Friday 31 May 2019

Archive On 4 - Charles Parker: Radio Pioneer

ARCHIVE ON 4 - CHARLES PARKER: RADIO PIONEER (320kbs-m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 6th April 2019

Sean Street delves into the archive of one of the most innovative and controversial BBC radio producers, reviewing Charles Parker’s work from the Radio Ballads to his sacking in 1972.

Parker was born in Bournemouth on April 5th 1919 – the son of a redundant railway clerk who sold paraffin from a handcart – and died in 1980 on the same day as John Lennon. For a man who revolutionised radio production, who is still talked about and revered today, his death was hardly reported in the press.

He is probably best known for his series of eight radio ballads made with Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger. These programmes became a high point in radio production but they eventually became expensive luxuries that could no longer be afforded. He was "sacked" or "left" the BBC in 1972.

Now in Parker’s centenary year, Bournemouth University’s Emeritus Professor of Radio, Sean Street, reviews the life of an icon in the radio industry who, according to fellow producer Michael Mason, was "a real creative genius… his razor blade was like a sculptor’s chisel, releasing the hidden poets in people". Talking to family, friends and those who worked with Charles Parker, Sean explores his radio productions and ideas on preserving the oral tradition as he delves into a rich archive of material - creating a portrait of a master magician in radio.

Parker’s life was also a journey from poverty to Cambridge University, from a Conservative Christian to a Socialist, from a Submarine Commander to a Radio Producer. But throughout his career, two things remained constant - his dedication, often working for days without sleep, and most importantly his desire to tell the extraordinary stories of ordinary people in their own words.

Producer: Andy Cartwright
A Soundscape production for BBC Radio 4

Thursday 30 May 2019

The Crusaders - Live Hammersmith Apollo 1980

THE CRUSADERS - LIVE HAMMERSMITH APOLLO 1980 (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 4th May 2019

The Crusaders - The Hustler

The Crusaders - Rainbow Seeker
The Crusaders - Sweet, Gentle Love
The Crusaders - Street Life Medley


Bass - Keith Jones
Drums - "Stix" Hooper
Keyboards - Joe Sample
Lead Guitar - Barry Finnerty
Rhythm Guitar - Roy Gaines
Tenor Saxophone - Wilton Felder
Vocals - Randy Crawford (Street Life)

Wednesday 29 May 2019

Tangerine Dream - Live Royal Albert Hall 1975

TANGERINE DREAM - LIVE ROYAL ALBERT HALL 1975 (320kbs-m4a/124mb/54mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 27th April 2019

Tangerine Dream at the Royal Albert Hall in 1975. Presented by Chris Hawkins.

Tangerine Dream - Untitled

Tuesday 28 May 2019

Doctor Who - Industrial Evolution - 2. Episode 2

DOCTOR WHO - INDUSTRIAL EVOLUTION - 2. EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/126mb/55mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 23rd February 2019

The Doctor discovers there's more than one alien interfering with industrial progress of 19th-century Earth.

After following Thomas Brewster to Samuel Belfrage's brass mill in Ackleton, the Doctor and Evelyn have discovered some unexpected truth about his business.

Starring Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor, Maggie Stables as Evelyn Smythe, John Pickard as Thomas Brewster, Rory Kinnear as Samuel Belfrage, Stephen Gibson as Warren Brown and Joannah Tincey as Clara Stretton.

Writer: Eddie Robson

Producer: Nicholas Briggs.

A Big Finish production.

Monday 27 May 2019

Doctor Who - Industrial Evolution - 1. Episode 1

DOCTOR WHO - INDUSTRIAL EVOLUTION - 1. EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/126mb/55mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 16th February 2019

The Doctor follows time-traveller, Thomas Brewster to 19th century Lancashire, where industrial growth is ahead of schedule.

The white heat burns hottest at Samuel Belfrage's brass mill in Ackleton, plagued by more than its fair share of work-related injuries. As Brewster struggles to secure a fair deal for the overworked hands, the Doctor and Evelyn arrive to discover the unexpected truth about Belfrage's business.

Starring Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor, Maggie Stables as Evelyn Smythe, John Pickard as Thomas Brewster, Rory Kinnear as Samuel Belfrage and Stephen Gibson as Warren Brown.

Writer: Eddie Robson

Producer: Nicholas Briggs.

A Big Finish production.

Sunday 26 May 2019

Doctor Who - The Crimes Of Thomas Brewster - 2. Episode 2

DOCTOR WHO - THE CRIMES OF THOMAS BREWSTER - 2. EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/126mb/55mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 9th February 2019

The Doctor discovers why his imposter has been shipping arms and unsuspecting people to a distant planet.

Starring Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor, Maggie Stables as Evelyn Smythe, John Pickard as Thomas Brewster and Anna Hope as DI Menzies.

Writer: Jonathan Morris

Producer: Nicholas Briggs.

A Big Finish production.

Saturday 25 May 2019

Doctor Who - The Crimes Of Thomas Brewster - 1. Episode 1

DOCTOR WHO - THE CRIMES OF THOMAS BREWSTER - 1. EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/118mb/52mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 2nd February 2019

2010: The Doctor teams up with an old associate to track down an imposter in a battle to save the Earth from rogue androids.

Starring Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor, Maggie Stables as Evelyn Smythe, John Pickard as Thomas Brewster and Anna Hope as DI Menzies.

Writer: Jonathan Morris

Producer: David Richardson

A Big Finish production.

Friday 24 May 2019

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone - A Tribute To Scott Walker

STUART MACONIE'S FREAK ZONE - A TRIBUTE TO SCOTT WALKER (320kbs-m4a/259mb/1hr53mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 21st April 2019

Stuart pays tribute to a true pioneer of the avant-garde, the late Scott Walker - highlighting deep cuts from across his often surreal and startling career and digging into the BBC interview archives for defining moments. Leifur James offers up warped classical maximalism, there’s more from the burgeoning Turkish psych-folk scene by Altın Gün and Brazil’s Deafkids are back with a new album of ritualistic, sinister electro-noise.

Scott Walker - The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated To The Neo-Stalinist Regime) [Mercury]
Henge - Demilitarise [Platinum Rare]
Altın Gün - Leyla [Glitterbeat]
Scott Walker - Tilt [Fontana]
Vanishing Twin - Krk (At Home In Strange Places) [Fire]
Deafkids - Raíz Negativa (Não-Vontade) [Neurot Recordings]
Scott Walker - Such A Small Love [Fontana]
Scott Walker - Phrasing [4AD]
Scott Walker - Pilgrim [4AD]
The Silver Field - Gost [O Genesis]
Scott Walker - Track Seven [Virgin]
Daniel Avery - Think About What You Love [Phantasy Sound]
s t a r g a z e & Greg Saunier - Walken's Syndrome [Transgressive]
Leifur James - Wurlitzer [Night Time Stories]
Logos - Marsh Lantern [Different Circles]
Scott Walker & Sunn O))) - Bull [4AD]
Raketkanon - Ricky (Radio Edit) [Alcopop!]
Evil Dick - Bernie Worrell's Prize-Winning Courgette [Self-Released]
The Walker Brothers - Nite Flights [Columbia]
Wu-Lu - Seven [The Vinyl Factory]
The Coral - Goodbye (Live At The 6 Music Festival 2019)
Jess Billington - Not A Love Song / RIP The Band Aid [Self-Released]
Hey Colossus - Memory Gore [Rocket Recordings]
Scott Walker - Light [Barclay]

Thursday 23 May 2019

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone - 6 Music Festival - Psych In The City

STUART MACONIE'S FREAK ZONE - 6 MUSIC FESTIVAL - PSYCH IN THE CITY (320kbs-m4a/259mb/1hr53mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 11th April 2019

In the wake of the 6 Music Festival, Stuart explores Liverpool’s colourful history of psychedelia, with words from local psych-queen Jane Weaver, Craig Pennington, organiser of Liverpool Psych Fest and Ade Blackburn from 90s band Clinic. Pink Floyd’s dreamlike debut Piper At The Gates Of Dawn is the featured album. Plus, there are ritual antics from Goat, distorted drones from Barn Owl and classic space rock from Guru Guru.

Simon Dupree & The Big Sound - Kites [Parlophone]
Goat - Golden Dawn [Rocket Recordings]
Psych In The City Panel Discussion
Jane Weaver - Milk Loop [Fire]
Jane Weaver - Arrows (Loops Variation) [Fire]
Pink Floyd - Astronomy Domine [EMI]
Moon Duo - Mazes [Souterrain Transmissions]
The Bevis Frond - Into The Cryptic Mist [Fire]
The Open Mind - Magic Potion [Sunbeam]
Silver Apples - Oscillations [Kapp]
Barn Owl - Void Redux [Thrill Jockey]
Pink Floyd - Chapter 24 [EMI]
Pink Floyd - The Scarecrow [EMI]
Psych In The City Panel Discussion
The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows [Parlophone]
The Teardrop Explodes - Bent Out Of Shape [Universal/UMC]
Love & Arthur Lee - August [Madfish]
Clinic - Monkey On Your Back [Domino]
Stealing Sheep - Show Love (Live From The 6 Music Festival, Liverpool)
The Factory - Path Through The Forest [MGM]
Connan Mockasin - You Can Do Anything [Mexican Summer]
Ashtray Navigations - (Another) Hour Of The Grubber [Blackest Ever Black]
Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit [RCA/Sony Music]
Pärson Sound - Blåslåten [Subliminal Sounds]
The Mothers Of Invention - Who Are The Brain Police? [Verve]
Pink Floyd - Bike [EMI]
Snapped Ankles - Drink & Glide (Live From The 6 Music Festival, Liverpool)
Quintessence - Notting Hill Gate [Repertoire]
Guru Guru - Stone In [Ohr/Play Loud!]
Cavern Of Anti-Matter - Solarised Sound [Duophonic Ultra High Frequency Disks]

Wednesday 22 May 2019

The Chemical Brothers - Essential Mix

THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS - ESSENTIAL MIX 13.04.19 (320kbs-m4a/275mb/2hrs)
BBC Radio 1 broadcast: 13th April 2019

Super 3 - When You're Standing On Top Of The World [Street Beat]
Mike Slott - Flunky [All City]
The Bonus Beat Orchestra - Gimme A Break
The Chemical Brothers - Bango [Virgin/EMI]
Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez - Make A Living [Dopewax]
Clapham Percussion Ensemble - Drum Take 7
Micachu - Go (Feat. Tirzah) [DDS]
FreedomB - Why (Pezzner's Hydrochloric Dub) [Viva Recordings]
Believe This - Johnny Vicious [Vicious Muzik]
Thunderground - Bandulu Style [Infonet]
Erhalder - Random Jack 14 [AcidWorx]
TX Connect - Drip
The Chemical Brothers - It's So Nasty
Yung Acid - Serpentine (Dirty Master) [TV Showw]
Tiga & Audion - Nonstop [Turbo Recordings]
The Knife - We Share Our Mother's Health (Trentmøller Remix) [Audiomatique Recordings]
H. Paul - Origen (Mental Resonance Tubular Remix) [Dead Cert]
Decius & Sweet Potato Pie - Cream Shudder x Hot Disco Night (Are You Ready?)
The Chemical Brothers - Work Energy Principle
The Chemical Brothers - Fantai
Sounds Of JHS 126 Brooklyn - Chill Pill [Sleeping Bag]
Harder Raxon & Jacques Greene - Sin Control x To Say
Red Axes - Teroof [Phantasy Sound]
Chicago Housing Commission - Phantasy Girl [Chicago Housing Commission]
Rar & Sharif Laffrey - And Dance x Arp Pulse x SP12 Cow Bell Decisions
The Chemical Brothers & Aurora - The Universe Sent Me (Instrumental) [Virgin/EMI]
Erol Alkan - Spectrum (Matrixxman Highway Remix) [Phantasy Sound]
Factory Floor - 04 04
Factory Floor - Dial Me In With K-os - Get Up (Vocal)
FJAAK - Gewerbe 15 [Monkeytown]
Airhead - Droplit [1-800 Dinosaur]
The Chemical Brothers - Just Bang [Virgin/EMI]
The Clash - White Riot [CBS]
Renegade Soundwave - The Phantom [Mute France]
Lionrock - Packet Of Peace (The Chemical Brothers Remix) [Deconstruction]
DHS - Holofonic Sound [My Own Jupiter]
The Chemical Brothers - Free Yourself [Virgin/EMI]
The Chemical Brothers - Music Response (Live From Orinoco Mix)
Eddie Meal - The Last Bouquet

Tuesday 21 May 2019

Shlohmo - Essential Mix

SHLOHMO - ESSENTIAL MIX 09.03.19 (320kbs-m4a/275mb/2hrs)
BBC Radio 1 broadcast: 9th March 2019

Producer, clothes designer, Jeremih collaborator and WeDidIt boss Henry Laufer, aka Shlohmo, marks the release of his new album 'The End' with a two-hour sonic adventure. Featuring unreleased Shlohmo goodies alongside tracks from DJ Rashad, Corbin, Four Tet, Bibio and Aphex Twin.

Shlohmo - Rock Music
Shlohmo - Heaven Inc
Red Dog - Break You Off [LA Club Resource]
Squarepusher - Beep Street [Warp]
Swan Lingo - Colan [WeDidIt Collective]
DJ Rashad - Let It Go [Hyperdub]
Shlohmo & Oklou - Untitled
Shlohmo & D33J - Untitled
Teebs - Bern Rhythm (Codeine Version)
Shlohmo - The End [Friends Of Friends Music]
Actress - Our [Werk Discs]
Babyfather - For Shakilus
John Maus - The Law [Ribbon Music]
Dak - Thisone [Leaving]
Brian Eno - Above Chiangmai (Shlohmo Edit)
Vincent Gallo - I Wrote This Song For The Girl Paris Hilton [Warp]
Tom Waits - Alice [ANTI-]
Boards Of Canada - Sixtyniner [Music70]
Jon Brion - Phone Call (Shlohmo Edit)
Express Rising - Neighborhood [Express Rising]
Bohren & Der Club Of Gore - Im Rauch [Piano Nights]
Shlohmo - Untitled
Aphex Twin - Alberto Balsalm [Warp]
Corbin Smidzik - Ice Boy [Wedidit Collective]
Shlohmo - Forgot I Was Here [Friends Of Friends Music]
When In Rome - The Promise (Screwed)
Unknown - Public Access Recording
Viper - Hey, Maybe One Day You'll See Me Again [RhymeTymeRecord]
Falls. - You Are Smiling At Me
His Name Is Alive - One Year (Four Tet Remix) [Domino]
Lianne La Havas - Forget (Shlohmo Remix)
Bibio - Geosmin
Poly - Let Me Show You How [Eptiome Of Fresh]
Shlohmo - Hopeless [Friends Of Friends Music]
Shlohmo - Thugs Don't Cry

Monday 20 May 2019

Little Axe - Andy Kershaw Live Session 30th April 1995

LITTLE AXE - ANDY KERSHAW LIVE SESSION 30.04.95 (320kbs/36mb/16mins)
BBC Radio 1 broadcast: 30th April 1995

1. Little Axe - Another Sinful Day
2. Little Axe - Time Has Come
3. Little Axe - Hammerhead
4. Little Axe - Crossroads

Keith LeBlanc - drums
Doug Wimbish - bass
Scott Firth - guitar
Skip McDonald - vocals, guitar
Saranella Bell - vocals
Kevin Gibbs - vocals
Adrian Sherwood - interference, fx and dub mix


Recorded by Ras Berry.

Sunday 19 May 2019

The Prisoner - Series 2

THE PRISONER - SERIES 2 (320kbs-m4a/550mb/3hrs59mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 10th March to 7th April 2019

The original 17-episode TV series of The Prisoner created intrigue and controversy in equal measure when it first aired in the UK in 1967.

In a taut psychological spy thriller the main character, dehumanised as ‘Number 6’, has committed no crime, save for having resigned from some unspecified branch of the British Secret Service. His prison was a heavily guarded coastal village.

Under constant surveillance, Number 6 can trust no-one and relentlessly works to establish who his captors are. As the audio re-imagining continues, we discover more about the enigma of the personal life of Number 6...

Music - Jamie Robertson
Script Editor - Jamie Anderson.

Written and directed by Nicholas Briggs.

A Big Finish Production - based on the classic ITV series.


THE PRISONER SERIES 2 - 1. I MET A MAN TODAY - PART 1 (320kbs-m4a/88mb/38mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 10th March 2019

After escaping from the Village, Number 6 discovers his car and house are now owned by author Kate Butterworth...

Mark Elstob stars as Number 6, with Lucy Briggs-Owen as Kate Butterworth, Susan Earnshaw as Brenda, Helen Goldwyn as the Barmaid, Jim Barclay as Control, Barnaby Edwards as Danvers and John Heffernan as Thorpe.

THE PRISONER SERIES 2 - 2. I MET A MAN TODAY - PART 2 (320kbs-m4a/79mb/34mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 17th March 2019

In London, Number 6 undergoes heavy interrogation. Kate seems to be falling for him - but is she for real?

Mark Elstob stars as Number 6, with Lucy Briggs-Owen as Kate Butterworth, Susan Earnshaw as Brenda, Helen Goldwyn as the Barmaid, Jim Barclay as Control, Barnaby Edwards as Danvers and John Heffernan as Thorpe.

THE PRISONER SERIES 2 - 3. PROJECT SIX (320kbs-m4a/121mb/53mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 24th March 2019

Once returned to The Village, Number 6 learns who Kate really is. Another significant female then intervenes...

Mark Elstob stars as Number 6, with Lucy Briggs-Owen as Number 2, Sarah Mowat as Janet, Helen Goldwyn as the Village Voice, Andrew Ryan as Number 52 and Nicholas Briggs as Number 99.

THE PRISONER SERIES 2 - 4. HAMMER INTO ANVIL (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 31st March 2019

The new Number 2 acts sadistically towards Number 6. But which of them is the hammer and which the anvil?

Mark Elstob stars as Number 6, with John Heffernan as Number 2, Helen Goldwyn as Number 26, Jez Fielder as Number 48 and Barnaby Edwards as the Shopkeeper.

THE PRISONER SERIES 2 - 5. LIVING IN HARMONY (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 7th April 2019

Number 6 is out of this world when he meets an old ally. Just how much is his freedom really worth?

Mark Elstob stars as Number 6, with Deirdre Mullins as Number 2, Michael Cochrane as Number 2, Sara Powell as Number 9/90, Helen Goldwyn as Number 26 and Nicholas Briggs/Scott Handcock as the Astronauts.

Saturday 18 May 2019

Terry Pratchett - Eric

TERRY PRATCHETT - ERIC (320kbs-m4a/127mb/55mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 11th to 14th March 2019

Terry Pratchett's many Discworld novels combine a Technicolor imagination with a razor sharp wit, especially when he rewrites Faust as spotty teenage demonologist Eric.

Adapted in four parts by Robin Brooks.

Director: Jonquil Panting

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.

TERRY PRATCHETT - ERIC - 1. EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 11th March 2019

When precocious young Eric Thursley summons a demon from the loathsome pit to fulfil his every wish, he certainly gets what he asked for.

Just... not exactly what he asked for. That's the problem with wishes.


Rincewind ..... Mark Heap
Eric ..... Will Howard
Death ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Archchancellor ..... Robert Blythe
Parrot ..... Ben Crowe
Demon King Astfgl ..... Nicholas Murchie
Screwpate ..... Michael Shelford
Mother ..... Christine Absalom
Narrator ..... Rick Warden


TERRY PRATCHETT - ERIC - 2. EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 12th March 2019

Young Eric Thursley wants to rule the world, and junior wizard Rincewind actually manages to magic him up a tribal kingdom among the Tezumen, in the rainforests of Klatch.

But all that changes when they meet the Tezumen's bloodthirsty deity: Quetzovercoatl.


Rincewind ..... Mark Heap
Eric ..... Will Howard
Parrot ..... Ben Crowe
Ponce Da Quirm ..... Jack Klaff
Demon King Astfgl ..... Nicholas Murchie
Screwpate ..... Michael Shelford
Quetzovercoatl ..... Robert Blythe
Narrator ..... Rick Warden

TERRY PRATCHETT - ERIC - 3. EPISODE 3 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 13th March 2019

Eric has summoned a demon and wished to meet the most beautiful woman in the world. Unfortunately, this lands him in a wooden horse in the middle of a rather famous siege.

Fortunately, he is accompanied by junior wizard Rincewind, and his indefatigable Luggage.


Rincewind ..... Mark Heap
Death ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Eric ..... Will Howard
Lavaeolus ..... Rick Warden
Elenor ..... Christine Absalom
Sergeant ..... Ben Crowe
Demon King Astfgl ..... Nicholas Murchie
Creator ..... Robert Blythe


TERRY PRATCHETT - ERIC - 4. EPISODE 4 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 14th March 2019

Demon King Astfgl surfs the space-time continuum in a rage, determined to lure Eric and Rincewind finally to Hell.

But when they arrive at the Dread Portal, there's a bit of a staff motivation issue.


Rincewind ..... Mark Heap
Eric ..... Will Howard
Demon King Astfgl ..... Nicholas Murchie
Urglefloggah ..... Jack Klaff
Duke Vassenego ..... Ben Crowe
Screwpate ..... Michael Shelford
Drazometh ..... Robert Blythe
Narrator ..... Rick Warden

Friday 17 May 2019

Archive On 4: Singing Together

ARCHIVE ON 4: SINGING TOGETHER (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 30th March 2019

Jarvis Cocker sets out on a musical journey to trace the history of Singing Together, the long-running BBC Schools radio programme which got generations of children singing. He uncovers the stories of those who made the programme, listened as children, and used it in their classrooms. Together they remember Monday mornings at 11am, when pupils up and down the country opened their song books and gathered round as teachers wheeled out their classroom radios.

He delves into the archive to uncover the origins of the programme, hearing the first presenter, Herbert Wiseman, describe how he started the series at the outbreak of the Second World War as a way of reaching out to children at a time when many had been evacuated. Wartime teacher Brenda Jenkins, who used Singing Together with her class of evacuees, remembers how 'singing always helped'

Jarvis explores the power of singing to bringing people together. He also uncovers the origins of the folk songs used in the programme and traces how it changed though the 1960s and 70's, opening up to musical traditions from around the world. He reflects on the impact of the long running series - which gave many their first introduction to folk heritage- with award winning musician Eliza Carthy.

And he asks why recordings of this hugely popular series were not preserved for posterity. Only a handful of episodes survive in the BBC archive but, with the help of a small community of collectors, he sets out to find some of the missing episodes.

Producer: Ruth Evans
Editor: David Ross.


Jarvis Cocker - Molly Malone [Singing Together, Autumn 1974]
Singers And Schools Unknown - Skye Boat Song [Singing Together, 1950]
Unknown - Green Grow The Rushes O! [British Council Film ‘Lessons from the Air’. Script by Harold Purcell, produced at Merton Park Studios.]
Maurice Bevan & Wilfred Parry & Choir Unknown - Brennan On The Moor [Singing Together, January 1961]
Méav Ní Mhaolchatha - Shenandoah [Warner Classics International]
Maurice Bevan & Wilfred Parry & Choir Unknown - Michael Finnegan [Singing Together, January 1961]
Elvis Presley - All Shook Up [Music Factory Mastermix]
Sophie Aldred & Grant Baynham & Choir Unknown - Smuggler's Lullaby [Singing Together, Spring 1995]
Melinda Davies & Stephen Varcoe & Wilfred Parry & Norman Taylor - Jesu Is Crying [Singing Together Request Programme, Autumn 1974]
John Strachan - Wark O'The Weavers (Field Recording, 1952) [Tobar And Dualchais]
Melinda Davies & Stephen Varcoe & Wilfred Parry & Norman Taylor - Wark O' The Weavers [Singing Together Request Programme, Autumn 1974]
Christopher Keyte & Kingsmead Singers & June Seaward & Wilfred Parry - Here Come The Navvies [Singing Together, Summer 1973]
Sophie Aldred & Grant Baynham & St. Albans High School Choir - Island In The Sun [Words and music by Harry Belafonte and Lord Burgess] [Singing Together, Spring 1995]
Blain Fairman & Singer And Choir Unknown - Linstead Market [Singing Together, Summer 1978] [From "Folk Songs Of Jamaica" edited and arranged by Tom Murray Reprinted O.U.P.]
Blain Fairman & Singer And Choir Unknown - Farewell My Own True Love [Singing Together, Summer 1978]

Thursday 16 May 2019

Music Extra - Giorgio Moroder: Together In Electric Dreams

MUSIC EXTRA - GIORGIO MORODER: TOGETHER IN ELECTRIC DREAMS (96kbs-m4a/35mb/50mins)
BBC World Service broadcast: 6th April 2019

He’s a legend who’s recognised the world over and across the generations as the pioneer of electronic dance music. And here singer, songwriter and producer Giorgio Moroder invites us into his home in the Italian Alps to talk to us about his amazing career, demonstrate his art on his home studio keyboard and remember decades at the top of groundbreaking music production.

Giorgio, who some people dub ‘the father of disco’ grew up in Italy in the 1950s. This year he turns 79 and is embarking on a world tour. His impact on popular music is huge and this programme attempts to work out what’s so special about his creations.

We hear about his musical roots and experimentation before examining what the Giorgio ‘magic’ brought to Donna Summer hits like Love to Love You Baby and I Feel Love. Her widower Bruce Sudano, who also worked with Georgio speaks about their relationship and the music.

Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Britney Spiers, Cher, Janet Jackson, Bonnie Tyler and Kylie Minogue are among the artistes who have worked with Giorgio. He’s produced many famous hits we all know - Together in Electric Dreams with Phil Oakley, Take My Breath Away with Berlin, Call Me by Debbie Harry - and for Flashdance - What a Feeling. And his talents are all over other film music too – most notably Midnight Express and Scarface.

Meanwhile a musical about the life of Donna Summer recently played Broadway. Kaleigh Cronin who took the role of Giorgio tells us what she drew from the music master’s personality in her bid to do him justice on stage.

(Photo: Giorgio in front of his home in the Alps)

Wednesday 15 May 2019

Sound Of Cinema - 236. Women Super Heroes

SOUND OF CINEMA - 236. WOMEN SUPER HEROES (320kbs-m4a/134mb/58mins)
BBC Radio 3 broadcast: 9th March 2019

Matthew Sweet considers music for the female super hero and talks exclusively to composer Pinar Toprak who's written the score for the much anticipated new Captain Marvel film, released this weekend to coincide with International Women's Day.

Featuring music from Wonder Woman, Cat Woman, Super Girl, X Men, The Avengers, and The Fantastic Four, plus a rallying cry for equal pay from Bat Girl in 1972.

Norman Gimbel - Wonder Woman (1975) - Theme [TeeVee Toons]
Rupert Gregson‐Williams - Wonder Woman (2017) - Amazons Of Themyscira [WaterTower Music]
Danny Elfman - Batman Returns (1992) - Selina Transforms II [Warner Bros.]
Klaus Badelt - Catwoman (2004) - End Title [First Born]
Mark Mothersbaugh - Thor: Ragnarok (2017) - Hela Vs. Asgard [Hollywood]
John Ottman - X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014) - Pentagon Plan / Sneaky Mystique [Sony Classical]
Alan Silvestri - Avengers: Infinity War (2018) - Infinity War [Hollywood]
Marco Beltrami - Fantastic 4 (2015) - Prelude [Sony Classical]
Jerry Goldsmith - Supergirl (1984) - Overture [Silva Screen]
Pinar Toprak - Captain Marvel (2019) - Captain Marvel [Walt Disney]
Pinar Toprak - Captain Marvel (2019) - Breaking Free [Walt Disney]
Christophe Beck - Ant-Man And The Wasp (2018) - It Ain't Over Till The Wasp Lady Stings [Hollywood]
Alex Heffes - Miss Bala (2019) - Gloria Drives [Sony Classical]

Tuesday 14 May 2019

Monday 13 May 2019

Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Live Hammersmith Odeon 1979

IAN DURY & THE BLOCKHEADS - LIVE HAMMERSMITH ODEON 1979 (320kbs-m4a/117mb/51mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 16th March 2019

Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Clevor Trever
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Inbetweenies
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Don't Ask Me
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part 3
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Sink My Boats
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Waiting For Your Taxi
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - This Is What We Find
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Mischief
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - What A Waste
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Sweet Gene Vincent

Sunday 12 May 2019

Archive On 4: Walking The Wild Mind

ARCHIVE ON 4: WALKING THE WILD MIND (320kbs-m4a/130mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 2nd March 2019

Singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega explores Lou Reed's complexities with New Yorkers who knew him well.

Suzanne first saw Lou Reed perform when she was a student in New York. In that first concert she saw him intimidate and upset the audience in the first half of the show but, after the interval, he was another performer entirely. This was Lou bestowing all his charisma and talent to fans.

She explores the two sides of Lou Reed in a programme celebrating the imminent unveiling of his archive. Lou's widow, artist and musician Laurie Anderson, has donated it to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Suzanne Vega lived a couple of blocks away from Lou and Laurie and often visited them at their country home. She wanted to get him know him better, but it was obvious that he needed to protect himself. Now, Suzanne talks to other New Yorkers who knew and worked with him.

Few got to see all sides of Lou Reed. Poet Anne Waldman talks about how seriously he took his poetry and songwriting. His second wife Sylvia Reed also describes his love of literature. Biographer Anthony De Curtis talks about the R and B music Lou loved all his life. Music entrepreneur Michael Dorf, shared with Lou his love of Jewish celebrations. Garland Jeffreys, a musician who knew Lou from university days to his death in 2013, describes their love of doo wop on Brooklyn street corners. He also witnessed Lou's rage at his father.

Throughout the programme, Suzanne asks her interviewees to bring objects that remind them of Lou or talk about an item in the archive. Along with producer Judith Kampfner, she has an exclusive sneak peek at some of the archival gems - the jewel, an exclusive for the BBC, is the opening of an iconic song from a 1965 demo.

Presenter: Suzanne Vega
Producer: Judith Kampfner
Executive Producer: Jeremy Mortimer

A Corporation for Independent Media production for BBC Radio 4

Saturday 11 May 2019

Archive On 4: Apollo 8

ARCHIVE ON 4: APOLLO 8 (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 15th December 2018

Six months before Neil Armstrong’s ‘one small step’ came humanity’s giant leap. It was December 1968. Faced with President Kennedy’s challenge to land a man on the Moon before the end of the decade, NASA made the bold decision to send three astronauts beyond Earth orbit for the first time. Those three astronauts spent Christmas Eve orbiting the moon. Their legendary photograph, "Earthrise" showed our planet as seen from across the lunar horizon - and was believed to have been a major influence on the nascent environmental movement. Through extraordinary NASA archive, the first British astronaut Helen Sharman goes inside the capsule to tell the story of the first time man went to another world.

Written and produced by: Chris Browning

Researchers: Diane Richardson and Colin Anderton.

Friday 10 May 2019

Prince And Me - A Vibrant Portrait Of A Remarkable Talent - Episode 2

PRINCE AND ME - A VIBRANT PORTRAIT OF A REMARKABLE TALENT - EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/130mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 26th January 2019

On April 21, 2016, the world of music lost one of its most brilliant creative forces, with the untimely death of Prince at the age of just 57. Radio 2 remembers his unique talent.

Paul Sexton introduces the people that knew Prince best, including fellow artists, friends, band members, engineers and others who were part of his life and work. These are the confidants who knew the real man, and who vividly describe his upbringing, his humour, his superhuman energy, his moods and motivations.

Embellished with a soundtrack containing both classic hits, lesser-known tracks from his formidable album catalogue and rarities, 'Prince And Me' builds into a vibrant portrait of a remarkable human. André Cymone, who rarely speaks in detail about his childhood friend, recounts the teenage years when Prince moved in with his family and they shared bunk beds and formed their first band together. The similarly private Susannah Melvoin, from the mid-1980s group The Family — one of Prince's first signings to his Paisley Park label — talks about her personal and professional relationship with him, and the group's original version of 'Nothing Compares 2 U.'

Beverley Knight recalls the thrill of performing with Prince at the famed aftershows during his epic 21-night residency at London's 02, and the even more surreal experience of being flown by him to sing at his private Oscars party in Hollywood.

His former UK publicist Alan Edwards remembers the night he and Prince went clubbing and ended up discussing Egyptology, and Suzanne Vega reveals why the Purple One sent her a hand-written letter about one of her songs. Plus contributions from biographer Matt Thorne, New Power Generation keyboard player Tommy Barbarella and more.

Prince & The Revolution - Anotherloverholenyohead [Paisley Park/Warner Bros]
The Family - Yes
The Family - The River Run Dry
Prince - Nothing Compares 2 U (Feat. Rosie Gaines) [Warner Bros]
Prince & The Revolution - Paisley Park [Paisley Park/Warner Bros]
Suzanne Vega - Luka [Reprise]
Prince - Sign 'O' The Times [Warner Bros]
Prince - The Ballad Of Dorothy Parker
Prince - Glam Slam [Paisley Park/Warner Bros]
Prince & The New Power Generation - Diamonds And Pearls [Warner Bros]
Prince & The New Power Generation - Money Don't Matter 2 Night [Warner Bros]
Prince & The New Power Generation - Sexy M.F.
Prince - The Most Beautiful Girl In The World [NPG]
Prince - Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic
Prince - Rock Steady (Live)
Prince - Alphabet Street (Live) [Paisley Park]
Nikka Costa - Nothing Compares 2 U
Prince & The Revolution - Sometimes It Snows In April [Paisley Park]

Thursday 9 May 2019

Prince And Me - A Vibrant Portrait Of A Remarkable Talent - Episode 1

PRINCE AND ME - A VIBRANT PORTRAIT OF A REMARKABLE TALENT - EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 19th January 2019

On April 21, 2016, the world of music lost one of its most brilliant creative forces, with the untimely death of Prince at the age of just 57. Radio 2 remembers his unique talent.

Paul Sexton introduces the people that knew Prince best, including fellow artists, friends, band members, engineers and others who were part of his life and work. These are the confidants who knew the real man, and who vividly describe his upbringing, his humour, his superhuman energy, his moods and motivations.

Embellished with a soundtrack containing both classic hits, lesser-known tracks from his formidable album catalogue and rarities, 'Prince And Me' builds into a vibrant portrait of a remarkable human. André Cymone, who rarely speaks in detail about his childhood friend, recounts the teenage years when Prince moved in with his family and they shared bunk beds and formed their first band together. The similarly private Susannah Melvoin, from the mid-1980s group The Family — one of Prince's first signings to his Paisley Park label — talks about her personal and professional relationship with him, and the group's original version of 'Nothing Compares 2 U.'

Beverley Knight recalls the thrill of performing with Prince at the famed aftershows during his epic 21-night residency at London's 02, and the even more surreal experience of being flown by him to sing at his private Oscars party in Hollywood.

His former UK publicist Alan Edwards remembers the night he and Prince went clubbing and ended up discussing Egyptology, and Suzanne Vega reveals why the Purple One sent her a hand-written letter about one of her songs. Plus contributions from biographer Matt Thorne, New Power Generation keyboard player Tommy Barbarella and more.

Prince & The New Power Generation - My Name Is Prince [Warner Bros]
Prince & The Revolution - Girls & Boys [Warner Bros]
Prince - I'm Yours
Prince - My Love Is Forever
Prince - Soft And Wet [Warner Music UK]
Prince - Little Red Corvette [Warner Bros]
Prince - I Wanna Be Your Lover [Warner Bros]
Prince - Controversy [Warner Bros]
Prince - When You Were Mine
Prince - 1999 [Warner Bros]
Prince & The Revolution - Take Me With U [Warner Bros]
Prince & The Revolution - Let's Go Crazy [Warner Bros]
Prince & The Revolution - I Would Die 4 U [Warner Bros]
Prince & The Revolution - Around The World In A Day
Prince & The Revolution - Pop Life
Prince & The Revolution - Raspberry Beret [Warner Bros]
Prince & The Revolution - Under The Cherry Moon
Prince - Housequake

Wednesday 8 May 2019

Nigel Kneale - The Stone Tape

NIGEL KNEALE - THE STONE TAPE (320kbs-m4a/130mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 16th March 2019

In 1979, a team of scientists moves into a new laboratory in a Victorian mansion. When Jill Greely hears a strange disembodied scream, the team decides to analyse the phenomenon, which appears to be a psychic impression trapped in the wall. The scientists begin to realise that their work has disturbed something hidden beneath the stone, something ancient and malevolent.

Acclaimed British filmmaker Peter Strickland (Berberian Sound Studio, The Duke of Burgundy) re-imagines a classic 70s horror.

The original 1972 TV movie is now a cult favourite. Written by Quatermass creator, Nigel Kneale, it's known for its cutting edge sound effects from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

This remake has been conceived by Peter Strickland in collaboration with writer Matthew Graham (Life On Mars). It features new music from James Cargill (of the band Broadcast) and sound design from Andrew Liles. A stellar cast includes Romola Garai, Julian Rhind-Tutt, and Julian Barratt with a special cameo by the star of the original version, Jane Asher.

Available for this broadcast in BINAURAL SOUND – please listen on headphones to get the true experience. Also available online and on demand.

Jill Greely.............Romola Garai
Dr Leo Cripps......Julian Rhind-Tutt
Marvy Wade........Dean Andrews
Terry Briscoe.......Julian Barratt
Cleft....................Tom Bennett
Jill's mother.........Jane Asher
The scream.........Eugenia Caruso

Music and electronics: James Cargill
Vocal effects: Andrew Liles
Analogue effects: Steve Haywood and Raoul Brand
Sound mix: Eloise Whitmore

Written by Matthew Graham and Peter Strickland
Based on the original TV play by Nigel Kneale

Director: Peter Strickland
Producer: Russell Finch
Executive Producer: Polly Thomas

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015.

Tuesday 7 May 2019

The Complete Smiley - Call For The Dead

THE COMPLETE SMILEY - CALL FOR THE DEAD (320kbs-m4a/198mb/1hr26mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 16th March 2019

Dramatisation by Robert Forrest of John le Carre's first novel.

London, the late 1950s, and a disenchanted George Smiley is engaged in the routine job of security vetting. When a Foreign Office civil servant commits suicide not long after being cleared of Communist sympathies, Smiley investigates and uncovers a deadly conspiracy with its roots in his own wartime past.

George Smiley ...... Simon Russell Beale
Inspector Mendel ...... Kenneth Cranham
Elsa Fennan ...... Eleanor Bron
Ann Smiley ...... Anna Chancellor
Peter Guillam ...... Richard Dillane
Maston ...... James Laurenson
Dieter Frey ...... Henry Goodman
Adam Starr/Mundt ...... Sam Dale
Ludo Oriel ...... Janice Acquah
Nursing Sister ...... Caroline Guthrie

With Benjamin Askew and Jonathan Tafler.

Monday 6 May 2019

John Wyndham - Chocky

JOHN WYNDHAM - CHOCKY (320kbs-m4a/132mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 9th March 2019

12-year-old Matthew Gore sparks concern for his parents when he appears to develop an intelligent, persistent imaginary friend whom he calls Chocky.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that, far from being imaginary, Chocky is a very real alien intelligence. But then Matthew comes to the attention of sinister government forces...

First published in Amazing Stories magazine in 1963, John Wyndham's developed his story as a full sci-fi novel five years later.

Stars Judy Bennett as Matthew, Eric Thompson as David, Sheila Grant as Mary, Peter Baldwin as Alan, Michael Spice as Landis, Rolf Lefebvre as Sir William Thorbe, Lockwood West as Dr Frost, John Baddeley as Dennis Chattery and a cameo appearance from Jack De Manio.

Adapted and directed by John Tydeman.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1968.

Sunday 5 May 2019

Ian Fleming - On Her Majesty's Secret Service

IAN FLEMING - ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE (320kbs-m4a/199mb/1hr27mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 31st March 2019

James Bond seems more interested in gambling at the Casino Royale than tracking down elusive SPECTRE chief Blofeld. Then he meets Tracy, emotionally disturbed daughter of mafia boss Draco.


Now he has a double motive: seek and destroy Blofeld, and prevent Tracy killing herself.

Impersonating a College of Arms official Bond infiltrates Blofeld's Swiss mountain-top lair. He learns that Blofeld and aide Irma Bunt are brainwashing young women. Why? Is biological warfare involved? Backed by 'M' and Draco, Bond mounts an air assault. But can he pin down monstrous Blofeld? And what will happen to Tracy?

Toby Stephens is on top form as 007. A stellar cast includes Joanna Lumley, Alfred Molina, Alex Jennings, Lisa Dillon, John Standing, Janie Dee, Lloyd Owen, Joanna Cassidy, Clare Dunne and Julian Sands, with Jarvis himself as the voice of Fleming.

Specially composed music: Mark Holden and Michael Lopez
Dramatised by Archie Scottney

Director: Martin Jarvis
Producer: Rosalind Ayres
A Jarvis & Ayres Production for BBC Radio 4.

Friday 3 May 2019

Radcliffe And Maconie - Julian Cope Interview 31st March 2019

RADCLIFFE AND MACONIE - JULIAN COPE INTERVIEW THE 6 MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019 (320kbs-m4a/52mb/22mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 31st March 2019

Live from Camp and Furnace in Liverpool.

Julian Cope - Tiny Children (Live)
Julian Cope - Promised Land
(Live)
Julian Cope - You Will Be Mist (Live)

Wednesday 1 May 2019

The First Time With... Ian McCulloch

THE FIRST TIME WITH... IAN MCCULLOCH (320kbs-m4a/128mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 17th March 2019

To tie in with this year's 6 Music Festival taking place in Liverpool, Matt Everitt chats to Echo & The Bunnymen frontman, Ian McCulloch about the key musical moments from his life.

Since releasing its debut album, ‘Crocodiles’ almost 40 years ago, the band has earned a place in guitar music history for forging “grandiose soundscapes out of punk energy and pop poetry” - a distinctive combination of attitude and sound that has influenced many bands that have followed in The Bunnymen’s wake.

In this candid conversation, McCulloch reveals the group’s beginnings, including the shambles of their first gig which that turned out to be the making of them, plus the singer’s struggle with shyness in those early days that remains to this day, despite outward acts of bravado.

McCulloch also share the early influence of The Fall and Leonard Cohen on their sound, the life-changing impact of first hearing David Bowie and then seeing him perform Ziggy Stardust live (including a fascination with his eyebrows), as well as, of course, a deep recognition of how Liverpool’s rich musical heritage has helped shaped the group.

Plus, McCulloch recounts a strange night out with another of his musical heroes, Lou Reed, along with insights into how Echo & The Bunnymen’s much-loved songs, like ‘The Killing Moon’ and ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’, came into existence.

Echo & The Bunnymen - The Killing Moon [Korova]
Echo & The Bunnymen - Never Stop [Family Recording]
The Beatles - All My Loving [Apple]
The Beatles - I Want To Hold Your Hand [Apple]
Elvis Presley - Love Me Tender [RCA]
David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust [EMI]
David Bowie - Starman [EMI]
Echo & The Bunnymen - Monkeys [Warner Music]
Echo & The Bunnymen - Pictures On My Wall [Warner Music]
The Fall - Pay Your Rates
Echo & The Bunnymen - Bring On The Dancing Horses [Korova]
Leonard Cohen - The Stranger Song [Sony Music]
Echo & The Bunnymen - Forgiven [London]
Echo & The Bunnymen - Nothing Lasts Forever [London]
The Velvet Underground - Sunday Morning [Verve]
Lou Reed - I Can't Stand It
Lou Reed - Andy's Chest
Echo & The Bunnymen - Seven Seas (Transformed) [BMG]
Echo & The Bunnymen - The Killing Moon (Transformed) [BMG]