The Spanish Amanda
@spanishamandauk.bsky.social
Unreconstructed C86-ish indie kids who've kept their chops, their hair and their NHS specs in spite of Brexit, Trump and Farage. Go, Amanda! Go, indiepop!
Blezz 'ee for the review from t'NME - I shall peer at that with interest later this evening (when a little wine has relaxed the eye muscles sufficiently...). The reflection suggests that this particular page has been framed... indicative of A Truly Significant Gig. Splendid stuff. 🙂
November 30, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Blezz 'ee for the review from t'NME - I shall peer at that with interest later this evening (when a little wine has relaxed the eye muscles sufficiently...). The reflection suggests that this particular page has been framed... indicative of A Truly Significant Gig. Splendid stuff. 🙂
Am guessing from the 'Where were you...' preface that I know what the answer might be... but which of the five turns lingers most fondly in the memory..?
November 30, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Am guessing from the 'Where were you...' preface that I know what the answer might be... but which of the five turns lingers most fondly in the memory..?
Today - unofficially - it was 'Terry Hall Memorial Day' in Emmaus Letchworth. Lots of the solo stuff, bit of the Colourfield, a smidge of the Specials, a touch of Vegas and pretty much everything by t'Fun Boy 3.
So... you're thinking: "Does Terry H help sell furniture..?"
Answer: "Not much, alas."
So... you're thinking: "Does Terry H help sell furniture..?"
Answer: "Not much, alas."
November 29, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Today - unofficially - it was 'Terry Hall Memorial Day' in Emmaus Letchworth. Lots of the solo stuff, bit of the Colourfield, a smidge of the Specials, a touch of Vegas and pretty much everything by t'Fun Boy 3.
So... you're thinking: "Does Terry H help sell furniture..?"
Answer: "Not much, alas."
So... you're thinking: "Does Terry H help sell furniture..?"
Answer: "Not much, alas."
I wore a Cardiacs t-shirt to work a few weeks ago and got into conversation with a 20-something (who I'd probably describe as 'contrarian hipster') who swore 'proper' 70's prog was enjoying a resurgence among the vinyl-y-inclined yout' (at least, in the Letchworth area...)
Possibly fibbin', mind...
Possibly fibbin', mind...
November 28, 2025 at 9:36 AM
I wore a Cardiacs t-shirt to work a few weeks ago and got into conversation with a 20-something (who I'd probably describe as 'contrarian hipster') who swore 'proper' 70's prog was enjoying a resurgence among the vinyl-y-inclined yout' (at least, in the Letchworth area...)
Possibly fibbin', mind...
Possibly fibbin', mind...
Only a half-day in Emmaus's Cave Of Ancient Furniture today (due to medical commitments I shan't remark upon here...) - sadly, no soundtrack to report since I didn't want to leave the shop iPod in my absence (I didn't think anyone would nick it... but SELL it..? *Quite* possible).
So... Radio 2. 😠
So... Radio 2. 😠
November 27, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Only a half-day in Emmaus's Cave Of Ancient Furniture today (due to medical commitments I shan't remark upon here...) - sadly, no soundtrack to report since I didn't want to leave the shop iPod in my absence (I didn't think anyone would nick it... but SELL it..? *Quite* possible).
So... Radio 2. 😠
So... Radio 2. 😠
Had to compete with a good deal of power-sanding coming from the Emmaus workshop today... and Radio 1 (preference of my power-sanding companions...) ...which I countered with robust portions of the KLF and Carter USM... neither of which are considered 'standard charity shop fare', I believe. 🙂
November 26, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Had to compete with a good deal of power-sanding coming from the Emmaus workshop today... and Radio 1 (preference of my power-sanding companions...) ...which I countered with robust portions of the KLF and Carter USM... neither of which are considered 'standard charity shop fare', I believe. 🙂
A 'back to basics' day at Emmaus today... mostly in the form of 1980's Mekons, Smiths, Elvis Costello, Sundays, Three Johns, Fall... aural comfort biscuits to help stave off the perishing cold (no heating in the shop for about the past month... s'really starting to bite, now). Sales..? Sofas. Lots.
November 25, 2025 at 7:34 PM
A 'back to basics' day at Emmaus today... mostly in the form of 1980's Mekons, Smiths, Elvis Costello, Sundays, Three Johns, Fall... aural comfort biscuits to help stave off the perishing cold (no heating in the shop for about the past month... s'really starting to bite, now). Sales..? Sofas. Lots.
Listenin' now... with Dawn Z-M of The False Dawns... our sometime housemate (when not seeing one of her Italian fancymen, banged up on remand, hanging out with Bono, etc.).
"Cor - 'ee's got a lovely voice, an 'ee..?" she coos, louchely, at the rajoh.
You want to watch yourself there, Jonathan... 💋
"Cor - 'ee's got a lovely voice, an 'ee..?" she coos, louchely, at the rajoh.
You want to watch yourself there, Jonathan... 💋
November 25, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Listenin' now... with Dawn Z-M of The False Dawns... our sometime housemate (when not seeing one of her Italian fancymen, banged up on remand, hanging out with Bono, etc.).
"Cor - 'ee's got a lovely voice, an 'ee..?" she coos, louchely, at the rajoh.
You want to watch yourself there, Jonathan... 💋
"Cor - 'ee's got a lovely voice, an 'ee..?" she coos, louchely, at the rajoh.
You want to watch yourself there, Jonathan... 💋
Blezz 'ee, sir..!!
A recent poll in the Letchworth Tatler rated 'Walter B' the Spanish Amanda's '3rd filthiest song'. Top of the list was 'The Ballad Of Clinton Bill' from... ooh, ages ago. In Paris, it came packaged with wet wipes; in north Wales, a bar of soap and a biohazard warning. True story.
A recent poll in the Letchworth Tatler rated 'Walter B' the Spanish Amanda's '3rd filthiest song'. Top of the list was 'The Ballad Of Clinton Bill' from... ooh, ages ago. In Paris, it came packaged with wet wipes; in north Wales, a bar of soap and a biohazard warning. True story.
November 23, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Blezz 'ee, sir..!!
A recent poll in the Letchworth Tatler rated 'Walter B' the Spanish Amanda's '3rd filthiest song'. Top of the list was 'The Ballad Of Clinton Bill' from... ooh, ages ago. In Paris, it came packaged with wet wipes; in north Wales, a bar of soap and a biohazard warning. True story.
A recent poll in the Letchworth Tatler rated 'Walter B' the Spanish Amanda's '3rd filthiest song'. Top of the list was 'The Ballad Of Clinton Bill' from... ooh, ages ago. In Paris, it came packaged with wet wipes; in north Wales, a bar of soap and a biohazard warning. True story.
D'j'remember that episode of Father Ted, where they have a Craggy Island disco... but the DJ only has a copy of 'Ghost Town'..?
That was me, today, in Emmaus Letchworth... having forgotten the shop iPod, and only having Van Morrison's Greatest Hits CD to fall back on... five times, in total.
Mmmm.
That was me, today, in Emmaus Letchworth... having forgotten the shop iPod, and only having Van Morrison's Greatest Hits CD to fall back on... five times, in total.
Mmmm.
November 22, 2025 at 6:18 PM
D'j'remember that episode of Father Ted, where they have a Craggy Island disco... but the DJ only has a copy of 'Ghost Town'..?
That was me, today, in Emmaus Letchworth... having forgotten the shop iPod, and only having Van Morrison's Greatest Hits CD to fall back on... five times, in total.
Mmmm.
That was me, today, in Emmaus Letchworth... having forgotten the shop iPod, and only having Van Morrison's Greatest Hits CD to fall back on... five times, in total.
Mmmm.
Fred, this evening, discovering that I'd decanted a handful of his medicinal-kibble-for-ancient-cats-with-dickie-kidneys into a little bowl (so I could try convincing him they were Dreamies(TM)):
(We have tried teaching him shame, but he just doesn't get it...)
(We have tried teaching him shame, but he just doesn't get it...)
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Fred, this evening, discovering that I'd decanted a handful of his medicinal-kibble-for-ancient-cats-with-dickie-kidneys into a little bowl (so I could try convincing him they were Dreamies(TM)):
(We have tried teaching him shame, but he just doesn't get it...)
(We have tried teaching him shame, but he just doesn't get it...)
Blezz 'ee..!
'S probably the moment to reveal that anyone playing a SpanAm tune on t'rajoh is entitled to a week's FREE rental of Fred the SpanAm cat.
I've explained to him that he'll be spending a week in Brighton and, frankly, he seems keen.
Boy, can that cat EAT, tho'.
'Forewarned...', etc..!
'S probably the moment to reveal that anyone playing a SpanAm tune on t'rajoh is entitled to a week's FREE rental of Fred the SpanAm cat.
I've explained to him that he'll be spending a week in Brighton and, frankly, he seems keen.
Boy, can that cat EAT, tho'.
'Forewarned...', etc..!
November 19, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Blezz 'ee..!
'S probably the moment to reveal that anyone playing a SpanAm tune on t'rajoh is entitled to a week's FREE rental of Fred the SpanAm cat.
I've explained to him that he'll be spending a week in Brighton and, frankly, he seems keen.
Boy, can that cat EAT, tho'.
'Forewarned...', etc..!
'S probably the moment to reveal that anyone playing a SpanAm tune on t'rajoh is entitled to a week's FREE rental of Fred the SpanAm cat.
I've explained to him that he'll be spending a week in Brighton and, frankly, he seems keen.
Boy, can that cat EAT, tho'.
'Forewarned...', etc..!
A hop along the M62 to Leeds for today's shop soundtrack... mostly Gang Of Four this morning, mostly the Weddoes this afternoon... and then Microdisney in the car on the way home.
Did this melodic smorgasbord drag the punters in..? It did not. Did it perk me up no end..? It did, it did, it did.
Did this melodic smorgasbord drag the punters in..? It did not. Did it perk me up no end..? It did, it did, it did.
November 19, 2025 at 5:51 PM
A hop along the M62 to Leeds for today's shop soundtrack... mostly Gang Of Four this morning, mostly the Weddoes this afternoon... and then Microdisney in the car on the way home.
Did this melodic smorgasbord drag the punters in..? It did not. Did it perk me up no end..? It did, it did, it did.
Did this melodic smorgasbord drag the punters in..? It did not. Did it perk me up no end..? It did, it did, it did.
Tuesdays may now need to be renamed, universally, 'Saturday Mk 2' - 'cos the retail madness of 3 days ago continued unabated today... with a veritable QUEUE of secondhand sofas making their way through the despatch bay... all heading off for their new 'forever' homes... mostly to The Fall. Nice.
November 18, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Tuesdays may now need to be renamed, universally, 'Saturday Mk 2' - 'cos the retail madness of 3 days ago continued unabated today... with a veritable QUEUE of secondhand sofas making their way through the despatch bay... all heading off for their new 'forever' homes... mostly to The Fall. Nice.
"If that chick don' wanna know, forget 'er..."
(Well... I mean, he *would*...)
(Well... I mean, he *would*...)
November 17, 2025 at 11:11 PM
"If that chick don' wanna know, forget 'er..."
(Well... I mean, he *would*...)
(Well... I mean, he *would*...)
More larks on t'vans today (delivering - and installing - an orthopedic 'electric bed' in Baldock - as you do), then an insane day on the shop floor... supplying antique pine by the bushel to the fine burghers of Letchworth.
Soundtrack: Future Bible Heroes, Magnetic Fields, Massive Attack. Synthy!
Soundtrack: Future Bible Heroes, Magnetic Fields, Massive Attack. Synthy!
November 15, 2025 at 5:29 PM
More larks on t'vans today (delivering - and installing - an orthopedic 'electric bed' in Baldock - as you do), then an insane day on the shop floor... supplying antique pine by the bushel to the fine burghers of Letchworth.
Soundtrack: Future Bible Heroes, Magnetic Fields, Massive Attack. Synthy!
Soundtrack: Future Bible Heroes, Magnetic Fields, Massive Attack. Synthy!
(Sorry, Phillippe - I think we might have *slightly* exaggerated, there. Please don't get our access rights to brie, Orangina or spares for our ancient Renault 11 revoked... Ta... 🙂)
November 14, 2025 at 10:45 PM
(Sorry, Phillippe - I think we might have *slightly* exaggerated, there. Please don't get our access rights to brie, Orangina or spares for our ancient Renault 11 revoked... Ta... 🙂)
Joseph "Run" Simmons... and thus say I, The "Spanish" Amanda.
👍
👍
November 14, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Joseph "Run" Simmons... and thus say I, The "Spanish" Amanda.
👍
👍
A back-breaking day 'on the vans' - house clearance japes a-go-go, trucking around the byways of North Herts, accumulating '80s pine dressers and mid-century sideboards as I trucked.
Broken, now. Restorative chips have been promised by Mrs Darling.
Van soundtrack..? The Fall and The Three Johns. ❤️
Broken, now. Restorative chips have been promised by Mrs Darling.
Van soundtrack..? The Fall and The Three Johns. ❤️
November 13, 2025 at 7:09 PM
A back-breaking day 'on the vans' - house clearance japes a-go-go, trucking around the byways of North Herts, accumulating '80s pine dressers and mid-century sideboards as I trucked.
Broken, now. Restorative chips have been promised by Mrs Darling.
Van soundtrack..? The Fall and The Three Johns. ❤️
Broken, now. Restorative chips have been promised by Mrs Darling.
Van soundtrack..? The Fall and The Three Johns. ❤️
More Microdisney today... not that I heard much - it was in competition with Heart FM and multiple Makitas (drills, sanders, egg whisks... possibly) emanating from the workshop. Tragically, the Makitas won the day... but I do now have a bunch of refinished Edwardian tables to show for it. Hurrah! 👍
November 12, 2025 at 6:29 PM
More Microdisney today... not that I heard much - it was in competition with Heart FM and multiple Makitas (drills, sanders, egg whisks... possibly) emanating from the workshop. Tragically, the Makitas won the day... but I do now have a bunch of refinished Edwardian tables to show for it. Hurrah! 👍
Paint, Sing, Burn Down Everything, by The Spanish Amanda
10 track album
thespanishamanda.bandcamp.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:57 PM