BABY, THERE’S GOALS OUTSIDE – the Division One fixtures of Boxing Day 1974…… neilsambrook@btinternet.com December 25, 2024 Boxing Day 1974: Some semblance of normality – Malcolm Macdonald scores for the first time in six games as Newcastle win at Carlisle. RANTS & REFLECTIONS Chelsea, Derby County, Everton, Leeds United, Liverpool FC, Manchester United, QPR, Spurs, Stoke City, West Ham Uniited, Wolves
FANCIFUL – Rod Stewart & FOOTLOOSE & FANCY FREE neilsambrook@btinternet.com December 17, 2024 The punks broke through and disparaged Rod for making complacent music, Stewart meanwhile broke the bank with sales of FOOTLOOSE & FANCY FREE (1977). RANTS & REFLECTIONS A Night on the Town, Atlantic Crossing, Every Picture Tells A Story, Faces, Footloose and Fancy Free, Rod Stewart
SWIFT TAYLOR – James Taylor & JT neilsambrook@btinternet.com December 10, 2024 JT (1977): Taylor marked his Columbia debut with a big-selling album, a Grammy award, two top 5 singles – and return to favour with the critics. RANTS & REFLECTIONS Carly Simon, Gorilla, James Taylor, JT, Linda Ronstadt, Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, Sweet Baby James
GO-GO QUEENS PARK RANGERS: QPR 1971-1977 neilsambrook@btinternet.com December 4, 2024 Such was the continental delivery of their fluent passing style, it was football that should have come with sub-titles. RANTS & REFLECTIONS Dave Sexton, Gerry Francis, Gordon Jago, Loftus Road, QPR, Rodney Marsh, Stan Bowles
MINDFUL OF THE FACT – John Lennon & MIND GAMES neilsambrook@btinternet.com November 25, 2024 After the highly politicised tone of ‘Sometime in New York City’, MIND GAMES (1973) was an altogether more accessible affair. RANTS & REFLECTIONS John Lennon, Mind Games, Paul McCartney, Plastic Ono Band, The Beatles, Yoko Ono
NIL SATIS (FACTION) – Everton in the 1970s neilsambrook@btinternet.com November 18, 2024 Through a decade containing some near trophy misses, Everton often appear their own worst enemies – had it not been for referee Clive Thomas that is. RANTS & REFLECTIONS Alan Ball, Bob Latchford, Everton, Harry Catterick, Liverpool
NO DISGUISING A FINE ALBUM – Linda Ronstadt & PRISONER IN DISGUISE neilsambrook@btinternet.com November 4, 2024 Consolidating the huge success of ‘Heart Like a Wheel’ from the year before, PRISONER IN DISGUISE (1975) soon turned platinum and produced three top ten singles. RANTS & REFLECTIONS Heart Like a Wheel, James Taylor, JD Souther, Linda Ronstadt, Little Feat, Prisoner in Disguise
TWELVE HANDY MEN – 12 fine 60s players who never won an England cap neilsambrook@btinternet.com October 28, 2024 NEIL YOUNG (Manchester City): After the goal rush. 20 goals in the title winning season of 67-68, FA Cup Final winner in ’69 but no England cap. RANTS & REFLECTIONS John Hurst, Peter Baker, Peter Grummitt, Peter Simpson, Phil Beal, Ronnie Boyce, Sir Alf Ramsey, World Cup 1966
LICKS and STONES – Rolling Stones & BLACK and BLUE neilsambrook@btinternet.com October 17, 2024 BLACK and BLUE (1976): Sessions became auditions for a new guitarist – the successful candidate revealed when Ron Wood appeared on the cover. RANTS & REFLECTIONS Bill Wyman, Black and Blue, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Mick Taylor, Rolling Stones, Ron Wood
MOORE’S THE PITY: BOBBY MOORE – February 1973/March 1974 neilsambrook@btinternet.com October 12, 2024 STOCK TAKING – March 1974: Fulham boss Alec Stock welcomes Bobby Moore to Craven Cottage…… RANTS & REFLECTIONS Bobby Moore, England, Ron Greenwood, Sir Alf Ramsey, West Ham United, World Cup 1966, World Cup 1974