Category Archives: Musicology

Being Human: Recollecting Musical Memories in Merthyr Tydfil

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Paul Carr

I finished one of the most satisfying experiences of my musical life last week, when we completed an eight day series of events, which involved capturing important musical memories of the community of Merthyr Tydfil.  These memories were subsequently taught … Continue reading →

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The Lost Musical Memories of Merthyr Tydfil

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Paul Carr

This week I have been preparing for the week of activities we are doing as part of this years Being Human Festival. This work will include capturing memories of community members who remember the years 1955-1975 in addition to getting … Continue reading →

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The Last Ship: A Universal Phenomena?

Posted on November 4, 2017 by Paul Carr

It was fantastic news to hear this week that Sting’s The Last Ship will be touring the UK next year. After a short run on Broadway and a recent version launched in Turku Finland, this production will be especially adopted … Continue reading →

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Lost And Found: Recollecting Popular Music Memories in Merthyr Tydfil

Posted on October 6, 2017 by Paul Carr

Just to let everyone know of a great free music event that is taking place in Merthyr Tydfil on November 25th at Theatre Soar. Thanks to funding from the Being Human Festival and a  large number of external partners, this … Continue reading →

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Sting: From Northern Skies to Fields of Gold Released

Posted on September 30, 2017 by Paul Carr

Well, after three years, my Sting book From Northern Skies to Fields of Gold was released last Tuesday. In order to launch the book, I did a couple of events this week in Sting’s hometown of Newcastle – where else! … Continue reading →

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There Are Great Guitarists – Then There Was Allan Holdsworth

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Paul Carr

I sit here on bank holiday Monday reflecting on the death of Allan Holdworth yesterday at the age of 70. I first heard of Allan in 1977 when I had just started playing music. He had a very minor feature … Continue reading →

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Memories of Merthyr Popular Music: Dai Shell

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Paul Carr

I am currently working toward putting on an exhibition in Merthyr Town Hall on the history of popular music in the town between 1955-1975. As a taster, here are a few short digital stories from ex Sassafras member Dai Shell. … Continue reading →

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Man: Welsh Progressive Rock in Merthyr

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Paul Carr

When I was growing up in Newcastle during the 1970s, one of may favorite bands was Man. In fact, like many people, when CDs emerged in the late 1980s I disposed of much of my vinyl records (stupidly), but my … Continue reading →

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Pink Floyd in Merthyr Tydfil: The Evidence!

Posted on March 17, 2017 by Paul Carr

Well, after hearing about the infamous Pink Floyd gig that took place in Merthyr Tydfil towards the end of 1968, I have eventually found some evidence. In some of my previous posts on this, some people were unsure if Syd … Continue reading →

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The Nostalgia Popular Music Market: Why do we prefer live over recorded?

Posted on December 3, 2016 by Paul Carr

As we move toward the third decade since the millennium celebrations, the interrelationship of music and nostalgia continues to be profound. Perhaps the best example of this includes the clear visibility of ‘vintage’ artists in worldwide ticket sales, with Bruce … Continue reading →

Posted in Live Music, Musicology, Nostalgia, nostalgia industry, Popular Music, recording industry, vinyl sales | Leave a comment