James McNair
jamesmcnairwrites.bsky.social
James McNair
@jamesmcnairwrites.bsky.social
Slightly under / over word count since 1994. Writes for Mojo, Prog and Classic Rock. Previous stints at The Independent, Q, and as a trainee baker. Whitley Bay transplant via East Kilbride and London.
Reposted by James McNair
To celebrate Neil Young's 80th birthday, a host of stars including R.E.M., Chrissie Hynde, Metallica, Rush and more select his 50 greatest ever songs.
Neil Young’s 50 Greatest Songs Ranked
www.mojo4music.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by James McNair
On remembrance day I remember my old man. He didn't die during his time in Singapore in WW2. I do wonder what he left behind though. He was a great dad, better than I've been, despite the memories he must have carried. I'll watch this many times today and think of him.

youtu.be/L9AVvKyV1l4?...
My Dad, Justin Currie and Gilbert O'Sullivans "Nothing Rhymed"
YouTube video by daveross100
youtu.be
November 9, 2025 at 10:26 AM
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Texan psych-folk romantics reach new heights on sixth album, a Bridge To Far. Read MOJO's review and the tracklisting in full.
Midlake – A Bridge To Far Review: A career highpoint
www.mojo4music.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Reposted by James McNair
The Smiths, The Rolling Stones, The Best Albums Of 2025 & More In The New MOJO!

The latest issue of MOJO features the essential best of the year roundup, the full story of The Smiths, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Pulp, Van Morrison, Dion and more. Plus, a CD of 2025’s best tracks!

ORDER HERE:
MOJO 386 – January 2026: The Smiths/Best Of 2025
A new take on The Smiths, an exclusive Best Of The Year CD, plus Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and more in latest magazine.
www.mojo4music.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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The Greatest Horror Soundtracks Ever!

This Halloween, tremble with fear at the silver screen's best sounds of terror. Handpicked for MOJO by Siouxsie And The Banshees' bassist Steven Severin...
The Best Horror Movie Soundtracks Ranked!
Tremble with fear at the silver screen’s best sounds of terror, handpicked for MOJO by Siouxsie And The Banshees bassist Steven Severin.
www.mojo4music.com
October 31, 2025 at 10:55 AM
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I’m at Waterstones Gower Street in London WC1 on Thurs November 13, discussing my book 168 Songs Of Hatred and Failure with the brilliant @victoriasegal.bsky.social. Tickets: www.waterstones.com/events/168-s...
October 28, 2025 at 10:09 AM
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MOJO's chief headbanger James McNair runs down Page, Plant, Bonham and Paul-Jones' finest studio and live LPs. 10. Celebration Day 9. In Through The Out Door
Led Zeppelin's Greatest Albums Ranked!
www.mojo4music.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:02 PM
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👉 If you or someone you know has been affected by #HateCrime don’t stay silent — reach out today.
www.connectedvoice.org.uk/.../hate-cri...
October 9, 2025 at 9:22 AM
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John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen and more in the new MOJO!

Celebrating John Lennon on what would have been his 85th birthday, we uncover the untold story of his New York radicalisation. Plus, Bruce Springsteen speaks exclusively to MOJO about the Nebraska boxset and new biopic. Order a copy here...
MOJO 385 – December 2025: John Lennon
Exclusive John Lennon CD, exclusive Bruce Springsteen interview, plus Hendrix, Prince, The Beatles and Lucinda Williams in the latest issue.
www.mojo4music.com
October 9, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Not yer typical Jackdaw.
October 6, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Gobsmacked! Rush announce 2026 tour!
October 6, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Mysterious seating-plan on beach.
October 1, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Spotted in the window of a Whitley Bay junk shop.
September 28, 2025 at 6:36 AM
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Newcastle says no to fascism.

The far right brought a hundred or so with them, bussed from far and wide. This city turned out 1000s, from local communities, estates and streets. Geordies of all backgrounds coming together and outnumbering the purveyors of hate by some distance.

Newcastle united.
September 27, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Enjoyed writing about Robert’s Black Country communion.
“This is Plant as enthused musicologist, sharing inspirations, passing batons - ⭐⭐⭐⭐”

Out this week, Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and new band Saving Grace enchant on an intimate set of blues, alt-country and folk covers. Read MOJO's review and the tracklist in full...
Robert Plant & Saving Grace Reviewed: Led Zep legend brings it all back home
Led Zeppelin frontman and new band Saving Grace deliver a deft set of blues, alt-country and folk covers. Read MOJO's review and the tracklisting in full.
www.mojo4music.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Side by side on my piano keyboard/
Oh Lord, why can’t we?
September 23, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Great to welcome this one back - especially in the light of Stevie and Lindsey’s recent Instagram posts!
After languishing as an online bootleg for decades, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s pre-Mac LP finally gets a proper reissue. Read MOJO's review.
Buckingham Nicks Review: Pre-Fleetwood Mac Album Out At Last
www.mojo4music.com
September 22, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Morning from me and Ivy.
September 19, 2025 at 5:37 AM
On this day in 1970, Black Sabbath released their second album, Paranoid. Originally named after opener War Pigs until the title track, and Sabbath’s only hit single, was written “in five minutes” at the end of the sessions, see where it ranked in MOJO’s rundown of every Sabbath album...
Every Black Sabbath Album Ranked From Worst To Best
In tribute to their late frontman Ozzy Osbourne, MOJO ranks and rates every Black Sabbath studio album. 19. Born Again 18. Tyr 17. Forbidden
www.mojo4music.com
September 18, 2025 at 6:11 PM
My take on Neil Hannon’s latest. Not an Oompa-Loompa in sight…
“Neil Hannon’s most personal and poignant album to date - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ”

Partly funded by Neil Hannon’s work on the Wonka movie soundtrack, The Divine Comedy’s 13th album hits a new peak. Read MOJO’s review and the track list in full...
The Divine Comedy - Rainy Sunday Afternoon Review: A career highlight
Partly funded by Neil Hannon’s work on the Wonka movie soundtrack, arch songwriter’s 13th hits a peak. Read MOJO's review and the track list in full.
www.mojo4music.com
September 18, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Amazing stuff from Midlake and friends. A salve against current darknesses and probably my favourite song, promo-video and LP of the year thus far.

youtu.be/L9CVSIlPsKQ?...
Midlake - "Days Gone By" (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by Midlake
youtu.be
September 17, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Is there no end to this oppression?
September 17, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Nice sunset in Whitley Bay.
September 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Reposted by James McNair
"Hannon's most personal and poignant album to date" ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - MOJO Magazine.
Pre-order here: lnk.to/RainySunday
Our new album 'Rainy Sunday Afternoon' comes out on 19th September, that's just four weeks away!
Visit the smartlink to choose your favourite format including Deluxe Limited Editions.
August 22, 2025 at 5:23 PM