I’ve been doing a bit of publicity about Denmark Street: London’s Street Of Sound.
Here’s an interview I did with Matt Brown at Londonist that I think gives a good overview of the topics covered in the book. If you’ve bought, read and enjoyed the book, please do consider leaving a review on Amazon as it makes a big difference.
Posted in Books, London, Music
Tagged Books, Denmark Street, Londonist, Tin Pan Alley
My new book, Denmark Street: London’s Street Of Sound, is out now. But why is Denmark Street so interesting anyway? Here are ten (mostly) music-related things that emerged from Denmark Street since the 1910s.
1 The charts
The first UK singles chart was compiled in 1952 by the NME from their office on Denmark Street. It’s arguably the single greatest innovation to come from the street’s long association with music.
2 The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones’ debut album was recorded at a pokey little Denmark Street studio, Regent Sound, in 1964.
3 Northern Songs
The Beatles’ publishing company was formed in 1963 at the office of music publisher Dick James, on the corner of Denmark Street and Charing Cross Road. It was a then revolutionary deal, which recognised that the Beatles were both performers and songwriters.
4 “South Of The Border”
Perhaps the best of the pre-rock ‘n’ roll songs published on Tin Pan Alley, “South Of The Border” was the work of Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr, two prolific pre-war Denmark Street songwriters.
5 Dark Side Of The Moon
One of the world’s best known album covers was conceived by designers Hipgnosis at No 6 Denmark Street.
6 Forbidden Planet
Denmark Street wasn’t just about music – the nerd emporium began life on Denmark Street, ensuring the street was briefly a mecca for comic lovers as well as music fans.
7 Live At The 12 Bar
Bert Jansch was one of many great musicians to perform at the tiny 12 Bar – this 1996 concert was officially released in 2015.
8 Cerberus
Cerberus was a pioneering internet-streaming music site that was located at No 21 Denmark Street in 1994 – years ahead of its time.
9 Theme to “News At Ten“
One of many famous theme tunes to emerge from the studio on Denmark Street owned by KPM – home to one of the largest music libraries in the world.
10 Spunk
The Sex Pistols had a rehearsal space at No 6 Denmark Street, where they recorded several songs that appeared on this legendary bootleg.
For more, see my new book Denmark Street: London’s Street of Sound (Paradise Road).
Posted in Books, Comics, Music, Uncategorized
Tagged book, Denmark Street, KPM, London, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, The Beatles, Tin Pan Alley
I’ve written about Denmark Street before – that strangely old-fashioned almost Brooklyn-style street on the border of Soho and Covent Garden that for decades has been home to various aspects of the music industry in the UK.
Tin Pan Alley Tales is a film that plans to tell the story of this small but vitally important street but it needs funding. Made by campaigner Henry Scott-Irvine, the film will tell the stories of the 22 buildings that make up Denmark Street and trace its progression from home of pre-war publishers and songwriters, through skiffle, pop and rock, punk and to the present day.
It will provide an important and fascinating document of a London street that has been at the forefront of popular culture for decades but which is now under threat from London’s rampant development.
To make a donation, go here.
Posted in Architecture, Film, History, London, Music, Place
Tagged Denmark Street, film, Tin Pan Alley
The Great Wen 