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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 15h

The Blow Monkeys - Whoops! There Goes The Neighbourhood. Feb 89. UK Peak: 46. When the creativity levels go up on the likes of 'Bombed Into The Stone Age' & 'Let's Emigrate' it shines but there's too many makeweights on here. 'Wait' is a classic. More Kym please! 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Gladdens the heart to see a bland red brick corporate building being levelled by a digger. Extra kudos to the Mist Cannon for blowing the dust away from the road.

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Then Jericho - The Big Area. Mar 89. UK Peak: 4. You'll have to eat your hat, Richard! Contains the wondrous U2ish 'Big Area' & the heartfelt 'Sugar Box'. The muscular 'Under Fire' rounds it off well but other tracks are a bit windy. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Jason Donovan waves a titfer & Mark Shaw rides a vintage car, I think, on the cover of Smash Hits dated February 8-21 1989. I've got 'A New Flame' & heard 'Technique'. Also, in RSVP, Jane sounds nice. Especially as she doesn't begin with 'Yo' like 3 others on this page #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Joe Smooth - Promised Land. Jan 89. No UK Chart Placing. A sketchy attempt to bring 'Purple Haze' up to date, some religious toadying sits amongst the rest of the reasonable house pop efforts. The title track is by far the most alluring thing on here. 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Random quiz knowledge gained this evening: The Speakers Chair is called The Woolsack because it's literally a large, square cushion stuffed with wool & covered in red cloth, serving as a symbol of the immense wealth and economic importance of the English wool trade in the 14th century. So there.

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - American Dream. Jan 89. No UK Chart Placing. Songwriting prowess on display without too much syrup with decent polished production. Neil Young in the form of his life (see Harvest Moon) & 'Name Of Love' is lovely 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

It's Yazz on the cover of Smash Hits dated 25 Jan to 7 Feb 1989 on this sparse page of albums. I've got 'The Raw & The Cooked' but not 'American Dream' or 'Promised Land' Of course you'll all want to be David's friend, right? Right?! #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Come in 1979, your time is up! Here are the albums going into the collection. Albums from 1983-1979 are done. Now leaping forward 10 years to 1989 to a very different musical landscape & working backwards. Hang on. 1st album is by Crosby, Stills & Nash? Maybe we've gone 10 years backwards?

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Mike Oldfield - Platinum. Dec 79. UK Peak: 24. A pleasingly diverse album with regular changes in style which means songs don't outstay their welcome. A few knowing & cheeky 'Oi''s & choppy guitar thrown in for good measure. 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Charlie Dore - Where To Now? Dec 79. No UK Chart Placing. If you're looking for a radio friendly American early 1980s Sheena Easton, then Charlie's your woman. Songs like the title track & Pilot of the Airwaves work well 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

My latest show is published ! Take a dive into the best sounds of 1971 courtesy of the Now Yearbook along with some Placebo & Suede. Enjoy! www.mixcloud.com/james-cooke9...

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Public Image Ltd - The Metal Box. Dec 79. UK Peak: 18. An LP to work out your existential angst with ambling funky basslines. Contrarian & formless with chorus & verse given short shrift. Lydon goes a bit demented dalek on 'Chant'. A critic's choice 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

This is a fantastic book. The one I wanted to write myself but Stuart Maconie got their first. Damn him. Even though there are 100 people profiled in here who had to a greater or lesser extent influenced the band and their work, there could be a volume 2 of this.

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Ian Gomm - Gomm With The Wind. Dec 79. No UK Chart Placing. Good pop tune '24 Hour Service' is suspiciously like 'Hot Child In The City' by Nick Gilder. 2 covers in the form of 'Come On' & 'You Can't Do That' are impressive. Decent melodic pop 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Mekons - The Quality Of Mercy Is Not Strnen/Strained Dec 79. No UK Chart Placing. For those into Wire & the kind of post punk with honest & straightforward style & more challenging lyrics. Not my scene but recognise the value. Best track: After 6 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Sly & The Family Stone - Back On The Right Track. Dec 79. No UK Chart Placing. Despite weighing in at a paltry 26 mins, this is an assured, consistent & effortless saxy funk LP. 'Remember Who You Are', which opens it, is a lost Stevie Wonder funk hit. 7.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Quiz night facts to remember next time. A collective noun for ferrets is 'a business' !

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Fern Kinney - Groove Me. Dec 79. No UK Chart Placing. Fair assessment from the review. Nicely polished light disco pop with the no.1 that went under the radar 'Together We Are Beautiful'. 'Baby Let Me Kiss You' providing a surprise electro groove closer. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

It's The Clash leading us into Christmas 1979 (Dec 13-26). I've heard 'The Wall' & 'Reel to Real Cacophony' but nothing else to round off this year of variety. #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Dr Hook - Sometimes You Win. Nov 79. UK Peak: 14. The one with 'Sexy Eyes'. On the whole the review is right, unadventurous, a bit limp & lacking in body apart from the smooth funk of 'Love Monster' 5.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Genya Ravan - And I Mean It. Nov 79. No UK Chart Placing. Fair review. There's a lot of tight leather trousered bluster, big arrangements & full vocal power in this Meatloafian rock effort but it's just lacking the big tunes to complete the show. 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Impressive of views of Laahhhnndun from Stanmore Country Park which I've never been to before and yet is only a few miles away

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Suzi Quatro - Suzi...And Other Four Letter Words. Nov 79. No UK Chart Placing. Swirlalong roller disco, in my head at least, pop disco classic 'She's In Love With You' is the highlight. There's more consistent pop treats on here too. 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Matchbox - Matchbox. Nov 79. UK Peak: 44. On the one hand, 'Rockabilly Rebel' is a light tonic in a sick, sad world. On the other, it's another SODDING rock n roll revival record to review. Cars, jeans & barely over the age of consent songs - check! 5.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Gherkins all devoured so drank a little of the gherkin leftover liquid. Could easily get used to it...

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Anyone ever recall the late 80s early 90s obsession with James Dean & Marilyn Monroe in the general culture? Their images seemed to be everywhere in places like Athena.

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I'm one of the few who liked it. An exciting & eccentric entry. Who cares if we get no points now? We expect it.

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Lives in a 'cloud forest' you say? Mmm. This sounds a bit too much like the Care Bears for my liking.

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The Buzzards - Jellied Eels To Record Deals. Nov 79. No UK Chart Placing. Plenty of vim, vigour & variety in this 17 track post punk. Some good: 'Saturday Night Beneath The Plastic Palm Trees' & some bad: 'I Don't Want To Go To Art School' 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

youtu.be/_g8XnRjsqio?... Fascinating & amusing video on Abbey Road covers all at the time of The Beatles release. 5 (Five) count 'em, covers of Maxwell's Silver Hammer. They smoked some fat ones back in 1969.

youtu.be

They Recorded Covers of 'Abbey Road' Before The Beatles Released It

YouTube video by Yesterday's Papers

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The Dickies - Dawn Of The Dickies. Nov 79. UK Peak: 60. Knockabout pop punk expected and it delivers in just under 30 minutes. 'Nights In White Satin' is just about recognisable but it's 'Attack Of The Mole Men' that's the best on record. 5.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Not sure how I felt about Penda's Fen after watching it last night. It was tense, very weird but also had that steady pace & unsettling atmosphere that made it compelling. The 'grotesque' that accompanies it, was a sideshow really.

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Millie Jackson & Isaac Hayes - Royal Rappin's. Nov 79. Millie says that she isn't going to be any old bald noggin stroker on this dual vocal love-in album. Smoochy but not in a way that the review implies. An Ok listen 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Late 90s MTV cartoon, Daria, was something that I missed first time around. It's a terrific hoot, full of knowing sarcasm ridiculing small town ignorance. The grungy theme tune from 1997 is also brilliant. This is the full version youtu.be/h-EHnZ7QDkQ?...

youtu.be

Splendora - You're Standing On My Neck

YouTube video by 1251blog

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Revanche - Music Man. Nov 79. No UK Chart Placing. 4 x 8 minute tracks of high energy disco & finishing with a very Chic-like '1979'. Not a very broad palette but it'll keep you going 6.5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

It's Madness looking down & pointing at, presumably, the dumper from on high on Smash Hits dated 29 Nov - 12 Dec 79. Perhaps they can see Showaddywaddy from there? I've got 'Setting Sons' but nothing else. You? #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

The Shoes - Present Tense. Nov 79. No UK Chart Placing. A good summary of the sound in the review. Very much at the sensitive & soft end of new wave. Melodic but not hugely memorable. 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

www.mixcloud.com/james-cooke9... Out now! My eclectic autumn radio mix show including Transvision Vamp, The Doors, The Weather Prophets, Comsat Angels, Lori & The Chameleons, Boomtown Rats, The Nolans, Morrissey Mullen, Elvis Costello, Fleetwood Mac, A-ha & Suede

x.com

Dodgy Discs 💙💛 (@cookster101) on X

New show out today! Late 70s, early 80s, early 90s pop rock and indie coverage https://t.co/zgmB32l1p2

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Stevie Wonder - Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants Nov 79. UK Peak: 8. A peculiar prog double in which you get olde synthwork, regular Stevie, world music & voices of plants/insects. A real hotchpotch of varying quality. The review captures it well. 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The Headboys - The Headboys. Nov 79. No UK Chart Placing. Sensibly renaming themselves from 'Badger', this pop rock band show off an ambitious production in the mould of Boomtown Rats on this debut with some decent melodies to match. 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The Tourists - Reality Effect. Nov 79. UK Peak: 23. Well turned out jangle pop/new wave. Begins strikingly with 'It Doesn't Have To Be..' & continues to be bright & inventive. Contains 'So Good To Be Back Home' & 'I Only Want To Be With You' 7/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Somehow it's possible to have a traffic jam on a train track.

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Cabaret Voltaire - Mix-Up. Nov 79. No UK Chart Placing. If you like modern art set to a electronic format with squelching & parping synths then look no further. Agree with review 5/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Pub Quiz facts: Must remember that the original name for Google was 'Backrub'. But in other news, we won!

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Herb Alpert - Rise. Nov 79. UK Peak: 37. Gave myself a pat on the back for recognising the hook on the title track belonging to 'Hypnotize' by Notorious BIG. The review is spot on. Some decent pop textures to a trumpet accompaniment but not a lot more. 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Gloria Gaynor - I Have A Right. Nov 79. No UK Chart Placing. This isn't too bad. Opening track 'Let Me Know/I Have A Right' being the best of the hooks but the disco energy is maintained pretty much throughout. 6/10 #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Gary Numan's death glare greets Smash Hits readers on the cover dated November 15-28 1979. I've heard 'One Step Beyond' & 'Broken English' but no others. And you? #smashhitsalbumreviews

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James Cooke @dodgydiscs.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Lovely autumn 🍂 stroll this morning in a fairly futile blackberry hunt. Saw this interesting history board about West Harrow & a very important FA Cup connection. Never knew this. Your namesake too @ineeddirection.bsky.social

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