Jason
@jasonxhealey.bsky.social
I write about music on Medium. All posts contain Friend Links - read without a subscription.
Find me here: https://medium.com/@jasonmhealey
Find me here: https://medium.com/@jasonmhealey
Thoughts on the immortal Specials debut and their creative left turn on its successor - More Specials.
medium.com/the-riff/the...
#Music #MusicBlog #Medium #MediumBlog #Ska #2Tone
medium.com/the-riff/the...
#Music #MusicBlog #Medium #MediumBlog #Ska #2Tone
The Specials: One of the Hardest Left Turns in Rock ’n’ Roll
The problem with creating a landmark album is that you have to follow it up with another.
medium.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Thoughts on the immortal Specials debut and their creative left turn on its successor - More Specials.
medium.com/the-riff/the...
#Music #MusicBlog #Medium #MediumBlog #Ska #2Tone
medium.com/the-riff/the...
#Music #MusicBlog #Medium #MediumBlog #Ska #2Tone
I'm quick to tell people I hate the saxophone, but my argument falls apart as soon as I start telling people about all the killer songs that feature it. medium.com/@jasonmheale... #Medium #saxophone #Music #MusicBlogs
I Unequivocally Hate The Saxophone
Except when the crime is committed by…
medium.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:11 AM
I'm quick to tell people I hate the saxophone, but my argument falls apart as soon as I start telling people about all the killer songs that feature it. medium.com/@jasonmheale... #Medium #saxophone #Music #MusicBlogs
Is Nirvana a dad rock band? Intentions from the past don't save us from a different reality in the future. medium.com/the-riff/is-... #Nirvana #KurtCobain #SubPop #Seattle #Music #Medium #MediumBlog #MusicBlog
Is Nirvana a Dad Rock Band?
And what is it that makes Dad Rock, Dad Rock.
medium.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:09 AM
Is Nirvana a dad rock band? Intentions from the past don't save us from a different reality in the future. medium.com/the-riff/is-... #Nirvana #KurtCobain #SubPop #Seattle #Music #Medium #MediumBlog #MusicBlog
I’ve been thinking about what it means to leave a vinyl record collection to my kids and explored this idea here: medium.com/the-riff/wil...
#Medium #MusicBlog #vinyl
#Medium #MusicBlog #vinyl
Willing a Record Collection to Your Kids Is Not the Gift You Think It Is
It doesn’t matter what Discogs says your collection is worth, leaving your kids with a thousand vinyl records is a massive burden.
medium.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:47 AM
I’ve been thinking about what it means to leave a vinyl record collection to my kids and explored this idea here: medium.com/the-riff/wil...
#Medium #MusicBlog #vinyl
#Medium #MusicBlog #vinyl
It's December. Heavy Metal has made an impression on many things, Xmas is no exception.
Time to revisit: medium.com/the-riff/hea...
#HeavyMetal #Christmas #xmas #KingDiamond #MercyfulFate
Time to revisit: medium.com/the-riff/hea...
#HeavyMetal #Christmas #xmas #KingDiamond #MercyfulFate
Heavy Metal — A (Lighthearted) Pox on Christmas
How King Diamond’s debut release No Presents for Christmas gave headbangers across the globe something to celebrate on December 25th.
medium.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:23 PM
It's December. Heavy Metal has made an impression on many things, Xmas is no exception.
Time to revisit: medium.com/the-riff/hea...
#HeavyMetal #Christmas #xmas #KingDiamond #MercyfulFate
Time to revisit: medium.com/the-riff/hea...
#HeavyMetal #Christmas #xmas #KingDiamond #MercyfulFate
I'm really into this idea of an incarnation of The Saints out there doing the '73 - '78 era stuff w #MarkArm from #Mudhoney
Here's a piece I wrote about The Saints when still in Australia and the hammer of #conservatism that gripped Queensland at that time medium.com/the-riff/the...
Here's a piece I wrote about The Saints when still in Australia and the hammer of #conservatism that gripped Queensland at that time medium.com/the-riff/the...
The Saints: Stranded — The Documentary. An ugly vision of 1970s Australia.
The first punk rock band? Not exactly. The greatest punk rock band? Maybe. The band that inspired Jello to form the Dead Kennedys? You bet.
medium.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:39 PM
I'm really into this idea of an incarnation of The Saints out there doing the '73 - '78 era stuff w #MarkArm from #Mudhoney
Here's a piece I wrote about The Saints when still in Australia and the hammer of #conservatism that gripped Queensland at that time medium.com/the-riff/the...
Here's a piece I wrote about The Saints when still in Australia and the hammer of #conservatism that gripped Queensland at that time medium.com/the-riff/the...
I generally write about #music but the state of the world is far from ideal just now. Largely attributed to the people we keep on voting into government. Worse are all those ppl out there going on about how unkind history will be to them. It's not a threat.
jasonmhealey.medium.com/history-will...
jasonmhealey.medium.com/history-will...
“History Will be the Judge” — It’s Not the Most Compelling of Threats.
History as the judge is one of the most tepid threats imaginable, yet I see it touted continually.
jasonmhealey.medium.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:45 AM
I generally write about #music but the state of the world is far from ideal just now. Largely attributed to the people we keep on voting into government. Worse are all those ppl out there going on about how unkind history will be to them. It's not a threat.
jasonmhealey.medium.com/history-will...
jasonmhealey.medium.com/history-will...
Wouldn't it be clever to take a quantitative analysis of two records. Reign In Blood by #Slayer and Master of Puppets by #Metallica. Which was better? The numbers tell the story medium.com/the-riff/sla... #ThrashMetal #1986
Slayer’s Reign In Blood vs Metallica’s Master Of Puppets
In 1986 the two records that would perfectly encapsulate the Thrash Metal paradigm were released. The following analysis sets out to…
medium.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Wouldn't it be clever to take a quantitative analysis of two records. Reign In Blood by #Slayer and Master of Puppets by #Metallica. Which was better? The numbers tell the story medium.com/the-riff/sla... #ThrashMetal #1986
People often make grand declarations. The idea that Scandinavian rock n roll saved #vinyl may be perceived as one such thing. Truth is, it did. And here's all the argument you'll ever need. medium.com/the-riff/how...
How Scandinavian Rock ’n’ Roll Saved Vinyl
Did you know?
medium.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:42 AM
People often make grand declarations. The idea that Scandinavian rock n roll saved #vinyl may be perceived as one such thing. Truth is, it did. And here's all the argument you'll ever need. medium.com/the-riff/how...
I joined Bluesky to share my writing... I get so easily distracted.
One of the novel things about #DeathMetal is that you'll find lyrics here that have no other home.
The following is a little celebration of the 10 most significant dictionary words used by DM bands
medium.com/the-riff/the...
One of the novel things about #DeathMetal is that you'll find lyrics here that have no other home.
The following is a little celebration of the 10 most significant dictionary words used by DM bands
medium.com/the-riff/the...
The Top 10 Death Metal Dictionary Words
It’s impossible to really dial into the Death Metal genre without needing to consult a dictionary on occasion. Whether you’re a casual fan…
medium.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:41 AM
I joined Bluesky to share my writing... I get so easily distracted.
One of the novel things about #DeathMetal is that you'll find lyrics here that have no other home.
The following is a little celebration of the 10 most significant dictionary words used by DM bands
medium.com/the-riff/the...
One of the novel things about #DeathMetal is that you'll find lyrics here that have no other home.
The following is a little celebration of the 10 most significant dictionary words used by DM bands
medium.com/the-riff/the...
#November is #AusMusicMonth which means celebrating killer recordings from #Australia.
Soooo, I’m taking it upon myself to intro ppl to #records they may not know.
#Sithlord From out of the Darkness LP 2021. Ripping #ThrashMetal FFO #Kreator #80sThrash
australianplayed.com.au/2025/ausmusi...
Soooo, I’m taking it upon myself to intro ppl to #records they may not know.
#Sithlord From out of the Darkness LP 2021. Ripping #ThrashMetal FFO #Kreator #80sThrash
australianplayed.com.au/2025/ausmusi...
November 4, 2025 at 7:35 AM
#November is #AusMusicMonth which means celebrating killer recordings from #Australia.
Soooo, I’m taking it upon myself to intro ppl to #records they may not know.
#Sithlord From out of the Darkness LP 2021. Ripping #ThrashMetal FFO #Kreator #80sThrash
australianplayed.com.au/2025/ausmusi...
Soooo, I’m taking it upon myself to intro ppl to #records they may not know.
#Sithlord From out of the Darkness LP 2021. Ripping #ThrashMetal FFO #Kreator #80sThrash
australianplayed.com.au/2025/ausmusi...
#November is #AusMusicMonth which means celebrating killer recordings from #Australia.
Soooo, I’m taking it upon myself to intro ppl to #records they may not know.
First up #LubricatedGoat Plays The Devil’s Music LP from 1987 #NoiseRock #AmRep
australianplayed.com.au/2025/ausmusi...
Soooo, I’m taking it upon myself to intro ppl to #records they may not know.
First up #LubricatedGoat Plays The Devil’s Music LP from 1987 #NoiseRock #AmRep
australianplayed.com.au/2025/ausmusi...
November 4, 2025 at 7:33 AM
#November is #AusMusicMonth which means celebrating killer recordings from #Australia.
Soooo, I’m taking it upon myself to intro ppl to #records they may not know.
First up #LubricatedGoat Plays The Devil’s Music LP from 1987 #NoiseRock #AmRep
australianplayed.com.au/2025/ausmusi...
Soooo, I’m taking it upon myself to intro ppl to #records they may not know.
First up #LubricatedGoat Plays The Devil’s Music LP from 1987 #NoiseRock #AmRep
australianplayed.com.au/2025/ausmusi...
#Halloween playlist part 1.
#TheMisfits The Misfits Box Set. 4 disc collection from 1996. If memory serves this was the first time Static Age was made available in its entirety, noting that there’s an LP version with even more tracks.
#TheMisfits The Misfits Box Set. 4 disc collection from 1996. If memory serves this was the first time Static Age was made available in its entirety, noting that there’s an LP version with even more tracks.
October 31, 2025 at 3:54 AM
#Halloween playlist part 1.
#TheMisfits The Misfits Box Set. 4 disc collection from 1996. If memory serves this was the first time Static Age was made available in its entirety, noting that there’s an LP version with even more tracks.
#TheMisfits The Misfits Box Set. 4 disc collection from 1996. If memory serves this was the first time Static Age was made available in its entirety, noting that there’s an LP version with even more tracks.
This is a phenomenal insight into why the music of yesterday seems more resonant: medium.com/the-riff/doe...
It's not a friend link unfortunately but read what you can of it. It explains so much of what I had felt, but never understood.
#Music #Medium #MediumPost #MusicBlog
It's not a friend link unfortunately but read what you can of it. It explains so much of what I had felt, but never understood.
#Music #Medium #MediumPost #MusicBlog
Does ‘Perfect’ Music Make Us Worse at Democracy?
How the gridification of music from Taylor Swift to everyone else trains us out of mutual recognition
medium.com
October 24, 2025 at 9:16 PM
This is a phenomenal insight into why the music of yesterday seems more resonant: medium.com/the-riff/doe...
It's not a friend link unfortunately but read what you can of it. It explains so much of what I had felt, but never understood.
#Music #Medium #MediumPost #MusicBlog
It's not a friend link unfortunately but read what you can of it. It explains so much of what I had felt, but never understood.
#Music #Medium #MediumPost #MusicBlog
With the passing of #AceFrehley I got to thinking about the cultural impact of #KISS and I think that definitely came through in the tributes. Don't accuse me of being a fan however...
medium.com/the-riff/the...
#Music #Musicblog #Medium #MediumPost #RockNRoll
medium.com/the-riff/the...
#Music #Musicblog #Medium #MediumPost #RockNRoll
The Cultural Impact of KISS Will Never Be Matched
The tributes to late KISS guitarist Ace Frehley are replete with photos of kids from the 1970s dressed as their idol — etched into their…
medium.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:16 AM
With the passing of #AceFrehley I got to thinking about the cultural impact of #KISS and I think that definitely came through in the tributes. Don't accuse me of being a fan however...
medium.com/the-riff/the...
#Music #Musicblog #Medium #MediumPost #RockNRoll
medium.com/the-riff/the...
#Music #Musicblog #Medium #MediumPost #RockNRoll
For no reason other than I'm obsessed with these two records, I figured that writing 2000 words comparing #Metallica Master of Puppets to #Slayer Reign In Blood was a good use of my time. Was I correct? medium.com/the-riff/sla...
#Metal #ThrashMetal #Medium #MediumBlog #MusicBlog
#Metal #ThrashMetal #Medium #MediumBlog #MusicBlog
Slayer’s Reign In Blood vs Metallica’s Master Of Puppets
In 1986 the two records that would perfectly encapsulate the Thrash Metal paradigm were released. The following analysis sets out to…
medium.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:14 PM
For no reason other than I'm obsessed with these two records, I figured that writing 2000 words comparing #Metallica Master of Puppets to #Slayer Reign In Blood was a good use of my time. Was I correct? medium.com/the-riff/sla...
#Metal #ThrashMetal #Medium #MediumBlog #MusicBlog
#Metal #ThrashMetal #Medium #MediumBlog #MusicBlog
Inane ramblings on the nuance of language. Whichever way you slice it, you can't play a broken record. medium.com/the-riff/idi...
#Medium #MediumBlog #MusicBlog #MediumPost
#Medium #MediumBlog #MusicBlog #MediumPost
There’s no such thing as a Broken Record.
Broken records don’t play. The idiom is what’s broken.
medium.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Inane ramblings on the nuance of language. Whichever way you slice it, you can't play a broken record. medium.com/the-riff/idi...
#Medium #MediumBlog #MusicBlog #MediumPost
#Medium #MediumBlog #MusicBlog #MediumPost
Because everyone needs a reason to revere in #slayer magnum opus #ReignInBlood. Even if you see no connection with your interests, here's me challenging you. medium.com/the-riff/10-...
#Metal #ThrashMetal #80sMetal #80sMusic #Medium #MusicBlog
#Metal #ThrashMetal #80sMetal #80sMusic #Medium #MusicBlog
10 Unconventional Reasons Non-Metal Fans Need Slayer’s ‘Reign In Blood’
When it comes to iconic, genre-defining records, Reign In Blood by American thrash metal troupe Slayer is the shining delta of not only…
medium.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Because everyone needs a reason to revere in #slayer magnum opus #ReignInBlood. Even if you see no connection with your interests, here's me challenging you. medium.com/the-riff/10-...
#Metal #ThrashMetal #80sMetal #80sMusic #Medium #MusicBlog
#Metal #ThrashMetal #80sMetal #80sMusic #Medium #MusicBlog
Just in, a celebration of the rise and fall of one of Australia's earliest extreme metal bands #ArmouredAngel Friend link via #Medium
medium.com/the-riff/arm...
#Metal #DeathMetal #ThrashMetal #Music #MusicBlog #MediumPost
medium.com/the-riff/arm...
#Metal #DeathMetal #ThrashMetal #Music #MusicBlog #MediumPost
Armoured Angel: Triumph Through Isolation - a Tale of what Might Have Been.
How their isolated existence in 1980s Canberra led them to an unrivaled strategic ambition for recognition without compromise.
medium.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Just in, a celebration of the rise and fall of one of Australia's earliest extreme metal bands #ArmouredAngel Friend link via #Medium
medium.com/the-riff/arm...
#Metal #DeathMetal #ThrashMetal #Music #MusicBlog #MediumPost
medium.com/the-riff/arm...
#Metal #DeathMetal #ThrashMetal #Music #MusicBlog #MediumPost
I don't always listen to #Disco inspired pop/rock from 1980, but when I do, I can't go past #Xanadu
medium.com/@jasonmheale...
#Medium #MusicBlog #MediumPost
medium.com/@jasonmheale...
#Medium #MusicBlog #MediumPost
Xanadu — The Feelgood Soundtrack of 1980
The film may have been marginalised, but the Olivia Newton John and ELO collaboration produced one exceptional soundtrack
medium.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:32 AM
I don't always listen to #Disco inspired pop/rock from 1980, but when I do, I can't go past #Xanadu
medium.com/@jasonmheale...
#Medium #MusicBlog #MediumPost
medium.com/@jasonmheale...
#Medium #MusicBlog #MediumPost
One for the collectors. Though I despise terms like #physicalmedia I guess that's where we're at. Still, it's a novel idea and a fun concept to explore.
medium.com/the-riff/do-... #Music #MusicBlog #Medium #MediumPost
medium.com/the-riff/do-... #Music #MusicBlog #Medium #MediumPost
Do Physical Media Collectors Make More Serious Music Fans?
In other words, are those who buy records, CDs, and Cassettes more committed music fans?
medium.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:30 AM
One for the collectors. Though I despise terms like #physicalmedia I guess that's where we're at. Still, it's a novel idea and a fun concept to explore.
medium.com/the-riff/do-... #Music #MusicBlog #Medium #MediumPost
medium.com/the-riff/do-... #Music #MusicBlog #Medium #MediumPost
I don't spend a lot of time trying to parse the meaning of inane songs, but on this occasion, I found myself going all the way in.
Equally, it feels like the kind of idea someone'd be chestbeating on #twitter about. medium.com/@jasonmheale...
#VillagePeople #Medium #MusicBlog
Equally, it feels like the kind of idea someone'd be chestbeating on #twitter about. medium.com/@jasonmheale...
#VillagePeople #Medium #MusicBlog
Village People — Milkshake and the Big Dairy Conspiracy
Lyrics can be ambiguous, they can also be exactly as they appear. I don’t expect that the Village People got into trouble for this one…
medium.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:29 AM
I don't spend a lot of time trying to parse the meaning of inane songs, but on this occasion, I found myself going all the way in.
Equally, it feels like the kind of idea someone'd be chestbeating on #twitter about. medium.com/@jasonmheale...
#VillagePeople #Medium #MusicBlog
Equally, it feels like the kind of idea someone'd be chestbeating on #twitter about. medium.com/@jasonmheale...
#VillagePeople #Medium #MusicBlog
I love #CelticFrost. I mean, I really love this band. But they're not exactly a household name, meaning you may benefit from 10 reasons why CF were the greatest band ever. medium.com/@jasonmheale...
#DeathMetal #BlackMetal #Hellhammer #Medium #MusicBlog
#DeathMetal #BlackMetal #Hellhammer #Medium #MusicBlog
10 Reasons Celtic Frost was the greatest band ever.
In no specific order.
medium.com
October 8, 2025 at 9:58 AM
I love #CelticFrost. I mean, I really love this band. But they're not exactly a household name, meaning you may benefit from 10 reasons why CF were the greatest band ever. medium.com/@jasonmheale...
#DeathMetal #BlackMetal #Hellhammer #Medium #MusicBlog
#DeathMetal #BlackMetal #Hellhammer #Medium #MusicBlog
Interviews from the grave. #Deicide interviews from 1995. These were published in street press magazines here in Australia; both stories from the same source interview. I love it when GB claims Deicide don't play #DeathMetal
medium.com/@jasonmheale...
medium.com/@jasonmheale...
Deicide Interview. Glen Benton, 1995
Let’s start with a little context. After all, it’s been 25 years.
medium.com
October 8, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Interviews from the grave. #Deicide interviews from 1995. These were published in street press magazines here in Australia; both stories from the same source interview. I love it when GB claims Deicide don't play #DeathMetal
medium.com/@jasonmheale...
medium.com/@jasonmheale...
Working on a piece about the Australian band #ArmouredAngel. Dominating the turntable right now.
Check out my other #Medium blog posts: medium.com/@jasonmhealey
#ThrashMetal #DeathMetal #Vinyl
Check out my other #Medium blog posts: medium.com/@jasonmhealey
#ThrashMetal #DeathMetal #Vinyl
October 8, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Working on a piece about the Australian band #ArmouredAngel. Dominating the turntable right now.
Check out my other #Medium blog posts: medium.com/@jasonmhealey
#ThrashMetal #DeathMetal #Vinyl
Check out my other #Medium blog posts: medium.com/@jasonmhealey
#ThrashMetal #DeathMetal #Vinyl