Matthew Gregory
@matthewgregory.bsky.social
Staff football writer for 3 Added Minutes.
Sports, hiking, music and the pent-up frustration of a man who chose all the wrong teams to support.
Sports, hiking, music and the pent-up frustration of a man who chose all the wrong teams to support.
1. The Tubs - Cotton Crown
Like a scrappy pub band doing Fleetwood Mac, but a million times better than that sounds. The songwriting talent is astonishing, and the humour and heart with which it confronts the death of the singer's mother is breathtaking. The defintion of a five-star album.
Like a scrappy pub band doing Fleetwood Mac, but a million times better than that sounds. The songwriting talent is astonishing, and the humour and heart with which it confronts the death of the singer's mother is breathtaking. The defintion of a five-star album.
December 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
1. The Tubs - Cotton Crown
Like a scrappy pub band doing Fleetwood Mac, but a million times better than that sounds. The songwriting talent is astonishing, and the humour and heart with which it confronts the death of the singer's mother is breathtaking. The defintion of a five-star album.
Like a scrappy pub band doing Fleetwood Mac, but a million times better than that sounds. The songwriting talent is astonishing, and the humour and heart with which it confronts the death of the singer's mother is breathtaking. The defintion of a five-star album.
2. CMAT - Euro-Country
I'm not generally a pop fan. But then pop isn't generally this good. The tunes are beyond impeccable and the lyrics first rate. Also a rare pop record by someone I imagine would be great to have a pint with.
I'm not generally a pop fan. But then pop isn't generally this good. The tunes are beyond impeccable and the lyrics first rate. Also a rare pop record by someone I imagine would be great to have a pint with.
December 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
2. CMAT - Euro-Country
I'm not generally a pop fan. But then pop isn't generally this good. The tunes are beyond impeccable and the lyrics first rate. Also a rare pop record by someone I imagine would be great to have a pint with.
I'm not generally a pop fan. But then pop isn't generally this good. The tunes are beyond impeccable and the lyrics first rate. Also a rare pop record by someone I imagine would be great to have a pint with.
3. Big Special - National Average
Angry, funny, imaginative and like very little else I've heard. Springs from sarcastic rage to soulful with grace and spittle, and some of the sharpest lyrics in the game.
Angry, funny, imaginative and like very little else I've heard. Springs from sarcastic rage to soulful with grace and spittle, and some of the sharpest lyrics in the game.
December 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
3. Big Special - National Average
Angry, funny, imaginative and like very little else I've heard. Springs from sarcastic rage to soulful with grace and spittle, and some of the sharpest lyrics in the game.
Angry, funny, imaginative and like very little else I've heard. Springs from sarcastic rage to soulful with grace and spittle, and some of the sharpest lyrics in the game.
4. Sprints - All That Is Over
The second Sprints album, and the second year in a row they're in my top five. Righteous, sometimes riotous punk which mixes the political, the deeply personal and big riffs. And they finally played a Newcastle show, and it was fabulous.
The second Sprints album, and the second year in a row they're in my top five. Righteous, sometimes riotous punk which mixes the political, the deeply personal and big riffs. And they finally played a Newcastle show, and it was fabulous.
December 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
4. Sprints - All That Is Over
The second Sprints album, and the second year in a row they're in my top five. Righteous, sometimes riotous punk which mixes the political, the deeply personal and big riffs. And they finally played a Newcastle show, and it was fabulous.
The second Sprints album, and the second year in a row they're in my top five. Righteous, sometimes riotous punk which mixes the political, the deeply personal and big riffs. And they finally played a Newcastle show, and it was fabulous.
5. Baths - Gut
Sonically, a step back towards Obsidian in some ways, but there's a fresh layer of warmth and depth between the glitchy electronic indie and - most importantly - some gorgeous tunes at Gut's heart. And it has a ton of heart.
Sonically, a step back towards Obsidian in some ways, but there's a fresh layer of warmth and depth between the glitchy electronic indie and - most importantly - some gorgeous tunes at Gut's heart. And it has a ton of heart.
December 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
5. Baths - Gut
Sonically, a step back towards Obsidian in some ways, but there's a fresh layer of warmth and depth between the glitchy electronic indie and - most importantly - some gorgeous tunes at Gut's heart. And it has a ton of heart.
Sonically, a step back towards Obsidian in some ways, but there's a fresh layer of warmth and depth between the glitchy electronic indie and - most importantly - some gorgeous tunes at Gut's heart. And it has a ton of heart.
At 5,063m, this is probably the highest I'll ever be. Apart from that one time in etc etc.
Vinincunca and Red Valley in Peru. Beyond spectacular and out the other side.
Vinincunca and Red Valley in Peru. Beyond spectacular and out the other side.
May 25, 2025 at 1:56 AM
At 5,063m, this is probably the highest I'll ever be. Apart from that one time in etc etc.
Vinincunca and Red Valley in Peru. Beyond spectacular and out the other side.
Vinincunca and Red Valley in Peru. Beyond spectacular and out the other side.
This season's one isn't so bad, to be fair, but you can't imagine Giuseppe Signori would have had any truck with this:
May 9, 2025 at 8:19 PM
This season's one isn't so bad, to be fair, but you can't imagine Giuseppe Signori would have had any truck with this:
Fundamental concepts of probability to Blackburn's promotion chances:
April 26, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Fundamental concepts of probability to Blackburn's promotion chances:
A few quick mobile snaps from Wednesday's short hike through the sunshine, up Helm Crag and then around Grasmere and Rydal Water to the Badger Bar. God bless BST and beer gardens.
April 5, 2025 at 2:28 PM
A few quick mobile snaps from Wednesday's short hike through the sunshine, up Helm Crag and then around Grasmere and Rydal Water to the Badger Bar. God bless BST and beer gardens.
Steve Waggott went to the Dr. Evil school of negotiations, it would seem.
January 30, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Steve Waggott went to the Dr. Evil school of negotiations, it would seem.
Photos from my actual proper camera will follow at some point, but a quick mobile snap of Causey Pike in its winter coat from my first hike of the year won't hurt. Perfect winter weather for a walker in the Lake District today - lots of snow, not too much ice and a roaring log fire after.
January 11, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Photos from my actual proper camera will follow at some point, but a quick mobile snap of Causey Pike in its winter coat from my first hike of the year won't hurt. Perfect winter weather for a walker in the Lake District today - lots of snow, not too much ice and a roaring log fire after.
Look, as a Carolina Panthers fan, I didn't pick the best game to travel all the way from the UK to watch.
It rained, we got thrashed, and we conceded on a blocked punt while a duck hung out on the field. But you can't put a price on this stuff as a long-distance fan, and the company was first rate.
It rained, we got thrashed, and we conceded on a blocked punt while a duck hung out on the field. But you can't put a price on this stuff as a long-distance fan, and the company was first rate.
December 30, 2024 at 12:44 AM
Look, as a Carolina Panthers fan, I didn't pick the best game to travel all the way from the UK to watch.
It rained, we got thrashed, and we conceded on a blocked punt while a duck hung out on the field. But you can't put a price on this stuff as a long-distance fan, and the company was first rate.
It rained, we got thrashed, and we conceded on a blocked punt while a duck hung out on the field. But you can't put a price on this stuff as a long-distance fan, and the company was first rate.
1. 'Foxing' by Foxing
The sound of a veteran band saying 'sod it' and throwing every idea they have into the mixer at once. It could have been a car crash - instead it's extraordinary, artistic, and brimming with incredible songs, some of which seem to flit between five genres at once. Immense.
The sound of a veteran band saying 'sod it' and throwing every idea they have into the mixer at once. It could have been a car crash - instead it's extraordinary, artistic, and brimming with incredible songs, some of which seem to flit between five genres at once. Immense.
December 6, 2024 at 5:16 PM
1. 'Foxing' by Foxing
The sound of a veteran band saying 'sod it' and throwing every idea they have into the mixer at once. It could have been a car crash - instead it's extraordinary, artistic, and brimming with incredible songs, some of which seem to flit between five genres at once. Immense.
The sound of a veteran band saying 'sod it' and throwing every idea they have into the mixer at once. It could have been a car crash - instead it's extraordinary, artistic, and brimming with incredible songs, some of which seem to flit between five genres at once. Immense.
2. 'All Hell' by Los Campesinos!
Christ, it's good to have them back. Hitting the same old inch-perfect groove between indie and emo, they're one of those bands that hit heart and soul on the nose with big riffs and razor-sharp lyrics. Same as it ever was - and thank god for that.
Christ, it's good to have them back. Hitting the same old inch-perfect groove between indie and emo, they're one of those bands that hit heart and soul on the nose with big riffs and razor-sharp lyrics. Same as it ever was - and thank god for that.
December 6, 2024 at 5:16 PM
2. 'All Hell' by Los Campesinos!
Christ, it's good to have them back. Hitting the same old inch-perfect groove between indie and emo, they're one of those bands that hit heart and soul on the nose with big riffs and razor-sharp lyrics. Same as it ever was - and thank god for that.
Christ, it's good to have them back. Hitting the same old inch-perfect groove between indie and emo, they're one of those bands that hit heart and soul on the nose with big riffs and razor-sharp lyrics. Same as it ever was - and thank god for that.
3. 'Wild God' by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
A stunningly beautiful record which catches a perfect middle ground between his reflective recent output and his earlier fire-and-brimstone bombast. Grief understandably remains a central theme, but it's a surprisingly uplifting record. One of his best.
A stunningly beautiful record which catches a perfect middle ground between his reflective recent output and his earlier fire-and-brimstone bombast. Grief understandably remains a central theme, but it's a surprisingly uplifting record. One of his best.
December 6, 2024 at 5:16 PM
3. 'Wild God' by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
A stunningly beautiful record which catches a perfect middle ground between his reflective recent output and his earlier fire-and-brimstone bombast. Grief understandably remains a central theme, but it's a surprisingly uplifting record. One of his best.
A stunningly beautiful record which catches a perfect middle ground between his reflective recent output and his earlier fire-and-brimstone bombast. Grief understandably remains a central theme, but it's a surprisingly uplifting record. One of his best.
4. 'Letter to Self' by Sprints
A riotous and righteous debut record - Karla Chubb is a wildly charismatic front woman and the music is frenetic and propulsive while remaining tight from start to finish. One gripe - they keep not playing Newcastle on their tours, so I haven't bloody seen them live.
A riotous and righteous debut record - Karla Chubb is a wildly charismatic front woman and the music is frenetic and propulsive while remaining tight from start to finish. One gripe - they keep not playing Newcastle on their tours, so I haven't bloody seen them live.
December 6, 2024 at 5:16 PM
4. 'Letter to Self' by Sprints
A riotous and righteous debut record - Karla Chubb is a wildly charismatic front woman and the music is frenetic and propulsive while remaining tight from start to finish. One gripe - they keep not playing Newcastle on their tours, so I haven't bloody seen them live.
A riotous and righteous debut record - Karla Chubb is a wildly charismatic front woman and the music is frenetic and propulsive while remaining tight from start to finish. One gripe - they keep not playing Newcastle on their tours, so I haven't bloody seen them live.
5. 'Legal Speed' by Radium Dolls
Thrilling, slightly silly post-punk in the Warmduscher/Viagra Boys tradition dominates a wildly entertaining debut album, but tracks like 'NAA' and 'Fast and Loose' show off some serious songwriting chops too. I'm deeply excited to see what comes next.
Thrilling, slightly silly post-punk in the Warmduscher/Viagra Boys tradition dominates a wildly entertaining debut album, but tracks like 'NAA' and 'Fast and Loose' show off some serious songwriting chops too. I'm deeply excited to see what comes next.
December 6, 2024 at 5:16 PM
5. 'Legal Speed' by Radium Dolls
Thrilling, slightly silly post-punk in the Warmduscher/Viagra Boys tradition dominates a wildly entertaining debut album, but tracks like 'NAA' and 'Fast and Loose' show off some serious songwriting chops too. I'm deeply excited to see what comes next.
Thrilling, slightly silly post-punk in the Warmduscher/Viagra Boys tradition dominates a wildly entertaining debut album, but tracks like 'NAA' and 'Fast and Loose' show off some serious songwriting chops too. I'm deeply excited to see what comes next.
1. 'Foxing' by Foxing
The sound of a veteran band saying 'sod it' and throwing every idea they have into the mixer at once. It could have been a car crash - instead it's extraordinary, artistic, and brimming with incredible songs, some of which seem to flit between five genres at once. Immense.
The sound of a veteran band saying 'sod it' and throwing every idea they have into the mixer at once. It could have been a car crash - instead it's extraordinary, artistic, and brimming with incredible songs, some of which seem to flit between five genres at once. Immense.
December 6, 2024 at 5:14 PM
1. 'Foxing' by Foxing
The sound of a veteran band saying 'sod it' and throwing every idea they have into the mixer at once. It could have been a car crash - instead it's extraordinary, artistic, and brimming with incredible songs, some of which seem to flit between five genres at once. Immense.
The sound of a veteran band saying 'sod it' and throwing every idea they have into the mixer at once. It could have been a car crash - instead it's extraordinary, artistic, and brimming with incredible songs, some of which seem to flit between five genres at once. Immense.
2. 'All Hell' by Los Campesinos!
Christ, it's good to have them back. Hitting the same old inch-perfect groove between indie and emo, they're one of those bands that hit heart and soul on the nose with big riffs and razor-sharp lyrics. Same as it ever was - and thank god for that.
Christ, it's good to have them back. Hitting the same old inch-perfect groove between indie and emo, they're one of those bands that hit heart and soul on the nose with big riffs and razor-sharp lyrics. Same as it ever was - and thank god for that.
December 6, 2024 at 5:14 PM
2. 'All Hell' by Los Campesinos!
Christ, it's good to have them back. Hitting the same old inch-perfect groove between indie and emo, they're one of those bands that hit heart and soul on the nose with big riffs and razor-sharp lyrics. Same as it ever was - and thank god for that.
Christ, it's good to have them back. Hitting the same old inch-perfect groove between indie and emo, they're one of those bands that hit heart and soul on the nose with big riffs and razor-sharp lyrics. Same as it ever was - and thank god for that.
3. 'Wild God' by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
A stunningly beautiful record which catches a perfect middle ground between his reflective recent output and his earlier fire-and-brimstone bombast. Grief understandably remains a central theme, but it's a surprisingly uplifting record. One of his best.
A stunningly beautiful record which catches a perfect middle ground between his reflective recent output and his earlier fire-and-brimstone bombast. Grief understandably remains a central theme, but it's a surprisingly uplifting record. One of his best.
December 6, 2024 at 5:14 PM
3. 'Wild God' by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
A stunningly beautiful record which catches a perfect middle ground between his reflective recent output and his earlier fire-and-brimstone bombast. Grief understandably remains a central theme, but it's a surprisingly uplifting record. One of his best.
A stunningly beautiful record which catches a perfect middle ground between his reflective recent output and his earlier fire-and-brimstone bombast. Grief understandably remains a central theme, but it's a surprisingly uplifting record. One of his best.
4. 'Letter to Self' by Sprints
A riotous and righteous debut record - Karla Chubb is a wildly charismatic front woman and the music is frenetic and propulsive while remaining tight from start to finish. One gripe - they keep not playing Newcastle on their tours, so I haven't bloody seen them live.
A riotous and righteous debut record - Karla Chubb is a wildly charismatic front woman and the music is frenetic and propulsive while remaining tight from start to finish. One gripe - they keep not playing Newcastle on their tours, so I haven't bloody seen them live.
December 6, 2024 at 5:14 PM
4. 'Letter to Self' by Sprints
A riotous and righteous debut record - Karla Chubb is a wildly charismatic front woman and the music is frenetic and propulsive while remaining tight from start to finish. One gripe - they keep not playing Newcastle on their tours, so I haven't bloody seen them live.
A riotous and righteous debut record - Karla Chubb is a wildly charismatic front woman and the music is frenetic and propulsive while remaining tight from start to finish. One gripe - they keep not playing Newcastle on their tours, so I haven't bloody seen them live.
5. 'Legal Speed' by Radium Dolls
Thrilling, slightly silly post-punk in the Warmduscher/Viagra Boys tradition dominates a wildly entertaining debut album, but tracks like 'NAA' and 'Fast and Loose' show off some serious songwriting chops too. I'm deeply excited to see what comes next.
Thrilling, slightly silly post-punk in the Warmduscher/Viagra Boys tradition dominates a wildly entertaining debut album, but tracks like 'NAA' and 'Fast and Loose' show off some serious songwriting chops too. I'm deeply excited to see what comes next.
December 6, 2024 at 5:14 PM
5. 'Legal Speed' by Radium Dolls
Thrilling, slightly silly post-punk in the Warmduscher/Viagra Boys tradition dominates a wildly entertaining debut album, but tracks like 'NAA' and 'Fast and Loose' show off some serious songwriting chops too. I'm deeply excited to see what comes next.
Thrilling, slightly silly post-punk in the Warmduscher/Viagra Boys tradition dominates a wildly entertaining debut album, but tracks like 'NAA' and 'Fast and Loose' show off some serious songwriting chops too. I'm deeply excited to see what comes next.
It's times like this that I realise the sheer futility of having a top X favourite albums. The Decline of British Sea Power is the greatest album ever made. Beyond that, a dense morass of excellence.
November 19, 2024 at 8:05 PM
It's times like this that I realise the sheer futility of having a top X favourite albums. The Decline of British Sea Power is the greatest album ever made. Beyond that, a dense morass of excellence.
Am I doing this right?
November 18, 2024 at 10:32 AM
Am I doing this right?