Profiles
The Smiths and Morrissey: Every Album, Every Song (2022)
Pennyblack’s own Tommy Gunnarsson takes on The Smiths and Morrissey’s entire back catalogue. in his first book Fiona Hutchings rolls up her sleeves and dives in.
Features
A Life in Music (2022)
In her series, 'A Life in Music', in which she speaks to Pennyblackmusic staff about how music has affected and influenced them, Cila Warncke talks to our Swedish writer Tommy Gunnarsson.
Related
Interviews
Clientele
Interview
Tommy Gunnarsson speaks to Alasdair MacLean, the front man with cult indie pop band the Clientele, about their new compilation,out a compilation called 'Alone and Unreal: The Best of the Clientele', and their past, present and future
McCarthy
Interview
Tommy Gunnarsson chats to John Williamson, the bassist with 80's left-wing political indie pop band and C86 act, about his former group's history
Laetitia Sadier
Interview
Stereolab vocalist Laetitia Sadier talks to Tommy Gunnarsson about the inspirations for her debut solo album, 'The Trip'
Stuart Moxham
Interview
Young Marble Giants' main songwriter and guitarist Stuart Moxham speaks to Tommy Gunnarsson about his solo career and recently released compilation album, 'Personal Best'
Whirlpool Guest House
Interview
Little known in their original lifetime, late 80s Stockton-on-Tees based indie trio Whirlpool Guest House have just had 'Rough Digs', a compilation of all their material, released. Singer and guitarist Carl Green talks to Tommy Gunnarsson about his group
Nik Kershaw
Interview
Tommy Gunnarsson speaks to massive 80's star and Live Aid musician Nik Kershaw about his past, present and future and latest album, 'You've Got to Laugh@
Au Pairs
Interview
Tommy Gunnarsson speaks to Jane Munro, the bassist with 70's Birmingham-based political indie punk/funk group the Au Pairs, about her group's rise and fall
Boycrazy
Interview
In this never before published in English interview from 2003, Tommy Gunnarsson talks to Decemberists and Norfolk and Western member and Portland, Oregon musician about her early indiepop band Boycrazy
Rumblefish
Interview
Long broken up 80's indiepop group Rumblefish have recently had released '1234', a retrospective of their work. Tommy Gunnarsson speaks to former frontman Jeremy Paige about the group's sometimes turbulent history
McCarthy
Interview with Tim Gaines
Stereolab's Tim Gaines first band was 80's political indiepop group McCarthy. Tommy Gunnarsson speaks to him about it, and the band's three albums
Essex Green
Interview
Indiepop group the Essex Green have just released their first album in three years, 'Cannibal Sea'. Tommy Gunnarsson chats to Christopher Zither from the band about the band's musical history and the new record
Friends
Interview with William Jones
Back for a second interview with Pennyblackmusic, William Jones, the frontman with legendary British indiepop group Friends, talks to Tommy Gunnarsson about the recording of the band's long-awaited new album, 'Late Night Early Morning'
Relict
Interview
The project of former Clientele member Innes Phillips, the Relict released their long-awaited debut album, 'Tomorrow is Again' at the end of last year. Tommy Gunnarsson chats to him about his band's first few years
Lucksmiths
Interview Part 3
In the third and final part of our interview with Australian indiepop group the Lucksmiths, Tommy Gunnarsson talks to group members Tali White and Mark Monnone about their influences and songwriting
Lucksmiths
Interview Part 2
In the second part of our three part interview with Tali White and Mark Monnone from the long-serving Australian indiepop group the Lucksmiths, they chat to tommy Gunnarsson about touring, and their plans for the next year.
Friends
Interview Part 3
In the third and final part of our interview with long-serving C86 act Friends, Tommy Gunnarsson talks to frontman William Jones about the art of writing a great pop song, and his own label Summerhouse
Lucksmiths
Interview Part 1
In the first part of a two part interview, Tommy Gunnarsson speaks to Tali White and Mark Monnone from the long-serving Australian indiepop group the Lucksmiths about the art of songwriting, and why they prefer independent labels
Friends
Interview Part 2
In the second part of our interview with William Jones, the frontman with long-serving indiepop group Friends, he talks to Tommy Gunnarsson about the unusual reasons why the band's seminal first album, ‘Roads Leading Everywhere’ remains their most popu
ballboy
Interview
The Scottish group ballboy have just released their first “proper” album, 'A Guide To The Daylight Hours'. Gordon McIntyre, the frontman with the increasingly popular indiepop group, talks to Tommy Gunnarsson about it, critics, and touring America
Judys
Interview
Until recently largely forgotten about, 80's Texan punk pop trio the Judys have recently met with a resurgence of interest. although all their albums have been deleted. Tommy Gunnarsson chats to frontman David Bean about the band's 15 year history
Profiles
Profile
Aztec Camera’s five albums for the WEA label are being compiled in a massive nine disc box set 'Backwards and Forwards', with four discs of extras! But even though he enjoys it, Tommy Gunnarsson misses their amazing debut album, 'High Land, Hard Rain'.
Fairport Convention
On Track...Every Album, Every Track
Thirty albums in, Fairport Convention finally get a book dedicated to every song on every album. Tommy Gunnarsson is impressed.
C90
Profile
The fifth instalment of Cherry Red’s impressive C box sets is here, this time focusing on the dismal pop year that was 1990. Tommy Gunnarsson is far from impressed with the music, but more so with the compilation itself.
Go Betweens
G Stands for Go-Betweens Volume 2
The second instalment of the Go-Betweens anthology series is finally here, and Tommy Gunnarsson delves into a vast content of demo and live recordings, but also enjoys the band’s final three albums in their remastered glory.
Spike
Profile
Welsh guitarist Spike is back with two releases, compilation odf old tracks with Debbie Pritchard and a brand new album with Young Marble Giants’ Alison Statton. Tommy Gunnarsson finds them mostly enjoyable, but for the already converted.
Felt
Profile
The classic first five Felt albums are being remastered and reissued in new packaging. Tommy Gunnarsson takes a trip down the weird and sometimes wonderful Lawrence lane.
Townes Van Zandt
Profile
Legendary country troubadour Townes Van Zandt is being reissued again, this time with two of his lesser-known albums, 'Flyin' Shoes' from 1978 and the posthumous 2001 album 'Texas Rain' Tommy Gunnarsson still finds them very listenable and a fascinating document of this great artist
Book-J.C. Brouchard
Felt: Diary of a Fan
Tommy Gunnarsson finds much to recommend in J.C Brouchard's new book on 1980's indie pop band Felt which, while providing little new biographical information, instead rightly concentrates on the band’s music and recorded output
DVD-Nik Kershaw
Live in Germany 1984
Tommy Gunnarsson looks at a new concert film from Nik Kershaw, filmed at a gig in Germany in 1984 to promote his 'Human Racing' debut album.
Profile
Feelies
Tommy Gunnarsson examines the career of influential American band, the Feelies, who have just had their two albums, 1980's 'Crazy Rhythms' and 1985's 'The Good Earth' re-released
Profile
Bubblegum Records
Tommy Gunnarsson examines new Glasgow-based indiepop label Bubblegum Records which was formed earlier this year, and the four EPs and one album that it has already released
Blast from the Past : Young Marble Giants
Interview with Stuart Moxham
With ther seminal one and only album 'Colossal Youth' back in the shops after a long absence and in an expanded edition, Pennyblackmusic is running again this interview from 2001 in which Young Marble Giants guitarist, organist and songwriter Stuart Moxham chats to Tommy Gunnarsson
Snowday Records
Interview
Pennyblackmusic writer Tommy Gunnarsson and his girlfriend Sandra Neergaard-Petersen chat to John Clarkson about their new ultra limited edition indiepop label, Snowday Records
SL Records
Interview
Edinburgh-based label SL Records has been responsible for releasing some of the best indiepop in recent years, and is the home of ballboy, Degrassi and the now defunct Khaya. Owner Ed Pybus chats to Tommy Gunnarsson
Heavenly Pop Hits
Interview with Tommy Gunnarsson and Marie Sorenson
Pennyblackmusic writer Tommy Gunnarsson recently formed his own indiepop label, Heavenly Pop Hits, with his girlfriend Marie Sorenson. With their first compilation "Hit Music Only' just out, they talk about the problems and benefits of forming a label
Subway/Martin Whitehead
Interview
The Subway Organiszation label was one of the great indiepop labels of 80's. It owner Martin Whitehead, who was also the guitarist with the band the Flatmates, talks to Tommy Gunnarsson about its spectacular rise and fall
Live
Magnetic Fields/Real Tuesday Weld
Stora Vega, Copenhagen, 2/10/2004
In the smokey atmosphere of the Stora Vega in Copenhagen, Tommy Gunnarsson watches the Magnetic Fields put on a "fascinating" and compelling performance
Mitt Sista Liv Festival
Kalmar, Sweden, 30/7/2004...31/7/2004
The last in a trilogy, the Mitt Sista Liv indiepop festival recently took place in a field on the Swedish southeast coast. Tommy Gunnarsson enjoys sets from the likes of Milky Wimpshake, Popundret, the Frenchmen and the Scarlet's Well.
ballboy
Lokal Bar, Vaxjo, Sweden, 12/4/2003
Tommy Gunnarsson waited for more than three years for ballboy to come to Sweden, but finds it has been worth the long wait
Comet Gain
Kulturbolaget, Malmo, 15/3/2003
Tommy Gunnarsson, seeing Comet Gain in his native Sweden for the first time, finds that they have lost none of their impact and stage presence in the two years since he first saw them in London
Clientele
Uffe's Kallare, Växjö, Sweden, 16/10/2002
The Clientele recently played a four date tour of Sweden. Tommy Gunnarsson catches them on fine form and at their intimate best in a tiny basement club
Albums
The Decline and Fall of Heavenly
In our Re:View section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Tommy Gunnarsson finds that iconic indiepopsters Heavenly's 1994 third album, ‘The Decline and Fall of Heavenly’, which has just been re-released on on vinyl, still stands the test of time.
Radio Times: Live at the BBC
Iconic Newcastle folk rock act Lindisfarne recorded lots of lots of music for the BBC during the 70s and 80s, and now all the sessions are compiled on a lovely eight-disc CD box set. Tommy Gunnarsson is certainly intrigued by what he’s hearing.
Steve Lamacq Session 16.09.98
Welsh drum-machine punksters Helen Love recorded two BBC sessions at the end of the 90s, and the second one, from 1998, has now been released on 10” vinyl by Precious Recordings. Tommy Gunnarsson thinks this one’s for the already converted
From A to B – The Sony Years
Classic new wavers New Musik get almost their entire catalogue compiled on four discs, and Tommy Gunnarsson is thrilled to hear the amazing debut album again!
Pillows and Prayers
Cherry Red celebrates the 40th anniversary of its iconic label sampler ‘Pillows and Prayers’ with a new, expanded version. Tommy Gunnarsson takes us along for the ride.
C85
Cherry Red is finally going back in time from the iconic ‘C86’ compilation to bring us this three CD box set of early UK indiepop, and Tommy Gunnarsson surely is delighted.
Before the Day is Done: The Story of Folk Heritage Records (1968-1975)
Tommy Gunnarsson enjoys ‘Before the Day is Done’, the third instalment in a folk anthology series from Grapefruit which focuses on the obscure Folk Heritage label between 1968 and 1975.
A Better Life – Complete Creations 1984-1991
Tommy Gunnarsson reflects upon a new six-disc box set on Cherry Red which compiles together Creation Records boss Alan McGee’s recordings with his 80’s and 90’s band Biff Bang Pow!
It's a Shame about Ray
Tommy Gunnarsson finds essential listening a 30th anniversary reissue of iconic US indie rocksters The Lemonheads’ fourth album 'It's a Shame about Ray', which includes a bonus disc of B sides and demos.
Please Re-Adjust Your Time – The Early Blues & Psych-Folk Years 1967-1972
In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Tommy Gunnarsson reflects on a new 4CD box set compiling folk/blues under-appreciated singer-songwriter Ian A Anderson’s first four albums
Obviously 5 Believers
Stephen Duffy, sometimes also known as 'TinTin', formed The Hawks after quitting Duran Duran just before they were signed. Tommy Gunnarsson listens to The Hawks' previously unreleased only album 'Obviously 5 Believers', and finds that it isn’t without its charm.
Ghost Trains and Country Lanes: Studio, Stage and Sessions 1984-2005
In our 'Re:View' section Tommy Gunnarsson reflects on a new double CD retrospective by influential early indie act The Loft.
Neil Innes
How Sweet To Be An Idiot
In our 'Re: View' section, in which our writers look back at albums from the past, Tommy Gunnarsson finds something for almost everyone in Neil Innes' 1972 debut solo album 'How Sweet To Be An Idiot', which is being reissued in an expanded version.
McCarthy
The Enraged Will Inherit the Earth
In our 'Re:View' section, in which our writers examine albums from the past, Tommy Gunnarsson reviews Iionic British Marxist indiepop band McCarthy’s 1989 second album, ‘The Enraged Will Inherit The Earth’, which is being reissued in an expanded vinyl edition.
Gene Clark
Gene Clark and the Gosdin Brothers
As Gene Clark's 1967 solo debut is re-released, Tommy Gunnarsson takes us through its history and its highlights.
JODI
Pop Espontáneo
Paraguyan brothers Joern and Dirk Wenger, known as JODI, released one album in 1971, and since then psych/fuzz collectors have been searching for more recordings. They're here now, and Tommy Gunnarsson takes us through a new collection.
Wolfhounds
Untied Kingdom...or How to Come To Terms With Your Culture
In our 'Re: View' section Tommy Gunnarsson reflects on reformed C-86 band the Wolfhounds' sixth album 'Untied Kingdom...or How to Come To Terms With Your Culture', which originally released last year on vinyl has now been reissued in a CD edition
Townes Van Zandt
The Nashville Sessions
In our 'Re:View' series, in which our writers reflect upon albums from the past, Tommy Gunnarsson examines Townes Van Zandt's 'lost' Nashville album, which recorded in the 1970s but not released until 20 years later, is now being re-released as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of his career
McCarthy
I am the Wallet
Almost thirty years after its initial release, UK label Optic Nerve is re-releasing jangly left-wingers McCarthy's debut album 'I am a Wallet' on vinyl with a lot of bonus tracks. Tommy Gunnarsson reflects on what is his favourite album ever
Monochrome Set
The Lost Weekend
In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Tommy Gunnarsson listens to 'The Lost Weekend', the Monochrome Set's 1985 would-be chart-topper, and also their last album during their first period as a band, which has just been re-released on CD
Features
Discography Hagiography Part 1
In the first of a two part ‘Discography Hagiography’, our series in which we provide a disc-by-disc evolution of music’s greats, Tommy Gunnarsson reflects on the early career of XTC.
The Image That Made Me Weep
In our column 'The Image That Made Me Weep', in which our writers write about the impact of a particular photo or image on them, Tommy Gunnarsson writes of a rare photo that finds Kraftwerk smiling.
Tommy Gunnarsson
Ticket Rewind
n the latest edition to our column 'Ticket Rewind', our Swedish writer tommy Gunnarsson looks back at some of his old concert tickets and the memories associated with them.
Pennyblackmusic
Ten Songs That Made Me Love....
Tommy Gunnarsson takes us on a wonderful stroll through his long backlist of reviews and interviews for Pennyblackmusic, by way of ten indiepop classics - or in some cases should-be-classics.
Magnetic Fields
Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
In '10 Songs That Made Me Love...', Tommy Gunnarsson boils down his love for New York based band The Magnetic Fields to just ten songs, which is easier said than done
Gig of a Lifetime
R.E.M, Grand Hotel, Stockholm, November 1998
In 'Gig of a Lifetime', in which a different Pennyblackmusic writer writes of a once in a lifetime gig, Tommy Gunnarsson describes attending a fan club only R.E.M. gig in Stockhom in 1998
Soundtrack of Our Lives
The Softies
In our 'Soundtrack of Our Lives' column, in which our writers tell of the personal impact on them, Tommy Gunnarsson writes about the mid 90's American indie pop band the Softies, whose song 'The Best Days' at the funeral of his brother's girlfriend, who died in 2000 at the age of 20