Where does the visual motif of "leaning on a lamp post" come from? Since at least 1840, it was associated with drunkenness, sleaze and criminality. At some point in the mid-20th century, it became a symbol of sophistication, nonchalance and cool. How did this happen? All evidence seems to point to the cover of Frank Sinatra's 1953 album, SONGS FOR YOUNG LOVERS, as turning the tide. This week, a deep dive on two centuries of lamp post leaning, and Sinatra's place in it as the man who fused the drunk loner with the cool guy. Photo gallery for this episode here.

CORRECTIONS (to be mentioned in ep. 27)

• "Apache", a French term meaning hooligan, criminal etc, is pronounced "apasch" and not like the Native American designation "Apache" - I assumed these were two different things, and they are, but didn't know they were pronounced differently - apologies to Native American listeners!
• Christine and the Queens is now using he/him pronouns as of mid-2022 - this is on me for not keeping up with his career for a while. Apologies and GOOD FOR HIM!

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