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Ian Paul Sharp

@ianpaulsharp.bsky.social
77 followers 162 following 181 posts

Author. Current book is 'Pete Townshend's Lifehouse'. Next book 'A Tale of the Trick'. The Long Play Project on Substack: step inside the world of the album ianpaulsharp.substack.com

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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
A new curated playlist. This one features @janegetter.bsky.social, @janeweaver.bsky.social, The Who, Arthur Brown, Shawdowman, ChimpanA, and more across an hour of carefully sequenced music. ianpaulsharp.substack.com/p/lp-select-079 #playlists #curatedplaylists #classicrock #progrock #musicwriter
ianpaulsharp.substack.com
LP Select #079 with music by Janes Getter & Weaver, Chimpan A, The Who and more
Curated by me. One element of the Long Play Project
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Wondering about 'The Who By Numbers' now the Super Deluxe Edition has been confirmed? Read the essay on @officialthewho's album in my Long Play Project. iansharp.substack.com/p/who-numbers #thewho #thewhobynumbers #classicrock
Cover of 'The Who By Numbers' SDE by The Who
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
This week in the Long Play Project is the remarkable new album by @itsadequate.bsky.social, 'Parallel Lives'. If you don't know their music yet, here's an opportunity to discover them. ianpaulsharp.substack.com/p/hogia-parallel-lives #prog #newalbums #musicwriting #hogia
ianpaulsharp.substack.com
Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate - Parallel Lives
The remarkable album with a challenging back story
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Every couple of weeks I curate a playlist of classic and progressive rock tracks. The new one, number 078, is now live.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
New in my Long Play Project: @officialbunnymen 'Ocean Rain' (focussed mostly on 'The Killing Moon'). #bunnymen #oceanrain #killingmoon #musicwriting
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Tragically, Jason Arday died after a vicious press campaign over the last few weeks. The Government must urgently launch an inquiry into the rotten culture of the press, and any role it had in his death. Add name now: hackedoff.org/campaign-actions/demand-an-inquiry-into-the-culture-of-the-press
hackedoff.org
Demand an inquiry into the culture of the press
Jason Arday died after being relentlessly hounded by the press. Demand an inquiry into press culture now.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
We need to show rightwing newspapers that actions have consequences. Add your name: goodlawproject.org/s/abb8a1
goodlawproject.org
Jason Arday: Demand a public inquiry now | Good Law Project
Commission an immediate public inquiry into how to ensure a responsible press given its contribution to Dr Arday’s tragic death.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
My curated playlist reaches number 77 with tracks from Nick Cave, Neil Young, Elvis Costello & 9 others. Listen and read my guide to an hour of outstanding music at iansharp.substack.com/p/077 #playlist #rock #prog
iansharp.substack.com
LP Select #077 feat. Nick Cave, Neil Young, Kirsty MacColl & 9 more
A curation of tracks that have resonated with me recently
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
I’m honoured that my book is featured on the exhustive and definitive website petetownshend.net/news/new-book-about-lifehouse-is-out-now. #thewho #petetownshend #lifehouse #whosnext #classicrock
petetownshend.net
New book about Lifehouse is out now!
Read all about the book Pete Townshend's Lifehouse by Ian Paul Sharp.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Thank you Shindig Magazine for your 4 star review of 'Pete Townshend's Lifehouse' in the new issue. "Lifehouse from just about every angle imaginable." Link in bio or see ianpaulsharp.uk #classicrock #petetownshend #thewho #lifehouse #whosnext #musicwriter
Cover of 'Pete Townshend's Lifehouse' book by Ian Paul Sharp
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
LP Select 076 features and hour of new music inc. Snow Patrol, Echo & the Bunnymen, Flea, Big Big Train, Scritti Politti, and more. Stream and read the Listening Guide: iansharp.substack.com/p/076 #playlist #rock #newmusic
Cover of LP Select 076 - curated playlist by Ian Paul Sharp.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Posted yesterday with an incorrect URL. One that works is in the comments.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
New essay in the Long Play Project: 'As Once We Were', the new album by @theanchoressofficial Read at https;//iansharp.substack.com/p/anchoress-asoncewewere #musicwriter #progressivemusic #theanchoress
Cover of album by The Anchoress 'As Once We Were'
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
An hour of music connected to my essay on Chris Squire's album 'Fish Out of Water', from artists such as Bill Bruford, Mel Collins, Jon Anderson, Patrick Moraz, and (of course) Yes. iansharp.substack.com/p/075 #classicrock #progrock #chrissquire #yes #playlist
iansharp.substack.com
LP Select #075: Fish Out of Water
The playlist connected to my essay on the album, Fish Out of Water.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
The new Long Play Project essay is on Chris Squire's solo album 'Fish Out of Water'. It's started a debate: 'Fish' or Jon Anderson's 'Olias of Sunhillow'? (Both?) Read at iansharp.substack.com/p/chrissquir... #progrock #classicrock #yes #chrissquire #jonanderson
iansharp.substack.com
The Long Play Project Essay: Chris Squire - Fish Out of Water
The best Yes solo album (at least from their 1975 sabbatical)?
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
I’ve written a piece for the Genesis web-fanzine The Waiting Room Online exploring the album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway - specifically, cover versions of both the entire double album and of individual songs. Read, along with plenty more Genesis-related writing, here www.twronline.net
twronline.net
The Waiting Room Online
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
My latest curated playlist, LP Select 074, is live now on streaming services. Tracks from @theanchoress.bsky.social @pjharvey.net, @stevehacketthq.bsky.social & Steve Rothery and six more. My Listening Guide to each track goes to members of my Long Play Project.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
What happens when you take a selection of 70s Tony Banks/Genesis sounds and include them in new music? That's what Ian Neal has done on his new album, the topic of my latest essay for The Long Play Project on Substack. Link follows.
Cover of 'This Gemlike Flame' by Ian Neal - The Long Play Project by Ian Paul Sharp.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Louder Than War on my book 'Pete Townshend's Lifehouse': "Essential reading for any serious fan of the Who." — Den Browne louderthanwar.com
louderthanwar.com
Music News - The Latest Music Stories - Louder Than War
Read The Latest Music News From The Writers at Louder Than War. Music, Culture, Opinion, Film, Festivals, Radio & TV!
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Some unexpected tracks connected with Peter Gabriel’s So feature in my new curated playlist, LP Select #073. Listen via Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. Paid subscribers to The Long Play Project also receive my critic’s notes. Links below.
Logo for LP Select #073 by Ian Paul Sharp
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
My book 'Pete Townshend’s Lifehouse' is reviewed in the current issue of Classic Rock magazine. "Brick-by-brick excavation of Who Maestro's megaproject … makes the case that Lifehouse advanced rock's limited boundaries." 7/10. #petetownshend #thewho #lifehouse #classicrock #musicbooks
Cover of 'Pete Townshend's Lifehouse' by Ian Paul Sharp
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Thank you for all the memories and experiences shared from the time of *A Trick of the Tail.* If you have anything you’ve not shared yet, we’d love to see it.
ianpaulsharp.uk
Genesis: 'A Tale of the Trick' - an immersive book about A Trick of the Tail - Ian Paul Sharp
Do you have any memories or experiences from the time of the Genesis album A Trick of the Tail? Perhaps you went to one or more nights of the tour?
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
A section of my new book 'Pete Townshend’s Lifehouse' is about legacy (UWL), and how @theanchoress.bsky.social used vintage synths on her new album 'As Once We Were' “... an epic 14-track widescreen exploration of the nature of time &transformation.” The Lifehouse legacy in action. Link below.
Image: Cover of 'As Once We Were' by The Anchoress.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
"Gabriel’s key learning from his work post-Genesis was how possible - and yet how difficult - it was to be true to yourself as an artist and still play by the rules of the industry." From my latest Long Play Project Essay - iansharp.substack.com/p/gabriel-so #progrock #classicrock #petergabriel
Image: Cover of album 'So' by Peter Gabriel
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The Long Play Project was inspired by an answer Steve Hackett gave when I interviewed him recently for our book A Tale of the Trick. “... everyone was learning to write. This learning thing goes on even today. It doesn't stop here.” It’s why I write The Long Play Project. Links in comments.
Image: The Long Play Project by Ian Paul Sharp header
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Underpinning my new Long Play Project is the Zen concept of ‘shoshin’, often known as ‘beginner’s mind’. What assumptions did Peter Gabriel have to move beyond to make So? Join the Long Play Project by subscribing now - link in bio and comments. #rock #music #shoshin #petergabriel
Image: Cover of 'So' by Peter Gabriel
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Thanks to www.phoneboxmagazine.com, in Olney, UK, for the below about my new book - link in bio to buy a copy. "In my humble opinion, this is a must-read for any serious fan of The Who and Pete Townshend." - Greg Roensch, serious Who fan. #olney #thewho #petetownshend #lifehouse #musicwriter
Image: Cover of 'Pete Townshend's Lifehouse' book by Ian Paul Sharp, with overlaid copy from Phonebox magazine
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
From the listening guide to LP Select #072: "... opens with a remix that sets all my alarms ringing. The Who’s epic Quadrophenia closing track, ‘Love Reign O’er Me’. Don’t doodle on a masterpiece. And yet here it is." (And it's terrific). Link in bio. #classicrock #playlist #musicwriter
Image: LP Select playlist 072 curated by Ian Paul Sharp.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
I've just posted my review of the new book by Philipp Rottgers - 'Genesis Song by Song', in LP. LP publishes essays and curated listening built around albums that reward sustained attention. Link in bio. #genesis #prog #musicwriting
Image: Cover of book 'Genesis Song By Song' - Philipp Rottgers
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
New in LP: 'Pete Townshends Lifehouse' extract #3. The legacy of the project. Free to read. Link in bio. #classicrock #petetownshend #thewho #whosnext #lifehouse #musicwriting
Image: Cover of book 'Pete Townshend's Lifehouse' by Ian Paul Sharp
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
My new curated playlist is now on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube. An hour of tracks including @itspetergabriel, @paulmccartney & @ringostarrmusic, and @officialthewho. #classicrock #playlists #prog Link in bio.
Image: Cover of LP Select 071, the curated playlist by Music Essayist Ian Paul Sharp.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
The second of three extracts from my book 'Pete Townshend's Lifehouse' looks at some of the demo recordings. Read it here: iansharp.substack.com/p/pete-towns... #classicrock #thewho #lifehouse #petetownshend
iansharp.substack.com
The Album's Tale part 2: 'Pete Townshend’s Lifehouse'
In the second extract from my new book, I look at the demos of potential Lifehouse songs recorded by Pete Townshend to present to the band.
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Reposted by Ian Paul Sharp
Talking About The Who @talkingaboutthewho.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
What happens when you decide to send Pete Townshend a message on Instagram asking him to play on your new album? Inge Lamboo tells us what in this teaser for Season Three of Talking About The Who, which starts this week Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast app
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
My book 'Pete Townshend's Lifehouse' is published today. Links in bio. An extract for subscribers to my publication LP: Inside the Album is ready for you to read at iansharp.substack.com/pete-townshe... #classicrock #thewho #petetownshend #musicwriting
iansharp.substack.com
The Album's Tale part 1: Pete Townshend’s Lifehouse'
Read about the roots of Who's Next in this extract from my new book, published today.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
LP Select 070 is a curated playlist featuring, this time, The Canterbury Scene. Music includes Gong, Soft Machine, Steve Hillage, Caravan, and Robert Wyatt. Link in bio.
Image: Logo for LP Select 070, a playlist curated by Ian Paul Sharp
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
The latest piece in my Album's Tale series for LP: Inside the Album is on 10cc 'The Original Soundtrack'. iansharp.substack.com/p/10cc-sound... #classicrock #10cc #musicwriting
Image: Cover of 10cc album 'The Original Soundtrack'
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Reposted by Ian Paul Sharp
Andy Adams @flakphoto.news · 21/03/2026
Yes — “The older I get, the more I realize, I don’t want a busy life. I want a deep life. Slow mornings. Focused work. Calm people. Meaningful progress. Good books. A quiet mind at night. Nothing flashy. Nothing trendy. Just a life that feels good to live. Depth over noise. That'll do.“ Karun Pal
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Listen to my audio review of Spriggan Mist's album 'The Glare', as part of The Prog Mill on Progzilla Radio progzilla.com/the-prog-mil... #progressiverock #podcasts #musicwriter
progzilla.com
The Prog Mill 509 - 1 March 2026
Superb melodic and symphonic progressive rock. Album reviews from The Progressive Aspect, and our fun quickfire proggy quiz.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
LP>Playlist #067 is live. XTC → Elvis Costello → Ian Dury plus Buzzcocks, Squeeze, Magazine, and more. An hour of new wave. 🎧 iansharp.substack.com/p/067
iansharp.substack.com
LP | XTC, Elvis Costello & Buzzcocks. One Hour of Essential Listening
LP>Playlist #067. Riding the new wave.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
LP>Playlist #066 is live. Van Morrison → Tony Banks → Rush plus Beck, Al Green, Peter Gabriel. An hour of deep listening. 🎧 iansharp.substack.com/p/066
Cover of LP Play 066, an hour of deep listening with Van Morrison, Tony Banks, Rush and more.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Many listeners are saying the new @bigbigtrain album 'Woodcut' is a #progrock masterpiece. My review of the album and the book is new on 'LP'. iansharp.substack.com/p/bigbigtrai...
iansharp.substack.com
With 'Woodcut', Big Big Train’s future has arrived
The first full concept album from a fully underrated band
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Phil Collins celebrated his 75th birthday on 30 January. @bbcradio2 are running an 'Eras' series hosted by @zoetheball. My contribution is a revised post for Substack, where you can also read my series on his solo albums. iansharp.substack.com
Cover of Phil Collins 'Face Value' with extra text about his 75th birthday.
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
NEW RELEASE FRIDAY @thecure.com ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ is reissued in a version not featured on the Three Imaginary Boys album, as a CD, 7” and 12” single. Great song, and an excellently spooky lyric video too. More my writing at linktr.ee/ianpaulsharp youtu.be/isNztTjXQsQ?...
youtu.be
The Cure - Boys Don't Cry (86 Mix) (Official Lyric Video)
YouTube video by The Cure
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Reposted by Ian Paul Sharp
Bruce Springsteen @brucespringsteen.net · 28/01/2026
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Stay free
youtu.be
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
This week in LP, a review of @davidbowie - 'Station to Station' as the Thin White Duke reaches 50. Link in bio.
Cover of David Bowie - 'Station to Station' linked to iansharp.substack.com
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
The first Style Council record, Cafe Bleu, has been expanded into a 6 CD super deluxe edition, one I’ll be reviewing fully in a couple of weeks. To be going on with, here’s the long version of ‘The Paris Match’, featuring a gorgeous vocal by Tracey Thorn. youtu.be/c6NYXNAcsj8?...
youtu.be
The Style Council - The Paris Match (Long Version / Lyric Video)
YouTube video by TheStyleCouncilVEVO
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Protest songs never really went away but, unsurprisingly, these days will bring many more. Lucinda Williams, except it from her new album World Gone Wrong which is a protest album. Remember the words on Woody Guthrie’s guitar. Never underestimate the power of music. youtu.be/T6c8oLWr9kI?...
youtu.be
Lucinda Williams "The World's Gone Wrong" (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by LucindaWilliams
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Ian Paul Sharp @ianpaulsharp.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
This week's prog playlist features @jeffbuckleymusic, @lyrband, @stevehogarthonline, @northsearadioorchestra, @davidbowie, @zappa, @gratefuldead, @pinkfloyd, @bigbigtrain, and Discipline. An hour of music and my listening guide - iansharp.substack.com/p/065
iansharp.substack.com
A new hour of music from ‘LP’, including Pink Floyd, Big Big Train and Discipline
LP>Playlist #065 also includes Jeff Buckley, LYR, Steve Hogarth, Midlake, North Sea Radio Orchestra, David Bowie, Frank Zappa, and Grateful Dead
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Reposted by Ian Paul Sharp
Pete Brown @petebrownbeer.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Your annual reminder that “Blue Monday” is a complete fiction invented by a company that wanted to sell you more holidays. Enjoy January! It’s quiet and cosy and time for semi-hibernation, reflection and being kind to yourself!
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