James Cooke
@dodgydiscs.bsky.social
Pop crazed youngster, books, TV & film, cooking, hiking guy et al. OK piano player. Bitesized reviews of unheard Smash Hits reviewed albums - Su Pollard to Motörhead. On here more than that ‘Twitter’ with the dodgy landlord.
Stiff Little Fingers - Nobody's Heroes. Mar 80. UK Peak: 8. Strong LP with plenty of fire in its belly on Side 1 but equally they know how to slow it down on 'Bloody Dub' & 'Doesn't Make It Alright'. 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 26, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Stiff Little Fingers - Nobody's Heroes. Mar 80. UK Peak: 8. Strong LP with plenty of fire in its belly on Side 1 but equally they know how to slow it down on 'Bloody Dub' & 'Doesn't Make It Alright'. 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
The Psychedelic Furs - The Psychedelic Furs. Mar 80. UK Peak: 18. I've got admiration for any rock band that can create its own distinctive sound & there's plenty here such as 'The Wedding Song' & 'Sister Europe' to get the goths in a froth. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 25, 2025 at 8:26 AM
The Psychedelic Furs - The Psychedelic Furs. Mar 80. UK Peak: 18. I've got admiration for any rock band that can create its own distinctive sound & there's plenty here such as 'The Wedding Song' & 'Sister Europe' to get the goths in a froth. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
Cockney Rejects - Greatest Hits Vol. 1. Mar 80. UK Peak: 22. Like being shouted at by 'Gripper' Stebson & his acolytes for 33 minutes from a vocal perspective, this takes the baton from The Sex Pistols musically speaking. It's catchy but is also a racket 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 24, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Cockney Rejects - Greatest Hits Vol. 1. Mar 80. UK Peak: 22. Like being shouted at by 'Gripper' Stebson & his acolytes for 33 minutes from a vocal perspective, this takes the baton from The Sex Pistols musically speaking. It's catchy but is also a racket 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
youtu.be/HAisO5RBpX8?... I missed the time when The Thompson Twins sounded like the early Cure. Quite enjoyed this.
Thompson Twins - Perfect Game (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Thompson Twins
youtu.be
November 23, 2025 at 11:09 AM
youtu.be/HAisO5RBpX8?... I missed the time when The Thompson Twins sounded like the early Cure. Quite enjoyed this.
Blackbeard - I Wah Dub. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. A perfectly fine example of the dub genre. Something that just kind of floats around like a miasma. Ok. 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 23, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Blackbeard - I Wah Dub. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. A perfectly fine example of the dub genre. Something that just kind of floats around like a miasma. Ok. 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
Bob Seger - Against The Wind. Mar 80. UK Peak: 26. Bob Springsteen anyone? This is a warm bowl of American wholesome rock, & a bit more playful than Bruce tbf. The production actually sounds quite rich rather than tinny. Quite listenable overall. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 22, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Bob Seger - Against The Wind. Mar 80. UK Peak: 26. Bob Springsteen anyone? This is a warm bowl of American wholesome rock, & a bit more playful than Bruce tbf. The production actually sounds quite rich rather than tinny. Quite listenable overall. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
I'm a pop fan broadly speaking & heartily recommend this 3 part documentary in the wake of the previous 'Boybands Forever'. I have to admit that the girls seem to do this type of pop much better than the boys. Sugababes were my favourites. Girls Aloud were a big omission though #girlbandsforever
November 21, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I'm a pop fan broadly speaking & heartily recommend this 3 part documentary in the wake of the previous 'Boybands Forever'. I have to admit that the girls seem to do this type of pop much better than the boys. Sugababes were my favourites. Girls Aloud were a big omission though #girlbandsforever
ZZ Top - Deguello. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. The soundtrack to cruising down a single lane highway in the blazing heat. 'Cheap Sunglasses', 'I'm Bad I'm Nationwide' & 'Manic Mechanic' capture the vibe. Southern fried boogie with extra chilli sauce. 8/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 21, 2025 at 8:11 AM
ZZ Top - Deguello. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. The soundtrack to cruising down a single lane highway in the blazing heat. 'Cheap Sunglasses', 'I'm Bad I'm Nationwide' & 'Manic Mechanic' capture the vibe. Southern fried boogie with extra chilli sauce. 8/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
The Feelies - Crazy Rhythms. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. Seems like a live set polished into a full album with some songs a bit undercooked but saying that, there's plenty of taut & tight energy that keeps it rolling along. Feeling ok. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 20, 2025 at 8:27 AM
The Feelies - Crazy Rhythms. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. Seems like a live set polished into a full album with some songs a bit undercooked but saying that, there's plenty of taut & tight energy that keeps it rolling along. Feeling ok. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
Brothers Johnson - Light Up The Night. Feb 80. UK Peak: 22 I didn't really notice MJ's appearance but this is a competent funk & soul collection with the standout 'Stomp!' 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 19, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Brothers Johnson - Light Up The Night. Feb 80. UK Peak: 22 I didn't really notice MJ's appearance but this is a competent funk & soul collection with the standout 'Stomp!' 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
Sugarhill Gang - Sugarhill Gang. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. The undoubted highlight is 'Rapper's Delight' & accompanied by some laid back funk & soul with 'Bad News' also noteworthy. Whatever happened to the highly overrated 'talkover' style then? 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 18, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Sugarhill Gang - Sugarhill Gang. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. The undoubted highlight is 'Rapper's Delight' & accompanied by some laid back funk & soul with 'Bad News' also noteworthy. Whatever happened to the highly overrated 'talkover' style then? 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
It's The Vapors on the cover of Smash Hits from March 20 - April 2 1980. I've heard 'The Songs The Lord Taught Us' but nothing else. A mixture of musical styles on this page. #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 18, 2025 at 7:00 AM
It's The Vapors on the cover of Smash Hits from March 20 - April 2 1980. I've heard 'The Songs The Lord Taught Us' but nothing else. A mixture of musical styles on this page. #smashhitsalbumreviews
Squeeze - Argy Bargy. Feb 80. UK Peak: 32. The one with 'Pulling Muscles..' & 'Another Nail..' as the review says, it's probably worth another listen & is both melodic & varied. Going on first impressions it's 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 17, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Squeeze - Argy Bargy. Feb 80. UK Peak: 32. The one with 'Pulling Muscles..' & 'Another Nail..' as the review says, it's probably worth another listen & is both melodic & varied. Going on first impressions it's 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
www.mixcloud.com/james-cooke9... In case anyone wants a listen to another eclectic show featuring the likes of Soundgarden, The Kinks, Sananda Maitreya, The Goodies, Winifred Atwell and more. It be here! Enjoy
DJ Redvers Magpie Island Show 5
Alright? Listen to my hour show featuring Soundgarden, Paul McCartney, Len, The Kinks, Sananda Maitreya, Winifred Atwell, Roxy Music and more!
www.mixcloud.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:53 PM
www.mixcloud.com/james-cooke9... In case anyone wants a listen to another eclectic show featuring the likes of Soundgarden, The Kinks, Sananda Maitreya, The Goodies, Winifred Atwell and more. It be here! Enjoy
Mr Partridge - Take Away. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. There's a lot to be said for creative freedom but equally it must be said for restraint. A random album of clattering & experimentation that would probably only appeal to a hardened XTC nut. 5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 16, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Mr Partridge - Take Away. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. There's a lot to be said for creative freedom but equally it must be said for restraint. A random album of clattering & experimentation that would probably only appeal to a hardened XTC nut. 5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
The desolate autumnal landscape of Whitewebbs Park. Hope Spurs don't ruin this stunning peaceful place
November 16, 2025 at 8:51 AM
The desolate autumnal landscape of Whitewebbs Park. Hope Spurs don't ruin this stunning peaceful place
Martha & The Muffins - Metro Music. Mar 80. UK Peak: 34. Fair review. All of the songs are complimentary to 'Echo Beach' so bright, confident with a lot of sax backing. 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 15, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Martha & The Muffins - Metro Music. Mar 80. UK Peak: 34. Fair review. All of the songs are complimentary to 'Echo Beach' so bright, confident with a lot of sax backing. 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
Rachel Sweet - Protect The Innocent. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. If you want to hear a bowdlerised 'New Rose' with the edges smoothed off, this is the right place & aside from the final track jazzy offering, it's fairly safe rock overall 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 14, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Rachel Sweet - Protect The Innocent. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. If you want to hear a bowdlerised 'New Rose' with the edges smoothed off, this is the right place & aside from the final track jazzy offering, it's fairly safe rock overall 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
OMD - OMD Mar 80 UK Peak: 27. There’s a pre dynamic slower version of the hypnotic 'Messages' which I love plus 'Electricity' & 'Red Frame, White Light'. Aside from those singles, the album has the features of a maturing synth band not quite settled 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 13, 2025 at 8:08 AM
OMD - OMD Mar 80 UK Peak: 27. There’s a pre dynamic slower version of the hypnotic 'Messages' which I love plus 'Electricity' & 'Red Frame, White Light'. Aside from those singles, the album has the features of a maturing synth band not quite settled 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
Nina Hagen Band - Unbehagen. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. The review is spot on. Whereas Lene Lovich may be viewed as kooky, Nina is completely hatstand! The music, mostly rock & a slice of reggae is great but takes a backseat to the performative vocals. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 12, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Nina Hagen Band - Unbehagen. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. The review is spot on. Whereas Lene Lovich may be viewed as kooky, Nina is completely hatstand! The music, mostly rock & a slice of reggae is great but takes a backseat to the performative vocals. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
Sister Sledge - Love Somebody Today. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. No surprises here if you know their late 70s groove. A solid & consistent disco soul album overall. The title track seems to be the strongest to my ears. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 11, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Sister Sledge - Love Somebody Today. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. No surprises here if you know their late 70s groove. A solid & consistent disco soul album overall. The title track seems to be the strongest to my ears. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
It's The Jam approaching their pomp on the cover of Smash Hits from 6-19 March 1980. I've heard 'Get Happy' & it's yet another Martha & The Muffins album. Who knew they were so prolific? #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 11, 2025 at 7:49 AM
It's The Jam approaching their pomp on the cover of Smash Hits from 6-19 March 1980. I've heard 'Get Happy' & it's yet another Martha & The Muffins album. Who knew they were so prolific? #smashhitsalbumreviews
Horslips - Short Stories, Tall Tales. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. Agree with the review. Melodic pop rock with elements of Squeeze & McCartney. Highly listenable but not especially challenging. 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 10, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Horslips - Short Stories, Tall Tales. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. Agree with the review. Melodic pop rock with elements of Squeeze & McCartney. Highly listenable but not especially challenging. 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
Robert Gordon - Bad Boy. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. Just 27 minutes of music with a BBE date of 1958. Best when he goes outside this boundary on 'Born To Lose' plus his covers of 'Bad Boy' & 'Picture Of You' are decent. A touch better than Shaky 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews
November 9, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Robert Gordon - Bad Boy. Mar 80. No UK Chart Placing. Just 27 minutes of music with a BBE date of 1958. Best when he goes outside this boundary on 'Born To Lose' plus his covers of 'Bad Boy' & 'Picture Of You' are decent. A touch better than Shaky 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews