BEATS OF LOVE

85. To Be Rich (Should Be A Crime) by Jeb Loy Nichols 

THE BILLIONAIRE is by far the deadliest invention since the atom bomb. 

Through concentrated media ownership, aggressive lobbying, and deep financial influence, billionaires have effectively captured our political system to serve their own interests. At best, this ensures the survival of tax loopholes that drain hundreds of millions from public services; at worst, it fuels conflict, expansionism, and systematic austerity.

The result is a political class obsessed with upward wealth transfer. Poverty is no longer hidden; it is visibly weaponised as a warning to us all, the tragic fallout of institutional greed. Meanwhile, the illusion of market choice leaves us dependent on low-rated monopolies that abuse our personal data. We would never hire a one-star plumber, yet we are forced to rely on one-star banks and energy giants.

This corruption extends to the workplace, where ordinary folk face stagnating pay and environments of fear, while politicians grant themselves inflation-matched raises.

    

Our healthcare system is being hollowed out by corporate interests. When things inevitably break, politicians point fingers at exhausted NHS staff instead of the billionaires funding their campaigns. We can either keep buying into this lie, or we can refuse to accept it. 

BEATS OF LOVE

84. Be Nothing by Beach Fossils

It has been ages since a mix completely surprised and delighted me in equal measure. This morning, I found one chock-full of the shimmering, understated brilliance that reminds you why great records sound the way they do.

Titled ShoeGaze to NuGaze, it’s a musical storm on winged guitars, curated by true music lover Jeff O'Toole. He masterfully balances tried-and-tested classics with fresh, undiscovered acts. He has also kindly included a track list, so you can dive right in via the link below.

I’m already deeply obsessed with an absolute gem from a Brooklyn surf/indie band that wasn't even on my radar until today. The track builds with majestic patience before delivering the best instruction you'll hear all year: Be Nothing. From there, the guitars cut loose with incredible energy and warmth.

I originally intended to write a piece about the futility of railing against mainstream mediocrity, a pointless rebellion we've been repeating for 500 years. But this song says it all far more eloquently, brilliantly, and rhythmically than I ever could. Great music always cuts through the noise.

Huge thanks to Jeff for bringing it in spades!

https://www.mixcloud.com/jeff_o2l/now-wave-mail-out-mix-april-23-shoegaze-to-nugaze/ 

BEATS OF LOVE

83. Dance Your Way Home: A Journey Through the Dancefloor by Emma Warren

AFTER A humbling email exchange with top-tier author Emma about her work-in-progress, I’m thrilled that the final book is every bit as brave and moving as I’d hoped.

Having read Jockey Slut religiously, I already knew of Emma. Yet, when we first bonded, she was just a cool, nameless fixture in the freezing Sankeys courtyard, trance-dancing to John McCready’s delightful dubby techno. I assumed she was his girlfriend. Bugged Out hadn’t quite found its feet yet, and the main room's "underground house" didn't feel all that underground. That courtyard, however, was dance fire to the faithful.

Thankfully, Emma became part of my wider Bugged Out circle. Over time, we even danced gleefully to one of my favourites, She Comes In Colours. I was in awe of her; here was someone miffed about not editing Jockey Slut’s hip-hop section, who would then turn me onto Peter Tosh in a brilliantly no-nonsense manner.

My most abiding memory of Emma is from a Friday tea-time when Jeff Mills was playing at E-Bloc. Arriving early, I watched an all-male convention of chin-stroking train spotters file past. Deciding Mills felt a bit too cold and over-analytical, I left to rifle through the racks at M1 Records next door. Then I saw Emma. She enthusiastically waded straight through the crowd toward the counter. I debated whether to say hello, but I just smiled to myself and left.

That fearlessness epitomises Emma. I wish I’d known sooner how sparingly but brilliantly she extracts history from her own personal footprint, a skill this book effortlessly demonstrates. You learn so much from her refreshing, accessible style. I also wish I’d understood the profound psychological and communicative importance of dancing. I suppose none of us truly did until reading this wonderful book.