Mike Bell's Tube Underground Maps Blogs

The McCartney-Laine Collaboration – A Forgotten Chapter in Music History Music enthusiasts often celebrate the luminaries of rock and pop, yet sometimes overlook the subtle architects behind these icons. Denny Laine, a name not as instantly recognizable as Paul McCartney's, deserves a spotlight for his instrumental role in McCartney's post-Beatles journey. In this exploration, we delve into Laine's profound influence on McCartney's musical landscape post-Beatles, highlighting how this partnership was pivotal in shaping an entire era of music. Denny Laine: The Backbone of Wings' Success The Genesis of Wings Post-1970, the disbandment of The Beatles left a void in the...

The vinyl record, an iconic symbol of musical nostalgia, has made a remarkable comeback in recent years. This resurgence, however, has spotlighted a pressing issue often overlooked: the environmental impact of vinyl production. In this article, we explore the ecological consequences of this trend, particularly in light of concerns raised by Sir Robin Millar, as reported in The Guardian. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Plastic Waste The production of vinyl records is more than just pressing music into grooves; it's a process that significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions. The revival of vinyl popularity means more production, and unfortunately, more...

Discover the intricate connections between The Beatles and the Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, through their music and artistic evolution. Explore how The Beatles' legacy lives on in the modern rock scene. The Beatles' Melodic Imprint on Noel Gallagher Noel Gallagher's work with High Flying Birds is deeply influenced by The Beatles. This influence extends beyond melodic similarities to his approach to song-writing and album production. Our Noel Gallagher Underground Map illustrates this connection, tracing the lineage from Noel's music back to the iconic Beatles sound. Exploring the Lyrical Depth and Creative Echoes Noel Gallagher is renowned for his deep...

Album covers often carry their own mystique, serving as visual gateways to the sonic landscapes etched into the vinyl they protect. None perhaps more so than the enigmatic artwork gracing Led Zeppelin's fourth, untitled album, colloquially known as Led Zeppelin IV. For decades, the identity of the stoic, elderly figure on its cover has stirred the curiosity of fans and art aficionados alike. Now, thanks to the sharp eyes and historical sleuthing of one Brian Edwards, that mystery has been laid to rest. Edwards, a local historian and a fellow at the University of the West of England’s regional history...

The Rolling Stones recently released their album, "Hackney Diamonds". Acknowledging its significance, I've integrated it into my Rolling Stones discography tube map. For those unfamiliar with this project, I've been designing underground-style maps where each musician is represented as a tube line, tracing their journey through the band's albums.  This endeavour was born out of a period when my primary profession as a show designer was on hold due to global circumstances. The process of creating these maps was reflective for me; it bridged my early days in live music as a roadie with my growing interest in data visualization....