The Listening Log

A quiet space for music, speech, memory, and reflection.

Listening without algorithms. Writing without noise.

Created by writer Derek Franklin

Recent Entries

  • New Music Friday #4

    New Music Friday returns with another six tracks from Spotify’s latest releases, as ageing eyesight, toe-tapping basslines and the eternal search for something genuinely thrilling collide once again.

  • World Cup Log #8

    After almost three weeks of wall-to-wall football, one evening without a World Cup match feels strangely empty. Thoughts on England, Trump, Messi, Switzerland and a tournament that’s finally got me hooked.

  • World Cup Log #7

    As the World Cup reaches the knockout stages, *The Rest Is Football* rediscovers its form, Cape Verde win more admirers, and VAR starts reminding everyone why it can be football’s biggest nuisance.

  • Divine Intervention

    Escaping the World Cup for a while, I head out with Bowie and rediscover why music remains the perfect companion, courtesy of Hüsker Dü, Status Quo, Madonna and The Rolling Stones.

  • World Cup Log #6

    Sleep deprivation, football fatigue and a growing hatred of the phrase “low block” combine as the World Cup enters the knockout stages and irritation levels reach their peak.

  • World Cup Log #5

    With the group stage finally drawing to a close, thoughts turn to the knockout rounds, Scotland’s slim hopes, England’s expected progress and the point where every World Cup really begins.