Here’s what I’ve been listening to while trying to write my Nirvana book:

1. El Perro Del Mar - El Perro Del Mar (on constant repeat)
2. Buzzcocks - Love Bites (for those early morning blues)
3. Misty’s Big Adventure - The Black Hole (indubitably our favourite album of 2005)
4. Blondie - Greatest Hits: Sight And Sound (for when guests appear)
5. Dear Eskimo - Be Patient EP (witty and tricksy post-Outkast trip hop)
6. Betty Lavette - Souvenirs (even if this compilation is a little disappointing)
7. Wire - 154 (the one that turned my life around)
8. Lonnie Donegan - Lonesome Traveller (he’s NOT a novelty act!)
9. Nirvana - Nevermind (I still hate the production)
10. Bitter Springs - That Sentimental Slush (such depth of material)

Purchased a retro record player on Ideal Deal.com a couple of days ago, and excitedly waiting for its arrival. It’s red! I long ago passed along my four Dansettes to friends, and need something to play the 78rpms - Winifred Atwell, Spike Jones, Johnnie Ray, Lonnie Donegan, Alma Cogan, Nervous Norvus - I bought back up from my dad’s in Chelmsford last weekend.