Thursday 31 August 2017

Midnight's Children - Part 4: All India Radio

MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN - PART 4: ALL INDIA RADIO (320kbs-m4a/30mb/13mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 15th August 2017


Salman Rushdie's dazzling novel of love, history and magic, dramatised by Ayeesha Menon and starring Nikesh Patel and Zain Syed. Saleem indulges his ability to tune into other people's thoughts.

Sound design by Peter Ringrose
Produced and directed by Tracey Neale and Emma Harding.

Wednesday 30 August 2017

Midnight's Children - Part 3: Snakes And Ladders

MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN - PART 3: SNAKES AND LADDERS (320kbs-m4a/100mb/44mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 15th August 2017


A new dramatization of Salman Rushdie's dazzling novel of love, history and magic. Born at the moment of India's Partition, Saleem grows up in the care of two adoring mothers. Dramatised by Ayeesha Menon. Starring Nikesh Patel, Anneika Rose, Zain Syed and Misha Shah.

Sound design by Peter Ringrose
Produced and directed by Tracey Neale and Emma Harding

All other parts were played by Deeivya Meir, Sagar Arya, Selva Rasalingam, Renu Brindle, Silas Carson and Aysha Kala.

Tuesday 29 August 2017

Midnight's Children - Part 2: The Birth Of A Nation

MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN - PART 2: THE BIRTH OF A NATION (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 15th August 2017

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Partition of India, an ambitious new dramatization of Salman Rushdie's dazzling novel of love, history and magic. Saleem Sinai is born on the stroke of midnight on 15th August 1947, at the exact moment that India and Pakistan become separate, independent nations. From that moment on, his fate is mysteriously handcuffed to the history of his country.

Dramatised by Ayeesha Menon. Starring Nikesh Patel, Narinder Samra and Maya Sondhi

Sound design by Peter Ringrose
Produced and directed by Tracey Neale and Emma Harding

All other parts were played by Selva Rasalingam, Renu Brindle, Ronny Jhutti, Rina Mahoney and Aysha Kala.

Monday 28 August 2017

Midnight's Children - Part 1: The Perforated Sheet

MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN - PART 1: THE PERFORATED SHEET (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 15th August 2017


To mark the 70th anniversary of the Partition of India, an ambitious new dramatization of Salman Rushdie's dazzling novel of love, history and magic. Saleem Sinai is born on the stroke of midnight on 15th August 1947, at the exact moment that India and Pakistan become separate, independent nations. From that moment on, his fate is mysteriously handcuffed to the history of his country. The story starts with Saleem's grandfather, Aadam, in Kashmir in 1915.

Dramatised by Ayeesha Menon. Starring Nikesh Patel, Abhin Galeya and Meera Syal.

Episode 1: The Perforated Sheet - Dr Aadam Aziz falls in love with a woman concealed behind a perforated sheet.
Episode 2: Hit the Spittoon - Aadam gives refuge to a young poet, scared for his life after the murder of the Hummingbird.
Episode 3: The Public Announcement - Saleem's imminent birth is accidentally announced to the world.

Sound design by Peter Ringrose
Produced and directed by Tracey Neale and Emma Harding.

Sunday 27 August 2017

Guru Of Peace: An Introduction To Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - 2. Episode 2

GURU OF PEACE: AN INTRODUCTION TO NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - 2. EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/59mb/26mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 2nd August 2017


Nitin Sawhney presents an introduction to his vocal hero, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who was once dubbed the "Elvis Of The East".

The legendary Qawwali singer's music came over to the UK from Pakistan in the seventies, thanks to the OSA label in Birmingham and the singer entranced Britain's Asian community. Peter Gabriel booked Nusrat for his Womad World Music Festival and subsequently signed him to his Real World label, opening up a whole new audience through his film soundtrack work like The Last Temptation Of Christ and Dead Man Walking. Plus, collaborations with Massive Attack and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder.

He died at the age of 48 leaving a legacy of over 125 albums. His vocals are kept alive by remixing and new productions by the likes of Gaudi, Asian Dub Foundation as well as Nitin Sawhney himself. His life and legacy is charted here with contributions from Peter Gabriel, his nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Gaudi, actor Michael Sheen, singer Rumer, DJ's Andy Kershaw and Nihal, and producer Jonathan Elias amongst others.

Saturday 26 August 2017

Guru Of Peace: An Introduction To Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - 1. Episode 1

GURU OF PEACE: AN INTRODUCTION TO NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - 1. EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/69mb/30mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 1st August 2017

Nitin Sawhney presents an introduction to his vocal hero, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who was once dubbed the "Elvis of the East".

The legendary Qawwali singer's music came over to the UK from Pakistan in the seventies, thanks to the OSA label in Birmingham and the singer entranced Britain's Asian community. Peter Gabriel booked Nusrat for his Womad World Music Festival and subsequently signed him to his Real World label, opening up a whole new audience through his film soundtrack work like The Last Temptation Of Christ and Dead Man Walking. Plus, collaborations with Massive Attack and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder.

He died at the age of 48 leaving a legacy of over 125 albums. His vocals are kept alive by remixing and new productions by the likes of Gaudi, Asian Dub Foundation as well as Nitin Sawhney himself. His life and legacy is charted here with contributions from Peter Gabriel, his nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Gaudi, actor Michael Sheen, singer Rumer, DJ's Andy Kershaw and Nihal, and producer Jonathan Elias amongst others.

Friday 25 August 2017

Desert Island Discs: Linton Kwesi Johnson

DESERT ISLAND DISCS: LINTON KWESI JOHNSON (128kbs-m4a/42mb/45mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 13th December 2002


Sue Lawley's castaway is dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson. Linton Kwesi Johnson was born in 1950s rural Jamaica. He lived in a farming community and looked after the animals, helping with the sugar harvest and fetching firewood. He lived with his grandmother after his parents separated, loving being the man of the house. She would entertain the young Linton, who she called "me husband", with folk songs, stories and ghost stories.

In 1963, when he was eleven years old, Linton came to live in England. It was a huge contrast: "I had this childhood idea that literally the streets of London would be paved with gold and everybody living affluent lifestyles. So it was a bit of an eye-opener for me when I came and saw all these grey buildings with chimneys and smoke coming out of them and to see a white person sweeping the street!" He experienced racism at school, from peers and teachers alike, and became interested in the black movement. He joined the British Black Panthers in his teens, discovered black literature and began to write poetry of his own. He gained a sociology degree in the mid-1970s and had poems, inspired by politics and the Black movement, published in the journal Race Today. He soon became known for his poetry written in dialect and would often use reggae music to accompany it. He still tours with his band and can command stadium-size stages. Linton Kwesi Johnson became one of only two living poets to be published in a Penguin Modern Classic in 2002. He says "I've made a small contribution to bring poetry back to the people."

During the interview, Linton Kwesi reads extracts from the following poems: 'Sonny's Lettah' taken from Inglan is a Bitch, 'Five Nights of Bleeding (for Leroy Harris)' from Things an Times and 'New Craas Massahkah (to the memory of the fourteen dead)'.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Embraceable You by Charlie Parker
Book: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Luxury: A bass guitar

Roy Richards - Contact [Trojan]
Don Drummond - Eastern Standard Time [Island]
John Lennon - Imagine [Now]
Charlie Parker - Embraceable You [Spotlite]
Antonio Vivaldi - The Four Seasons - Spring [CBS]
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Redemption Song [Tuff Gong]
Otis Redding - My Lover's Prayer [Atlantic]
Marcia Griffiths - Feel Like Jumpin' [Soul Jazz]

Thursday 24 August 2017

Desert Island Discs: Eric Clapton

DESERT ISLAND DISCS: ERIC CLAPTON (128kbs-m4a/39mb/42mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 29th July 1990


The castaway on this week's Desert Island Discs is one of the legendary figures of the British rock music scene - guitarist Eric Clapton. Once known, blasphemously, as 'God', with prolific graffiti announcing 'Eric Clapton is God', he played with, among others, the Yardbirds, Cream and Blind Faith. Dealing successfully with years of alcohol and drug-related problems, he's still one of rock's superstars, and he'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his passion for music and his life of turmoil.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Purple Rain by Prince
Book: Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens
Luxury: Guitar

Giacomo Puccini - Senza mamma (From Suor Angelica) [CBS]
Georges Bizet - Au Fond Du Temple Saint (From The Pearl Fishers) [HMV]
Robert Johnson - Crossroads Blues [Blue Diamond]
Muddy Waters - Feel Like Going Home [Chess]
Stevie Wonder - I Was Made To Love Her [Tamla Motown]
Ray Charles - Hard Times [London]
Freddie King - I Love The Woman [Warner]
Prince & The Revolution - Purple Rain [Warner]

Wednesday 23 August 2017

Desert Island Discs: Paul McCartney

DESERT ISLAND DISCS: PAUL MCCARTNEY (128kbs-m4a/39mb/41mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 26th December 1984


Roy Plomley's castaway is Beatle Paul McCartney.

Favourite track: Beautiful Boy by John Lennon
Book: Linda's pictures by Linda McCartney
Luxury: Guitar

Elvis Presley - Heartbreak Hotel
Chuck Berry - Sweet Little Sixteen
Benjamin Britten - Courtly Dances (From Gloriana)
Gene Vincent - Be-Bop-A-Lula
John Lennon - Beautiful Boy
The Coasters - Searchin'
Little Richard - Tutti Frutti
Country Ham - Walking In The Park With Eloise

Tuesday 22 August 2017

Bobby Womack - 2. Episode 2

BOBBY WOMACK - 2. EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/137mb/60mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 23rd July 2017


Another chance to hear an interview Robbie Vincent recorded in 1985 with soul legend Bobby Womack, who passed away on 27th June 2014.

Bobby Womack - Harry Hippie [Charly]
Bobby Womack - Love Has Finally Come At Last [Castle]
The Crusaders - Inherit The Wind (Featuring Bobby Womack) [MCA]
Bobby Womack - So Many Sides Of You [Joe Boy]
Bobby Womack - Tell Me Why [Capitol]
Bobby Womack & Alltrinna Grayson - Live On Tour
Wilton Felder & Alltrinna Grayson & Bobby Womack - I'll Still Be Lookin' Up To You (No Matter How High I Get) [MCA]
Teddy Pendergrass - Love TKO [Warner]
Bobby Womack - Surprise, Surprise [Union Square Music Ltd.]

Monday 21 August 2017

Bobby Womack - 1. Episode 1

BOBBY WOMACK - 1. EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/128mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 22nd July 2017


Another chance to hear an interview Robbie Vincent recorded in 1985 with soul legend Bobby Womack, who passed away on 27th June 2014.

George Benson - Breezin' [Rhino/Warner Bros.]
The Valentinos - It's All Over Now [Official]
Chuck Berry - Maybellene [Music Club]
Sam Cooke - You Send Me [SAR]
Bobby Womack - I Can Understand It [EMI]
Bobby Womack - A Change Is Gonna Come [Columbia/Legacy]
Bobby Womack - Secrets [Universal Music Group]
Wilson Pickett - Trust Me [Rhino Atlantic]
Bobby Womack - Looking For A Love [BCM]
Bobby Womack - Woman's Gotta Have It [United Artists]
Rufus & Chaka Khan - Stop On By [Harmless]
Kokomo - I Can Understand It [Discotheque]

Sunday 20 August 2017

The Davies Diaries - 3. 1968 And 1969

THE DAVIES DIARIES - 3. 1968 AND 1969 (320kbs-m4a/120mb/52mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 20th July 2017


More than fifty years on from the beginning of the Kinks, there is another chance to hear a series first broadcast in 2000 in which lead singer and songwriter Ray Davies, recalls the band's career in the 1960s.

5: Thank You For the Days.
The Kinks released their classic song Days in 1968. Ray reflects on a year when the band changed their style and became The Village Green Preservation Society.

6: Shangri-La.
In 1969, The Kinks continued to defy convention and recorded the quintessentially English album Arthur, which resurrected their career in the USA.

Saturday 19 August 2017

The Davies Diaries - 2. 1966 And 1967

THE DAVIES DIARIES - 2. 1966 AND 1967 (320kbs-m4a/120mb/52mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broacast: 19th July 2017


Fifty years on from the beginning of the Kinks, there is another chance to hear a series first broadcast in 2000 in which lead singer and songwriter Ray Davies, recalls the band's career in the 1960s.

3: Dedicated Follower Of Fashion.

Ray reflects on 1966, when band was gaining increasing respect thanks to songs of such as Dedicated Follower of Fashion and brother Dave's Death of a Clown.

4: Waterloo Sunset.
Ray recalls 1967, the year in which The Kinks recorded their classic Waterloo Sunset, when flower power was all the rage and The Kinks topped the Dutch charts with Mr Pleasant.

First broadcast in 2000.

Friday 18 August 2017

The Davies Diaries - 1. 1964 And 1965

THE DAVIES DIARIES - 1. 1964 AND 1965 (320kbs-m4a/121mb/53mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 18th July 2017


Fifty years on from the beginning of the Kinks, there is another chance to hear a series first broadcast in 2000 in which lead singer and songwriter Ray Davies, recalls the band's career in the 1960s.

In this programme Ray takes a personal look back at the music and events of 1964 and 1965.

1: All Day and All of the Night.
In 1964 The Kinks progressed from their front room in Muswell Hill to being No 1 on Top of the Pops. Featuring Long Tall Sally, You Still Want Me and You Really Got Me.

2: Till the End of the Day.
This programme charts the continuing rise of The Kinks in 1965 and recalls the trials and tribulations of their ill-fated American tour. Featuring Tired Of Waiting For You, I Need You and See My Friend.

First broadcast in 2000.

Thursday 17 August 2017

pet shop boys, documentary - 4. the pop kids, part 4

PET SHOP BOYS, DOCUMENTARY - 4. THE POP KIDS, PART 4 (320kbs-m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 19th July 2017


Following on from The Pet Shop Boys standing in on Iggy Pop's 6 Music show, another chance to hear a series first broadcast on Radio 2 in March, marking their 30th anniversary.

With sales exceeding 50-million records and a catalogue of music that spans twelve top 10 studio albums, 40 top 20 singles, and four UK number one records, pet shop boys are the most successful British music duo of all-time.


From Ambridge to Africa, this is the story of their latest reinvention as a successful global live electronic act. The programme examines how the duo has proved a 'certain strain of tuneful hedonism has no compulsory retirement age' and illustrates how they have often walked a tightrope between pop and art, silliness and profundity.

This final part also covers their move from Parlophone Records which resulted in the creation of a new bespoke label, and it discusses their latest album.

The programme also features a PSB collaboration with Jean Michel Jarre: Brick England.

With guests: music producers Stuart Price and Jean Michel Jarre, musician Johnny Marr, writer Jonathan Harvey, set designer Es Devlin, music programmer Pete Gleadall and PSB biographer Chris Heath.

Written and produced by Malcolm Prince.

Wednesday 16 August 2017

pet shop boys, documentary - 3. collaborate, part 3

PET SHOP BOYS, DOCUMENTARY - 3. COLLABORATE, PART 3 (320kbs-m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 12th July 2017

Following on from The Pet Shop Boys standing in on Iggy Pop's 6 Music show, another chance to hear a series first broadcast on Radio 2 in March, marking their 30th anniversary.

With sales exceeding 50-million records and a catalogue of music that spans twelve top 10 studio albums, 40 top 20 singles, and four UK number one records, pet shop boys are the most successful British music duo of all-time.
From pop divas and musical dramas, to Russian battleships and Danish fairy-tales.

This is the story of Pet Shop Boys creative partnerships and associations - on stage and on screen - as told by their collaborators.

The programme considers how and why Neil and Chris contrast their success in mainstream music with new works for ballet, opera and musical theatre. Highlights to include the BBC Prom, A Man from the Future, the ballet, The Most Incredible Thing, the film, Battleship Potemkin, and the stage musical Closer To Heaven.

With contributors including record producer Trevor Horn, writer Jonathan Harvey, musician Johnny Marr, set designer Es Devlin, choreographer Javier De Frutos, designer Mark Farrow, record producer Stuart Price, artist Wolfgang Tillmans, film-maker Sam Taylor Johnson, journalist Chris Heath and Alan Turing's biographer Andrew Hodges.

Presented by Frances Barber
Written and produced by Malcolm Prince.

Tuesday 15 August 2017

pet shop boys, documentary - 2. chart, part 2

PET SHOP BOYS, DOCUMENTARY - 2. CHART, PART 2 (320kbs-m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 5th July 2017


Following on from The Pet Shop Boys standing in on Iggy Pop's 6 Music show, another chance to hear a series first broadcast on Radio 2 in March, marking their 30th anniversary.

In March 1986, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe released their debut album 'please'.
Over the next thirty years, The Pet Shop Boys would go on to sell more than 50-million records, including forty Top 20 singles and four UK number ones.

This season of four documentaries charts the work of the most successful British music duo of all-time.
In later programmes, we'll be looking at how Neil and Chris have contrasted their success in mainstream music with acclaimed works for ballet, opera and musical theatre.

And, as the Pet Shop Boys release of a brand new album, we'll be asking how they've continued to walk a tightrope between pop and art, silliness and profundity.

But first, featuring a new and exclusive interview, Neil and Chris discuss their final five studio albums for Parlophone Records: 'Nightlife', 'Release', 'Fundamental', 'Yes', and 'Elysium'.

And Neil and Chris choose their personal favourite album tracks off each.

Introduced by Graham Norton.
Written and produced by Malcolm Prince.

Monday 14 August 2017

pet shop boys, documentary - 1. chart, part 1

PET SHOP BOYS, DOCUMENTARY - 1. CHART, PART 1 (320kbs-m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 28th June 2017


Following on from The Pet Shop Boys standing in on Iggy Pop's 6 Music show, another chance to hear a series first broadcast on Radio 2 in March, marking their 30th anniversary.

In March 1986, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe released their debut album 'please'.
The Pet Shop Boys would go on to sell more than 50-million records, including forty Top 20 singles and four UK number ones.

This special season of four documentaries charts the work of the most successful British music duo of all-time.
In later programmes, we'll be looking at how Neil and Chris have contrasted their success in mainstream music with acclaimed works for ballet, opera and musical theatre.

And, as the Pet Shop Boys release of a brand new album, we'll be asking how they've continued to walk a tightrope between pop and art, silliness and profundity.

But first, it's back to the beginning and their inventive and influential albums released on the iconic British label Parlophone.

In this programme, the Pet Shop Boys discuss 'Please', 'Actually', 'Introspective', 'Behaviour', 'Very' and 'Bilingual'. And Neil and Chris choose their personal favourite album tracks off each.


Introduced by Graham Norton.
Written and produced by Malcolm Prince.

Sunday 13 August 2017

Marc Riley's Musical Time Machine - 1977: The Ramones

MARC RILEY'S MUSICAL TIME MACHINE - 1977: THE RAMONES (320kbs-m4a/69mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 14th July 2017


Marc Riley delves into the BBC's archives and unearths a 1977 interview with The Ramones.

They discuss the punk movement in the USA, their UK audience and their lyrics.

Ramones - Blitzkreig Bop [Sire]
Ramones - Beat On The Brat [Warner]
Ramones - Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue [Sire]
Ramones - Pinhead [Rhino]
Ramones - Loudmouth [Sire]

Saturday 12 August 2017

Dr John Cooper Clarke: Complete Control

DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE: COMPLETE CONTROL (320kbs-m4a/409mb/3hrs)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 8th July 2017


Made for 4 Extra. The poet and cultural icon Dr John Cooper Clarke has been given Complete Control of Radio 4 Extra to select three hours of his favourite programmes from the BBC Radio Archives.

This Includes;
Stand-up from Bob Hope, recorded at the London Palladium in 1953
A collection of comedy from the golden age of radio variety with Vic Oliver, Al Read and Jimmy 'Wheel 'em in' Wheeler.
Some audio interference from the pioneering DJ Jack Jackson.
An episode of 'The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole 13 ¾'
A creepy reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Black Cat’ by James Stewart (yes, that James Stewart)
Vincent Price and Peter Cushing coming face-to-face in ‘The Price Of Fear’
The classic Western ‘The Shootist’, starring Brian Cox and Michelle Fairley

So enjoy three hours of thrills, chills and laughs, all introduced by the man who is in Complete Control, Dr John Cooper Clarke.

Friday 11 August 2017

Desert Island Discs: John McEnroe

DESERT ISLAND DISCS: JOHN McENROE (320kbs-m4a/98mb/42mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 16th July 2017


Kirsty Young's castaway is the tennis player and commentator, John McEnroe. He won three singles and five doubles Wimbledon titles, four singles and four doubles at the US Open and was ranked number one in the world for four consecutive years in the 1980s.

John McEnroe grew up in New York and didn't pick up a tennis racquet until the age of eight, but his talent was quickly spotted and he began to compete in junior tournaments. In 1977, aged 18 and between high school and university, he qualified for the main draw at Wimbledon and reached the semi-finals where he lost to Jimmy Connors. By the end of the tournament his on-court behaviour - shouting, haranguing umpires and abusing his racquet - earned him the nickname 'Superbrat'.

He made his first Wimbledon final against Bjorn Borg in 1980. In one of the finest matches in history, despite winning a tiebreak 18-16 to win the fourth set, he lost the match. He beat Borg the following year to win his first Wimbledon singles title. 1984 was the best year in John's career: he won 82 out of 85 matches he played, but it was also the year when he was beaten at the French Open by Ivan Lendl, who replaced him as number one.

John married the actress Tatum O'Neal in 1986. They divorced in the mid-1990s and he has been married to the singer Patty Smyth since 1997. Since retiring in 1992, in addition to his role as tennis commentator, he has been a coach and runs his own tennis academy. He still plays in tennis tournaments.

Producer: Cathy Drysdale.

David Bowie - Suffragette City [EMI]
The Pretenders - Precious [Warner Music]
Led Zeppelin - Bring It On Home [Warner Music]
Sex Pistols - God Save the Queen [Warner Music]
Unknown - Unknown [Polydor]
Stevie Wonder - As [Tamla]
Foreigner - Feels Like The First Time [Warner Music]
Rage Against The Machine - Killing In The Name [Epic]

Thursday 10 August 2017

Desert Island Discs: Rick Wakeman

DESERT ISLAND DISCS: RICK WAKEMAN (320kbs-m4a/98mb/42mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 16th June 2017


Rick Wakeman, musician and composer, is interviewed by Kirsty Young for Desert Island Discs

Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen - I Still Love You All [Sanctuary]
Profokiev - Peter And The Wolf [BMG Classics]
Lonnie Donegan - Have A Drink On Me [Sanctuary]
Schubert - Symphony No. 8 ‘Unfinished’ In B Minor, 1st Movement, ‘Allegro Moderato’ [Decca]
The Black Crowes - Hard To Handle [Sony]
Phil Harris - Woodman, Woodman Spare That Tree [Jasmine]
Giuseppe Verdi - The Anvil Chorus [Sony Classical]
The Who - My Generation [Polydor]

Wednesday 9 August 2017

Desert Island Discs: Nick Clegg

DESERT ISLAND DISCS: NICK CLEGG (128kbs-m4a/40mb/43mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 29th October 2010


Kirsty Young's castaway is the Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg.

Of his career, he says: "Joining the Liberal Party was a no brainer for me - when you're a young man, you don't get a calculator out saying 'Am I going to get to power?' you get propelled forward by idealism". Yet this week more than any other, critics have questioned whether his interest in power has meant his ideals have had to take a back seat.

In this candid conversation, he describes the behind-the-scenes negotiations that underpinned the coalition and he shares the personal trauma when, after his wife and baby son had both been dangerously ill, he wondered whether a political career would place too heavy a burden on his family.

Producer: Leanne Buckle

Record: Schubert - Impromptu No.3 in G flat major
Book: The Leopard by Giuseppe Di Lampedusa
Luxury: A stash of cigarettes.


Frédéric Chopin - Waltz In A Minor [NAXOS]
Johnny Cash - Sunday Morning Coming Down [EMI]
Prince - The Cross [Paisley Park]
Cesária Évora - Petit Pays [RCA]
Radiohead - Street Spirit [Parlophone]
David Bowie - Life On Mars? [EMI]
Shakira - Waka Waka (The Theme To The 2010 World Cup) [Epic]
Franz Schubert - Impromptu In G Flat Major, D899 No. 3 [Philips]

Tuesday 8 August 2017

Desert Island Discs: Brian Eno

DESERT ISLAND DISCS: BRIAN ENO (128kbs-m4a/38mb/41mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 27th January 1991


A variety of labels can be stuck on this week's Desert Island Discs castaway - from rock musician to experimental artist, from visual sculptor to composer and intellectual guru of the rock world. He is Brian Eno, and he started his career by making music playing with tape recorders, then went on to play with bands who rehearsed far more often than they performed, graduating through to the Portsmouth Sinfonia, and ending up with the hugely successful group Roxy Music.

Since his Roxy Music days, he has gone on to musical collaboration with David Bowie and production of the group U2. Brian Eno will be talking to Sue Lawley about his musical and artistic activities in the mainstream, as well as on the fringes of, international cultural life.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Lord Don't Forget About Me by Dorothy Love Coates
Book: Contingency, Irony & Solidarity by Richard Rorty
Luxury: Radio telescope


Gene Chandler - Duke Of Earl [Knight]
Fela Kuti & Afrika 70 - Alu Jon Jonki Jon [Regal Zonophone]
The Velvet Underground - Sunday Morning [MCA]
Miles Davis - He Loved Him Madly [CBS]
Nikolai Ivanovitch Kompaneiski - Herouvimska Pessen [Harmonia Mundi]
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band - Too Much Time [Reprise]
Fairuz - Ya Tayr [(EMI)]
Dorothy Love Coates - Lord Don't Forget About Me [SP5]

Monday 7 August 2017

The Summer Of I Feel Love

THE SUMMER OF I FEEL LOVE (320kbs-m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 3rd July 2017


Exactly 40 years ago, the combination of Donna Summer's beguiling voice and the studio wizardry of writer-producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte created a record that changed the course of dance music. 'I Feel Love,' released on July 2, 1977, was the template for the electronic revolution that followed, inspiring generations of artists with a daringly futuristic sound that reverberates to this day.

To mark this momentous anniversary, Paul Sexton introduces a celebration of a truly groundbreaking record. 'The Summer Of I Feel Love' features memories of its creation from Moroder and Bellotte, while superstar DJs Arthur Baker and John Morales talk about its impact on both the dancefloor and on their lives. Martyn Ware, meanwhile, describes the influence that 'I Feel Love' had on his work with the Human League and Heaven 17. Also featured are techno pioneer Derrick May, author Tim Lawrence and Sister Bliss of Faithless, who reveal what it was like to remix the track that became the very pulse of disco.

Giorgio Moroder - Son Of My Father [Sony]
Donna Summer - The Hostage
Chicory Tip - Son Of My Father [Old Gold]
The Hues Corporation - Rock The Boat [Disky]
Donna Summer - Lady Of The Night
The Salsoul Orchestra - Salsoul Hustle
Donna Summer - Love To Love You Baby [Mercury]
Isao Tomita - Snowflakes Are Dancing [RCA Red Seal]
Kraftwerk - Trans-Europe Express [Virgin]
Sex Pistols - Pretty Vacant [Virgin]
Fleetwood Mac - Dreams [Warner Strategic Marketing]
Donna Summer - Try Me, I Know We Can Make It [GTO]
Donna Summer - Take Me
Donna Summer - I Feel Love [Casablanca]
Giorgio Moroder - From Here To Eternity [Oasis]
Donna Summer - Bad Girls [Mercury]
Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force - Planet Rock [Warner Music TV]
Donna Summer - I Feel Love (Patrick Cowley Mix)
New Order - Blue Monday [Now]
Donna Summer - I Feel Love (Rollo & Sister Bliss Monster Mix)

Sunday 6 August 2017

Tubular Brass - Tubular Bells In Concert Side 2

TUBULAR BRASS - TUBULAR BELLS IN CONCERT SIDE 2 (320kbs-m4a/50mb/22mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 18th July 2017


Tubular Bells, Mike Oldfield's 1973 album is re-imagined for brass and performed live by Tubular Brass. Recorded in May at Royal Northern College of Music at the start of a UK tour the new band Tubular Brass play this seminal music in a special arrangement by conductor Sandy Smith. Tonight Frank Renton presents Side 2.

Tubular Brass - Tubular Bells Side 2


Intro (320kbs-m4a/7mb/3mins)
Outro (320kbs-m4a/10mb/4mins)

Saturday 5 August 2017

Tubular Brass - Tubular Bells In Concert Side 1

TUBULAR BRASS - TUBULAR BELLS IN CONCERT SIDE 1 (320kbs-m4a/60mb/26mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 11th July 2017


Tubular Bells, Mike Oldfield's 1973 album is re-imagined for brass and performed live by Tubular Brass. Recorded in May at Royal Northern College of Music at the start of a UK tour the new band Tubular Brass play this seminal music in a special arrangement by conductor Sandy Smith. Tonight Frank Renton presents Side 1.

Tubular Brass - Tubular Bells Side 1


Intro (320kbs-m4a/6mb/3mins)

Friday 4 August 2017

Soul Music Series 17 - 3. Can't Take My Eyes Off You

SOUL MUSIC SERIES 17 - 3. CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 1st July 2017


Few songs can claim to be - quite literally - as far reaching as the 1967 classic 'Can't Take My Eyes off You'.

In this edition of Radio 4's 'Soul Music', we hear from former astronaut Christopher Ferguson who heard this song as an early morning wake-up call aboard the space shuttle Endeavour. And from mum of two Michelle Noakes who sang this classic piece to the baby she was told she may never be able to carry. We also hear from the honeymoon couple whose marriage proposal began with a hundred strong 'flash mob' performance of this track and from Frankie Valli himself, who reflects on one of the most moving performances he ever gave when he sang 'Can't Take My Eyes off You' to a crowd of recently returned Vietnam Veterans.

DJ Mark Radcliff recalls the many artists since Valli that have covered this song (not least his mum as she sang along to the Andy Williams version) and composer Bob Gaudio tells us how this now universally famous piece of music began life in a room over looking Central Park with a melody originally penned for a children's nursery rhyme.

Producer: Nicola Humphries.

Thursday 3 August 2017

Choo Choo ChBoogie - 4. Episode 4

CHOO CHOO CHBOOGIE - 4. EPISODE 4 (320kbs-m4a/67mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 16th June 2017


Clarke Peters concludes his celebration of Louis Jordan, the King of the Juke Boxes. First broadcast in 2008.

Louis Jordan - Choo Choo Ch'boogie [MCA]
Louis Jordan - Let The Good Times Roll [GRP]
Louis Jordan - Saturday Night Fish Fry [MCA]
Louis Armstrong & Louis Jordan - Life Is So Peculiar [Classics]
Louis Armstrong & Louis Jordan - I'll Be Glad When You're Dead [Classics]
Chris Barber & Louis Jordan - No Chance Blues [Black Lion]
Chris Barber & Louis Jordan - Don't Worry 'Bout The Mule [Black Lion]
Louis Jordan - I Believe In Music [JSP]
Louis Jordan - Choo Choo Ch'boogie [MCA]
Louis Jordan - Let The Good Times Roll [GRP]
Louis Jordan - Saturday Night Fish Fry [MCA]
Louis Jordan & Louis Armstrong - Life Is So Perculiar [Bdmusic]
Louis Armstrong With Louis Jordon - You Rascal You [Decca Jazz]
Chris Barber & Louis Jordan - No Chance Blues [Black Lion]
Louis Jordan With The Chris Barber Band - Don't Worry 'Bout That Mule [Black Lion]
Louis Jordan - I Believe In Music [Black And Blue]

Wednesday 2 August 2017

Choo Choo ChBoogie - 3. Episode 3

CHOO CHOO CHBOOGIE - 3. EPISODE 3 (320kbs-m4a/67mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 15th June 2017


Clarke Peters continues his celebration of Louis Jordan featuring the great recording collaborations with Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, and the biggest sequence of hits for Jordan and his Tympany five including: Let The Good Times Roll, Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens, and of course, the classic Choo Choo Ch'Boogie. First broadcast in 2008.

Louis Jordan - Choo Choo Ch'boogie [MCA]
Louis Jordan - All For The Love Of Lil [MCA/Universal International Music]
Louis Jordan - Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby [MCA]
Louis Jordan - Gi Jive [MCA]
Bing Crosby & Louis Jordan - My Baby Said Yes [Brunswick]
Bing Crosby & Louis Jordan - Your Socks Don't Match [Brunswick]
Louis Jordan - Caldonia [Pickwick]
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan - Petootie Pie [Naxos]
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan - Stone Cold Dead In The Market [Proper]
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan - Baby It's Cold Outside [Proper]
Louis Jordan - Beware [Proper]
Louis Jordan - Choo Choo Ch'boogie [MCA]
Louis Jordan - All For The Love Of Lil [MCA/Universal International Music]
Louis Jordan - Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby [Proper]
Louis Jordan - GI Jive [MCA]
Bing Crosby & Louis Jordan - My Baby Said Yes [Brunswick]
Bing Crosby & Louis Jordan - Your Socks Don't Match [Brunswick]
Louis Jordan - Caldonia [Pickwick]
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan - Petootie Pie [Naxos]
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan
- Stone Cold Dead In The Market [Proper]
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan - Baby It's Cold Outside [Proper]
Louis Jordan - Beware [Proper]

Tuesday 1 August 2017

Choo Choo ChBoogie - 2. Episode 2

CHOO CHOO CHBOOGIE - 2. EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/66mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 14th June 2017


Another chance to hear Clarke Peters celebrate the charismatic and influential musician Louis Jordan.

Louis Jordan with his yard-wide smile, rousing vocals and searing alto saxophone was the bridge from the minstrel show to rock and roll. He started out with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels, and ended up being the main influence on performers like Little Richard and Chuck Berry. In between, he and his Tympany Five created jump-jive music, the feel-good small band sound that bridged the swing era and r'n'b.

Long before The Wire, Clarke Peters wrote, directed and starred in the West End tribute show Five Guys Named Moe, researching behind the scenes to discover the fascinating stories of Jordan's life - his battles with illness, his perfectionism, his comedy, and his enduring influence on the likes of Bill Haley and Ray Charles.

This series originally broadcast in 2008 to mark the centenary of Jordan's birth. The second episode covers how Louis Jordan and his Tympani Five came to be one of the biggest acts on the scene and features music which was covered 20 years later and became some of the biggest hits of early rock and roll.

Louis Jordan - Choo Choo Ch'boogie [MCA]
Louis Jordan - You Ain't Nowhere [Happy Days/Conifer]
Louis Jordan - A Chicken Ain't Nothin' But A Bird [Proper]
Louis Jordan - Five Guys Named Moe [Coolnote]
Louis Jordan - Knock Me A Kiss [MCA]
Louis Jordan - Trust In Me [Bear Family]
Louis Jordan - Deacon Jones [Proper]
Louis Jordan - What's The Use Of Gettin' Sober [Proper]
Louis Jordan - I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town [Recall]
Louis Jordan - The Chicks I Pick Are Slender, Tender And Tall [Proper]