"Once I ran to you. Now I run from you.. This tainted love you've given. I give you all a boy could give you. Take my tears and that's not nearly all."

Soft Cell, Tainted Love

Soft Cell, an influential British synth-pop duo formed in 1978, is best known for their 1981 hit cover of "Tainted Love," which became a defining song of the early 80s new wave era. Comprised of vocalist Marc Almond and instrumentalist David Ball, the group is celebrated for their innovative blend of electronic music with deeply emotive and often provocative lyrics.

Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The Poetry of Popular Music 🎶 
is an enthralling podcast that traverses the landscape of popular music from the 1960s to today. Exploring the art of lyrical craftsmanship, each episode delves into the poetic narratives of influential songwriters, spanning the spectrum from the revolutionary words of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen's introspective genius to the emotive ballads of Adele and Kendrick Lamar's profound verses. 

The podcast also highlights the cultural resonance and personal storytelling in the songs of Taylor Swift, the intricate lyrics of Frank Ocean, and Billie Eilish's innovative wordplay. Paying homage to the timeless impact of legends like John Lennon, Johnny Cash, and David Bowie, Samuel Hollingsworth's distinctive voice brings to life the quotes of these iconic songs, connecting the expressive songwriting of the past with today's groundbreaking artists. "Verse and Verve" invites listeners to a rich exploration of lyrical evolution in popular music, celebrating the creative brilliance that has defined generations. 

Now magically available for your reading delight as an eBook on Amazon Kindle.