Matthew Sweet's guest this week is the composer George Fenton. His breakthrough came with Richard Attenborough's biopic Gandhi, since then he's scored over 100 films including Cry Freedom, Shadowlands, The Madness of King George, Groundhog Day and The Wind that Shakes The Barley. He speaks to Matthew about his rich and varied career as well as his assocations with directors such as Richard Attenborough, Stephen Frears, Nora Ephron - and Ken Loach, whose latest film, The Old Oak, is released this week.
Tony Hatch - Emmerdale Farm (1974) - Theme [Sanctuary] Ravi Shankar - Gandhi (1982) - Partition [RCA Victor] George Fenton & Jonas Gwangwa - Cry Freedom (1987) - Crossroads / A Dawn Raid [MCA] George Fenton - The Lady In The Van (2015) - The Ascension (Miss Shepherd's Waltz) [Sony Classical] George Fenton - You've Got Mail (1998) - Butterflies In The Subway [Varèse Sarabande] Antonio Vivaldi - Dangerous Liaisons (1988) - Main Title / Dressing [Virgin] George Frideric Handel - The Madness Of King George (1994) - Smile, It's What You're Paid For [Sony Classical] George Fenton - The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2006) - Closing Titles [Shogun Music Ltd] George Fenton - The Duke (2020) - Main Theme [Quartet] George Fenton - The Blue Planet (2001) - Theme [Silva Screen Ltd] George Fenton - Dangerous Beauty (1998) - The Verdict / End Titles [Restless] Bernard Herrmann - Taxi Driver (1976) - Main Title [Arista] George Fenton - The Old Oak (2023) - End Titles
Powell and Pressburger were the most fearless of British filmmakers, once described by Martin Scorsese as 'the most experimental moviemakers of all time'. The pair - Hungarian-Jewish screenwriter Emeric Pressburger who fled the Nazis across Europe to London, and English director Michael Powell - made masterpieces that dazzle to this day.
From their work, filmmaker Carol Morley draws out their response to Britishness, one that was affectionate yet clear-eyed, never blind to our collective faults. She unearths their extraordinary collaboration with each other, as well as other trailblazing creatives – designers, cinematographers and actors - that formed a collective known as The Archers. Between them, they made more than 20 films from the 1930s onwards.
We reappraise some of their greatest classics, including A Matter of Life and Death, The Red Shoes, A Canterbury Tale and I Know Where I'm Going! The programme includes interviews with Tilda Swinton, Ian Christie and Sandy Powell, as well as powerful archive from Lenny Henry and Martin Scorsese.
A major BFI UK-wide celebration of Powell and Pressburger takes place this Autumn, Cinema Unbound: The Creative Worlds of Powell and Pressburger, with screenings and events until the end of the year.
Presented by Carol Morley Produced by Tim Moorhouse A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4
Twenty-five years ago, the Coen brothers' follow-up to the Oscar-winning Fargo had critics scratching their heads.
A comedy? And a weird one at that - encompassing a typically incomprehensible film noir plot, philosophy, the War in Iraq and... bowling?
Archive on 4 digs into the vaults and speaks to an array of critics to define the peculiar, quotable appeal of the film - and ask if finding its own fanbase and a critical reappraisal make it the perfect definition of a cult film.
Featuring James King, Angie Errigo, Katie Smith-Wong, Tim Robey, Sir Roger Deakins, Joel Morris, Matt Qvortrup and Hannah Strong.
Conclusion of this seasonal drama following life on a wetlands nature reserve in Norfolk over one year. Starring Sophie Okonedo and Mark Rylance.
Ian (Mark Rylance) returns to Fleggwick for the first time since suffering serious injuries during the winter's flood and finds it as beautiful and full of life as ever, but still endangered as Liv (Sophie Okonedo) struggles to find a way to keep the Reserve going.
This is the fourth and final episode of an innovative drama, with instalments recorded on location at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk every three months, documenting the extraordinary wetlands habitat as it changes through the seasons.
This episode features the Bittern as its special guest star – a characterful bird known for its booming call.
Song of the Reed, by Steve Waters, is informed by the sounds of the reserve as well as the real work and science of conservation taking place in the face of rapid environmental change in the wetlands of Norfolk, and everywhere.
Cast: Liv ..... Sophie Okonedo Ian ..... Mark Rylance Tam ..... Ella Dorman Gajic Kay ..... Molly Naylor Theo ..... Tom Goodman-Hill Nikki ..... Karen Hill Sadegh ..... Zaydun Khalaf Voice of the Reed ..... Christine Kavanagh Other parts played by staff and volunteers at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen
Written by Steve Waters Music by Michael Somerset Ward with Rebecca Hearne Sound design by Alisdair McGregor Produced and Directed by Boz Temple-Morris
Ian (played by Mark Rylance) has gone to work for neighbouring landowner Theo Buckhurst as Liv (Sophie Okonedo) prepares to sell up to Wildscapes – but nature, as ever, has a different plan, and a major flood event is forecast to engulf Fleggwick.
The third in the series of Steve Waters' seasonal dramas follows the life of a fictional wetlands nature reserve, over the period of one year.
Storm clouds are well and truly established over the nature reserve Liv has inherited from her father. The oncoming flood will bring a pulse of salt water into the Fen, threatening countless fresh water species. And with plans to sell Fleggwick also complete, the future looks decidedly insecure in this otherwise beautiful corner of Norfolk.
Song of the Reed is recorded on location at RSPB's Strumpshaw Fen. The story is informed by the sounds of the reserve as well as the real work and science of conservation taking place in the face of rapid environmental change in the wetlands of Norfolk, and everywhere.
Cast: Liv ..... Sophie Okonedo Ian ..... Mark Rylance Tam ..... Ella Dorman Gajic Kay ..... Molly Naylor Theo ..... Tom Goodman-Hill Nikki ..... Karen Hill Charlie ..... Jimmy Rutherford Voice of the Reed ..... Christine Kavanagh Other parts played by staff and volunteers at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen
Written by Steve Waters Music by Michael Somerset Ward with Rebecca Hearne Cello played by Liz Hanks Sound design by Alisdair McGregor Produced and Directed by Boz Temple-Morris
We return to Fleggwick where the search is on to find the miniscule Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail – a tiny creature whose presence would bolster the case for the reserve as a habitat for rare species.
Sophie Okonedo and Mark Rylance star in the second of Steve Waters' seasonal dramas following the life of a fictional wetlands nature reserve, over the period of one year.
Fleggwick, like the ecosystem it protects, is under threat. The site was not financially sustainable when its founder passed away, so his daughter Liv (Sophie Okonedo) needs to find a way for it to survive. But if that means selling out to 'trendy conservation', then Ian (Mark Rylance), the Warden, wants nothing to do with it.
Song of the Reed is recorded on location at RSPB's Strumpshaw Fen. The story is informed by the real work and science of conservation taking place in the face of rapid environmental change in the wetlands of Norfolk, and everywhere. This episode also features Tom Fewins of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, playing himself.
Cast: Liv ..... Sophie Okonedo Ian ..... Mark Rylance Tam ..... Ella Dorman Gajic Kay ..... Molly Naylor Sadegh ..... Zaydun Khalaf Theo ..... Tom Goodman-Hill Nikki ..... Karen Hill Tom ..... Tom Fewins Voice of the Reed ..... Christine Kavanagh Other parts played by staff and volunteers at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen
Music by Michael Somerset Ward with Rebecca Hearne Sound design by Alisdair McGregor Produced and Directed by Boz Temple-Morris
Sophie Okonedo and Mark Rylance star in the first of Steve Waters' seasonal dramas following the life of Fleggwick, a fictional wetlands nature reserve, over the period of one year.
Fleggwick, like the ecosystem it protects, is under threat. The site was not financially sustainable when its founder passed away so his daughter Liv (Sophie Okonedo) needs to find a way for it to survive. But if that means selling out to 'trendy conservation' then Ian (Mark Rylance), the Warden, wants nothing to do with it.
Recorded on location at RSPB's Strumpshaw Fen, the story is informed by the real work and science of conservation taking place in the face of rapid environmental change in the wetlands of Norfolk, and everywhere.
It's a rainy summer's day and a Swallowtail Safari is being held at the reserve with members of the public, as well as a manager from WildScapes, visiting Fleggwick with the hope of catching a glimpse of the elusive and utterly beautiful swallowtail butterfly. The future of the reserve may ride on it.
Cast: Liv ..... Sophie Okonedo Ian ..... Mark Rylance Tam ..... Ella Dorman Gajic Kay ..... Molly Naylor Sadegh ..... Zaydun Khalaf Nikki ..... Karen Hill Voice of the Reed ..... Christine Kavanagh Other parts played by staff and volunteers at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen
Written by Steve Waters Music by Michael Somerset Ward with Rebecca Hearne Sound Design by Alisdair McGregor
Produced and Directed by Boz Temple-Morris A Holy Mountain production for BBC Radio 4
The Fens are a distinctive, complex, man-made and little understood landscape.
Francis Pryor has lived in, excavated, farmed, walked and loved the Fens country for more than 40 years - its levels and drains, its soaring churches, its magnificent medieval buildings. Interweaving personal experience and passion, the graft and grime of the dig, and lyrical evocations of place, he offers a unique portrait of a neglected but remarkable area of England.
Dr Pryor counterpoints the history of the Fen landscape and its transformation with the story of his own exploration of it as an archaeologist. He recounts his thrilling Bronze Age discoveries in the early 1970s at Fengate and then, a decade later, at Flag Fen near Peterborough - and what those remarkable finds tell us about our ancient ancestors and the way they lived and farmed the land.
We learn how the waterlogged landscape can be a treasure trove for archaeologists and how archaeology has the power to challenge some common misconceptions. Dr Pryor also turns his attention to the future of this low lying area of Eastern England and the challenges we face in preserving it.
Francis Pryor is one of Britain's most distinguished living archaeologists, specialising in the study of the Bronze and Iron Ages. He has now retired from full-time field archaeology but still appears on television and writes books as well as being a working sheep farmer.
Omnibus of five parts abridged by Libby Spurrier
Read by Sam Dale
Producer: Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2019.
Soundtrack your study time and enter a state of enhanced concentration with this enlightening ambient mix, personally curated by musician, record producer, composer and artist William Orbit.
Delving deep into his personal archive, William has curated a soundtrack of unreleased material including 3D soundscape extracts from his forthcoming album Strange Cargo X, alongside picks from his favourite ambient artists including Isobel Waller-Bridge, Maria Moles and Slow Coast.
William Orbit - A cubic lightyear made of solid lead Isobel Waller-Bridge - Bloom William Orbit & Rico Conning - Eccles Beach William Orbit - electron.love Brian Eno - Kites I [Opal] Luke Howard - Prelude For A Single Voice (Fia Fiell Rework) [Mercury KX] Fia Fiell - At The First Clear Word [Nice Music] Nick Cave & Warren Ellis - Space Station / Adiemus [Milan] Jonny Nash - Eternal Life [Melody As Truth] William Orbit - Moonlight On Planet Vermont KMRU - Space Of Uncertainty [Seil] Gaussian Curve - Broken Clouds [Music From Memory] Tom Middleton - St Ives Bay [Six Degrees] Leon Vynehall - From the Sea / It Looms (Chapters I & II) [Ninja Tune] Deep Zones - L'Ambiance Slow Coast - Constellations (Meditation) Lou Harrison - Jhala III [New Albion] William Orbit & James Hockley - Future Archeologists Of Wave Shaznay Lewis - Pure Shores [London] Sasha - Drempels [Arista] Madonna - Mer Girl [Maverick] Adam Bokesch - Shadows & Color [Tone Tree Music] Abandoned Bees - Wishing Well
Davie Scott speaks to Donovan and pals about the dippy, trippy Sunshine Superman album.
Manfred Mann - 5-4-3-2-1 Bob Dylan - Catch The Wind Donovan - Catch The Wind Donovan - Josie Donovan - Colours Donovan - Sunny Goodge Street Th Animals - Boom Boom The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Fire Donovan - Sunshine Superman Donovan - Celeste Donovan - Legend Of A Girl Child Linda Donovan - Season Of The Witch Julie Driscoll & Brian Auger & The Trinity - Season Of The Witch Al Kooper & Mike Bloomfield - Season Of The Witch Donovan - Three Kingfishers Donovan - The Trip Donovan - Sunshine Superman
Davie Scott with the late Gerry Rafferty and the great Billy Connolly.
Gerry Rafferty - The Ark Gerry Rafferty - City To City Gerry Rafferty - Island Gerry Rafferty - Waiting For The Day Gerry Rafferty - Whatever's Written in Your Heart Gerry Rafferty - Home And Dry Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street Gerry Rafferty - Mattie's Rag
Davie Scott meets the remaining members of SAHB to recall the making of the NEXT album.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - The Faith Healer The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Giddy Up A Ding Dong The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Vambo Marble Eye The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Next (Live OGWT) The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Gang Bang The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - The Last Of The Teenage Idols The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - The Faith Healer (Live Reading)
Davie Scott celebrates the legacy of the Scottish funk sensation AWB.
Average White Band - Got The Love Average White Band - Nothing You Can Do Average White Band - You Got It Average White Band - Pick Up The Pieces Utah Saints - Love Song Average White Band - Work To Do Average White Band - Person To Person Average White Band - I Just Can't Give You Up Average White Band - Pick Up The Pieces
Davie Scott celebrates Raintown with singer songwriter Ricky Ross and writer Ian Rankin.
Deacon Blue - Town To Be Blamed Deacon Blue - Kings Of The Western World Deacon Blue - Raintown Deacon Blue - Loaded Deacon Blue - Love's Great Fears Deacon Blue - Dignity Deacon Blue - Chocolate Girl
Music and comedy, with advice from fitness guru Gregory Pectorals.
Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band singer Vivian Stanshall took to the airwaves of BBC Radio 1 on Saturday 14th August 1971.
Over 2 hours, re-live Vivian's mix of zany comedy and music - including his take on Dick Barton's radio serial "Breath from the Pit". Featuring drummer Keith Moon from The Who.
Vivian has previously featured on 4 Extra - thanks to his solo comedy 'Sir Henry at Rawlinson End', which originated as sessions for the John Peel Show on BBC Radio 1 in the mid-1970s.
HOW THE UK CHANGED HIP-HOP FOREVER (320kbs-m4a/355mb/2hrs33mins) BBC Radio 1Xtra broadcast: 19th July to 14th August 2023
To
mark hip-hop's 50th anniversary, this series explores the UK's
influence on hip-hop. From foundational British artists to the
unexpected encounters that influenced a generation, each episode will
tell the story of a surprising but significant link between the UK and a
key moment in hip-hop history.
Each episode starts with a key
moment. We'll then reveal the UK involvement through interviews and
archive moments, and ask why it matters now. Presenter: Ashley Walters Producer: Emily Dicks Written by Emily Dicks Technical production: Ant Danbury Additional production: Dari Samuels, Tommy Dixon and Zayna Shaikh Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell Commissioning producer: Jonathan O'Sullivan Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin A BBC Audio production
Rapper and actor Ashley Walters explores the surprising but significant moments where the UK has shaped hip hop, from the artists and producers to the chance meetings that influenced a generation. From Jay Z's first trip to London to one of the most sampled records of all time, Drake's love of British music to the making of some of hip hop's greatest record, each episode tells a story of how the UK has shaped hip hop throughout its history.
The Grammy Awards in 2023 were a who's who of hip hop, with some of the greatest rappers of all time coming together celebrating 50 years of one of the world's most influential genres. Onstage is Jay-Z one of the greatest of the greats and born and raised in New York City - the birthplace of hip hop. During his verse he shouts out a street in West London... Harrow Road. Why?
Ashley Walters explores why Jay-Z's trip to London in the 80s had such a profound effect on him that he is still rapping about it over 30 years later.
Over the years Jay-Z has returned to the UK again and again, making history as the first rapper to headline Glastonbury. Why was the show so controversial and how has it changed hip hop?
In this episode we hear from Jay-Z, hip hop journalist Elliott Wilson (Rap Radar), Nick Raphael and Mimi The Music Blogger.
Archive in this episode: Lethal B on BBC Radio 1Xtra Jay-Z at Glastonbury: BBC
Soundtrack DJ Khaled - God Did (featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend, and Fridayy) Jaz-O - Hawaiian Sophie (feat. Jay Z) Jay-Z - Can't Knock The Hustle (feat. Mary J Blige) Jay-Z - Dead Presidents II Estelle - American Boy (feat. Kanye West) Oasis - Wonderwall (Taken from Jay Z's Glastonbury Performance) Stormzy - Vossi Bop (Taken from Stormzy's Glastonbury Performance) Public Enemy - Countdown To Armageddon HOW THE UK CHANGED HIP-HOP FOREVER - 2. FROM HAMMERSMITH TO ARMAGEDDON (320kbs-m4a/39mb/17mins) BBC Radio 1Xtra broadcast: 31st July 2023
How would you feel if you got a call from Public Enemy personally inviting you down to their show?
In the early days of hip hop, the UK scene was small but exciting. It was hard to discover the music, and those who did formed a strong community of breakers, rappers and dancers. When Public Enemy came to the UK for their first show they were determined to reach out and make sure the scene was invited. Everybody showed up for their legendary Def Jam show at the Hammersmith Odeon, even if they couldn't get tickets.
That show was inspirational for hip hop across the world. But what nobody who was there that night could have known is that the show would be written into history.
In this episode, we hear from Chuck D, hip hop journalist Elliott Wilson (Rap Radar), rapper Cookie Pryce and Nick Raphael.
Archive material in this episode: Chuck D & Dave Pearce: BBC 6 Music
Soundtrack: Public Enemy - Yo! Bum Rush The Show Cookie Crew - Gotta Keep On (B-Boy Mix) Marvin Gaye - I Want You So Solid Crew - Solid London Posse - How's Life In London Public Enemy - Countdown To Armageddon Public Enemy - Don't Believe The Hype
What do Robbie Williams, Snoop and Miley Cyrus have in common? They all sample the same song, Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick's La Di Da Di.
La Di Da Di is one of the most sampled records of all time, with artists still borrowing Slick Rick's distinctive vocals, lyrics and ad libs for their own tunes nearly 40 years later. And one of the things that made Rick the Ruler's vocals distinctive was his accent… because he was born in Mitcham.
An instant classic when it dropped, La Di Da Di was also sampled by two of the biggest East and West Coast rappers at the height of the East/West divide within a couple of years of each other. But Rick wasn't around to see the reaction.
This is the story of one of the first great British-born rappers who continues to influence hip hop right up until today.
In this episode, we hear from Slick Rick, hip hop journalist Elliott Wilson (Rap Radar), rapper Cookie Pryce, Romesh Ranganathan and Mark Ronson.
Archive material in this episode: Slick Rick on BBC Radio 1Xtra Mark Ronson: How Sampling Transformed Music: TED Talk
Soundtrack: Robbie Williams - Rock DJ Mary J.Blige - No One Else Ini Kamoze - Here Comes The Hotstepper Miley Cyrus - We Don't Stop Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick - La Di Da Di Average White Band - Love Your Life A Tribe Called Quest - Check The Rhime Queen - Another One Bites The Dust Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five - The Adventures Of Grandmaster Flash On the Wheels Of Steel Joe Cocker - Woman To Woman Tupac - California Love Dido - Thank You Eminem - Stan Rat Boy - Knock Knock Kendrick Lamar - LUST Flux Pavillion - I Can't Stop Jay-Z - Who Gon Stop Me Outkast - The Art Of Storytelling The Notorious B.I.G. - Hypnotize
When Timbaland dropped Missy Elliott's Get Your Freak On, it kickstarted a trend of Indian and Arabic samples in hip hop. Meanwhile, in London, a group of producers and artists were inspired by Timbaland… and were also using the exact same sample CD. They were blending Bollywood tunes with hip hop and came to be known as the Desi Beats scene, with artists like Jay Sean, Panjabi Hit Squad, Rishi Rich and Panjabi MC breaking through.
When Timbaland touched down in the UK a few years later, his first port of call was Southall, sometimes known as ‘little India' and the heart of the Desi Beats scene.
In this episode, we hear from Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Romesh Ranganathan, Rav Patti from Panjabi Hit Squad and Jay Sean.
Archive material used in this episode: Jay Sean, NPO FunX Timbaland, Timbaland Youtube Missy Elliott, Rick Rubin's Broken Record podcast
Soundtrack: Aaliyah - Are You That Somebody Panjabi Hit Squad - Hai Hai (feat. Ms Scandalous) Jay-Z - Big Pimpin' Missy Elliot - Get Ur Freak On Bubba Sparx - Ugly Truth Hurts - Addictive Panjabi MC - Beware Of The Boys Nas - The Flyest (feat. Pharrell Williams) Jay Sean - Down Panjabi Hit Squad - World Famous Boliyan Rouge - Don't Be Shy The Game - Put You On The Game M.I.A - Come Around (feat. Timbaland) Justin Timberlake - Oh No (What You Got) Jay Sean - Ride It Jay Sean - 2012 (feat. Nicki Minaj) Steel Banglez - 47 (feat. Sidhu Moose Wala, Mist, Stefflon Don) Estelle - American Boy (feat. Kanye West)
Amongst all the references to alcohol in hip hop, one drink reference stands out... Ribena. How did it end up getting name checked on one of hip hop's biggest US/UK collabs?
In the 90s and 00s, the UK hip hop scene was still quite small. Estelle cut her teeth freestyling in record shops before moving to the US. She ended up collaborating with Kanye West on American Boy – a tune that would become iconic.
The road wasn't easy, from leaving the UK in the first place to battling people's perceptions of how a Black British girl should break the States… Ashley reflects on his own experiences with 50 Cent and on some of the other British rappers who have tried to break the states.
In this episode we hear from Estelle, hip hop journalist Elliott Wilson (Rap Radar), rapper Cookie Pryce and rapper and YouTube reactor Scru Face Jean.
Archive material used in this episode: Jay-Z at Glastonbury, BBC
Soundtrack: Drake - One Dance Young MA - Oouu Lauryn Hill - Doo Wap (That Thing) Nicki Minaj - Starships Estelle - American Boy (feat. Kanye West) The Plug - How It Is (feat. Roddy Rich, Yxng Bane, Chip) Diddy Dirty Money - Hello Good Morning Grime Remix (feat. Skepta) A$AP Rocky & Skepta - Praise The Lord Ludacris - Southern Hospitality (feat. Ms Dynamite) MF Doom - The Original Drake & 21 Savage - Rich Flex Monie Love - It's A Shame Big Daddy Kane - Smooth Operator London Posse - How's Life In London Slum Village - Get Dis Money Estelle - 1980 Estelle - Break My Heart J Hus & Drake - Who Told U
The highlight of Drake's UK tour in 2019 was unarguably when J Hus – released from prison that week – appeared alongside him onstage. It was the latest in a long line of links with the UK and Drake's success smashed perceptions of who could be the world's biggest rapper.
When singer Kyla got a call in 2016 saying a huge international artist wanted to use her tune Do You Mind, she thought it was an April Fools joke.
Ashley reflects on the conversation with Drake that kickstarted Top Boy going to Netflix and reveals the impact the show had for British rappers stateside.
In this episode we hear from Drake, Kyla, 1Xtra's Tiffany Calver, Mimi The Music Blogger, hip hop journalist Elliott Wilson and rapper and singer Estelle
Archive in this episode: J Hus onstage with Drake, O2 Arena London 2019 Drake on BBC Radio 1Xtra, 2017 Drake on BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, 2019
To mark hip-hop's 50th anniversary, this series explores the UK's influence on hip-hop. From foundational British artists to the unexpected encounters that influenced a generation, each episode will tell the story of a surprising but significant link between the UK and a key moment in hip-hop history.
Each episode starts with a key moment. We'll then reveal the UK involvement through interviews and archive moments, and ask why it matters now.
Dave and Central Cee are part of the new wave of British artists taking rap further than ever before. They stand on the shoulders of the innovators and pioneers who have come before, from those in the early UK hip hop scene, the artists who made waves in the States and the producers who opened up international ears for British music.
In 2023, all eyes are on Central Cee. How did the way he built his fanbase shape his journey? Why was his LA Leakers freestyle so significant? And how did and Dave manage to break streaming history?
In this episode we hear from Central Cee, rapper and YouTube reactor Scru Face Jean, hip hop journalist Elliott Wilson, 1Xtra's Tiffany Calver, Romesh Ranganathan and Mimi the Music Blogger.
Archive material in this episode: Central Cee at Glastonbury, BBC Central Cee LA Leakers freestyle
Adrian Edmondson first shot to national fame in 1982, playing the studded punk Vyvyan in the TV sitcom The Young Ones, set in a seedy student flat. The cast largely came from the developing alternative comedy scene, and included Rik Mayall and Alexei Sayle.
Adrian was born in Bradford in 1957. He spent time as a child in Cyprus, Bahrain and Uganda, following his father who worked as a teacher for the armed forces. He attended a boarding school in Yorkshire from the age of 11, where he often rebelled against its rules and restrictions, but enjoyed performing in school plays.
He headed to Manchester University to study drama, where he soon met Rik Mayall. They bonded over their shared interests in comedy, double acts, violent slapstick and the plays of Samuel Beckett. It was the start of a long performing partnership and friendship, which included the anarchic TV comedy and long-running touring show Bottom and a production of Beckett's Waiting for Godot on the West End stage.
Adrian has also worked widely as an actor and musician, including an acclaimed appearance as Scrooge for the RSC, and performances with the reunited Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.
Adrian married Jennifer Saunders in 1985, and they have three daughters.
BOOK CHOICE: Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett LUXURY ITEM: A tab of acid CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Wide Open Spaces - The Chicks
Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Sarah Taylor
Petula Clark - Downtown [Sanctuary Budget] Flanders & Swann - A Song Of The Weather [Parlophone UK] The Archies - Sugar, Sugar [Kirshner] The Selecter - On My Radio [Chrysalis] Vin Bruce - Jole Blon [Oval] Mott The Hoople - Saturday Gigs [Columbia/Legacy] Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - I'm Bored [Parlophone UK] The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks) - Wide Open Spaces [Monument]
Pulp's singer and musician, Jarvis Cocker is castaway by Sue Lawley.
Jarvis formed the band Pulp in the late 1970s and says that as a gawky, self-conscious teenager he felt pop music did not properly inform him about the disappointments and miseries of growing up - and he was determined to write songs that included "the messy bits and the awkward, fumbling bits".
He had to wait more than a decade to find success - but Pulp went on to become one of the most popular bands of the 1990s, with hits including Do You Remember the First Time? Sorted For Es And Wizz and Common People.
The band's crowning glory was its performance of 'Common People' at the Glastonbury festival in 1995.
The following year, Jarvis Cocker made headlines again - this time the tabloid front pages after he invaded the stage while Michael Jackson was performing at the pop industry's annual awards ceremony. Fans were thrilled, but it marked the beginning of a difficult time in the singer's life.
Now he is married with a young son and living in Paris and has recently written songs for Nancy Sinatra and Marianne Faithfull as well as writing the music for the film Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire.
BOOK CHOICE: Sombrero Fallout - Richard Brautigan LUXURY CHOICE: A bed with a mosquito net CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Sailing By - Ronald Binge
Desert Island Discs was created by Roy Plomley.
Producer: Leanne Buckle
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2005.
Robert Mellin - Theme Joy Division - Transmission Lieutenant Pigeon - Mouldy Old Dough Engelbert Humperdinck - Ten Guitars Scott Walker - The War Is Over Dory Previn - Lady With The Braid Johnny Cash - I See A Darkness Ronald Binge - Sailing By
Comedian, actor, writer, director, presenter and award-ceremony host – Stephen's list of accomplishments is long, varied and impressive.
His younger years were troubled and with a propensity for stealing and lying, he was expelled from two schools and imprisoned for credit card fraud. The turning point came when he knuckled down and won a scholarship to Queens' College, Cambridge, where he read English and joined the Cambridge Footlights, becoming lifelong friends with Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie.
His career highlights include the fruits of his collaborative work with Laurie – from A Bit of Fry and Laurie to Jeeves and Wooster, he played Lord Melchett in Blackadder and Oscar Wilde on the big screen. He is a best-selling author of fiction and three volumes of autobiography, is the voice of the Harry Potter audio books and presents BBC Two's QI.
Stephen has also spoken of his experience of mental health issues and in 2006 he made a documentary exploring the effects of living with Bipolar - it won an Emmy Award.
BOOK CHOICE: T. S. Eliot Four Quartets LUXURY CHOICE: Canvasses, easels, brushes, an instruction manual CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Roses - The Chainsmokers featuring Rozes
Producer: Cathy Drysdale
Desert Island Discs was created by Roy Plomley.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2015.
Bach - Partita No. 1 in B flat major Schubert - Variations 2 & 3 Piano Quintet in A Beethoven - Presto Quartet Op. 131 in C-Sharp minor Nina Simone - I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free Wagner - O sink hernieder, Nacht der Liebe - Tristan und Isolde Hugh Laurie - Changes Ella Fitzgerald - Do I Love You? Arthur Wood - Barwick Green (The Archers' Theme Tune)
Ahead of a new series of Stark Talk, Edi Stark brings you a special archive edition recorded in 1997. Before his role as Hagrid in Harry Potter, in this rare recorded interview, actor Robbie Coltrane who died last year, talks to her about his famed suspicion of talking to the media, changing his name, boarding school and art school, his role as Fitz in the much lauded TV drama and the roller coaster of gaining and losing weight.
Edi meets the shining star of theatre, film and television and talks about growing up in Maryhill, attending drama school in Glasgow, and founding the Raindog theatre company.
Comedy legend John Cleese discusses his BBC TV sitcom masterpiece, Fawlty Towers.
He's sharing the inside story with TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman.
John traces the beginnings of Basil Fawlty all the way back to his work on Monty Python ("nice though the abattoir is…"), and talks about the real hotelier who inspired the character.
He tells us about the writing and casting of the show, and discusses some of the challenges of bringing a character like Fawlty to the screen.
And John talks about the doomed American effort to remake Fawlty, but with one tiny change – the leading character Basil was written out!
Producer: Owen Braben
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in October 2021.
Weekend Players - I'll Be There (Amillionsons Sonnyside Up Mix) [FFRR] Plaid (feat. Mason Bee) - Nightcrawler [Warp] Led Zeppelin - The Crunge [Atlantic] Let's Eat Grandma - Nathan's Training Theme [Transgressive] Plaid - Tomason [Warp] Phoenix - Season 2 [Glassnote] Dabtronic - Mezcakuba (Misled Convoy Peripheral Nervous System Remix) [Bandcamp] Spoon - The Devil & Mister Jones (Adrian Sherwood Reconstruction) [Matador] James Ellis Ford - Caterpillar [Warp] Let's Eat Grandma - Mouse Feet [Transgressive] Two Shell - Ghosts [Mainframe Audio] Spoon - On the Radio (Adrian Sherwood Reconstruction) [Matador] Two Shell - Memory [Mainframe Audio] The Future Sound Of London - Informal Horizon [fsoldigital.com] The Future Sound Of London - All This Has Happened Before [fsoldigital.com] Jonny L - Hurt You So [Kniteforce] James Blake - Big Hammer [Republic/Polydor] Horace Andy - Watch Over Them (Moody Boyz Dub) [On-U Sound] Surusinghe - Skit [Steel CIty Dance Discs] Pessimist - Danger [Bandcamp] Luke Vibert - Taming Of The View [De:tuned] ...
In January 1968 Elvis Presley selected 26 of his favourite old 78 records, which he had owned since he was a teenager, wrapped them in newspaper, packed them in a small suitcase and headed for Nashville, where he asked his friend and guitarist Scotty Moore to dub his treasured records on to reel to reel tape, so he could listen to them at home without running the risk of scratching or breaking them.
Once the 78 singles were copied Elvis asked Scotty to send him the tapes but keep hold of the records, as he didn't want to run the risk of them being damaged - and he said he'd drop by one day and pick them up.
But Elvis never got around to collecting those records and 47 years later, those old 78's are still there in that old suitcase in Scotty's house.
Chris Isaak, a huge fan of both Scotty Moore and Elvis wanted to find out more about the collection of records that meant so much to Elvis, so he visited Scotty at home in Nashville to explore the contents of `Elvis's Suitcase of 78's' - a great collection of the songs that inspired a teenage Elvis Presley, offering a fascinating insight in to the music he treasured.
The records date from 1948 to 1957 and reveal a lot about the type of music Elvis listened to in his formative years – many of them he would subsequently record himself and it's interesting that there is such a variety in the styles of music on those records from rockabilly and pop to gospel and doo wop.
Mary Anne catches up with James Blake to find out more about his new album Playing Robots Into Heaven, his first since 2019 which find him to returning to a more club orientated sound. They also discuss AI in music and some of the themes on the record including his father and failure.
James Blake - Loading [Polydor] James Blake - If You Can Hear Me [Polydor] James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream [A&M] James Blake - Fire The Editor [Polydor] James Blake - Big Hammer [Polydor] James Blake - I Want You To Know [Polydor]
A chance to hear Mary Anne's live set from the ALL QUEENS takeover on the 6 Music Stage at All Points East Festival 2023.
Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) [Music World Music] Manni Dee (feat. Rivermoon) - Hot [Bandcamp] TYGAPAW - Run 2 U [NAAFI] Bailey Ibbs - Not Into It [Night Service] Charlotte de Witte - High Street [KNTXT] Kesha - I Eat Boys Up (TAAHLIAH Edit) [Bandcamp] Jubilee - Delete [Magic City] Slam - Positive Education (Paula Temple Remix) [Bandcamp] Slam - Activate [Soma] Ben Prophet - Telepathy [Radical New Theory] Digital Mystikz (feat. Spen G) - Anti-War Dub [Digital Mystikz]
Claptone is in control of Radio 1's Essential Mix.
Vangelis - Bicycle Riders (Harps Of The Ancient Temple) [EMI] The White Stripes - In The Cold Cold Night [XL Recordings] Metronomy - Loving Arm (Soul Clap's 'Shake A Leg' Remix) [Because Music] Artenvielfalt - How We Chill x The Time Is Now (Acapella) [Off Spin] Black Light Smoke - Lovework (DJ T. Remix) [Get Physical Music] Loden In NY - The Magic Room (Dino Lenny Remix) x Night On Fire (Acapella) [Fine Human] Metro Area - Miura x Another Night (Acapella) [Environ] The Magician (Feat. Newtimers) - When The Night Is Over (Claptone Remix) x Roxanne (Acapella) [Parlophone] Can - Vitamin C [United Artist] Nhan Solo - Tell Me [Mother Recordings] Claptone - Control [White Label] Turntablerocker (Feat. Romanthony) - Grow Up x Too Long (Acapella) [Jeudi] Noel Nanton - Your Love (Ian Pooley Remix) [Honchos Music] Kenny Dixon, Jr. - Don't You Want My Love [Intangible & Soundworks] Stefano Ritteri - The Partylife [Exploited] Mighty Dub Katz - Just Another Groove [Southern Fried] Bagatelle - Clin D’Oeil [Follow Me] Claptone - Good To You [Exploited] James Brown - Blind Man Can See It [Polydor] Earth People - Dance [Champion] Justin Jay - Femme Fatale [Dirtybird] Claptone - Cream [Exploited] Claptone - The Music Got Me [Exploited] Click | Click - The Muzic Box [Exploited] Doorly - I Want You To Dance [Toolroom Longplayer] Claptone (Feat. Jaw) - Secret Lover [Different] Me & Her - Walking Boots [Stil Vor Talent] Layo & Bushwacka! - Love Story [XL Recordings] Jack Peñate - Tonight’s Today [XL Recordings] Gregory Porter - Liquid Spirit (Claptone Special Mix) [Decca] Tori Amos - Professional Widow (Armand Van Helden Remix) [Atlantic] Claptone - 100.000 (Ladies & Gentlemen) [White Label] Johnny Corporate - Sunday Shoutin' [Defected] Sirens Of Lesbos - Long Days Hot Nights (Claptone Remix) [Exploited] Tom Trago - Use Me Again (Carl Craig Remix) [Rush Hour Recordings] Raumakustik - Raider [Hot Trax] Claptone - Wrong (Pianopella) [Exploited] The Chemical Brothers - Block Rockin' Beats x Dog Chord [Freestyle Dust] George Morel & SPJ - Let's Groove (Claptone Remix) [Get Physical] Jacob Korn - She [Uncanny Valley] Elderbrook - How Many Times (Andhim Remix) x No Eyes (Acapella) [Black Butter]
Relive Tom & Ed's Radio 1 Essential Mix debut from March 1995.
The Chemical Brothers - Leave Home [Astralwerks] Jean‐Jacques Perrey - E.V.A [Vanguard] Meat Beat Manifesto - Cutman [Play It Again Sam] Schoolly D - Housing The Joint [Jive] Craig Mack & The Notorious B.I.G. - Live Freestyle For Funkmaster Flex's Birthday Hustlers Of Culture - Herbs And Spices [Wall Of Sound] Gunshot - Children Of A Dying Breed [Vinyl Solution] John Schroeder - Money Runner [Polydor] Jedi Knights - May The Funk Be With You [Clear] DJ Battery Brain - 8 Volts [Techno Hop] Beastie Boys - 33% God [Capitol] Bobby J - Check Out The Style [Stripped] Double Dee & Steinski - History Of Hiphop Part 1 [Tommy Boy] Carlos Barrios - Can't [After Dark] Carlos 'After Dark' Berrios - Doin' It After Dark [After Dark] Unknown - Unknown Title Tim 'Love' Lee - Again Son [Peace Feast] Freestyle - Don't Stop The Rock [Pandisc] 4E - 4E Speaking Force [Force Inc. Music Works] Link & E621 - Antacid [Warp] The Chemical Brothers - Leave Home [Junior Boys Own] DJ Who - Give A Little More [Defective] Metro L.A. - To A Nation Rockin (On A Short Journey) [Bassex] Wink - Higher State Of Consciousness (Original Tweekin' Acid Funk Mix) Emmanuel Top - Lobotomie [Nova Mute] The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows [Parlophone] God Within - Raincry [Hardkiss Music] The Chemical Brothers - Life Is Sweet [Junior Boys Own] Patrick Pulsinger - City Lights [Disko B] Colourbox - Edit The Dragon [4AD] The Specials - You're Wondering Now [Chrysalis Music]
Relive a drum & bass classic put together by Ed Rush & Optical back in 1999.
Ryme Tyme & Optical - Headhunters Bad Company UK - The Nine RAM Trilogy - Terminal 1 Jonny L - The Bells Unknown - Unknown RAM Trilogy - Mind Overload DJ Trace - Sonar Krust - Warhead (RAM Trilogy Remix) Matrix - Airhead Bad Company UK - The Pulse Ed Rush & Optical - Bacteria DJ Phantasy & Probe - Orders (DJ Reality Remix) Ryme Tyme - Payback Part 1 Roni Size & Reprazent - Watching Windows (DJ Die’s Gnarly Instrumental Mix) Matrix - Asylum Ed Rush & Optical - Funktion Bad Company UK - China Cup RAM Trilogy - Iron Lung Optical - Newoptic Ed Rush & Optical - Dozer DJ Die - Clear Skyz Fibre Optics - Sin Usual Suspects - Killa Bees RAM Trilogy - Chase Scene Ed Rush & Optical - Watermelon RAM Trilogy - System Error Y2K Ed Rush & Optical - Gas Mask Infinite - Beachball Ed Rush & Optical & Fierce - Alien Girl Optical - Slip Thru Ed Rush & Optical - Sick Note