I followed Lucas's link to the B-sides blog, clicked play for the Paperboy's "It's Easier" (I'd been taken in by the cod 45 label) and was instantly blown away. I'd been asking myself where all the Delbert McClintons and Eddie Hintons had gone, and just when I was giving up all hope. . . .

I heard "Friday Night Fight At Al's Place" by Paperboy Reed on Craig Charles' radio show at the weekend - amazing stuff.

...off the latest cover disc, is only seemingly traceable thru'his my space site. He is quite good but his voice goes distressingly "blunty" on the slower ones positioned 2 and 4. The song on the disc made me want to buy his LP, but on the basis of hearing some more, maybe not.

Londoncentric message: Eli "Paperboy" Reed is making a rare live appearance in London this Monday, at the Enterprise, NW3, 7.30pm, £6.50.

Not sure anyone will read this, but...

Saw Eli "Paperboy" Reed live last night (see above). It was a solo show, just our Eli and his guitar. Except it wasn't his guitar, it was superfan Nick Lowe's, who had lent it to him.

It was almost embarrassing that someone so talented was playing in somewhere so small - the sticky-floored upstairs room of a pub. Still, all the better to appreciate his amazing voice - all the howls, hollers and swoops that you usually only hear on old Stax/Atlantic records, plus great control with the softer ones too. And superb guitar playing at the same time.

He was very friendly and humble, and was willing to chat afterwards as he personally sold copies of his latest album.
Phil Alexander (Mojo editor) was in attendance, and I think it was actor Martin Freeman who was standing right in front of me (not 100% sure though). The crowd (how many people do you need before you can call it a crowd?) was knocked out by it.
Eli's returning in July with his band, so get along if you can - live is the way to experience him.