iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 22/09/2026

She's definitely inherited something from her dad, then!

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 22/09/2026

Thanks to Elasticstage, you can now own "Chameleon" on a 12" lathe-cut PETG eco-friendly plastic disc that sounds as good as vinyl the majority of the time. My test pressing is currently the only copy in existence; does anyone hate my music enough to devalue it? 😆 elasticstage.com/simonslator/...

elasticstage.com

Chameleon - elasticStage

The underlying theme is how, like a chameleon, some of us change our outward appearance to blend in with our surroundings, but it's all just camouflage used as a defense mechanism: inside we feel anxi...

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/09/2026

Despite my best intentions last Summer, work and family commitments have had to take priority over creative ones. I'm glad to say that, although it's a year later than planned, work has begun on a new project. Still learning how to use the Reaper DAW in Linux, but it's a positive start at least.

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Private Eye Magazine @privateeyenews.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Broken Britain faces its most terrifying crisis yet, as things under Keir Starmer’s Stalinist Government are beginning to go slightly right. From the new Private Eye, out now.

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 29/05/2026

Re-watching the #PoliceAcademy movies from the BluRay box set, where Brian Wilson's "Lets Go To Heaven In My Car" was played over the credits in the 4th film - this is likely the only in-print release where Eugene Landy is still credited as a writer, having (rightfully) been erased everywhere else.

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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Whiplash listening to this Reform spokesperson. Complaining energy bills are going up yet Reform support this illegal & unpopular war. They have constantly opposed investment in green infrastructure to secure our energy security - which would massively reduce bills. #BBCQT

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 20/03/2026

This is the second week in a row when I;ve been beeped at on a roundabout. The first was indicating left to leave the roundabout, so I emerged. He then changed his mind and was going straight on instead - but I'm the bastard for cutting him up!

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 13/03/2026

I'm sorry to announce that, several months ago, when I felt the urge to recommence music-making, it was when I felt I had something called "free time". It's going to be a while longer.

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 11/03/2026

#nowplaying Pet Shop Boys' "Introspective", a £4 charity shop LP from yesterday's travels. My favourite band when I was 9, but went off them after "Very". Their contribution to Jarre's "Electronica 2" - "Brick England" - reminded me what I liked about them all those years ago. #musicsky #vinylsky

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 09/03/2026

Continuing the Bruford kick, I received a batch of new vinyl late last week, of which this was one: "Dig?", the second Earthworks album. First impressions are a bit meh - it tries not to sound so 80's, but it does, and Bill's Simmonds kit doesn't help. #musicsky #vinylsky

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/03/2026

That same re-organiszation also inspired a bit of a Bruford kick. I listened to the Moraz/Bruford LP "Flags" earlier this morning, but still find it more biased towards Moraz's contributions. Just behind it was this LP, where Bruford is an equal partner. That's more like it! #musicsky

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/03/2026

A re-organization of my record collection has unearthed a lot of "ooh, I haven't played that one in AGES" records, of which this is one. Robbie Robertson's self-titled debut should be ranked among the best albums of the 80s IMO: the songwriting and production are absolutely spot-on. #musicsky

The LP cover of Robbie Robertson's debut LP. There's some kind of sepia-tinged stuff going on, some long grass, and Robertson's haggared mug blended in

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 25/02/2026

Hi Angela - @angelabarnes.bsky.social - my wife and I will be at your show at the Burton Brewhouse next Thursday. If we could meet you after the show - even for just a quick photo - that would be amazing. (TBC..)

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 04/02/2026

Another excellent pre-order from @burningshed.com, arrived 2 whole days early, and just in time to enjoy it over lunch. I went through their pre-order list just after Xmas and added stuff direct to my cart, so the postcard signed by Greg and Andrea was a VERY nice surprise! Thanks again Pete & co 😃

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 21/01/2026

Because @burningshed.com are so brilliantly efficient with their pre-orders, I've been able to listen to the 30th Anniversary vinyl re-issue of No-Man's "Loveblows..." two whole days in advance. ⬇️

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The Green Party of England & Wales @greenparty.org.uk · 21/01/2026

🎉 Green GAIN from Reform! 🎉 💚 Congratulations to Lian Pizzey on being elected in Horsley division on Derbyshire County Council!

HORSLEY
DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
BY-ELECTION WIN

GRN: 43.6%
REF: 35.5%
CON: 13.9%
LAB: 3.8%
ADV: 1.9%
LDEM: 1.4%

GREEN GAIN FROM REFORM

Green Party
Promoted by Chris Williams on behalf of The Green Party both at PO Box 78066, London, SE16 9GQ

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 25/12/2025

My YouTube feed has made me aware of the work of @thetudoryank.com, an American ex-pat living in London and comparing life between the two. While the UK model works for the benefit of the people, some of our elected representatives endorse the US model. Scary? Nodd'arf! youtu.be/QuMG5rfKhn0?...

youtu.be

American Reacts | The REAL Cost of Living in the UK vs USA | London, LA & Small Town Breakdown

YouTube video by The Tudor Yank

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 25/12/2025

One more musical instrument in my arsenal 😁

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 23/12/2025

🧵I'm not one for making New Years resolutions, but I reckon I should this year: learn to play the bass guitar. Because I've just bought one. ⬇️

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 14/12/2025

Watching the Project 4K77 restoration of Star Wars: likely the first time I've ever seen the theatrical release. Yes, it's grainy and the practical visual effects are quite obvious, but it was ahead of its time even in 1977 - there's no shame in that, it's part of the charm. #starwars #project4k77

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 07/12/2025

🧵 Because I don't use Spotify, LastFM or any of that stuff, logging my listening habits requires self-built software and, as an analyst/programmer between 8am and 4pm, and a music nerd at all other times, I have my own system set up. My most-played artists of the year are no surprise. ⬇️

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 04/12/2025

🧵 It's that time of year when end-of-year Spotify "most played" lists get shared, but I'd rather highlight one band I was introduced to this year: Godiego (for the benefit of those aware of the Dora the Explorer universe, it's pronounced Go-dai-go) ⬇️ #musicsky youtu.be/V5CHjhcsCZ0?...

youtu.be

ガンダーラ (English Version)

YouTube video by GODIEGO - Topic

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 30/11/2025

"I'm all about the bass, about the bass, no treble" Alrighty then - cop a load of this banger! youtu.be/m9UITFnaK-M?... #musicsky

youtu.be

Whatevershebringswesing (1999 Remaster)

YouTube video by Kevin Ayers - Topic

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 28/11/2025

YouGov: "Which of these premium grocery brands do you have a positive impression of, or have recently recommended to a friend of family member" Me: "None of them: everyone knows I shop at Lidl"

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 28/11/2025

Got a day off work, so spinning one of the records that arrived yesterday: "En=Trance" by Klaus Schulze. I've generally neglected his 1980s albums, so have been steadily growing the collection over the last few months. Side 1's a bit 😒, Sides 2 & 4 are much better, but Side 3 is classic Schulze!

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 22/11/2025

The aim for this weekend: At least do some work on the first proper Martin Solos release. The reality:

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 09/11/2025

Successes for the day: replacing the pull-cord light switch in the bathroom. The first time I've had to touch anything connected to mains electricity without my father-in-law as a guide. Managed to do so without electrocuting myself or causing any short circuits or explosions. #diy

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 08/11/2025

If you see this, post an album cover with a motor vehicle on it. (Light aircraft are vehicles that have motors and engines, right?)

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 07/11/2025

I'm between two minds as to which album is better: "Polaroids" or "Tin Drum"? The former certainly hinted at the greatness to come with the latter, but "Polaroids" itself is undoubtedly a solid A* grade LP IMO, just for different reasons.

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 07/11/2025

15 minutes until my work day ends, by which time this masterpiece of Scottish Folk Rock will be clean. Had to settle for a Chrysalis re-issue manufactured by sassenachs.

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/11/2025

Was I mad to buy the 35th Anniversary 2xLP of Mike Oldfield's "Amarok" even when I own the CD version? Not really. I don't mind it broken up into quarters - it's chance for a comfort break or to refill my mug, and the side breaks do kind of work where they are. #nowplaying #musicsky #vinylsky

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I Heart Noise @iheartnoise.bandcamp.com · 01/11/2025

A cruel kind of irony - social media started as a way to connect introverts and weirdos. Now they're all being squeezed out by enshittification and endless profit chase 🤷‍♂️

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 01/11/2025

In 5+ years of using Discogs, I've had my first bad encounter with a seller. Not naming names, but I'd bought a batch of 11 records from them - almost £100 in total. 9 were spot on, as described, but 2 weren't. I returned them, as requested, and was refunded the same day. ⬇️

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 30/10/2025

Having seen him on every tour in the last 15 years, last night's @mredbyrne.bsky.social show at the Lichfield Garrick was a bit of a "greatest hits" routine but we still laughed our arses off nonetheless: his comedy has the same replay value as legends like Carrott, Harding and Connolly.

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 27/10/2025

Of the four albums recorded by Adge Cutler and The Wurzels between 1966-69, two were live at the Royal Oak pub in Nailsea, the other two as the "cabaret act" at a country club. Is there a scientific way of measuring how noisy/zidered-up the audiences are between the two venues?

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 25/10/2025

Working my way through several batches of new vinyl. Currently on the TT is "Searching for My Love" by King Sunny Adé. Loved later albums like "Juju Music" and "Synchro System", and this too is pure sunshine on a 12" plastic disc! open.spotify.com/album/4iUrn1... #nowplayinhg #musicsky #vinylsky

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 23/10/2025

At the end of the day, it's money that's doing nothing. A mere number on a bank statement. 2% isn't asking a lot, not when that money can be invested in education for their future employees, funding the health service that keeps their employees productive and maintaining essential infrastructure.

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 17/10/2025

Never mind performing the main body of the song - if @billybragg.bsky.social performed this live on whatever the equivalent of "Breakfast Time" is today, the producers would have rugby-tackled him to the ground just for singing the word "tits" in the second verse 😂 youtu.be/t-4RjOrolKk?...

youtu.be

It Says Here - Billy Bragg on Breakfast TV

YouTube video by Billy Bragg

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 13/10/2025

Mashup Bands Tangerine Dream Theater The Flower Kings of Leon NEU!-ronium

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 13/10/2025

#nowplaying "In Flight" by George Benson. Besides "Gimme the Night" his work was very unfamiliar to me, and £3 for a used LP was a safe gamble. I'm liking it - funky AF, beautifully arranged, and I like his expressive and lyrical guitar playing. Don't think this will be my last GB album 😀

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 12/10/2025

Album No. Thirty-something in the Downgrade Challenge Album: "A Change Is as Good as Arrest" by the Big Yin Condition: Aye, it's pretty good an' that. No wee scratches. Notes: Surprised Ron Mael didn't sue over A2. Definite "Sparks rip off" vibes coming from that one.

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 12/10/2025

This is the wallpaper on my Brave browser home screen. I can't tell you what these buildings actually are, but something about me tells me this is the HQ of IKEA?

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 12/10/2025

Doing a top-up shop at Lidl yesterday, and was given a card on the way out advertising the "Underground Press" website. I've seen their stickers and placards on street signs around here, so I know their content is green-ink bullshit. I crumpled it up and threw it in the bin IN FULL VIEW ⬇️

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 11/10/2025

ELECTION DAY -1: "We'll reduce your council tax by cutting all that woke crap." ELECTION DAY +1: "Hey... where's all the woke crap we were supposed to cut?" SIX MONTHS LATER: "The council is now free from woke AS WE PROMISED but we're still having to raise your council tax because IMMIGRATION"

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 11/10/2025

Have Bobby McFerrin and Michael Winslow ever collaborated on anything?

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Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 10/10/2025

Album #25 of the Downgrade Challenge and the first from today's CrazyBeat haul Album: Brewing Up With @billybragg.bsky.social Pressing: Go! Discs, UK 1984 Condition: Strong VG Upgrade List: No Notes: The 95C performs well, rendering the record's visible battle scars shallow and superficial.

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