Mastertapes
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19-Dec-2014
Mastertapes - Sinead O'Connor (B-Side)
Sinéad O'Connor talks to John Wilson about her most pesonal album 'Theology'. Now it's the turn of the audience to ask questions.
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17-Dec-2014
Mastertapes - Sinead O'Connor (B-Side)
Sinéad O'Connor talks to John Wilson about her most pesonal album 'Theology'. Now it's the turn of the audience to ask questions.
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16-Dec-2014
Mastertapes - Sinead O'Connor (A Side)
Sinead O'Connor talks to John Wilson about her most pesonal album 'Theology' and plays an exclusive acoustic set.
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10-Dec-2014
Mastertapes - Noel Gallagher (B-Side)

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09-Dec-2014
Mastertapes - Noel Gallagher (A Side)
Noel Gallagher talks to John Wilson about his first studio album since leaving Oasis, 'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds'
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03-Dec-2014
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: The Boomtown Rats Side B

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02-Dec-2014
Mastertapes - mastertapes: The Boomtown Rats Side A
Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats talk about their album 'A Tonic for the Troops' which brought them their first Number 1 hit with "Rat Trap" in 1978
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02-Dec-2014
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Manic Street Preachers Side A
Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats talk about their album 'A Tonic for the Troops' which brought them their first Number 1 hit with "Rat Trap" in 1978
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26-Nov-2014
Mastertapes - Angélique Kidjo (B Side)
John Wilson talks to Benin singer and activist Angélique Kidjo about her 1994 breakthrough album 'Ayé'. Now it is the turn of the audience to ask the questions.
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25-Nov-2014
Mastertapes - Angelique Kidjo (A-side)
Grammy nominated Singer-songwriter and activist from Benin, Angélique Kidjo, talks to John Wilson about her breakthrough album Ayé and performs exclusive versions of key tracks.
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19-Nov-2014
Mastertapes - mastertapes: Manic Street Preachers Double A Side
John Wilson continues talking to Manic Street Preachers about the their 1994 album, "The Holy Bible".
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18-Nov-2014
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Manic Street Preachers Side A

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12-Nov-2014
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Rufus Wainwright (2) B Side
Rufus Wainwright talks to John Wilson about 'Want One', his breakthrough album from 2003.
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12-Nov-2014
Mastertapes - mastertapes: Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright talks to John Wilson about 'Want One', his breakthrough album from 2003.
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11-Dec-2013
Mastertapes - 10/12/13: Mastertapes: Soul II Soul: The B-Side
John Wilson talks to musicians about an album that made them or changed them. Time for the audience to put the questions to Soul II Soul's Jazzie B. Includes exclusive performance by the band.For more performance, videos, photos and other added content go to the Mastertapes pages of the radio 4 website where you can also catch up with the programmes A-side with John Wilson asking the questions.
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10-Dec-2013
Mastertapes - 09/12/13: Mastertapes: Soul II Soul: The A Side
John Wilson talks to Jazzie B and Caron Wheel of Soul II Soul about the making of their 1991 album Club Classics Vol. 1 which included the hits Keep on Moving, Fair Play and Back to Life.
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04-Dec-2013
Mastertapes - 03/12/13 Mastertapes: Edwyn Collins: The B Side
John Wilson talks to musician Edwyn Collins about his musical career and the stroke that nearly ended it. Having discussed the making of "Gorgeous George", the career changing solo album with the world wide hit A Girl Like You (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Monday 2nd December and available online), Edwyn Collins - together with his wife and manager Grace Maxwell - responds to questions from the audience and, with a small band, performs acoustic live versions of some to the tracks from the album which he started recording 20 years ago
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03-Dec-2013
Mastertapes - 02/12/13: Mastertapes: Edwyn Collins: The A Side

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27-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: 26.11.13: Natalie Merchant (B-Side)

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27-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes:18.11.13: David Crosby (A-Side)

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26-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: 25.11.13: Natalie Merchant (A -Side)

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20-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: 19.11.13: David Crosby (B-Side)

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19-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: 18.11.13: David Crosby (A-Side)

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15-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - 12. Corinne Bailey Rae (the B-Side)
John Wilson continues with his new series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Programme 6, the B-side. Having discussed the making of her second album, "The Sea" (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 4th December and available online), Corinne Bailey Rae responds to questions from the audience and, together with pianist Steve Brown, performs acoustic live versions of some of the songs discussed. Producer: Paul Kobrak.
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14-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - 11. Corinne Bailey Rae (the A-Side)
John Wilson continues with his new series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea. Four years after her number one debut album, Grammy-award-winning Corinne Bailey Rae returns to its follow-up, released in 2010. An extremely personal album, it explored a range of human emotions from grief and loss to love and joy. In a revealing interview, Corinne describes not just her musical upbringing and influences, but also talks movingly about the impact that the death of her husband had on the making of this album. Together with pianist Steve Brown, she performs an exclusive live version of the title track from the album. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, where a new series of Mastertapes began on 11th November.
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13-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: 12.11.13: Robbie Williams (B-Side)

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13-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - 10. Brinsley Forde (the B-Side)
John Wilson continues the series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Having discussed the making of New Chapter, the third album from the UK reggae group, Aswad, Brinsley Forde responds to questions from the audience and performs live versions of some to the tracks from the album which was released more than three decades ago. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, where a new series of Mastertapes began on 11th November.
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12-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: 11 Nov 13: Robbie Williams (A-Side)

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12-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - 9. Brinsley Forde (the A-Side)
John Wilson continues the series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. "New Chapter" - More than 30 years since its release, Brinsley Forde talks about Aswad's third studio album. Formed in Ladbroke Grove in West London, Aswad are the band that put UK reggae on the map. They were reknowned for their fusion of styles including dancehall, funk, hip-hop and dub and for bringing strong R&B influences to the reggae scene. New Chapter, their first album for CBS, was both a watershed for the group and a benchmark for British reggae and it features tracks like 'Natural Progression', 'Ina Your Rights', 'Candles' and 'African Children'. Released in 1981, it went on to influence the likes of Maxi Priest, Soul II Soul and Massive Attack. In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions and that programme can be heard tomorrow. First broadcast on Radio 4, where a new series of Mastertapes began on 11th November.
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08-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - 8. Richard Thompson (B-Side)
John Wilson continues with his new series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Programme 3, the B-side. Having discussed the making of "Rumor And Sigh", not just his most commercially successful album, but also a high point of his career (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Monday 10th June and available online), Richard Thompson responds to questions from the audience. He also performs live versions of some to the tracks from the album as well as classic tracks from his days with Fairport Convention. Producer: Paul Kobrak.
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07-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - 7. Richard Thompson (A-Side)
John Wilson continues with the second series of Mastertapes, in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Programme 3, A-side. "Rumor And Sigh" - Richard Thompson Named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the Top 20 Guitarists of all time, Richard looks back at the making of what is not just his most commercially successful album, but also one of the high points of his career. It was album that earned him a Grammy Nomination for the Best Alternative Music Album (he lost out R.E.M.) and it captures Thompson's obsession with romantic despair and the more miserable quirks of fate. And yet, like all good tragedy, it does not sound depressing - it is instead life affirming. Richard has said that the albums he considered "successful" were those where his initial concept most closely matched the finished product. By this yardstick, 'Rumor And Sigh' was one of his most successful albums, containing such tracks as "1952 Vincent Black Lightning", "God Loves A Drunk" and "Why Must I Plead". The B-side of the programme, where it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions, can be heard on Tuesday 11th June at 3.30pm Producer: Paul Kobrak.
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06-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - 6. Wilko Johnson (the B-side)
John Wilson returns with a new series of Mastertapes, in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Programme 1, the B-side. Having discussed the making of "Down By The Jetty", the debut album from Dr. Feelgood (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Monday 27th May and available online), Wilko Johnson responds to questions from the audience and performs live versions of some of the songs discussed. Complete versions of the songs performed in the programme (and others) can be heard on the 'Mastertapes' pages on the Radio 4 website, where all the programmes of this and previous series can also be downloaded and other musical goodies accessed. Producer: Paul Kobrak.
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05-Nov-2013
Mastertapes - 5. Wilko Johnson (the A-side)
John Wilson returns with a new series of Mastertapes, in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Programme 1, A-side. "Down By The Jetty" with Wilko Johnson. At the beginning of 2013 Wilko Johnson announced a series of farewell UK concerts in March. The guitarist and founding member of Dr. Feelgood has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and he has chosen not to undergo chemotherapy. But before these final live appearances and before going into the studio to complete a new album, he came to the BBC Maida Vale studios to discuss the making of his very first one: Dr. Feelgood's debut album, "Down By The Jetty". Released in January 1975 and including 'Roxette', 'She Does It Right' and 'All Through the City', the album has been cited as a major influence by the likes of Paul Weller, the Clash, Blondie and the Ramones. The B-side of the programme, where it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions, can be heard tomorrow at 3.30pm Future Programmes will include Mike Scott talking about the Waterboys' album "Fisherman's Blues" and Richard Thompson revisiting his best selling solo album, "Rumor & Sigh". Complete versions of the songs performed in the programme (and others) can be heard on the 'Mastertapes' pages on the Radio 4 website, where the programmes can also be downloaded and other musical goodies accessed. Producer: Paul Kobrak.
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26-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Gary Kemp and Tony Hadley (B side) True 25.6.13

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25-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Gary Kemp and Tony Hadley (A side) True 24.06.13

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19-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Mastertapes: Eliza and Martin Carthy (B side) Anglicana 18.06.13

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18-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Eliza and Martin Carthy (A side) Anglicana 17.06.13

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12-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Richard Thompson (B side) Rumor and Sigh 11.6.13
In Mastertapes (B side) John Wilson talks to Richard Thompson about his 1991 solo album, "Rumor And Sigh" with the audience asking the questions
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11-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Richard Thompson (A side) Rumor and Sigh 10.6.13
John Wilson talks to songwriters and musicians about career defining albums. This week in Mastertapes (A Side) he talks to Richard Thompson about the making of his 1991 album, 'Rumor And Sigh'
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Mike Scott & Steve Wickham of The Waterboys (B side)
John Wilson talks to Mike Scott & Steve Wickham about the 1988 Waterboys album, "Fisheman's Blues". Programme 2 (B-side) and now it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Mike Scott & Steve Wickham of The Waterboys (A side)
John Wilson talks to Mike Scott and Steve Wickham about "Fisherman's Blues", the 4th Waterboys album
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Wilko Johnson with 'Down By The Jetty' (B side) 28.5.13
John Wilson talks to Mike Scott and Steve Wickham about "Fisherman's Blues", the 4th Waterboys album
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Wilko Johnson with 'Down By The Jetty' (A side) 27.5.13
John Wilson talks to Wilko Johnson about his career defining album "Down By The Jetty", the debut album of Dr. Feelgood
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: The Zombies (the B-Side)
John Wilson talks to Wilko Johnson about his career defining album "Down By The Jetty", the debut album of Dr. Feelgood
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: The Zombies (the A-Side)
Forty five years after it was recorded, Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone recall the making of the Zombies album 'Odessey And Oracle'. When it was released in 1968, after the band had split up, it was indifferently received. But since it has been described as: "one of the great undiscovered works of the psychedelic era" - Pitchfork; "an album that should grace any record collection... essential" - BBC; Those who have cited the Zombies as influences include everyone from Courtney Love to the Magic Numbers and from the Arctic Monkeys to Paul Weller. 'Odessey And Oracle' (the title was mis-spelt by the designer of the cover) contained only one stereotypically summer-of-love hit ('Time Of The Season') - the darker tones and dramatic third-person feel of much of the album (including the likes of 'Care of Cell 44', 'The Butcher's Tale' and 'A Rose For Emily') makes it sound ahead of its time.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Corinne Bailey Rae (The B-Side)
Having discussed the making of her second album, "The Sea" (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 4th December and available to download), Corinne Bailey Rae responds to questions from the audience and, together with pianist Steve Brown, performs acoustic live versions of some of the songs discussed.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Corinne Bailey Rae (the A-Side)
Four years after her Number One debut album Grammy award winning Corinne Bailey Rae returns to its follow-up album 'The Sea' released in 2010. An extremely personal album, it explored a range of human emotions from grief and loss to love and joy. In a revealing interview, Corinne describes not just her musical upbringing and influences but also talks movingly about the impact that the death of her husband had on the making of this album. And, together with pianist Steve Brown she performs an exclusive live version of the title track from the album.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Ray Davies (the B-side)
Having discussed the making of two classic Kinks albums, "Lola Versus Powerman and The Moneygoround, Part One" and "Muswell Hillbillies" (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 27th November and available online), Ray Davies responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the albums, both of which were released more than forty years ago.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Ray Davies (the A-Side)
Having discussed the making of two classic Kinks albums, "Lola Versus Powerman and The Moneygoround, Part One" and "Muswell Hillbillies" (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 27th November and available online), Ray Davies responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the albums, both of which were released more than forty years ago.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Brinsley Forde (The B-Side)
Mastertapes: The B-side. Having discussed the making of "New Chapter", the third album from the UK reggae group, Aswad (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 20th November and available online), Brinsley Forde responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some to the tracks from the album which was released more than three decades ago.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Brinsley Forde (the A-Side)
Mastertapes: The B-side. Having discussed the making of "New Chapter", the third album from the UK reggae group, Aswad (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 20th November and available online), Brinsley Forde responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some to the tracks from the album which was released more than three decades ago.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Paul Weller (the B-Side)
Mastertapes: The B-side. Having discussed the making of "New Chapter", the third album from the UK reggae group, Aswad (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 20th November and available online), Brinsley Forde responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some to the tracks from the album which was released more than three decades ago.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Paul Weller (the A-Side)
Mastertapes: The B-side. Having discussed the making of "New Chapter", the third album from the UK reggae group, Aswad (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 20th November and available online), Brinsley Forde responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some to the tracks from the album which was released more than three decades ago.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Suzanne Vega, (the B-Side)
Mastertapes: The B-side. Having discussed the making of "New Chapter", the third album from the UK reggae group, Aswad (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 20th November and available online), Brinsley Forde responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some to the tracks from the album which was released more than three decades ago.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Suzanne Vega (the A-Side)
Mastertapes: The B-side. Having discussed the making of "New Chapter", the third album from the UK reggae group, Aswad (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 20th November and available online), Brinsley Forde responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some to the tracks from the album which was released more than three decades ago.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - mastertapes: Billy Bragg (the B-Side)
Mastertapes: The B-side. Having discussed the making of "New Chapter", the third album from the UK reggae group, Aswad (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Tuesday 20th November and available online), Brinsley Forde responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some to the tracks from the album which was released more than three decades ago.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - Mastertapes: Billy Bragg (the A-Side)
'Talking With The Taxman About Poetry' - Billy Bragg talks to John Wilson about how the self-proclaimed 'difficult' third album was written and created with a guitar he bought when he was out shopping for swimming trunks... he explains how a film about the James Brothers helped him write "There's Power In A Union'... and describes how Andy Kershaw's inability to shut up led him to writing 'Levi Stubbs' Tears'. And he plays excerpts from the album live in front of the audience.
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05-Jun-2013
Mastertapes - mastertapes: Welcome
Welcome to the new Mastertapes download series.
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