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James Poole reflection

From Gil Scott-Heron to Innervisions

Every word was savoured. I started the book, read the first hundred pages, and had to start again – just so that I could drink in the words again. In my mind, The Narrator’s distinctive growl enunciated each word with absolute clarity and authority. I’ve taken months to complete the book, despite it being barely […]

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James Poole reflection

Radio 2 Listeners: I’m revoking your license to have an opinion

Now this is a tough one. The spirit of the freethinking movement is to encourage conversation about music, to encourage opening your mind to new sounds. To encourage an opinion. The problem is, sometimes the opinion seems so totally at odds with ‘what’s right’ that I have to hold my hand up. Here goes… Over […]

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James Poole reflection

Wonderlove

I’m a dad. This is new news, and goes a long way to explaining the lack of updates to the freethinking movement over the past few months. That, and moving into a new apartment. I’ve barely had time to listen to music, never mind write about it. And so, with fatherhood comes a new journey […]

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defining freethinking reflection

GSH and MLK

Today we remember Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a freethinker of the highest order. He was someone for whom freedom became a life’s work. He changed the world. In 1963 he had a dream. Thank you Gil Scott-Heron. Thank you Stevie Wonder. Thank you for making sure that we will always remember. Thank you […]

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James Poole

Pop music from Detroit

My recent posts have been pretty much Manchester-dominated. I was just about to add to this, by writing about The Fall. But, I don’t think that I’m living true to the freethinking philosophy. It’s about blurring boundaries, and not letting one theme dominate. So, let’s turn to Detroit. Let’s turn to pop music. Let’s talk […]

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James Poole reflection

Gil Scott-Heron: Peace Go With You, Brother

May 27, 2011. The day that a true freethinker left the building. We’re all poorer for it. My words just won’t hit the mark, here. When someone of the importance and stature of Gil Scott-Heron passes, you want to look to people with the intelligence, heart and insight of the man himself to capture the […]

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James Poole

Stevie Wonder. Genius. That is all.

Yesterday, a mate of mine dismissed Stevie Wonder as being not that good. He’s a good mate. Still is, despite this act of heresy. The thing is, I understand people not liking Stevie. Or at least thinking that they don’t like him. I’ll be honest here – Stevie’s output in the 80s was largely devoid […]