Many, many moons ago I used to consume a vast amount of music press each month (NME, Select, Melody Maker, Sounds, Record Mirror, Vox, Q etc etc etc) but as the years went on, and admittedly some of the titles perished,I found myself buying less and less whilst also being more and more selective about what publications I stuck with. I still wanted to have a taste of all genres but the internet had made it easier, and often more fun, to discover new bands and I eventually found myself pretty much sticking solely with The Word, it covered everything I wanted to read about and whilst leading me to lots of new music, books, films etc it also managed to consistently approach the things I was already familiar with from different angles, it still does and thats why Im writing this I suppose...
On the odd occasion when waiting for the new edition of Word to hit the shelves, yep Im old school but I will sort a subscription soon!, I sometimes find myself, as I did this evening, picking up a copy of Uncut or Mojo if the cover 'jumps out' at me...tonight one such publications cover did just that with the promise of The Stones Roses, The Specials/Jerry Dammers and a John Martyn retrospective but Ive got to be honest, as I walked home with it in my bag I had none of the anticipation I get from having just purchased the new edition of The Word, sure there'll be a few articles in it that make it worth the purchase but theyre not my gang are they? I havent spent the last month chatting on forums and reading blogs and listening to cracking podcasts by the writers and I guess what Im trying to say is when I read the other music press its a bit like being at a party youve agreed to go to to please the other half or a friend but where you dont really care for anyone there where as The Words like meeting up with good friends down the local for a proper chin wag about stuff that really matters, even if it only really matters to us.

There, I feel better now!

Keep up the good work and long may you reign...

Christ on a bike..either Ive just had a flashback or Morrissey really was on the One Show tonight....whatever next? a natural replacement for Carol Thatcher surely??? very strange!

I notice that Andrew Harrison mentions Kirsty McColl in his review of Lilys new album in this months edition...I know hes only remarking on the album titles being so relevant but I couldnt help thinking Of Kirsty when listening to Lilys latest long player. Obviously Ms Allen is a long way off from being the lyrical genius that Kirsty was but I cant help thinking if she was still with us the pair would have teamed up by now...anyone else see some similarities there?

I cant seem to access the Word playlist on Spotify...everytime i click the link it tells me its an invalid operation...any pointers much appreciated!
Ta

Glad to see the fantastic podcast (and website) 'This American Life'gets a mention in the 'Something for the Weekend' email today.
I missed the boat on the recent blog discussion on reccomended podcasts but would have put this one right at the top of my list (well, just after The Words one obviously!!!).
Ive been listening to the 'This American Life' podcast for a couple of years now and cant even remember how I came by them but they have never dropped in quality and compliment podcasts like 'The Moth' and 'New Yorker' perfectly for a bit of brain stimulation!

Once upon a time I'd have been well chuffed if Mr Weller just turned up at my local and started 'jamming'with the locals....sorry that should have read Once upon a time a very, very, very, very, very long time ago!!!

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article2078595.ece