While watching the post-Beatles documentary, Man on the Run, Mickey Randall was reminded of his choice of the most significant cultural figure – Paul McCartney. Like the film, Mickey takes us beyond Lennon and McCartney to what happens when a musician leaves the most important band in the world.
Almanac Music and Memoir: Remembering December 8, 1980.
December 9, 2025 by 3 Comments
Paul Noonan recalls the time of John Lennon’s assassination. He was a member of the Dugites who were supporting Elton John on his Australian tour.
Almanac Memoir: Queer, Sultry Summer
December 8, 2025 by 32 Comments
John Lennon was shot dead forty-five years ago today, December 8. In this previously unpublished short memoir by Kevin Densley (possibly the first chapter of a book-length work, he says), he paints a vivid picture of the impact upon him of Lennon’s murder on the day – combined with a portrayal of central Melbourne in 1980, and other issues in his own life around that time. [A few names of actual people involved have been changed – Ed.]
Almanac Cinema: John and Yoko’s Fresh Adventure
June 24, 2025 by 1 Comment
Ian Wilson reviews a ripper music doco about John Lennon and Yoko Ono which he throughly enjoyed and recommends.
Almanac Music: ‘Oh Vesuvius’ – Songs Involving Hills, Mountains and Volcanoes
August 16, 2024 by 216 Comments
In the latest installment of KD’s epic series about popular song themes, the focus is upon hills, mountains and volcanoes. As usual, readers’ contributions are warmly welcomed.
Almanac Music: ‘My Huckleberry Friend’ – Songs about the Moon
May 3, 2024 by 168 Comments
In the latest instalment of his long-running series on popular music themes, KD look at songs involving the moon. As usual, readers’ responses are warmly welcomed.
Almanac Music: The Beatles Best 50 Songs
October 24, 2023 by 22 Comments
Smokie takes us on an epic personal journey through his 50 favourite Beatles songs. [With Paul McCartney touring Australia at the moment it is an opportune time to reprise Smokie’s Beatles story. – ED]
Almanac Music: You Go To My Head – Songs Involving the Mind
October 20, 2023 by 44 Comments
This week’s music piece from KD concerns songs involving the mind as a central aspect. As usual, readers’ choices and comments are warmly encouraged.
Almanac Music: Extraordinary Musical Moments – Ozzy Osbourne Sings John Lennon’s ‘How?’
September 15, 2023 by 2 Comments
KD brings back his ‘Extraordinary Musical Moments’ series to discuss Ozzy Osbourne’s version of John Lennon’s ‘How?’, from the latter’s classic Imagine album.
Almanac Music: John Lennon’s Harmonica
August 25, 2023 by 44 Comments
John Lennon played the harmonica on numerous (mainly early) recordings by the Beatles. KD discusses these recordings and, as usual, invites readers to respond. In other words, readers are encouraged to contribute, in the comments section, their own choices of popular songs that employ harmonica (and this is certainly a case of ‘not only Bob’, though comments concerning Mr Zimmerman’s material are certainly welcomed).
Almanac Music: Songs with Whistling in Them
August 4, 2023 by 52 Comments
This week’s theme in KD’s ongoing series on popular songs is songs that contain whistling. As usual, readers are warmly encouraged to put forward their own selections and comments.
Almanac Music: Six Songs for St Cecilia’s Day
November 22, 2022 by 18 Comments
In many Christian churches, today, November 22, is celebrated as St Cecilia’s Day. St Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians, and her day has traditionally been associated with concerts and festivals, as well as music and literary work dedicated to her. In recognition of this bright, happy day, KD puts forward a set of six uplifting songs of the modern era, from artists diverse as The Beatles, Belinda Carlisle, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
Almanac Music (Review): Thank you Mr. Jackson
December 1, 2021 by 2 Comments
Peter Jackson’s documentary ‘Get Back’ is all the talk. We’ve been offered a number of reviews and this is the first of them – by Richard Griffiths. Do yourself a favour…excellent review of a brilliant doco.
Almanac Music (History): Cheeky Beatle John
November 4, 2021 by 2 Comments
John Lennon showed a capacity for ‘taking the mickey’ from the very early days of The Beatles. Today is the anniversary of one of his better efforts!
Plenty of practice and empty heads – Part 12: Drafting predators
December 20, 2018 by 6 Comments
A bit of John Lennon, a bit of Michael Clarke, a bit of IVA Richards and some theories of McGilchrist and Panksepp all make this piece, on predators and prey, in a sporting context, much food for thought.
Iconic Instants in Music
May 19, 2017 by 11 Comments
Mickey Randall with some iconic moments in song by some legendary artists. The Beatles, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Radiohead. Aural intoxicants.
Round 17: The 2016 Wassily Kandinsky Cup
July 21, 2016 by 4 Comments
Earl O’Neill is a stream of consciousness sort of guy and this is more your torrent of consciousness. Worth the read. There are some gems in here. [Love the notion of transcendence – you’ve nailed that – Ed]
Recent Comments