In 2002, as he prepared to release his latest album, David Bowie met BBC Radio 4's John Wilson in a rehearsal room in New York City.
Over the course of an extraordinarily candid conversation, Bowie revealed his creative processes and inspirations behind some of his best loved albums. He looked back at how he created alter-ego characters, including Ziggy Stardust, through which he explored recurring themes in his work. "It's all despondency, despair, fear, isolation, abandonment", Bowie admitted. And he explained how the spaceship motif that often travelled through his songs was "an interior dialogue manifested physically .. it's my own little space writ large".
David Bowie, speaking just months after the 9/11 attacks on New York, also revealed how he had been seeking solace in spirituality as the prospect of death was weighing heavily on his mind.
We go back to this time 40 years ago when David Bowie released Heroes and Brian Eno Before And After Science. Their work together at this time was key in the development of electronic music and it's emergence into the pop world. We hear both men talking about each other from separate interviews, which makes fascinating listening.
We hear about Eno's oblique strategies cards, just how quick Bowie was in the studio, how he really needed Eno at that time as he evolved his song writing and musical style, and see the first hints of Eno going into the world of ambient music.
David Bowie - Beauty And The Beast Brian Eno - Sky Saw David Bowie - Breaking Glass Brian Eno - Spirits Drifting David Bowie - Warszawa David Bowie - Sense Of Doubt Brian Eno - Through Hollow Lands David Bowie - 'Heroes'
Paul Morley was 13 when he first heard the music of David Bowie, played late at night by BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel.
Before long, Bowie was taking the 1970s by storm and changing the face of pop music with his Ziggy Stardust tour, and Morley was a dedicated schoolboy fan.
Many years later, Morley would be an artistic advisor for the V&A museum's acclaimed Bowie exhibition, 'David Bowie is'.
In this personal account of the life, musical influence and cultural impact of his teenage hero, Morley explores Bowie's constant reinvention of himself and his music over a period of five extraordinarily innovative decades.
Morley describes how when he first heard Bowie's music his world 'suddenly became something else', and explores Bowie's childhood and his early attempts to make his name.
Nino Rota - Main Title (Godfather Waltz) [MCA] Meatraffle - Meatraffle On The Moon (Andrew Weatherall Mix) [Delayed] The Avalanches - Born To Lose [EMI/Modular Recordings/Astralwerks] Misled Convoy - Sixteen Sunsets (Adrian Sherwood's Enter The Void Of Sound Delerium Mix) [Dubmission] The Avalanches - The Divine Chord (feat. MGMT & Johnny Marr) [EMI/Modular Recordings/Astralwerks] Atomic Simao - Gravity Bong [fsoldigital.com] The Future Sound Of London - Cascade Part 4 Recreated [fsoldigital.com] Suns Of Arqa - Jahazz (The Orb Mix) [Bandcamp] Simon Boswell - Spaghetti Child [Bandcamp] Shackleton - In The Void (Rupture Remix) [Skull Disco] Youth & Gaudi X Uncle Fester On Acid - Summer Breeze Deconstruction [Dubmission] Plaid - Maru (Orbital Remix) [Warp] Gaudi With Adrian Sherwood - Dub's Nine Lives [Dubmission] The Avalanches - Music Makes Me High [EMI/Modular Recordings/Astralwerks] The Future Sound Of London - Dark Hours Of Your Being [fsoldigital.com] Caribou - Never Come Back (Four Tet Remix) [City Slang] Shackleton - You Bring Me Down (Peverelist Remix) [Skull Disco] The Future Sound Of London - Brief Silence In The Distance [fsoldigital.com]
Settle your ears into 30 minutes of pure bliss and welcome a true icon to the 6 Music decks, as producer, DJ and rapper, Madlib delivers an exclusive mix for Mary Anne Hobbs. The mix was recorded in collaboration with his long time friend, the original turntablist and Beat Junkies founder, J Rocc.
Madlib - The New Normal [Madlib Invazion] Madlib - Riddim Chant [Madlib Invazion] Madlib - Road Of The Lonely Ones [Madlib Invazion] Jaylib & J-Rocc - The Official (J.Rocc Prunes Mix) [Stone's Throw] Madlib - Chino [Madlib Invazion] Jahari Massamba Unit - La Closerie (Pour Prevost) [Madlib Invazion] Madlib - Latino Negro [Madlib Invazion] Madlib - Dirtknock [Madlib Invazion] Madlib - Hang Out (Phone Off) [Madlib Invazion] Madlib - Mary Anne Hobbs Mix Beat 1 Madlib - Two For 2 - For Dilla [Madlib Invazion] Madlib - Mary Anne Hobbs Mix Beat 2 Madlib - Mary Anne Hobbs Mix Beat 3 Madlib - Sound Ancestors [Madlib Invazion]
Radiohead's Thom Yorke slips into his DJ guise and delivers this week's Friday Guest Mix. The multi-instrumentalist and songwriter is also an acclaimed DJ, having played out in venues such as LA's Low End Theory and Manchester's Warehouse Project and his recent stunning collaboration with Burial and Four Tet is a great indication of his talent in the electronic arena.
Moor Mother & Billy Woods (Feat. Imani Robinson & Amritha Kidambi) - Maroons [Bandcamp] The Fall - Oh! Brother [Beggar's Banquet] Chaka Demus & Pliers - Tease Me [Island] Death Is Not The End - Under 18's Disco [Death Is Not The End] Maalem Mahmoud Guinia & Floating Points - Mimoum Marhaba [Border Community] Death Is Not The End - Videobox [Death Is Not The End] Mark Pritchard - J Is For ---- [Warp] Reece Cox - Clang 1 [Clang] Errorsmith - Lightspeed (Superlative Fatigue) [Pan] Charanjit Singh - Raga Lalit (Instrumental) [Bombay Connection] Rhythm For Reasons - The Smoker's Rhythm [Soul Jazz] Death Is Not The End - Are You Sure? [Death Is Not The End] Q‐Tip - Breathe And Stop [Arista]
Krust scored the first ever Bristol Beat Top Ten hit with his street soul crew Fresh 4 in the Eighties. He went on to be a drum and bass pioneer running much-loved label Full Cycle and was part of Roni Size's Reprezent Crew.
In 2020, Krust released his first album in 14 years. It was worth the wait, the critically acclaimed work titled 'The Edge of Everything' is innovative and genre-blurring.
Tracks from his 2020 album 'The Edge of Everything' have now been remixed by producers including Masters at Work, Batu and Four Tet who has turned in his first ever drum and bass track. The remix package is out now on Crosstown Rebels.
Krust - Negative Returns [Crosstown Rebels] Loxy & Skepitcal - Bongo Mania [Dispatch] Oil Lewis - Tory Boy [Promo] Headie One - Cloud Lord Heron Flow - Rolex Groove [CNVX] Watch The Ride - Retrograde [Rinse] Krust - Hegel Dialectic [Crosstown Rebels] Need For Mirrors - Witch Shark [31 Recordings] The Upbeats & Noisia - Shibuya Pet Store [No Sleep Til] Oil Lewis - Bonaparte [White Label] Need For Mirrors - Dior Trench
From his beginnings as a resident at Heaven's Soundshaft night Troll in London in 1989 and his involvement in the early outdoor rave scene, Luke's been responsible for some of the most celebrated and richly textured techno of the 90s and he quickly became one of Britain's emerging talents with seminal releases on Peacefrog, NovaMute and Djax-Up-Beats.
Over the succeeding years, his many forms and guises unravelled, releasing an array of music under his L.B. Dub Corp, Planetary Assault Systems and The 7th Plain projects for the likes of Ostgut Ton and his own Mote-Evolver imprint – not to forget numerous leftfield excursions under various other monikers and countless remixes including Depeche Mode, Madonna, Octave One, Joey Beltram and Kenny Larkin.
His rich, full sound became as evident in his productions as they did in his mixing where he showcased his ability to chop up, blend, and rework his Detroit influenced roots with contemporary sounds that transpired throughout the ages. Over the past three decades, Slater's sound has been honed across the globe several times over which boasts residencies at the likes of Berghain alongside appearances at about every major club or festival you could think of – from the Dutch forest settings of Dekmantel to the incredible setting of Fuji Rock Festival in Japan.
In the latest aeon of his career, Slater has channelled fresh energies into projects old and new. The revival of some of his most notable aliases has found much acclaim in the form of multiple albums, EPs and remixes. Collaborations such as Egopoint, where the choreography of Staatsballett Berlin's first solo dancer accompanied a composition by The 7th Plain, found him on the fringes of experimentation. Whilst newfound concepts such as the live performing project LSD (a collaboration between Dave Sumner [Function], Steve Bicknell and himself) has captured the imagination of fans past and present.
Scuba - This Is For You [Hotflush] Luke Slater - Secret Garden [Peacefrog] L.B. Dub Corp (Feat. Benjamin Zephaniah) - I Have A Dream [Ostgut Ton] Holy Ghost Inc. - Mad Monks On Zinc [Holy Ghost Inc] Spencer Parker - Forever [E-Missions] Luke Slater - Reassembled 3 [Ostgut Ton] Radio Slave - Variations 1 [Rekids] Om Unit X Martyn - Shapes Salvaged Copper (Feat. Terrence Dixon) - Heathered Pearls (Luke Slater Remix) [Ghostly]
A new immersive edit of Mary Anne Hobbs' mix, now with 3D natural soundscapes.
Sacred Earth - Breathing Space (excerpt) [Real Music] Nils Frahm - Says Warren Ellis - Because I Was A Girl [Invada] Jlin - Blue I Skee Mask - 50 Euro To Break Boost [Ilian Tape] Ma Rainey - Prove It On Me Blues [Document] Chaos In The CBD - Invisible Spectrum [Rhythm Section International] Kojey Radical & Obongjayar & Michaela Coel - Super Human Abul Mogard - Slate-Coloured Storm [Ecstatic] Deftones - Digital Bath [Warner Music UK] Sunn O))) - Troubled Air (6 Music Session, 29 Oct 2019) Underworld - Low Burn (Glastonbury 2016) Poppy Ajudha - Watermelon Man (Under The Sun) [Decca/Blue Note] Dorothy Ashby - Little Sunflower Alice Coltrane - Turiya & Ramakrishna [Impulse!/ABC] Vagabon - Water Me Down [Nonesuch] Autechre - r cazt [Warp] Erland Cooper (Feat. Kathryn Joseph, John Burnside, Hiroshi Ebina & Hinako Omori) - Longhope [Phases] Burial - Fostercare Jon Hopkins - Meditations: 1/2 Singing Bowl (Ascension) (Excerpt) [Domino] Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Into My Arms [Mute] Varg²™ (Feat. Chloe Wise & Matti Bye) - Archive 2 "DM Excerpts Between @skaeliptom & 'Chloewise_" [Posh Isolation] William Basinski & Lawrence English - Selva Oscura [Temporary Residence Limited]
15 years ago, Mary Anne Hobbs made a show called Dubstep Warz, originally broadcast on Radio 1, on January 10th 2006. She brought together a group of Artists from a very young South London scene, and in that moment, they changed the world of electronic music forever. Digital Mystikz, Skream, Kode 9 & The Spaceape, Vex'd, Hatcha & Crazy D, Loefah & Sgt. Pokes, and Distance. This the true sound of Dubstep, still so fresh and future-facing in 2021.
"I remember all of us meeting at FWD>> the following week after the show had gone down. Our minds were totally blown by the massive global response we were experiencing. Dubstep Forum was just a tiny concern at that point with a couple hundred members. Distance put a little post up there about Dubstep Warz; within 5 days there were 20,000 hits on the thread. Youngsta, who was working at Black Market record shop at the time, was telling us he'd had orders from record shops all over the world, just faxing through the entire tracklisting for the show." - Mary Anne Hobbs
D1 - Dubstep Warz [White Label]
Mala (Digital Mystikz) Digital Mystikz - 10 Dread Commandments VIP [White Label] Digital Mystikz - Haunted [White Label] Mala - Left Leg Out [White Label] Skream - Midnight Request Line (Mala Remix) [White Label] Digital Mystikz - All Of A Sudden [White Label] Digital Mystikz - Anti-War Dub [White Label]
Kode9 & The Space Ape Benny Ill, Kode9 & The Culprit - Fat Larry's Skank (Kode9 Remix) [White Label] Kode9 & The Space Ape - 9 Samurai [White Label] Kode9 & The Space Ape - Backward [White Label] Kode9 & The Space Ape - Kingston (Dub) [Hyperdub] Kode9 & The Space Ape - Spaceape [White Label]
Celebrating the life and music of Andrew Weatherall with his classic 1996 Essential Mix, his second mix for the series and one of the greatest of all time.
Hydronaut Vs. Morgan Geist - Deep In The Feeling [Aquarhythms] Nimbus Quartet - Hep Cat Speaketh [Sounds] Two Lone Swordsmen - Glide By Shooting [Emissions] Two Lone Swordsmen - Spin Desire [Acetate] Two Lone Swordsmen - Bim, Jack & Florence [Emissions] Deanne Day - The Long First Friday [Emissions] Communication X - Duality (Phase Two) [Muzique Tropique] Urban Farmers - Last Chance To Dance (Part 2) [20/20 Visions] Aphrodisiac - Earth Whispers [BPM] Nail - Try [DiY] N.Y. Connection - The Push [Evolution] Q-Burns Abstract Message - Mess Of Afros (Glenn Underground Remix) [SSR] Boo Williams - Make Some Noise [Relief] Stacy Kidd - Think Of You (Paul's Party Mix) [Peacefrog] Wyndell Long - She Heard Me Cry [Peacefrog] Motorbass - Neptune (Etienne De Crécy Edit) [Basenotic] Discocaine - Keep On (Club Mix) [Zoom] Two Lone Swordsmen - Turn The Filter Off [Acetate] Freaks - One For The Diary [Phono] Restless Soul - Psykodelik (Two Lone Swordsmen Remix) [Basement 282] Kenlou - Sensational Beats [MAW] David Camacho - Renegade (The Dance Tracks *Fugitive Version*) [Sumo]
As part of the 6 Music Artist Collection celebrating Andrew Weatherall, who died in February 2020, another chance to hear Andrew presenting a special 6 Mix first broadcast in 2012 to mark 50 Years of Jamaican Independence when he was joined by Adrian Sherwood, boss of renowned dub label On-U Sound.
Primarily associated with the sound of dub, the label's heritage is far broader, with many of its artists having backgrounds in punk and post-punk, industrial, hip-hop and funk.
Adrian Sherwood and Andrew Weatherall dig deep in to their record collections selecting classic releases, rarities and exclusive material.
Adrian Sherwood - We Flick The Switch [On-U Sound] Andrew Weatherall - Selective Walking [Rotters Golf Club] Joe Gibbs - Hijacked [Amalgamated] Rupie Edwards All Stars - Census Taker [Success] Desmond Dekker - Fu Man Chu [Beverley's] Desmond Dekker - Wise Man [Trojan] Andy Capp - The Law [Duke] Zap Pow - Lottery Spin [Harry J] Delroy Wilson - Dancing Mood [Studio One] Cymande - The Message [Castle] Big Youth & John Holt - Miss Lou Ringding [Blood And Fire] Wes Brooks - Lay Down Your Arms [ATA] Leon Hyatt - Forty Days And Forty Nights [Nationwide] Mr Bojangles - Election Derby [Carib Gems] Junior Byles - Fade Away [Jama Music] Prince Far I - Bendal Dub [Virgin] Prince Far I - Deck Of Cards [Techniques] Dub Syndicate - Ravi Shankar Part 1 [On-U Sound] Dub Syndicate - No Alternative But To Fight [On-U Sound] Adrian Sherwood - Starship Bahia [On-U Sound] Adrian Sherwood - Two Semitones And A Raver [On-U Sound] Adrian Sherwood - Last Queen Of England [On-U Sound] Adrian Sherwood - Balance [On-U Sound] Akabu - Akabu Theme [On-U Sound]
As part of the 6 Music Artist Collection celebrating the work of Andrew Weatherall, who died in February 2020, there's another chance to hear his vinyl-only selections when he took to the decks for 6 Mix in 2012.
Andrew Weatherall - Selective Walking [Rotters Golf Club] Vivian Stanshall - Excerpt From "Sir Henry At Rawlinson End" [Charisma] Vibravoid - No Silver Bird [Fruits De Mer] Port Sulpher (Feat. Jock Scot & Gareth Sager) - The Faith Healer [Creeping Bent] Royal Family And The Poor - Art On 45 [Strut] Bappi Lahiri & Annette Pinto - Aafat [Finders Keepers] The Ramrods - Riders In The Sky [London] The Spartan Dreggs - Chatham Pocket [Damaged Goods] The Stranglers - Bear Cage (Long Version) [Liberty] Pollyester - German Love Letter [Permanaent Vacation] Dave I.D. - Oil [!K7] Bison - Mandy [Claremont] By The Sea - Waltz Away [The Great Pop Supplement] The New Lines - The Falaise Gap [The Great Pop Supplement] Okay Temiz - Penguin [WEA] Charly Antolini - Slow Motion [Jeton] Haysi Fantayzee - The Sabres Of Paradise [Regard] African Head Charge - Primal One Drop [On-U Sound] Bunny Lee & The Agrovators - Forgive Me Dub [King Spinna] White Noise - Time Traveller [Kaleidophon] Sumerian Fleet - Smack Is Back [Clone West Coast Series] Judy Nylon And Crucial - Jailhouse Rock [On-U Sound] Nervous Norvus - The Fang [Ace] The Government - Exit Line [Jackal] New Look - The Ballad [!K7] Rose Mitchell - Baby Please Don't Go [Jukebox Jam] Le Volume Courbe - Born To Lie [Pickpocket] Karla - In Shadows [Villa Magica] The Sexual Objects - Queen City Of The 4th Dimension [Creeping Bent] Thunder Company - Ridin' On The Gravy Train [EMI] Total Control - Love Performance [Iron Lung] The Early Years - Complicity [Sonic Cathedral] Leroy Van Dyke - It's All Over Now, Baby Blue [Warner Bros.]
A playlist celebrating the music of Andrew Weatherall and its roots and branches - including those they've been influenced by and those they've inspired.
Happy Mondays - Hallelujah (Club Mix) [Cream] Johnny Tillotson - Poetry In Motion [Old Gold] Two Lone Swordsmen - No Red Stopping [Warp] Johnny Burnette - Rock Billy Boogie My Bloody Valentine - Soon (Andy Weatherall Mix) [Creation] Link Wray & His Raymen - Jack The Ripper [Cherry Red] The Orb - Perpetual Dawn (Ultrabass II) (Andrew Weatherall Remix) [Big Life] Big Youth - Lightning Flash (Weak Heart Drop) [Front Line] Beth Orton - Touch Me With Your Love Nervous Norvus - The Fang [Dot] The Sabres Of Paradise - Theme [Warp] Public Image Ltd - Public Image [Virgin] Primal Scream - Loaded [Columbia]
As part of the 6 Music Artist Collection on Andrew Weatherall, another chance to hear him hosting a special 6 Mix, discussing his role as producer of Primal Scream's Screamadelica album and playing some of the music that inspired it.
Since its release in 1991, Screamadelica has cemented its reputation as a classic of its genre, carving out a fresh new sound for alternative music and even being honoured with its own, limited edition, postage stamp.
Andrew, with the help of notes from singer Bobby Gillespie, delves into his record collection to pick out some of the music they were listening to between 1989 to 1991. including Jah Wobble, Public Image Ltd, Chairman of the Board and Suicide. Andrew also talks about how tunes by Can, Isaac Hayes and others provided a soundtrack at the studio sessions, the gigs and late nights on the tour bus afterwards. He also explains how post-rock, dance and soul collided to inform Screamadelica's unique sound.
First broadcast in 2010.
Andrew Weatherall - Selective Walking [Rotters Golf Club] Jhalib - Mysteries Of The East Liaisons Dangereuses - Los Niños Del Parque A Certain Ratio - And Then Again Jah Wobble - Not Another Can - Mother Sky Johnny Jenkins - Walk On Gilded Splinters Chairmen Of The Board - Morning Glory Annie Anxiety - As I Lie In Your Arms Prince Far I & The Arabs - Homeward Bound Bill Laswell - Lost Roads Public Image Ltd - Radio 4 Nico - Evening Of Light Pharoah Sanders - Astral Travelling Isaac Hayes - Walk On By Brian Eno - From The Same Hill Gene Clark - Strength Of Strings Donnie Fritts - We Had It All Dennis Wilson - Thoughts Of You Curtis Mayfield - Think (Instrumental) The Delfonics - Didn't I Blow Your Mind Suicide - Dream Baby Dream [Island] Primal Scream - Inner Flight
A year after Andrew Weatherall's sad passing, aged just 56, 6 Music presents an Artist Collection on the influential and much-missed DJ and producer.
This programme includes highlights of interviews Andrew gave to Janice Long and Steve Lamacq.
Cian Nugent & The Cosmos - Grass Above My Head [No Quarter] Sam Baker - Isn't Love Great Andrew Weatherall - Sound And Light [Faber & Faber] Primal Scream - Loaded [Now] Two Lone Swordsmen - No Red Stopping
H. RIDER HAGGARD - KING SOLOMON'S MINES (320kbs-m4a/261mb/1hr53mins) BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 21st & 28th November 2020
Extraordinary tales from the golden age of adventure.
Tim McInnerny stars as intrepid explorer Allan Quatermain in this classic Victorian story - the impossible quest for the fabled King Solomon's diamond mines, set in a mythical African interior. This gripping story is a treasure hunt, a mystery, a psychological drama, and a kaleidoscope of sound.
Allan Quatermain is writing a journal for his son Harry as he believes he will never return from accompanying Sir Henry Curtis on his mission to find the fabled King Solomon's Mines, in order to find out what has happened to Sir Henry's younger brother George who set out on the same quest the year before. Quatermain, Sir Henry, Captain Good and their bearer Umbopa are being escorted to the town of Loo by Chief Infadoos to meet the blood-thirsty King Twala of the Kukuana and his witch-finder Gagool. The adventurers watch the terrifying night of the great witch hunt when countless Kukuana perish. Their mysterious bearer Umbopa is not what he seems and may be their only hope of survival and of finally finding King Solomon's Mines.
Written by Rider Haggard
Dramatised by Chris Harrald
Directed by Liz Webb
Adapter Chris Harrald's previous adaptations for Radio 4 include M.R. James' ghost stories, four series of the Edwardian detective series The Rivals and several Classic Serials, including The Lost World and Three Men in a Boat.
Sir Henry Curtis .... David Sturzaker Officer .... Finlay Robertson Silvestre .... Joe Ferrara Infadoos .... Maynard Eziashi Umbopa .... Sope Dirisu Captain John Good .... Simon Ludders Allan Quatermaine .... Tim McInnerny Ventvogel .... Tonderaj Munyevu
Gagool .... Adjoa Andoh Sir Henry Curtis .... David Sturzaker Foulata .... Emmanuella Cole Twala .... Femi Elufowoju George .... Finlay Robertson Infadoos .... Maynard Eziashi Umbopa .... Sope Dirisu Captain John Good .... Simon Ludders Allan Quatermaine .... Tim McInnerny Scragga .... Tonderaj Munyevu
H. RIDER HAGGARD - SHE (320kbs-m4a/260mb/1hr53mins) BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 9th & 16th November 2019
Hattie Naylor's adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's 19th century best-seller set in a mysterious African kingdom explores the complex themes of imperial arrogance, sexual obsession, power and isolation that lie behind the high adventure.
Ludwig Holly and his ward Leo's quest for the truth behind legend of Leo's ancestry takes them to Africa.
Here they find Ayesha, 2000 years old but beautiful beyond all description, despotically ruling her secret kingdom.
Tim McInnerny .... Ludwig Holly Oliver Chris .... Leo Mia Soteriou .... Ayesha Howard Coggins .... Job Ben Onwukwe .... Billali Janice Acquah .... Amenartas Tom Sherman .... Vincey Damian Lynch .... Agarah Oliver Baynham .... Young Leo
Ayesha, the queen whose beauty enthrals and terrifies all who see her, believes Leo to be the lover for whom she has waited 2000 years. She takes Leo and his guardian Holly deep into the mountains to the Pillar of Life.
Mia Soteriou .... Ayesha Tim McInnerny .... Ludwig Holly Oliver Chris .... Leo Howard Coggins .... Job Ben Onwukwe .... Billali Janice Acquah .... Ustane Damian Lynch .... Agarah
Three very different people escape the American Civil war by stealing a balloon - which crashes near a deserted island. But perhaps it is not quite as deserted as they think it is...
Building what is destined to be the world's tallest tower, civil engineer John Stone comes to question his very existence.
Mike Walker’s fascinating vision of the near future.
John Stone .... David Calder Kate .... Penelope Wilton Louise .... Helen Longworth Brandt .... Philip Voss Dr Mary Brown .... Sarah Jane-Holm Harry .... Karl Prekopp
Music composed and played by David Chiltern
Director: Gordon House
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in February 2002.
HG WELLS - THE WAR OF THE WORLDS (320kbs-m4a/259mb/1hr53mins) BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 25th October & 1st November 2020
Following sightings of strange explosions on the surface of Mars, Martian ships begin to arrive on Earth. But scientific excitement quickly turns to horror - and a merciless invasion begins.
At the time of the novel's writing by HG Wells (first published in 1898), Britain had never been stronger, but a sense of moral queasiness at the methods used in Empire building was growing.
Melissa Murray's dramatisation highlights the questions Wells poses: What if we were the colonised? How would we fare if a vastly superior technological invader attacked us? How would we behave?
This dramatisation also reflects Wells' depiction of late Victorian suburban life and culture, making its domestic heart a poignant and terrifying starting point for an invasion by Martians with their own imperialist agenda, and reflecting the common fear which had emerged in the years approaching the turn of the century - that the apocalypse would come on the last day of 1899.
HG Wells's story of a brutal Martian invasion of Earth.
Robert .... Blake Ritson Curate .... Carl Prekopp Telegraph .... David Sturzaker Vicar .... Finlay Robertson Farm Woman .... Georgie Glen Constable .... John Bowler Ogilvy .... John Dougall Dora .... Maeve Bluebell Wells Doctor .... David Sterne Carswell .... Nick Murchie Billy .... Samuel James Margaret .... Sanchia McCormack Woman 1 .... Sarah Ridgeway
As the Martians continue their merciless invasion, transforming the landscape and decimating the population, Robert begins to lose his reason.
Robert .... Blake Ritson Curate .... Carl Prekopp Man 2 .... David Sturzaker Mrs. Hatton .... Georgie Glen Man 1 .... John Dougall Doctor .... David Sterne Bridgenorth .... Nick Murchie Billy .... Samuel James Margaret .... Sanchia McCormack Lydia .... Sarah Ridgeway
"Professor" Bill Oddie delivers his thesis on The Development of Radio Comedy in the 20th Century.
Expect the Prof to challenge some received wisdoms. Questions will be asked afterwards, so do pay close attention please.
Oddie's lavishly illustrated lecture includes these "Goodies":
* Up the Pole: Love-struck Jimmy is desperate to buy his girl a ring. Starring Jimmy Jewel, Ben Warriss and Jon Pertwee. From 01/11/1948
* ITMA - It's That Man Again: The last episode, first aired just days before Tommy Handley's death. With Hattie Jacques and Jack Train. From 06/01/1949
* Archie's the Boy: Chaos ensues as 'Mr Hill' loses his briefcase. Radio ventriloquism starring Archie Andrews and Peter Brough. With Mr Benny Hill. From 11/11/1954
* Beyond Our Ken Series 3 (7/14): Kenneth Horne's busy week - and check out the latest film releases in 'Picture Go Round'. With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden. From 27/05/1960
* On the Hour Series 2 (4/6): Reports of a right royal shocker, plus Alan Partridge with all the sport. Chris Morris fronts the news satire. With Steve Coogan. From 14/05/1992
* On the Town with the League of Gentlemen (2/6) Death by Mau Mau: There's a bug going round Spent. Pre-TV dark-com with Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith and Mark Gatiss. From 13/11/1997
Producer: Nick St George
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in June 2006.
ON THE TOWN WITH THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN (320kbs-m4a/379mb/2hrs44mins) BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 18th June to 16th July 2020
The first incarnation of the award-winning black comedy, about the "local people" of Spent - before it hit TV.
Starring Mark Gatiss, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton.
Written by the cast and Jeremy Dyson.
The League of Gentlemen won a Perrier Edinburgh Festival award in 1997 and this radio series debuted in the same year. They also won a Sony Radio Award. The cult series switched to TV for three series on BBC 2 from 1999, plus stage shows and a feature film.
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November/December 1997.
Beautiful, intelligent and the catsuit wearing queen of hand-to-hand combat, Modesty Blaise was once the head of an international crime operation.
Now, having given up her nefarious ways, Modesty and her faithful side-kick, Willie Garvin, offer their services for more respectable causes.
In this adventure, Modesty invites Sir Gerald Tarrant of British Intelligence to join her for a holiday at the Gorges du Tarn in the South of France.
But, after stopping on the cliff road to help two nuns who have broken down, Sir Gerald's car is found smashed to pieces at the bottom of the ravine...
Omnibus of the five part series.
Modesty Blaise . . . Daphne Alexander Willie Garvin . . . Paul Bazely Sir Gerald Tarrant . . . Ian McNeice Clare . . . Clare Grogan Sexton/Colonel Jim . . . Ewan Bailey Lady Janet/Angel . . . Sara Markland Quinn . . . John Ramm
Adapted from Peter O'Donnell's novel by Stef Penney.
With music by Will Gregory, arranged by Ian Gardiner and performed by the National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ben Foster.
Sound by David Thomas Director: Kate McAll
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in February 2017.
JULES VERNE - JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (320kbs-m4a/262mb/1hr54mins) BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 13th & 14th August 2020
Renowned professor, Otto Lidenbrock, discovers a mysterious, runic cryptogram in a rare manuscript he's bought. It's his nephew, Axel, who accidentally cracks the message which is by a 16th century alchemist who claims to have found a pathway to the centre of the earth! "Descend, bold traveller into the crater of the Jokul of Snæfell, which the shadow of Scartaris touches before the kalends of July and you will attain the centre of the earth."
Lidenbrock decides he must see for himself if such a journey is possible and with the reluctant Axel in tow, and the help of their guide, Hans, the three venture into the heart of a dormant, Icelandic volcano on a dangerous expedition beneath the earth's layers.
Jules Verne novel is the ultimate adventure story in the best Victorian tradition with plenty of action, science, knowledge, discovery and surprise.
Adapted in two-parts by Moya O'Shea.
The three attempting this tremendous feat are:
* The somewhat cowardly, dewy-eyed romantic, Axel * The highly strung and oh, so eccentric, Otto Lidenbrock * The calm, phlegmatic Danish speaking, Icelandic guide, Hans.
Three intrepid explorers venture into an Icelandic volcano.
Axel ...... Joel MacCormack Professor Lidenbrock ...... Stephen Critchlow Hans ...... Gudmundur Thorvaldsson Grauben ...... Nicola Ferguson Martha ...... Elizabeth Bennett Newspaper Seller ...... Nick Underwood Porter ...... Sam Rix Icelandic Man ...... Tom Forrister Street Vendor ...... Scarlett Brookes
Arsène Wenger was the manager of Arsenal FC for 22 years, becoming the longest-serving and most successful manager in the club's history.
He was born in Strasbourg in 1949 and grew up as the youngest of three children in the nearby village of Duttlenheim, where his parents ran a bistro. There he listened in to the daily conversations about football, which preoccupied the men of the village.
After playing for his local team and studying for a degree in economics, Arsène made a career as a footballer in France for a decade, before moving into management. He coached in France, Monaco and Japan before joining Arsenal in 1996. At that point he was a complete unknown in English football, but soon proved his doubters wrong. He took a declining mid-table side to Premier League glory within two years, going on to win two further Premierships and a record number of FA Cups. In 2003-4 his so-called Invincibles achieved a record-breaking run of 49 matches without defeat.
He also won a reputation as an innovator, changing his players' diets and contributing to the globalisation of soccer by signing overseas players and scouting young talent from across the world. He was instrumental in building a new home for Arsenal, when the club moved from Highbury to the brand new Emirates Stadium
Arsène retired from Arsenal in 2018 and took up a post as FIFA's head of Global Football Development the following year. He is separated from his partner Annie Brosterhous. They have one grown-up daughter, Léa.
BOOK CHOICE: Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne LUXURY ITEM: A ball CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Avec Le Temps by Léo Ferré
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Could You Be Loved [Globo Polydor] John Lennon - Imagine [Parlophone] Léo Ferré - Avec Le Temps [Barclay] Elton John - Your Song [Mercury] France Gall - Évidemment [Apache] Elvis Presley - The Wonder Of You [Sony] Jacques Brel - Ne Me Quitte Pas [Barclay] Frank Sinatra - My Way [Warner Music UK]
Mark 'E' Everett of Eels shares the musical milestones of his life. First broadcast in 2010.
Eels - Souljacker Part I The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever Neil Young - After The Goldrush Chicago - 25 Or 6 To 4 John Lennon - Gimme Some Truth Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama Eels - Novocaine For The Soul Eels - Susan's House Eels - Souljacker Part II Tom Waits - In The Neighbourhood Eels - That Look You Give That Guy Billy Preston - That's The Way God Planned It
Alison Goldfrapp and her musical partner Will Gregory share their musical milestones with Matt Everitt.
As Goldfrapp, the pair have been responsible for some of the most original and influential pop music in recent history - forming a blueprint for contemporary electropop that has since become ubiquitous for everyone from Britney Spears and Girls Aloud to Madonna.
Matt traces the key moments in the duo's career - from Alison's formative years as a stage-struck singer with Orbital and Tricky, through to how the couple forged a musical marriage that blended Carmina Burana and Kraftwerk - and onto Alison's emergence as truly singular frontwoman - combining her music with a theatricality and visual flair that hadn't been seen since Bowie's heyday.
First broadcast in 2010.
Goldfrapp - Fly Me Away Benjamin Britten - Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Excerpt) Carl Orff - Carmina Burana The Beatles - She Loves You The Jackson 5 - I'll Be There Love Unlimited Orchestra - Love's Theme Goldfrapp - Lovely Head Goldfrapp - Train (BBC Session 22/04/04) Goldfrapp - Felt Mountain Ennio Morricone - L'Attentat Goldfrapp - Ooh La La Goldfrapp - Caravan Girl Goldfrapp - Rocket Goldfrapp - Voicething
Skream - Midnight Request Line [Tempa] Chase And Status (Feat. Roll Deep) - Top Shotta (Breezeblock Edit) [White Label] Wiley - Firehydrant (Jammer Rmx Instrumental) [White Label] Kano - Reload (Chase And Status And Mixologists Rmx) [679] Shy Fx & T Power - Everyday (Chase And Status Rmx) [White Label] Digital - Deadline [31] Chase And Status - Duppy Man VIP [Breakbeat Kaos] Chase And Status - Havoc (Breezeblock Edit) [Bingo] Dillinja - Expansions [Valve] Nas - Ain't Hard To Tell [Acapella] [Columbia] Noisia - Façade [RAM] Johnny L - See Red [XL Recordings] Prolix - Exile [White Label] Noisia - Subdue [Renegade Hardware] Phace - Finger Food [Subtitles] State Of Mind - Belarus [31] Chase And Status - Believe [Bingo]