Ed Percival
@edpercival.bsky.social
Member of Terry & the Chalkmen. Old git, happy to chat about good things like: XTC; prog rock; Crowded House; music in general; London gigs; Architecture; Comedy; Books; TV; Man Utd
Left of centre, pro-European
Listening to a new (to me) album, every day
Left of centre, pro-European
Listening to a new (to me) album, every day
Day 348. Laurie Wright: Power of 3
Unmistakably high-tenor, raspy Marriottesque vocals to the fore of this rocky/punky collection of songs. Difficult not to warm to his passionate delivery and the swagger of his performance. Songs are warm and funny.
7 out of 10
Unmistakably high-tenor, raspy Marriottesque vocals to the fore of this rocky/punky collection of songs. Difficult not to warm to his passionate delivery and the swagger of his performance. Songs are warm and funny.
7 out of 10
December 14, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Day 348. Laurie Wright: Power of 3
Unmistakably high-tenor, raspy Marriottesque vocals to the fore of this rocky/punky collection of songs. Difficult not to warm to his passionate delivery and the swagger of his performance. Songs are warm and funny.
7 out of 10
Unmistakably high-tenor, raspy Marriottesque vocals to the fore of this rocky/punky collection of songs. Difficult not to warm to his passionate delivery and the swagger of his performance. Songs are warm and funny.
7 out of 10
Day 347. Galasphere 347: Galasphere 347
I prefer this to Henry Fool. Three longish keyboard-driven pieces with gentle male vocals which make them more like songs. The final one builds to a furious volley of drums over the Devil’s interval. I like the quieter, more reflective bits.
7/10
I prefer this to Henry Fool. Three longish keyboard-driven pieces with gentle male vocals which make them more like songs. The final one builds to a furious volley of drums over the Devil’s interval. I like the quieter, more reflective bits.
7/10
December 13, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Day 347. Galasphere 347: Galasphere 347
I prefer this to Henry Fool. Three longish keyboard-driven pieces with gentle male vocals which make them more like songs. The final one builds to a furious volley of drums over the Devil’s interval. I like the quieter, more reflective bits.
7/10
I prefer this to Henry Fool. Three longish keyboard-driven pieces with gentle male vocals which make them more like songs. The final one builds to a furious volley of drums over the Devil’s interval. I like the quieter, more reflective bits.
7/10
Day 346. Jan Akkerman: My Focus - Live Under the Rainbow
Sylvia and Hocus Pocus remain favourites over the last 4 decades. They’re on here, preceded by 45 minutes of jazzy noodling with his distinctive gritty guitar. Hoping he doesn’t fuck them up.. oh dear 1 min of HP and a half-arsed S.
2/10
Sylvia and Hocus Pocus remain favourites over the last 4 decades. They’re on here, preceded by 45 minutes of jazzy noodling with his distinctive gritty guitar. Hoping he doesn’t fuck them up.. oh dear 1 min of HP and a half-arsed S.
2/10
December 12, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Day 346. Jan Akkerman: My Focus - Live Under the Rainbow
Sylvia and Hocus Pocus remain favourites over the last 4 decades. They’re on here, preceded by 45 minutes of jazzy noodling with his distinctive gritty guitar. Hoping he doesn’t fuck them up.. oh dear 1 min of HP and a half-arsed S.
2/10
Sylvia and Hocus Pocus remain favourites over the last 4 decades. They’re on here, preceded by 45 minutes of jazzy noodling with his distinctive gritty guitar. Hoping he doesn’t fuck them up.. oh dear 1 min of HP and a half-arsed S.
2/10
Day 345. Last Shadow Puppets: The Age of the Understatement
A very strong 60s vibe to this collaboration. Full of swagger and confidence. Clearly made with serious intent, but it didn’t really grab me.
7 out of 10
A very strong 60s vibe to this collaboration. Full of swagger and confidence. Clearly made with serious intent, but it didn’t really grab me.
7 out of 10
December 11, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Day 345. Last Shadow Puppets: The Age of the Understatement
A very strong 60s vibe to this collaboration. Full of swagger and confidence. Clearly made with serious intent, but it didn’t really grab me.
7 out of 10
A very strong 60s vibe to this collaboration. Full of swagger and confidence. Clearly made with serious intent, but it didn’t really grab me.
7 out of 10
Day 344. The Clause: Victim of a Casual Thing
A curious mix of Arctic Monkey vocals and Busted production, but it holds together as a strong set of enjoyable and, at times, anthemic songs.
7 out of 10
A curious mix of Arctic Monkey vocals and Busted production, but it holds together as a strong set of enjoyable and, at times, anthemic songs.
7 out of 10
December 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Day 344. The Clause: Victim of a Casual Thing
A curious mix of Arctic Monkey vocals and Busted production, but it holds together as a strong set of enjoyable and, at times, anthemic songs.
7 out of 10
A curious mix of Arctic Monkey vocals and Busted production, but it holds together as a strong set of enjoyable and, at times, anthemic songs.
7 out of 10
Day 343. Cast: Love is the Call
They’re coming to a favourite venue, so thought I should listen to how they’ve changed. Answer is they haven’t. Reassuringly reliable Scouse indie rock that would have sounded good in the 90s. Worth a watch.
7 out of 10
They’re coming to a favourite venue, so thought I should listen to how they’ve changed. Answer is they haven’t. Reassuringly reliable Scouse indie rock that would have sounded good in the 90s. Worth a watch.
7 out of 10
December 9, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Day 343. Cast: Love is the Call
They’re coming to a favourite venue, so thought I should listen to how they’ve changed. Answer is they haven’t. Reassuringly reliable Scouse indie rock that would have sounded good in the 90s. Worth a watch.
7 out of 10
They’re coming to a favourite venue, so thought I should listen to how they’ve changed. Answer is they haven’t. Reassuringly reliable Scouse indie rock that would have sounded good in the 90s. Worth a watch.
7 out of 10
Day 342. Johnny Marr: The Messenger
I quite liked the Smiths (long after their heyday), but put off listening to the musical half. I shouldn’t have. Interesting and eclectic mix of quality guitar-driven songs. His voice is functional, but certainly less marmite than Morrissey.
7 out of 10
I quite liked the Smiths (long after their heyday), but put off listening to the musical half. I shouldn’t have. Interesting and eclectic mix of quality guitar-driven songs. His voice is functional, but certainly less marmite than Morrissey.
7 out of 10
December 8, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Day 342. Johnny Marr: The Messenger
I quite liked the Smiths (long after their heyday), but put off listening to the musical half. I shouldn’t have. Interesting and eclectic mix of quality guitar-driven songs. His voice is functional, but certainly less marmite than Morrissey.
7 out of 10
I quite liked the Smiths (long after their heyday), but put off listening to the musical half. I shouldn’t have. Interesting and eclectic mix of quality guitar-driven songs. His voice is functional, but certainly less marmite than Morrissey.
7 out of 10
Day 341. Prince & the Revolution: Around the World in a Day
An eclectic, vaguely psychedelic affair. Richly layered, but not helped by lumpen, programmed drums. It’s the drums that anchor it in the 80s. Nothing reaches the level of Sign O’.
6 out of 10
An eclectic, vaguely psychedelic affair. Richly layered, but not helped by lumpen, programmed drums. It’s the drums that anchor it in the 80s. Nothing reaches the level of Sign O’.
6 out of 10
December 7, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Day 341. Prince & the Revolution: Around the World in a Day
An eclectic, vaguely psychedelic affair. Richly layered, but not helped by lumpen, programmed drums. It’s the drums that anchor it in the 80s. Nothing reaches the level of Sign O’.
6 out of 10
An eclectic, vaguely psychedelic affair. Richly layered, but not helped by lumpen, programmed drums. It’s the drums that anchor it in the 80s. Nothing reaches the level of Sign O’.
6 out of 10
Day 340. The Cribs: Night Network
I’d never heard of them, in spite of a 20-odd year career. Serious indie creds. This sounded like a cross between the Beach Boys and the Lemonheads. Bursting with energy. Seeing them live next year.
6 out of 10
I’d never heard of them, in spite of a 20-odd year career. Serious indie creds. This sounded like a cross between the Beach Boys and the Lemonheads. Bursting with energy. Seeing them live next year.
6 out of 10
December 6, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Day 340. The Cribs: Night Network
I’d never heard of them, in spite of a 20-odd year career. Serious indie creds. This sounded like a cross between the Beach Boys and the Lemonheads. Bursting with energy. Seeing them live next year.
6 out of 10
I’d never heard of them, in spite of a 20-odd year career. Serious indie creds. This sounded like a cross between the Beach Boys and the Lemonheads. Bursting with energy. Seeing them live next year.
6 out of 10
Day 339. L.O.E: Chiaroscuro
Out today. Set the Reverb on infinity and dig out some found audio. We’re in the vast world of post-rock. Provided a post apocalyptic soundtrack to my journey into Paddington. I may never return…
6 out of 10
Out today. Set the Reverb on infinity and dig out some found audio. We’re in the vast world of post-rock. Provided a post apocalyptic soundtrack to my journey into Paddington. I may never return…
6 out of 10
December 5, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Day 339. L.O.E: Chiaroscuro
Out today. Set the Reverb on infinity and dig out some found audio. We’re in the vast world of post-rock. Provided a post apocalyptic soundtrack to my journey into Paddington. I may never return…
6 out of 10
Out today. Set the Reverb on infinity and dig out some found audio. We’re in the vast world of post-rock. Provided a post apocalyptic soundtrack to my journey into Paddington. I may never return…
6 out of 10
Day 338. Patto: Hold Your Fire
Halsell has been referenced by Andy Partridge as an influence and as this band is 50% Rutles, I thought it worth trying. Of its time. Gravelly vocals, dexterous guitar (and vibe) playing. Doesn’t really float my boat- lacks songs to my ears.
4 out of 10
Halsell has been referenced by Andy Partridge as an influence and as this band is 50% Rutles, I thought it worth trying. Of its time. Gravelly vocals, dexterous guitar (and vibe) playing. Doesn’t really float my boat- lacks songs to my ears.
4 out of 10
December 4, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Day 338. Patto: Hold Your Fire
Halsell has been referenced by Andy Partridge as an influence and as this band is 50% Rutles, I thought it worth trying. Of its time. Gravelly vocals, dexterous guitar (and vibe) playing. Doesn’t really float my boat- lacks songs to my ears.
4 out of 10
Halsell has been referenced by Andy Partridge as an influence and as this band is 50% Rutles, I thought it worth trying. Of its time. Gravelly vocals, dexterous guitar (and vibe) playing. Doesn’t really float my boat- lacks songs to my ears.
4 out of 10
Day 337. Bloom: Beach House
Shoe gazing by the yard. Dreamy female vocals drenched in reverb floating over echoey guitars and piano, with a bass and the barest of percussion plodding below.
Blurs into one.
6 out of 10
Shoe gazing by the yard. Dreamy female vocals drenched in reverb floating over echoey guitars and piano, with a bass and the barest of percussion plodding below.
Blurs into one.
6 out of 10
December 3, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Day 337. Bloom: Beach House
Shoe gazing by the yard. Dreamy female vocals drenched in reverb floating over echoey guitars and piano, with a bass and the barest of percussion plodding below.
Blurs into one.
6 out of 10
Shoe gazing by the yard. Dreamy female vocals drenched in reverb floating over echoey guitars and piano, with a bass and the barest of percussion plodding below.
Blurs into one.
6 out of 10
Day 336. Oracle Sisters: Hydranism
Homemade folky vibes dominate this lockdown inspired collection of songs. Creates a gentle and melodic whole which captures a Sunday afternoon summery atmosphere.
7 out of 10
Homemade folky vibes dominate this lockdown inspired collection of songs. Creates a gentle and melodic whole which captures a Sunday afternoon summery atmosphere.
7 out of 10
December 2, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Day 336. Oracle Sisters: Hydranism
Homemade folky vibes dominate this lockdown inspired collection of songs. Creates a gentle and melodic whole which captures a Sunday afternoon summery atmosphere.
7 out of 10
Homemade folky vibes dominate this lockdown inspired collection of songs. Creates a gentle and melodic whole which captures a Sunday afternoon summery atmosphere.
7 out of 10
Day 335. Phoebe Bridgers: Punisher
An interesting and eclectic mix of songs and styles with angelic vocals firmly at the front of busy mixes. Draws you into its world.
8 out of 10
An interesting and eclectic mix of songs and styles with angelic vocals firmly at the front of busy mixes. Draws you into its world.
8 out of 10
December 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Day 335. Phoebe Bridgers: Punisher
An interesting and eclectic mix of songs and styles with angelic vocals firmly at the front of busy mixes. Draws you into its world.
8 out of 10
An interesting and eclectic mix of songs and styles with angelic vocals firmly at the front of busy mixes. Draws you into its world.
8 out of 10
Day 334. Lorde: Solar Power
The same producer/co-writer as Swift and shares some of the vibe. An interesting mix of songs delivered with melodic vocals. I had the impression she might be grittier, but in fact the overall impression is laid back and tuneful.
8 out of 10
The same producer/co-writer as Swift and shares some of the vibe. An interesting mix of songs delivered with melodic vocals. I had the impression she might be grittier, but in fact the overall impression is laid back and tuneful.
8 out of 10
November 30, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Day 334. Lorde: Solar Power
The same producer/co-writer as Swift and shares some of the vibe. An interesting mix of songs delivered with melodic vocals. I had the impression she might be grittier, but in fact the overall impression is laid back and tuneful.
8 out of 10
The same producer/co-writer as Swift and shares some of the vibe. An interesting mix of songs delivered with melodic vocals. I had the impression she might be grittier, but in fact the overall impression is laid back and tuneful.
8 out of 10
Day 333. Henry Fool: Men Singing
More jazzy noodling, but creating an interesting soundscape that had the effect of making me feel relaxed. It must be difficult to know when each track is ‘finished’, but one senses they had a splendid time recording it.
6 out of 10
More jazzy noodling, but creating an interesting soundscape that had the effect of making me feel relaxed. It must be difficult to know when each track is ‘finished’, but one senses they had a splendid time recording it.
6 out of 10
November 29, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Day 333. Henry Fool: Men Singing
More jazzy noodling, but creating an interesting soundscape that had the effect of making me feel relaxed. It must be difficult to know when each track is ‘finished’, but one senses they had a splendid time recording it.
6 out of 10
More jazzy noodling, but creating an interesting soundscape that had the effect of making me feel relaxed. It must be difficult to know when each track is ‘finished’, but one senses they had a splendid time recording it.
6 out of 10
Day 332. Hatfield and the North: The Rotters’ Club
My final attempt at the Canterbury scene and by far the best. Largely amiable jazz-rock, with occasional very English vocals singing inconsequential lyrics. There’s way too much noodling, though some Crimsonesque bits add a bit of grit.
6 o/o 10
My final attempt at the Canterbury scene and by far the best. Largely amiable jazz-rock, with occasional very English vocals singing inconsequential lyrics. There’s way too much noodling, though some Crimsonesque bits add a bit of grit.
6 o/o 10
November 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Day 332. Hatfield and the North: The Rotters’ Club
My final attempt at the Canterbury scene and by far the best. Largely amiable jazz-rock, with occasional very English vocals singing inconsequential lyrics. There’s way too much noodling, though some Crimsonesque bits add a bit of grit.
6 o/o 10
My final attempt at the Canterbury scene and by far the best. Largely amiable jazz-rock, with occasional very English vocals singing inconsequential lyrics. There’s way too much noodling, though some Crimsonesque bits add a bit of grit.
6 o/o 10
Day 331. Band of Horses: Mirage Rock
I’ve enjoying their other work, but this album falls flat. It veers into Neil Young territory with sloppy playing and whiny vocals.
6 out of 10
I’ve enjoying their other work, but this album falls flat. It veers into Neil Young territory with sloppy playing and whiny vocals.
6 out of 10
November 27, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Day 331. Band of Horses: Mirage Rock
I’ve enjoying their other work, but this album falls flat. It veers into Neil Young territory with sloppy playing and whiny vocals.
6 out of 10
I’ve enjoying their other work, but this album falls flat. It veers into Neil Young territory with sloppy playing and whiny vocals.
6 out of 10
Day 330. Wilco Johnson & Roger Daltrey: Going Back Home
As a Feelgood fan, I went and wept at Wilco’s last gig. He then got surgery and went on for a few years, recording this on the way. It suits Daltrey’s old man voice and you can’t fault the band. Solid but lacks piss and vinegar.
7 out of 10
As a Feelgood fan, I went and wept at Wilco’s last gig. He then got surgery and went on for a few years, recording this on the way. It suits Daltrey’s old man voice and you can’t fault the band. Solid but lacks piss and vinegar.
7 out of 10
November 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Day 330. Wilco Johnson & Roger Daltrey: Going Back Home
As a Feelgood fan, I went and wept at Wilco’s last gig. He then got surgery and went on for a few years, recording this on the way. It suits Daltrey’s old man voice and you can’t fault the band. Solid but lacks piss and vinegar.
7 out of 10
As a Feelgood fan, I went and wept at Wilco’s last gig. He then got surgery and went on for a few years, recording this on the way. It suits Daltrey’s old man voice and you can’t fault the band. Solid but lacks piss and vinegar.
7 out of 10
Day 329. Midlake: A Bridge Too Far
Soft, melodic and melancholic songs. The instrumentation is compressed into a comfortable soup allowing the soft male vocals to float gently on the surface, like croutons perhaps.
7 out of 10
Soft, melodic and melancholic songs. The instrumentation is compressed into a comfortable soup allowing the soft male vocals to float gently on the surface, like croutons perhaps.
7 out of 10
November 26, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Day 329. Midlake: A Bridge Too Far
Soft, melodic and melancholic songs. The instrumentation is compressed into a comfortable soup allowing the soft male vocals to float gently on the surface, like croutons perhaps.
7 out of 10
Soft, melodic and melancholic songs. The instrumentation is compressed into a comfortable soup allowing the soft male vocals to float gently on the surface, like croutons perhaps.
7 out of 10
Day 328. Frost*: Life in the Wires
I’ve enjoyed much of Mitchell’s output of late, but this is Godfrey’s baby. Very assured pop-oriented proggish songs played with virtuosity and slickly produced. Much to like, and worthy of further listening.
7 out of 10
I’ve enjoyed much of Mitchell’s output of late, but this is Godfrey’s baby. Very assured pop-oriented proggish songs played with virtuosity and slickly produced. Much to like, and worthy of further listening.
7 out of 10
November 24, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Day 328. Frost*: Life in the Wires
I’ve enjoyed much of Mitchell’s output of late, but this is Godfrey’s baby. Very assured pop-oriented proggish songs played with virtuosity and slickly produced. Much to like, and worthy of further listening.
7 out of 10
I’ve enjoyed much of Mitchell’s output of late, but this is Godfrey’s baby. Very assured pop-oriented proggish songs played with virtuosity and slickly produced. Much to like, and worthy of further listening.
7 out of 10
Day 327. Caravan: In the Land of Grey and Pink
Pye Hastings got a mention on our album sleeve, but I’ve not listened to them before. Half English whimsy with crap lyrics and the rest an endless noodle on fuzz boxed organ which goes nowhere. I can’t see the appeal.
3 out of 10
Pye Hastings got a mention on our album sleeve, but I’ve not listened to them before. Half English whimsy with crap lyrics and the rest an endless noodle on fuzz boxed organ which goes nowhere. I can’t see the appeal.
3 out of 10
November 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Day 327. Caravan: In the Land of Grey and Pink
Pye Hastings got a mention on our album sleeve, but I’ve not listened to them before. Half English whimsy with crap lyrics and the rest an endless noodle on fuzz boxed organ which goes nowhere. I can’t see the appeal.
3 out of 10
Pye Hastings got a mention on our album sleeve, but I’ve not listened to them before. Half English whimsy with crap lyrics and the rest an endless noodle on fuzz boxed organ which goes nowhere. I can’t see the appeal.
3 out of 10
Day 326. Spock’s Beard: The Archeoptimist
Bright and modern prog, where the Californian band have a major injection of creativity from Michael Whiteman of Manic Whale. There’s not an inch of flab. Some strong Genesis influence in much of the keyboards. Virtuosity abounds.
7 out of 10
Bright and modern prog, where the Californian band have a major injection of creativity from Michael Whiteman of Manic Whale. There’s not an inch of flab. Some strong Genesis influence in much of the keyboards. Virtuosity abounds.
7 out of 10
November 22, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Day 326. Spock’s Beard: The Archeoptimist
Bright and modern prog, where the Californian band have a major injection of creativity from Michael Whiteman of Manic Whale. There’s not an inch of flab. Some strong Genesis influence in much of the keyboards. Virtuosity abounds.
7 out of 10
Bright and modern prog, where the Californian band have a major injection of creativity from Michael Whiteman of Manic Whale. There’s not an inch of flab. Some strong Genesis influence in much of the keyboards. Virtuosity abounds.
7 out of 10
Day 325. Oneohtrix Point Never: Tranquilizer
Interesting electronica created using 25 year old sample CDs. It’s engaging and enveloping and never dull despite the lack of obvious songs.
7 out of 10
Interesting electronica created using 25 year old sample CDs. It’s engaging and enveloping and never dull despite the lack of obvious songs.
7 out of 10
November 21, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Day 325. Oneohtrix Point Never: Tranquilizer
Interesting electronica created using 25 year old sample CDs. It’s engaging and enveloping and never dull despite the lack of obvious songs.
7 out of 10
Interesting electronica created using 25 year old sample CDs. It’s engaging and enveloping and never dull despite the lack of obvious songs.
7 out of 10
Day 324. David Bowie: Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
I remain a fan of the Ronson era but have given scant regard to his mid period. It suffers from the lack of melodic input, using Fripp & Alomar’s noisy atonal guitars instead. It’s hard to love.
6 out of 10
I remain a fan of the Ronson era but have given scant regard to his mid period. It suffers from the lack of melodic input, using Fripp & Alomar’s noisy atonal guitars instead. It’s hard to love.
6 out of 10
November 20, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Day 324. David Bowie: Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
I remain a fan of the Ronson era but have given scant regard to his mid period. It suffers from the lack of melodic input, using Fripp & Alomar’s noisy atonal guitars instead. It’s hard to love.
6 out of 10
I remain a fan of the Ronson era but have given scant regard to his mid period. It suffers from the lack of melodic input, using Fripp & Alomar’s noisy atonal guitars instead. It’s hard to love.
6 out of 10