skip to main |
skip to sidebar
CLOSE TO HOME - THE STORY OF LOCAL RADIO (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 11th November 2017
As well as the launch of BBC Radios 1 to 4 in 1967, that year also saw the arrival of the BBC's first batch of local radio stations: Radio Leicester on 8th November, Radio Sheffield on 15th November and Radio Merseyside on 22nd November.
In a programme made to mark the 40th anniversary of BBC Local Radio in 2007 - Libby Purves takes an affectionate look back at the first chaotic days of local programming - from unruly guests and erratic phone-ins to technological mishaps - and explores how the ideals of the early pioneers survived into the 21st Century.
Libby charts the history of the stations which were to bring us the likes of Kate Adie, Tony Adamson, Michael Buerk, Paul Heiney and Des Lynham.
From its early beginnings, and after much deliberation and research, the BBC began to build a network of local radio stations across England. The project was driven mainly by the energy of Frank Gillard, then BBC Radio's Managing Director.
The other five stations in the original batch of eight BBC local stations were: Radio Nottingham (31st January 1968); Radio Brighton (14th February 1968); Radio Stoke-on-Trent (14th March 1968); Radio Leeds (24th June 1968) and Radio Durham (3rd July 1968).
Producer: Paula McGinley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2007.
LENS - ESSENTIAL MIX 14.06.25 (320kbs-m4a/276mb/2hrs)
BBC Radio 1 broadcast: 14th June 2025
Lens delivers an explosive Essential Mix debut. Featuring over 100 tracks from the likes of DJ Die, Diagnostix, Bladerunner and Bou.
Issey Cross - Bittersweet Goodbye (Lens Remix) [Atlantic]
Lens & Emily Makis - Danger Zone [Elevate]
TC - Where's My Jungle (Aries Remix) [Dub]
Stormzy - Wiley Flow (ID Remix)
Born On Road (feat. Suku) - Lock Off [Born On Road]
Turno - Badman Nah Beg Fren [Serial Killaz]
DJ Die - Slide Away [V Recordings]
Q Project - Champion Sound (Total Science Hardcore Will Never Die Remix) [Computer Integrated Audio]
Double 99 - Rip Groove (SyRan Bootleg) [Self Released]
Clipz (feat. Ms. Dynamite & Ms Banks & JayKae) - Again [RCA (Sony)]
Undercover Agent - Babylon [Juice]
Skin On Skin - Burn Dem Bridges (Nia Archives Edit) [FFRR]
Unglued - Get A Rush [Hospital]
Urban Shakedown (feat. Mickey Finn) - Some Justice (Arsonist Dub Mix) [Urban Shakedown]
DJ Taktix - The Way (Serum Remix) [Surge]
D'TCH & Samurai Breaks - NRG [The Dreamers]
Napes - North Road [1985]
Enta - Behave [Soulvent]
Altern 8 - Frequency (Aries Remix) [Network]
Gaskin - Get Ya Freak On [Solid Grooves]
Shy FX & Mr. Williamz (feat. Breakage) - Shebeen [Digital Soundboy]
Sully - Werk [Astrophonica]
Omni Trio - Renegade Snares (Foul Play Remix) [Moving Shadow]
Lethal Bizzle - Pow (Acapella) [Forward]
Chase & Status (feat. Stefflon Don) - Selecta [EMI]
Danny Byrd & Sigma & Basslayerz - Superstylin' [0207]
Bou - Frenemies [Dub]
Diagnostix & Lens & Jman - Dubplate Szn [Born On Road]
Dillinja - It Ain't Too Loud [Valve]
Papa Ghana & Jayline - Bun It [Hazardous Musik]
Taxman - Too Bad [Frontline]
Artificial Intelligence - Uprising [V Recordings]
Bladerunner - All The Massive [Hi Resolution]
Skrillex & Damian Marley - Make It Bun Dem [OWSLA]
Shy FX - Skanga Riddim [Digital Soundboy]
Hoax - Error Code [Onyx]
Total Science - Squash (Break Remix) [Computer Integrated Audio]
NGHTMRE & Sully (feat. Flowdan) - Up Top [Gud Vibrations]
Watch The Ride - Shake The Foundations [Kool]
Break (feat. MC Fats) - Natural Way (Break Remix) [Symmetry]
Lens & LZee - After Party [Self Released]
Bou & Aitch - Raving In The Studio [NQ]
Kings Of The Rollers - Chin Swinger [Souped Up]
Ram Trilogy - Beastman (Traumatize Remix) [RAM]
Cesco - Rattler [1985]
Diagnostix & Lens - Unknown
Y U QT (feat. Riko Dan) - Original Don [Y U QT]
Bushbaby - Take No Chat [No Instruction]
Y U QT - Whine & Clutch [Y U Qt]
SecondCity & Tyler Rowe - I Enter (Sempa Bootleg)
DENNETT - Beat [Cyclops]
Cesco - GITP [1985]
Nooran Sisters - Patakha Guddi (Nooran Sisters Dub) [Dub]
Unknown - Unknown
DJ Hybrid - Big Four Five (140 VIP Mix) [Boom 93]
Benton - Going Down [Benton Beats]
Blame - Music Takes You [Moving Shadow]
Bakey - Take It Further [Timeisnow]
Diagnostix - Run To Me [Dub]
S.P.Y - Midsummer Mist [Hospital]
Napes & Toby Ross & Oram - Militant [Self Released]
Bad Boy Brass & Dextrous - Dexterity [Renk]
Technimatic - Bristol [Shogun]
Samurai Breaks - Jitterbug (Coco Bryce Remix) [Hooversound]
Sir Spyro & Teddy Bruckshot & Lady Chann & Killa P - Topper Top (Disrupta Dub) [Dub]
Bou & Used - Tonight [Breakbeat Kaos Ii]
Total Science & S.P.Y - Gangsta [Shogun]
Lens & Emily Makis - Danger Zone [Elevate (Shogun)]
Break - Grass Is Greener [Symmetry]
Break - Don't You Ever Stop (Calyx Remix) [Symmetry]
Gray - Soundboy [Shaded]
Flowidus & Frisco - Outlaw [FLWDSMSC]
UK Apache & Shy FX - Original Nuttah 25 (Chase & Status Remix) [Cult.ure]
Danny Byrd & Anais - Made In Romania [Dub]
Origin Unknown - Valley Of The Shadows (Chase & Status Remix) [RAM]
Stush & Gray - Who Pree [Shaded]
DJ Fresh - Signal [RAM]
Bladerunner - Dubwize [Dub]
Watch The Ride - Skeematics [Gutterfunk]
SpectraSoul - Push & Pull [Ish Chat]
Tempz - Next Hype [Defenders]
TC - Tap Ho (Hamilton VIP) [Don't Play]
Richie Brains (feat. Killa P) - Bring Dat Back [Exit]
DJ Krust - Warhead (TC Remix) [V]
DJ Fresh - Heavyweight [Digital Soundboy]
Subtronics & Hedex (feat. Irah) - System Shock [Helix (Payday)]
TNGHT - Higher Ground [Etherwood Bootleg]
T>I & D*Minds & Run In The Jungle - Ride Or Die [RUN]
Watch The Ride - Time's Up [Rinse]
Unglued & Lens - Crunchy Nutter [Hospital]
Sammy Virji & Flowdan - Shella Verse (Unglued Dub) [Positiva]
LTJ Bukem - Atlantis (I Need You) [Good Looking]
Capone - Friday [Hardleaders]
Logistics - Chant [Hospital]
Lens - Feels Like (Workforce Remix) [Spearhead]
Bladerunner - Come Again [Pure Jungle]
Lens & Sarah Ikumu (feat. Pola & Bryson & Goddard) - Jungle Diva [Shogun]
Calibre & High Contrast - Mr. Majestic [Signature]
Napes (feat. Snowy) - Shooters [Born On Road]
Skepta (feat. JME) - That's Not Me (Post & J Bookey Remix) [3beat]
Benny L - Rollo [TrES-2b]
Joy Orbison - Flight FM (Wings Edit) [Dub]
QZB - Haste [Critical Sound]
Bennie - Welcome To Jamrock [Jungle Cakes]
Bad Company - Planet Dust [BC]
Bou & Irah & Trigga & Kanine - Wicked & Dark [Island (UMG)]
Wots My Code - Dubplate (Total Science Remix) [Computer Integrated Audio]
MA2 - Hearing Is Believing (Serum Remix) [Formation]
Die & Break - Grand Funk Hustle [Digital Soundboy]
High Contrast - Remember Me [Highly Contrasting]
Leviticus - Burial [Philly Blunt]
Lens & BCee - My Time [UKF]
HORSE MEAT DISCO - LOUD AND PROUD MIX (320kbs-m4a/62mb/27mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 13th June 2025
As part of 6 Music's Loud & Proud All Dayer, Horse Meat Disco are in the mix.
Horse Meat Disco are a DJ collective co-founded by by James Hillard and Jim Stanton, plus residents Severino and Luke Howards. Known for their weekly residencies at London's The Eagle in Vauxhall, they have maintained a number of residences worldwide and are a vital part of queer club culture.
Marcos Valle - Parabéns [Far Out Recordings]
Tom Rasmussen - Faithless (Horse Meat Disco Club Mix) [Globe Town]
Spencer Morales - Without Your Love [Quantize Recordings]
The Philly All Stars - Love Is The Message [Jack Pot / EMG]
Annie & The Caldwells - I Made It (A Musclecars Production) [Luaka Bop]
Táta Vega - I've Got My Second Wind [RRNJ]
Miss Lene - Sorridente [CBS]
SOUND OF CINEMA - 469. MYTHICAL CREATURES (320kbs-m4a/134mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 3 broadcast: 14th June 2025
Matthew Sweet is on the hunt for mythical creatures on the big screen. Tune in to escape reality, as we explore film music that transports you to fantastical worlds; from Middle-earth with Howard Shore's beloved music for The Hobbit, to ancient Greece with Leonard Rosenthal's epic score for Clash of the Titans. Our final destination is the Isle of Berk, the Viking setting of How To Train Your Dragon - the live action remake, scored by John Powell, is released in cinemas this week.
James Newton Howard - Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (2016) - Unknown [WaterTower Music]
Bernard Herrmann - Jason And The Argonauts (1963) - Scherzo Macabre [Intrada]
Laurence Rosenthal/Ramin Djawadi - Clash Of The Titans (1981/2010) - Suite
John Williams - Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002) - Fawkes The Phoenix [Atlantic]
Harry Gregson‐Williams - Shrek (2001) - Fairytale + Ogre Hunters / Fairytale Deathcamp + Ride The Dragon [Varèse Sarabande]
Harry Gregson‐Williams - The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch And The Wardrobe (2005) - Only The Beginning Of The Adventure [Walt Disney]
Randy Edelman - Dragonheart (1996) - To The Stars [Geffen]
Howard Shore - The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (2013) - A Liar And A Thief [WaterTower Music]
John Powell - How To Train Your Dragon (2010) - Forbidden Friendship [Varèse Sarabande]
John Powell - How To Train Your Dragon (2025) - Test Driving Toothless [Back Lot Music]
SOUND OF CINEMA - 467. MARTIAL ARTS (320kbs-m4a/134mb/58mins)
BBC Radio 3 broadcast: 31st May 2025
Matthew Sweet's weekly look at music for the screen. As the latest in the Karate Kid franchise is released, "Karate Kid Legends", Matthew focuses on music from martial arts films. Excerpts include films as diverse as scores from Lalo Schifrin's "Enter the Dragon", Tan Dun's music for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", Raymond Wong's "Kung Fu Hustle", to animated movies such as "Kung Fu Panda" and Disney's "Mulan".
Masaru Sato - Yojimbo (1961) - Titles (MGM)
Lalo Schifrin - Enter the Dragon (1973) - Theme + The Gentle Softness + The Big Battle [Warner Bros.]
Tan Dun - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) - Main Title + Through The Bamboo Forest [Sony Classical]
André Previn - Bad Day At Black Rock (1955) - Main Title [Rhino Handmade]
James Wong - Once Upon A Time In China (1991) - A Desperate Battle [Varèse Sarabande]
Raymond Wong - Kung Fu Hustle (2004) - Casino Fight [Varèse Sarabande]
Shigeru Umebayashi - House Of Flying Daggers (2004) - Battle In The Forest [Sony Classical]
Hans Zimmer - Kung Fu Panda (2008) - Dragon Warrior Rises [Interscope]
Jerry Goldsmith - Mulan (1998) - Mulan's Decision [Walt Disney]
James Bernard - The Legend Of The 7 Golden Vampires (1974) - The Siege Begins [Warner Bros.]
Bill Conti - The Karate Kid (1984) - Main Title [Varèse Sarabande]
Dominic Lewis - Karate Kid: Legends (2025) - Two Branches, One Tree [Milan]
IN TRIBUTE TO BRIAN WILSON... THE BEACH BOYS AT 50 - EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/128mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 18th June 2025
In tribute to Brian Wilson, Harry Shearer, a huge fan of The Beach Boys, presents a two-part programme that mixes archive material with brand new interviews, and a sun-soaked soundtrack, to tell their story.
With 36 hits in the United States Top 40 (more than any other rock band), The Beach Boys are one of the most successful bands of all time.
The ultimate surf pop pin-ups, their irresistible harmonies influenced generations of artists. 1966's Pet Sounds is considered rock 'n roll's first ever concept album and is regularly found at the top of 'all time greatest albums' lists.
First broadcast in 2012.
IN TRIBUTE TO BRIAN WILSON... THE BEACH BOYS AT 50 - EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/128mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 17th June 2025
In tribute to Brian Wilson, Harry Shearer, a huge fan of The Beach Boys, presents a two-part programme that mixes archive material with brand new interviews and a sun-soaked soundtrack to tell their story.
With 36 hits in the United States Top 40 (more than any other rock band), The Beach Boys are one of the most successful bands of all time.
The ultimate surf pop pin-ups, their irresistible harmonies influenced generations of artists. 1966's Pet Sounds is considered rock 'n roll's first ever concept album and is regularly found at the top of 'all time greatest albums' lists.
The first programme starts with the band's birth in Hawthorne, southern California, and explores their musical development up to and including the release of Pet Sounds. As well as band members, we hear from bassist Carol Kaye and legendary producers Alan Parsons and Steve Levine.
First broadcast in 2012.
BRIAN WILSON AT THE BBC (320kbs=m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 14th June 2025
Highlights from singer, songwriter, producer and Beach Boy Brian Wilson's BBC interviews. Radio 2 looks back at the music and career of an artist who has been one of the most influential and original figures in popular music over the past 60 years. Featuring Brian's 2011 conversation with Matt Everitt and his 1976 encounter with Bob Harris for The Old Grey Whistle Test in which he discusses his writing, the creation of classic albums such as Pet Sounds and Smile, and his well documented mental health struggles.
Featuring Beach Boys classics including Surfin' USA, Then I Kissed Her, Good Vibrations, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, California Girls, Surf's Up, solo recordings and rarities.
The Beach Boys - Our Prayer [Nonesuch]
The Beach Boys - Heroes And Villains [EMI]
John Wilson Orchestra - Overture Rhapsody in Blue [Warner]
The Delroys - Bermuda Shorts [Regency]
The Four Freshmen - It's A Blue World [Capitol]
The Beach Boys - Surfin' [Capitol]
The Beach Boys - Surfer Girl [Capitol]
The Beach Boys - Surfin' USA [EMI]
The Beach Boys - Then I Kissed Her [EMI]
The Beach Boys - I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations [Capitol]
The Beach Boys - Surf's Up [Caribou/Epic]
The Beach Boys - Mount Vernon And Fairway [Epic]
The Beach Boys - Busy Doin' Nothin' [Capitol]
The Beach Boys - Elements - The Fire Session [Capitol]
The Beach Boys - Cabinessence [Capitol]
Brian Wilson - Love and Mercy [MCA]
Brian Wilson - California Girls [Giant]
Brian Wilson - Southern California [Capitol]
THE RECORDING ANGEL W/ THE AVALANCHES & MOKTAR 04.06.25 (256kbs-m4a/101mb/55mins)
NTS Radio broadcast: 4th June 2025
Roméo Poirier - Longe-côte
Empire Of The Sun - Country
The Pilotwings - B1 Congo Libre
Ezra - Garten Meiner Fantasie
Kems Kriol - Blimund
Chab Faten - Yali Bchanek شاب فاتن
Bunker Headz - A Guy Called Gerald Valentines Theme
School Of Zuversicht - Hinter Dem Hügel
Propellerheads - Take California (Long One)
Chab Mara - TITI شاب مارا
Ouiness - Makkar (Sheitan Brothers Edit)
Thanx frazered
MJK - THE 6 MIX WITH MARY ANNE HOBBS 13.06.25 (320kbs-m4a/137mb/60mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 13th June 2025
Hailing from West London, MJK aka Michael Kedjanyi, is a Ghanaian-British producer and DJ. He is one of the most exciting artists to emerge over the last couple of years.
He has solidified himself as one of the most exciting DJs to emerge in electronic music in recent times. His 4 deck mixes have been recognised by key platforms such as DJ Mag, Mixmag and Rinse FM.
As a producer has collaborated with Skee Mask on several productions. His first solo EP was released via taste-making techno imprint Neighbourhood, featuring collaborations with Blutoof.
MJK & Zed Bias - Unknown
Adolf Marsan - Silence Break [BeatFreak Recordings]
Congi - Jazz Joint [Chord Marauders]
Facta & K Lone - Voodoo
Commodo x Gantz - 89! Gloom [Illian Tape]
Bastide And Oliver Twist - Untitled R
Kuniaki Takenaga - East Meets West [Sheep]
Box Blaze & Deetron - City Splitter [Cloned Vinyl]
Skream - Cape Fear [Dub]
Horsepower Productions - Reefer Max [effective96]
Boofy - More Or Less [Sector 7 Sounds]
The Youngsters - G-funk 9903 [White Label]
Peverelist - Pulse XIX [Livity Sound]
NS10 - Sweet Soul (Plasticman Remix) [Tuned Plastic]
B9 & Jafu - Causes [Chord Marauders]
Congi, Geode & B9 - Scrumpy [Chord Marauders]
Tammo Hesselink - Nut Wandel [Midgar]
Grandmixxer - Girl Get Down [Self Released]
GREAT LIVES SERIES 43 - 2. STEPHEN FRY ON PG WODEHOUSE (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 28th October 2021
Stephen Fry nominates his hero P.G Wodehouse, a writer who he says simply cheers him up like no one else.
Fry wrote to his hero when he was a schoolboy and his most treasured possession is a signed photograph which reads: "To Stephen Fry, All the best, P. G. Wodehouse."
P.G Wodehouse was a self-made man, he began as a bank clerk, married a chorus girl and was interned by the Nazis. He wrote some of the most entertaining novels, stories, plays and lyrics of the twentieth century and created enduring characters; the most popular being Reginald Jeeves and Bertie Wooster.
Stephen Fry makes the case for why P.G Wodehouse is a great life.
To help him he is joined by Dr Sophie Ratcliffe Associate Professor in English, University of Oxford and author of 'PG Wodehouse - A life in Letters'.
The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017.
GREAT LIVES SERIES 42 - 9. IAIN LEE ON ANDY KAUFMAN (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 30th May 2017
There were so many hoaxes in Andy Kaufman's brief career that for years his fans believed that he wasn't really dead. Kaufman's best known as Latka Gravas in the American sitcom Taxi, and his life was undoubtedly weird. Performance artist, Elvis impersonator, wrestler - he's difficult to pin down. Nominator Iain Lee believes he was a genius, while Olly Double of the University of Kent school of arts reckons Kaufman didn't really care if his audience laughed or not. Presenter Matthew Parris draws his own conclusions about Kaufman's extraordinary life, later turned into a film starring Jim Carrey called Man on the Moon.
The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.
GREAT LIVES SERIES 42 - 8. PETER WILLIAMS OF JACK WILLS CHOOSES STEVE JOBS (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 23rd May 2017
Peter Williams, founder of the British retail chain Jack Wills who is nominating Steve Jobs as his great life. For Williams, despite the fact that Steve Jobs was an abrasive and difficult person, it was his ability to predict what people wanted. It was his Apple products that have touched the lives of so many people world wide and for Peter it's his gadgets that have changed our attitudes to technology.
To help Peter Williams make his case, he is joined by Luke Dormehl, technology journalist and author of The Apple Revolution.
The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017.
GREAT LIVES SERIES 28 - ALAN JOHNSON ON GEORGE ORWELL (320kbs-m4a/63mb/27mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 26th August 2021
Whilst at school, a young Alan Johnson was given some money by a teacher and told to go and buy four copies of any book for the school library. He headed down the Kings Road in Chelsea, stopping only for a sly cigarette along the way. Having already read 'Animal Farm', he picked 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying' and yearned for the life of lead character Gordon Comstock.
In conversation with Matthew Parris, former Home Secretary Alan Johnson explains why Orwell was crucial to his education and political development. He's surprised to learn that Orwell is not on the National Curriculum, and insists that Orwell would have hated I.D. cards. They're joined by Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History at the University of Westminster and Chair of the Orwell Prize.
Orwell was in the news recently when the outgoing Director-General of the BBC, Mark Thompson, turned down a proposal to erect a statue of George Orwell outside BBC Broadcasting House, reportedly telling Joan Bakewell that it was 'far too Left-wing an idea.'
Producers: Beatrice Fenton and Toby Field.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
MARY ANNE HOBBS - RAINY MILLER DIRECTOR'S CUT AND WORDS FROM IGGY POP 08.06.25 (320kbs-m4a/256mb/1hr51mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 8th June 2025
Mary Anne's new show will be home to a borderless spectrum of music, new experiments in storytelling and sound. Features include Directors Cut – an invitation to musicians to create a specially extended version of an album track, exclusively for us. End of Days – a library of music we'll build selected by our favourite artists for future generations.
Sunday 8th June, the Directors Cut comes from Leyland based Northern Gothic pioneer Rainy Miller. The track will be an unreleased extended cut from his new album 'Joseph, What Have You Done?' released on the label he founded, Fixed Abode. We also share a beautiful message from Iggy Pop.
Iggy Pop - Intro
Iggy Pop - Free
The Stooges - Down On The Street [Elektra]
Grace Jones - Walking In The Rain [Island]
Rhythm & Sound (feat. Cornell Campbell) - King In My Empire (Burial Mix)
Goldie Presents Rufige Kru - Alpha Omega
LINTD - And Now They Want My Blood
Azu Tiwaline & Al Wootton - Nine Points
Sade - No Ordinary Love
Mala - Calle F [Brownswood]
Skee Mask & MJK - One By One
ROSALÍA - Que No Salga La Luna Cap.2: Boda [Columbia]
YHWH Nailgun - Iron Feet [AD93]
Nils Frahm - Wesen [Leiter]
Harry Crews - Everything Was Stories
Jim White - The Wound That Never Heals [Luaka Bop]
Rainy Miller - Mud In My Mouth. (Predetermined Definitions) DIRECTOR'S CUT
Ryuichi Sakamoto - 20210310
Lucrecia Dalt - Divina [RVNG Intl]
Sixsixsevenfortyseven - I Stood There
3D - Jupiter
aya - i am the pipe i hit myself with [Hyperdub]
Benefits - Terror Forever
Deftones - Back To School (Mini Maggit) [Maverick]
Alec Mateo - Needed [UUUSE]
KOP-Z - If I [Second Born]
GOLDIE - THE 6 MIX WITH MARY ANNE HOBBS 06.06.25 (320kbs-m4a/137mb/60mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 6th June 2025
The 6 Mix is the new flagship mix on BBC Radio 6 Music, curated by Mary Anne Hobbs, airing every Friday night at 11pm. Each week, Mary Anne Hobbs will introduce a one-hour mix from a past, present or future icon of electronic music - artists, DJs, labels, and clubs. Others who have played mixes for Mary Anne in the past include: Four Tet, SHERELLE, Helena Hauff, Blawan, Chloé Robinson, Randall, Pet Shop Boys, Ben UFO, Rainy Miller, EMA, IMOGEN, Richie Culver, and Azu Tiwaline.
The first episode will feature a mix from music producer, DJ and actor, Goldie, fresh off the back of his momentous return with Rufige Kru and their new album Alpha Omega.
Dillinja - Cybotron [Valve]
Boymerang - Soul Beat Runna [Regal]
J Majik - Your Sound (Remix) [Infrared]
Randall - The "R" [Reinforced]
Adam F - Brand New Funk [V Recordings]
Alex Reece - Pulp Fiction [Metalheads]
Goldie - Chico - Death Of A Rockstar [Metalheadz]
Photek - Knitevision [Science]
Peshay - Miles From Home [Blue Island]
Adam F - Metropolis [Metalheadz]
Shy FX - Bambaata (Dillinja Remix) [Ebony Recordings]
Lemon D - This Is L.A. [Metalheadz]
Rufige Kru - Dark Metal [Metalheadz]
Doc Scott - The Unofficial Ghost [Metalheadz]
Dillinja - The Angel Fell [Metalheadz]
Rufige Kru - Beachdrifta [Metalheadz]
GREAT LIVES - RORY SUTHERLAND ON JOHNNY RAMONE (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 14th December 2021
Johnny Ramone is a founding member of the seminal New York punk band, the Ramones. Famed for their blisteringly short songs played at breakneck speed, the Ramones burst onto the scene in 1976 with tracks like 'Blitzkrieg Bop', 'I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You' and 'Judy is a Punk'. When they played The Roundhouse in London journalist Chris Salewicz was there, and afterwards he said all the British punk bands started to play their songs twice as fast. But, as advertising expert Rory Sutherland reveals, it's Johnny Ramone's contradictions that really form the basis for his choosing him as a great life. Johnny was a staunch Republican at a time when punk was perceived as a largely left-wing movement. In fact, for Rory, anything that aims to disrupt the status quo can be punk - including Brexit! Johnny studied tapes of the Ramones performances to ensure that they looked, sounded and moved in what he felt was the right way, and his aim was to make a million dollars and retire early. Matthew Parris presents, ready to shout "1,2,3,4".
Producer for BBC Audio in Bristol: Toby Field
GREAT LIVES - HENRY NORMAL ON SPIKE MILLIGAN (320kbs-m4a/63mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 25th January 2022
Henry Normal reckons Spike Milligan changed his life, in particular with his 1973 poetry collection, Small Dreams of a Scorpion. Spike's other work - The Goons, the books about the war (Adolf Hitler: My Part in his Downfall and Rommel? Gunner Who?) these were important, but it was the poetry that really made Henry Normal think again.
Spike was born Terence Alan Milligan in India in 1918. His family moved to Catford in south east London in 1931. "It was the first time in life I was deprived of everything in vision ... except the sky," he says. There's a lot of Spike in this episode. "I think I'm a good comedy writer - I think I'm the best." He died in February 2002. His gravestone in Winchelsea - which Henry Normal has visited - reads 'Duirt me leat go raibh me breoite' which is Gaelic for I told you I was ill.
Henry Normal was born in Nottingham, published his first book of poetry aged 19, and co-wrote The Mrs Merton Show and the first series of The Royle Family before setting up Baby Cow with Steve Coogan. The company's productions include Gavin and Stacey, Alan Partridge and the Mighty Boosh.
The presenter is Matthew Parris.
The producer for BBC Audio in Bristol is Miles Warde.
GREAT LIVES: SERIES 46 - 8. MARK CARWARDINE ON DOUGLAS ADAMS (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 18th September 2018
"Imagine a puddle waking up one morning and thinking, this is an interesting world I find myself in - fits me rather neatly, don't you think?"
Douglas Noel Adams wasn't even fifty when he died in 2001, but his imagination had already roamed far. He created The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the Meaning of Liff and several episodes of Doctor Who, plus the Dirk Gently character and Last Chance to See.
Nominating him is his co-writer on Last Chance to See, the zoologist Mark Carwardine. Mark's role, Adams said later, was to be the one who knew what he was talking about. "My role was to be an extremely ignorant non-zoologist to whom everything that happened would come as a complete surprise."
Joining Mark Carwardine and Matthew Parris in the bar where this was recorded is Douglas Adams's biographer, Jem Roberts.
With archive of Stephen Fry, John Lloyd, Naomi Alderman, Griff Rhys Jones and Geoffrey Perkins.
Producer: Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.
GREAT LIVES: SERIES 45 - 3. ADRIAN UTLEY OF PORTISHEAD ON MILES DAVIS (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 17th April 2018
Miles Davis - trumpeter, composer, bandleader - is championed by Adrian Utley of Portishead.
"He's always been really important in my life, right from early on when my dad used to play him. It was part of the atmosphere of our house."
From the early years with Charlie Parker and on via Kind of Blue to playing in front of 600,000 hippies on the Isle of Wight, Miles Davis was a musician who never stood still. "Always listen for what you can leave out," he used to say, and Portishead's seminal nineties album Dummy seems to have taken advice from the man. According to Adrian Utley, "The darkness and the sense of space is the thing that I have assimilated from Miles ... he's in my DNA."
With Richard Williams, author of The Blue Moment: Miles Davis's Kind of Blue and the Remaking of Modern Music.
Presenter: Matthew Parris
Producer: Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.
GREAT LIVES: SERIES 45 - 5. TEJ LALVANI ON RICHARD FEYNMAN (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 1st May 2018
Richard Feynman was a physicist who helped design the atomic bomb and won the Nobel Prize.
He is the great life choice of businessman Tej Lalvani CEO of his family business Vitabiotics and the newest Dragon on the BBC show Dragon's Den.
Feynman was also regarded as something of an eccentric and a free spirit who had a passion for playing the bongos.
Helping to make the case for this great life Tej is joined by the expert witness David Berman, Professor of Theoretical Physics at Queen Mary University of London.
Presenter: Matthew Parris
Producer: Perminder Khatkar
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.
BRIAN ENO AT PEEL ACRES (320kbs-m4a/137mb/60mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 5th June 2025
Legendary producer Brian Eno visits Peel Acres and looks through John Peel's magnificent archive, picking some of his favourite tracks and obscure songs from the vast collection of vinyl.
Brian remembers listening to John Peel on the radio and how he discovered a lot of music through his radio shows. He also tells the story of when John played his own music backwards.
Throughout the hour, Brian Eno talks passionately about some of the artists in the archive, who are perhaps not the best known - and chats to the man who keeps the collection safe.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music in 2015.
The Velvet Underground - I'm Waiting For The Man
Roxy Music - Re-Make/Re-Model (Radio 1 Session, 4 Jan 1972)
Blind Willie Johnson - Nobody's Fault But Mine
Lee Perry - Roast Fish and Corn Bread
The Fugs - Ramses II Is Dead
Neu! - Super
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band - Too Much Time
Silver Apples - I Have Known Love
Fripp & Eno - The Heavenly Music Corporation
Richard & Linda Thompson - Withered And Died
AMM - After Rapidly Circling The Plaza
DESERT ISLAND DISCS: ROMESH RANGANATHAN (320kbs-m4a/133mb/58mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 1st June 2025
Romesh Ranganathan is a comedian and BAFTA-winning broadcaster who has been a fixture on British television screens for the past decade. In addition to his TV shows and stand-up tours he presents the Weakest Link on BBC One, Radio Two's Saturday morning show and another weekly Radio Two programme in which he shares his passion for hip hop music.
Romesh was born in Crawley in West Sussex where he still lives. His parents came to the UK from Sri Lanka in 1975. His father Ranga was an accountant who spent time in prison for fraud during Romesh's teenage years. At that point Romesh and his brother were brought up by their mother Sivashanthini – known as Shanthi – who has appeared alongside Romesh on several of his television programmes.
In 2001 Romesh became a maths teacher at the school where he'd previously been a pupil. A few years later he started taking part in open mic evenings where he developed his skills as a stand-up. In 2011 he quit his teaching job to pursue a career in comedy.
He has spoken candidly about his own mental health and in 2023 he became a patron of the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Romesh lives in Crawley with his wife Leesa and their three sons.
BOOK CHOICE: Life of Pi by Yann Martel
LUXURY ITEM: An unlimited supply of aubergine curry
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Back at One - Brian McKnight
If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, including urgent support, a list of organisations that can help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Presenter Lauren Laverne
Producer Paula McGinley
Eminem - Lose Yourself [Shady / Interscope]
Deniece Williams - Let's Hear It For The Boy [Columbia]
Huey Lewis And The News - The Power Of Love [Universal Music India Pvt Ltd.]
Ye - Through The Wire [Roc-A-Fella]
SZA - Broken Clocks [TDE / RCA]
Brian McKnight - Back At One [Universal Music Group International]
Stevie Wonder - I Wish [UNI/Motown]
Public Enemy - Bring The Noise [Def Jam Recordings]
GREAT LIVES - JOE SWIFT ON GIL SCOTT-HERON (320kbs-m4a/63mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 4th May 2022
Described by those who knew him as a 'Revolutionary Man of Peace' Gil Scott-Heron transformed the musical landscape of the 1970's. In 2021 he was posthumously inaugurated into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, honoured with an Early Influencer Award. Today, Garden Designer Joe Swift - who witnessed Gil's legendary concerts - shares his passion for the artist who 'spoke truth' and educated a generation through his music. Joe is joined by Malik Al Nasir who worked with Gil and became his protégé, developing a life long friendship following a chance encounter at a concert. Malik is author of 'Letters To Gil' a memoir of his own life and the time he spent with Gil Scott-Heron.
Presented by Matthew Parris
Produced by Nicola Humphries
GREAT LIVES - MR MANCHESTER TONY WILSON NOMINATED BY TERRY CHRISTIAN (320kbs-m4a/63mb/27mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 10th May 2022
He was a broadcaster, music mogul, social activist, local celebrity, publicity seeker, loud mouth, surreal politician, showman and, according to Paul Morley, "a great resourceful man of the north." Now Terry Christian provides a passionate account of why he was also a great life. This was certainly an extraordinary life, and by the end even presenter Matthew Parris is won round.
Produced by Miles Warde
GREAT LIVES - PAT NEVIN ON JOHAN CRUYFF (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 2nd August 2022
Pat Nevin chooses Johan Cruyff who was part of the Dutch revolution of the 1970s. He burst onto the international stage at the 1974 World Cup with an incredible piece of skill against Sweden later dubbed the 'Cruyff turn'. Cruyff went on to play for Barcelona before retiring young only to be forced to return after some poor business investments wiped out his fortune. He played in the States before returning to coach at his beloved Ajax and Barcelona where he amassed more trophies, steadfastly sticking to his brand of 'total football' and changing how the game was played.
Pat Nevin remembers the gasp of the crowd who witnessed the 'Cruyff turn', and still admires how this thin, intelligent footballer used speed and guile to outwit opponents. But the former Chelsea and Everton great says that it's Cruyff's imprint on the way that football is now played that impresses him most, an influence, Pat says, that can be seen at the top of the Premier League table today with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City playing a version of Dutch 'total football'.
As Pep himself said about his former Barcelona coach, "Johan Cruyff painted the chapel, and Barcelona coaches since merely restore or improve it."
The Dutch journalist and author of 'Johan Cruyff: Always on the Attack' Auke Kok, sheds light on Johan's childhood, his early years as an Ajax player, and how Cruyff's stubborn attitude was both a strength and a weakness throughout his life.
Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Toby Field
Other guests in the new series include the UK government vaccine taskforce head, Kate Bingham; chef Romy Gill; and BAFTA winner Holly Walsh who has picked the cult sixties writer, BS Johnson.
GREAT LIVES - NODDY HOLDER ON CHUCK BERRY (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 20th December 2022
In 1972 Chucky Berry was onstage in Coventry. Seeking some audience participation Chuck launched into a cover of an unusual novelty record called 'My Ding-a-Ling'.
One of the men who can be heard in the crowd singing about their 'Ding-a-Ling' was Noddy Holder whose band Slade were supporting Berry on his UK tour. This track became Berry's only UK number one and by default, one of Noddy's seven. Paul Gambaccini also saw Berry live in the 1970s and remembers him playing hits like 'Johnny B. Goode' and 'Maybellene', but never performing for a minute longer than the agreed contracted length of his set.
Paul and Noddy join Matthew Parris to discuss the life of this influential pioneer who along with Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard is said to have invented rock n roll. They talk about Berry's musical influences, his rise to stardom, his shrewd approach to business and some of the darker moments that blight Berry's legacy.
Produced by Toby Field for BBC Audio, Bristol.
GREAT LIVES - BOB HARRIS ON SIR MATT BUSBY, MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 27th December 2022
The voice behind The Old Grey Whistle Test and Radio 2's country music show, Bob Harris, tells us why Manchester United Football Club manager Sir Matt Busby is his Great Life.
Bob and Matthew hear how Sir Matt led the club out of the ruins of World War Two, through the tragedy of the Munich Air Disaster and on to European glory in 1968. Joining them is genealogist, historian and lifelong Manchester United fan Dr Michala Hulme. And you'll also hear legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson reflect on his own relationship with Sir Matt Busby in a specially recorded interview.
Produced by Caitlin Hobbs for BBC Audio, Bristol.
BLUR - LIVE BRIXTON ACADEMY (1997) (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 2 broadcast: 31st May 2025
Blur performing live at Brixton Academy in 1997. Featuring There's No Other Way, Popscene, For Tomorrow, Girls & Boys, This Is A Low, The Universal, Parklife and Song 2.
Blur - There's No Other Way
Blur - Colin Zeal
Blur - Popscene
Blur - She's So High
Blur - For Tomorrow
Blur - Country Sad Ballad Man
Blur - Swallows In The Heatwave
Blur - Girls And Boys
Blur - This Is A Low
Blur - Theme From Retro
Blur - The Universal
Blur - Parklife
Blur - Coping
Blur - I'm Just A Killer For Your Love
Blur - Song 2
.jpg)
