Top Twenty Albums of 2010

This year it was particularly hard to limit my selection to just ten, so I have decided to extend my list to twenty favourites. I Am Kloot top the list with the wonderfully evocative Sky at Night. It's also worth noting that the top three groups are from Manchester or at least have their roots in Manchester, but then again Manchester is and always has been at the forefront of great music.

Top twenty albums of 2010

1. I am Kloot - Sky at Night

2. Cherry Ghost - Beneath this Burning Shoreline

3. Everything, Everything - Man Alive

4. Edwyn Collins - Losing Sleep

5. Villagers - Becoming A Jackal

6. Ed Harcourt - Lustre

7. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

8. Paul Weller - Wake Up the Nation

9. James - The Night Before

10. Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can

11. Midlake - The Courage of Others

12. Stornoway - Beachcomber's Windowsill

13. Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here

14. Badly Drawn Boy - It's What I'm Thinking Part 1 - Photographing Snowflakes

15. Cathal Coughlan -Rancho Tetrahedron

16. Sufjan Stevens - Age of Adz

17. Darkstar - North

18. Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM

19. Gold Panda - Lucky Shiner

20. Caribou - Swim

I'd also like to recommend the Rough Trade Top 100 albums listing which is available to play through Spotify - just follow the link
http://theofficestereo.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/rough-trade-top-100-spotify-playlist/

Enjoy!

I'm a fifty year old man and I like it

                                                                            I'm a fifty year old man and I like it.    

Another excellent turn out for the thirty second Open Neck Shirt, the only notable absentee was Phil who is now ensconced in Australia. Maybe you'll join us next year Phil? The day commenced at the slightly later than usual 1.30pm (we must be getting more restrained) at the Seven Oaks. We then progressed to the Circus Tavern - which is still one of the most unique and 'characterful' pubs in Manchester.

The Xmas Market was buzzing as usual and the City Arms served an excellent pint or two. Corbieres is still a great venue with a good jukebox but the bitter is not the best. The Briton's Protection is another good venue but once again the bitter was not up to standard. The next stop was the Peveril of the Peak and it did not disappoint, excellent Deuchers IPA bitter, good atmosphere, Table Football and Pool. As per usual the local 'professionals' bided their time and duly beat our best table football pair. Overall a very enjoyable and civilised event - see you all next year.

The Open Neck Shirt 2010

The Table Football connoisseurs pub.

The latest instalment of the Open Neck Shirt will commence in the Seven Oaks on Friday 19 November at 1pm. All the usual suspects are invited and the usual venues will be frequented. As well as the Seven Oaks, I'm sure we will be visiting the Circus Tavern, Corbieres, and the Peveril of the Peak.

The Manchester Christmas Market is also a particular favourite, who could forego the delights of a warming Gluhwein and humungous German sausage!


Bratwurst time.


Looking forward to another spectacular event, but please enjoy in moderation.

Harry and Paul - Northern Relief

The Harry and Paul Show can be a bit hit and miss, but we like this one.

Peace in Sheffield and No Redemption in Durham

As part of the Off the Shelf Festival the Shepley Book Club boys went to hear David Peace speak. Here's a photo of David with the group. David read from Damned United and talked about his Yorkshire based books. There was also an opportunity to hear from Keith Pattison who has produced 'No Redemption' a challenging book of black and white photographs of the Miners' strike in the Durham coalfield. As we enter a new age of austerity the images offer a stark reminder of the deep divisions that still exist in our society. You can view a slideshow of Keith's photographs here.

WinkBall! Wigan V Wolves

I was interviewed for 'WinkBall' prior to the the Wigan V Wolves game - here are the embarassing results. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

At least I 'nearly' got the score and scorers right.


The wink is purely involuntary!

Congratulations to Rochdale FC

Congratulations to Rochdale on their promotion to Division 1.

Last year I commented on Rochdale's disappointing end to the season and hoped they would finally get get promoted this year - well it has finally happened.

The club have played since 1974 in the Football League's bottom division, currently entitled League Two. This is the longest time any team has been in the bottom division of the football league.

I have a great respect for those who support their local clubs. You have to be dedicated to support a team like Rochdale. It would be so easy to support Man Utd or Chelsea or one of the other big four. Well done to Rochdale and their fans, and good luck next season in Division 1.