Fitter Stoke
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Greetings all.
I am a self-confessed music obsessive with an insatiable desire for melodic
highs old and new. I couldn't imagine a day without music. When not actually
listening to it I'm usually reading or writing about it. Or playing it
myself, ham-fistedly, on keyboards and guitar.
My musical tendencies began at the age of nine when the family's radiogram
was acquired. Weekly jaunts to the local offy with my dear late Dad usually
produced a Music For Pleasure classical LP which would be eagerly played
upon our return. In this way I developed a knowledge and love of the central
classical repertoire which remains with me to this day. I still believe
Beethoven rocks more than anyone since.
Of course, the influence of school friends led to a widening of my interest
into more contemporary areas. My first rock LP, The Faces' 'Ooh La La'
(a record still adored in this household) was swiftly followed by releases
from the likes of T.Rex, Lou Reed, David Bowie and Roxy Music. The purchase
of 'The Faust Tapes' and 'Camembert Electrique' led me into more daring
stuff, the early Virgin catalogue producing a veritable feast of treasurable
albums and instilling a love of the so-called 'Canterbury Scene' that
I will never lose. Indeed, it is a song title by my favourite-ever band
Hatfield and the North that inspired my nom-de-plume for Head Heritage.
Over the past thirty years my musical tastes have veered in and around
most genres from folk to jazz. I was lucky enough to be sixteen years
old in 1977 and immerse myself in the punk/new wave era, at the same time
retaining my (often secret) love for more progressive sounds. Julian Cope's
music entered my life in 1980 with a gig by The Teardrop Explodes at Newcastle
University. Since then I've been a fan of most of the man's output, especially
'Fried' which to these ears represents his artistic peak.
Otherwise, my life is dominated by my three year old daughter Rachel who
is being reared on as many different types of music as I can play her.
So far, Haydn string quartets seem to have made the greatest impact. But
don't worry, I've got a few more up-to-date records still to play her!
Then there's my support for Sunderland and Grimsby Town football clubs
(which I won't dwell upon based on current form at time of writing), my
interests in antiquities and nature, and my love of Indian food, real
ale, classic films and cult TV to mention. All veritable distractions
from my really interesting civil service job. But what the hell - it pays
for the records.
Peace, happiness and good listening, everyone!
Fitter Stoke
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