Michael Mulligan
"Pop history boffin" - The Arts Desk, July 2021.
Works in music, works in books, writes books about music. Living the dream.
- In my Top 16 Bowie studio albums. Today. Subject to change without notification.
- Flippin' 'eck, @whatafuckingrecord.bsky.social 1st of February is a good day for great records!
- "We can now confirm details of the 'Into The 80s Festival' on 16 February 1980, which featured The Ruts and The Vibrators."
- "I think we got it that time, don't you?"
- In the mid '70s, a local bye law ensured that all bands from Southend-on-Sea had to familiarise themselves with the works of Dr. Feelgood, and the Kursaal Flyers before they could release a record. Exhibit A.
- Oh man, that sleeve! Bravo, East 17, bravo!
- Blowing away the cobwebs, and a glimpse of warming sun. Brancaster Beach, Norfolk, January 2026.
- 1. U. Roy, 2. I. Roy, 3. Dillinger, 4. Prince Jazzbo, 5. Doctor Alimantado, 6. Ranking Trevor, 7. Lone Ranger, 8. Brigadier Jerry, 9. Prince Far I, 10. Tapper Zukie... I'll be honest, I'm going to struggle to get to 240.
- One of George's two (new) US No. 1 singles in 1988, both of which were replaced at the top by Rick Astley releases - 'Father Figure' by 'Never Gonna Give You Up', 'One More Try' by 'Together Forever'. Well, fancy that...
- Hello to any Johns who featured in my 2025 Bluesky posts. Hopefully, we discussed happy music.
- I think we should all dress a little bit more like Chicory Tip. #LifeGoals
- This was the point where Simple Minds and I parted company, the "everything louder than everything else" production, more bombastic than anthemic sound left me cold. See also Eurythmics post 'Here Comes The Rain Again'.
- If we meet up later remind me to tell you that 'When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman' was written by Even Stevens. His real name was Bruce Stevens, but, come on, fair play to the man...
- Earlier this year I bought 'Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear?', a beautifully written, funny, warm book from @levparikian.bsky.social Some 50 years after I first listened to 'Supper's Ready' by Genesis (don't judge me), this book revealed the origins of Gabble Ratchet. Never too old to learn...
- Calling @agnes-guano.bsky.social - did the '80s milk marketing campaign 'Gotta Lotta Bottle' ever get the 7-inch single treatment, like 'Luton Airport' or 'Don't Be A Dummy'?
