A Dysfunctional Success today with a new foreword. He kindly dropped off a signed one for me. Limited signed ones are available from Rough Trade and resident

It's here, my pre order has arrived. Been waiting (impatiently, I'm not good at waiting) for this to land. So excited to read it. That's the weekend sorted. Ghost Mountain by Mumblin' Deaf Ro published by the mighty moose Bluemoose Books . Going straight in.

Lulu is right, such a great book.

Now can we get rid of Wagner please. OTBC

Happy Release Day to MAGNOLIA.
The hottest young band in Norwich release their debut 12” single today in Shake! Shake! Records.

Israel is escalating its military offensive in Rafah in #Gaza , ignoring warnings of the catastrophic humanitarian cost. I’ve emailed the Foreign Secretary asking the UK to stop selling arms to Israel. Please take action too. oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/c…

Nice little piece in today's Republic of Consciousness Prize newsletter about Stu Hennigan 's forthcoming Bret Easton Ellis book (out late 2025). The book is sure to be brilliant, I've been lucky enough to read Stu's novel Keshed, which is absolutely topnotch, hope it finds a home soon. Such a talent

Such a game changer. This album was absolutely everything to me and my friends. A big part of our lives. RIP Steve Albini

Absolutely shocked to hear that Steve Albini has died. 61 is way too young. Big Black were responsible for some of the greatest gigs I've ever seen. RIP Steve Albini. Awful news.

Just finished Birding by Rose Ruane . What a wonderful book, and so beautifully written. Dealing with complex, and different types of abuse. The characters are just brilliantly crafted. Absolutely loved this, and gets 5* from me. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Soon be time for the #20booksofsummer24 organised by Cathy Brown . Think I've settled on these 20 to read over summer.

Top gig from A Certain Ratio tonight and great to see Maria Uzor 🌍🪐🕉 guesting for a number. A Certain Ratio

A Certain Ratio were terrific at Norwich Arts Centre tonight. And what a treat to hear this live. youtu.be/TsJ_54WyZ48?si…

Well that's a top delivery from Bert’s Books . Birding by Rose Ruane and The Horse by #WillyVlautin . Been really looking forward to both of these. That's the bank holiday weekend sorted.