One of the most iconic songs of the last century — Don McLean’s 8 minutes and 42 seconds, tour de force was written and released in 1971. It is a song virtually everyone knows. Since its release, children and parents have happily sang along to it over many long car journeys, becoming a soundtrack to generations ‘lost in space’ —…

A memoir — It was one of though small moments that last less than five minutes yet stay with you always. It was just over twenty years ago. I was camping in the lawless jungle, somewhere along the Thai-Burma border. It was just after dawn when I caught the end of a conversation…

And a 48 pence trip into the seventies — This strange and weirdly wonderful album was released onto an unsuspecting youth in 1973. It was the year I left school, totally unprepared for any kind of life outside its boundaries yet unwilling to continue with such institutionalised education. Only fit for voluntary work — what sucker was going…

A story of Irish politics by James Joyce — Probably not the most inspiring of short story titles, Ivy Day in the Committee Room, made its first appearance in James Joyce’s lauded collection, Dubliners, published in 1914. Ivy Day takes place on 6th October and commemorates the death of Irish Nationalist politician, Charles Stuart Parnell in 1891. Parnell was…

Pink Floyd before they went Dark Side — Careful With That Axe Eugene is all its multiple live versions, ranging from six minutes to fifteen, is a great example of Pink Floyd in transition. …

Another story from James Joyce’s Dubliners — A Painful Case in James Joyce’s short story collection, Dubliners, continues some of main character themes that are dominant throughout the book. The main protagonist, Mr Duffy, is a middle aged bank clerk, living a solitary, well ordered life in the suburbs of Dublin. He is something of a loner…

Review of the story from Dubliners — Clay is the tenth tale in James Joyce’s modernist collection, Dubliners. As with the preceding pieces the story or plot is slight. It is a character study of the main protagonist, Maria. A sort of day in the life, that is nuanced and delicate. …

A tale of redemption — Away from the shrivelled patch of light, the sky seems immense, never-ending. Outside of the red brick walls, I am no longer fed a ration of the firmament. Here, it abounds in all the vast promiscuity of an omniscient creator Does this mean my prayers will be answered? And I…

An annual tale 2022 was coughing up blood. It wasn’t long before it would be all over. He reached over on the gurney and spat out Boris Johnson and the Queen. It was not a pretty sight. And there was still more to come. The three Fates looked on impassively. …