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James McRae

@jockyblue82.bsky.social
130 followers 642 following 233 posts

The poor man's Dennis Waterman

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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
I found this genuinely fascinating on government communications. Peter Hyman suggests, in the modern media environment, Downing Street needs to move on from the 'grid' towards a 'playlist' of campaigns... open.substack.com/pub/peterhym...
open.substack.com
Revealed: How the No 10 grid strangles effective communication
A government ‘playlist’ of campaigns could cut through more powerfully than an old-style grid of worthy policy nuggets
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Don't mind it @suedehq.bsky.social...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
May have just purchased an album on vinyl...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Billy Bragg has long been excellent on embracing patriotism from the left. There are many, many reasons to be proud of England and Englishness 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
I think this is very correct from @ianleslie.bsky.social. They probably should have done this ages ago but right now there really is very little to lose...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
I'm still ordering my thoughts on Suede's Antidepressants - and may have to write something down in an attempt to do so - but in the meantime, here's @msclairebiddles.bsky.social with a superb review of the album which has reminded this ragged old heart how to feel... thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
thequietus.com
See It, Say It, Sorted: Antidepressants by Suede | The Quietus
Suede's painterly new album takes the raw energy of its predecessor and twists it through layers of distortion and high drama
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
On the money from @patrickmaguire.bsky.social. At some stage Starmer might want to consider who the one constant has been throughout all the resets, reshuffles and relaunches since he entered No. 10... www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
thetimes.com
New hires cannot fill the strategy vacuum at the heart of No 10
Sir Keir Starmer’s hopes that new recruits and sideways moves will give Downing Street some momentum may be forlorn
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
It shows such a basic lack of political understanding that Labour didn't go straight on the attack over this. Just because most people are worried about immigration being too high it doesn't mean they're psychopaths.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Yesterday's non-response to this from Labour has me fearing the worst for the country. Starmer is mistakenly conflating the importance of recognising the public desire for control, fairness and a resolution on asylum with a fear of attacking Farage in any way at all! 1/ www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Dominic Casciani: How achievable is Reform's plan on migration?
A Reform government could see the UK leaving the European Convention on Human Rights to deliver its plan.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
Suggs is hammered.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
I continue to tap the sign... 👇
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Norrie goes out and the ghost of Bates' Barrow strikes again... 🇬🇧🎾👻 www.bbc.com/sport/tennis...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Truly excellent piece from @petepaphides.bsky.social on the phenomenon of Oasis. I think it gets to the heart of why, for a very brief moment in the mid-nineties, they were vital in a way perhaps no other music artist has been in my lifetime... www.thenewworld.co.uk/pete-paphide...
thenewworld.co.uk
Oasis: The trauma and the glory
Growing up in an abusive household, the Gallagher brothers became two very different personalities. Together, they made one great rock ‘n roll star
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Gareth Watts @garethwatts.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
It’s a brave man who casts shade on Bob Mortimer…
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
And the answer from Labour MPs would surely be "then raise taxes". Something Reeves is almost guaranteed to have to do this autumn anyway and which would at least be on brand to a public reeling from the fact a Labour government chose to freeze pensioners and bash the disabled for a few measly quid!
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Yes! The public like pragmatism; the public like a government not blindly enslaved to ideology; the public can even accept a government must sometimes make tough choices; but they do not understand a government running a cart and horse through their own party's core values...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Yes! I too was struck by Reeves' greater reference to towns, communities, sense of place. In an age of globalisation, if this government wants a story to tell - wants an overriding purpose - it could do far worse than seeking to meet people's desire for belonging... www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
thetimes.com
At last Keir Starmer sees virtue in pier pressure
Spending review bears the imprint of a PM now persuaded by the need to deliver tangible improvements outside London
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Intriguing Starmer profile in the New Statesman. I can't help but like him. Paradoxically, his main strength - his selfless, quiet, hardworking determination - is also his major weakness when leading a country. Yet, given the family challenges he's faced, it's hard not to forgive him those flaws...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
This is excellent on today's spending review. I agree there was a welcome new tone and framing to Reeves' statement today, couched in those core Labour values or, as she called them, 'Labour choices'. Yet, it doesn't change the fact she is - necessarily - walking a very fine fiscal tightrope indeed.
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Andrej @tepid.meme · 11/06/2025
Neil Kinnock, Sheffield, 1992:
Road sign for Errol Rait
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Absolutely remarkable long read from Jeremy Bowen on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East... www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Israel is accused of the gravest war crimes in Gaza
Distinguished lawyers, senior humanitarians and diplomats tell Jeremy Bowen why they are increasingly concerned about the catastrophe inside Gaza.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
A very fair and supportive criticism of Starmer and Reeves as Labour enters its second year in government...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
Lovely, meandering interview with Jarvis on @thequietus.com. He remains one of the most charismatic front men to emerge from the Britpop era... thequietus.com/interviews/j...
thequietus.com
"Being different isn't something to take lightly" Jarvis Cocker Interviewed | The Quietus
Darran Anderson meets up with the Pulp frontman to talk violence in Sheffield, outsider art in America, stuffed attics in London & More
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Norman Records @normanrecords.com · 30/05/2025
WIN! - A Coloured Vinyl Copy of Pulp's 'More' One of the most anticipated releases of the year drops next Friday, and to celebrate, we're giving away a copy of the pictured record. Just share and like this post, and give our account a follow to be entered. www.normanrecords.com/records/2087...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Pulp's first album for decades is out tomorrow. Here's the second single which has really whet my appetite for what I hope will be a brilliant comeback... youtu.be/c_xnLmRz6XM?...
youtu.be
Pulp - Got to Have Love (Official Video)
YouTube video by Pulp
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Investment in regional transport infrastructure, expanding access to free school meals. It feels like they've briefly remembered those core Labour values... 🌹
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Suggs is hammered 💙
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Delighted to hear my email read out by @steverichards.bsky.social on Rock & Roll Politics. I recommend you listen to the whole episode and subscribe, but you can hear the thoughts of a self-confessed 'academic librarian, arch centrist and increasingly concerned Labour member' at precisely 55mins...😄
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
The wonderful new single from Suede. I was tempted to say they are in an incredible purple patch right now but really they've been consistently brilliant since their return in 2013. What a run they're on! youtu.be/BMTwbLL9JWc?...
youtu.be
Suede - Disintegrate (Official Video)
YouTube video by Suede HQ
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Find myself pondering with astonishment the gaping chasm between my expectation of the Labour government and the reality playing out before my eyes. I'm becoming more disillusioned by the day and I consider myself a arch centrist these days. I'm trying to wrap my head around what has gone wrong.
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Morten Morland @mortenmorland.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
Tuesday’s @thetimes.com cartoon times.newsprints.co.uk/morten-morla...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
Starmer has reached quite a low today. The language used appalling. These are not Labour values and I suspect he will find he is selling his government's soul for next to no political gain.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Oh wow! I've been listening to so much Rolling Stones lately. This is absolutely perfect timing from @theresthistory.bsky.social... open.spotify.com/episode/52Rn...
open.spotify.com
558. The Rolling Stones: Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll (Part 1)
The Rest Is History · Episode
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
I am currently making my way home from this and it was ace!
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
New music from Pulp after nearly 25 years. I am absolutely delighted! youtu.be/-27a1ugJX8U?...
youtu.be
Pulp - Spike Island (Official Video)
YouTube video by Pulp
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
I've just purchased 'Scary Monsters and Super Creeps' on vinyl for under 20 quid, meaning I am now only 2 albums away from owning every Bowie LP from 1971's Hunky Dory through to 1983's Let's Dance. This FEELS significant.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
I keep staring at live stock market data (I never stare at live stock market data). I'm in some kind of hellish trance, mesmerised by their continuing plummet. Damn you Trump! www.google.com/finance
google.com
Google Finance - Stock Market Prices, Real-time Quotes & Business News
Google Finance provides real-time market quotes, international exchanges, up-to-date financial news, and analytics to help you make more informed trading and investment decisions.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Utterly chilling. 50,000 more children in relative poverty as a result of Labour's benefit cuts...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Really interesting. Whatever I may think, cuts to overseas aid and welfare clearly not unpopular with the general public, at least according to this poll. Might McSweeney target net zero spending next? Watch out Ed Miliband! 😬
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Yes! I spent most of Season 2 worrying, that like Lost before it, Severance would end up disappearing up its own fundament. It's to the writers great credit that they kept totally focussed on the love story at the show's heart rather than piling on mystery for mystery's sake. I loved it!
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Lots from @instituteforgov.bsky.social about the Government approach to cuts. Saving here for later...
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
This week's been politically tough for many of us progressive types and next week may not feel much better either but here's @iandunt.bsky.social's case for some qualified optimism... open.substack.com/pub/iandunt/...
open.substack.com
Reasons to be cheerful
The sun is out and who knows? We might survive.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
I didn't think I could hold Southgate in any higher esteem but this really had an impact on me. Not just as an England fan but as a youth coach and a father of two boys. We're going to miss him as our national football manager, more than we could have possibly imagined. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
bbc.co.uk
BBC One - The Richard Dimbleby Lecture, Sir Gareth Southgate
Sir Gareth Southgate reflects on the importance of belief and resilience in leadership.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Been getting stuck into some mid-period Rolling Stones this week. Goats Head Soup '73, Some Girls '78 and Tattoo You '81. I have to admit I've rarely ventured from the earlier big hitters but diving into these lesser known albums is proving a pleasure... open.spotify.com/album/1Jv2Aq...
open.spotify.com
Some Girls
The Rolling Stones · Album · 1978 · 10 songs
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Oof! There ain't no triangulating round that!
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
I understand it but it doesn't mean I have to like it. That's about all I can meaningfully find to say.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
I'm just a man asking a woman to remember that the Liberal Democrats exist... www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Net Zero by 2050 'impossible' for UK, says Kemi Badenoch
The Conservative leader says the target is impossible "without a serious drop in our living standards or by bankrupting us".
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Tick tock Rachel. Only 8 months in power but Labour yet to show any progress on their number 1 priority in government. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
UK economy shrank unexpectedly by 0.1% in January
A slowdown in manufacturing was one of the main reasons for the dip, the Office for National Statistics says.
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James McRae @jockyblue82.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
A reminder that what we are *really* talking about with rising disability claims is an apparent mental health crisis.
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