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Mark Ellen, David Hepworth and Alex Gold
Mark Ellen and David Hepworth have been talking about and writing about music together and individually for a collective eighty years in magazines like Smash Hits, Mojo and The Word and on radio and TV programmes like "Rock On", "Whistle Test" and VH-1.Over thirteen years ago, when working on the late magazine The Word, they began producing podcasts. Some listeners have been kind enough to say these have been very special to them. When the magazine folded in 2012 they kept the spirit of those podcasts alive in regular Word In Your Ear evenings in which they spoke to musicians and authors in front of an audience. Over these years they've produced hundreds of hours of material. As of the Current Unpleasantness of 2020, they've produced yet hundreds of hours more with a little help from guests kind enough to digitally show them around their attics such as Danny Baker, Andy Partridge, Sir Tim Rice and Mark Lewisohn. For the full span of the Word In Your Ear world, visit wiyelondon.com. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Amy Winehouse, XTC and the joy of "re-loved CDs"
Matters of high import thrashed out this week include Dylan's Shadow Kingdom livestream, the Thunder Road lyric farrago, Apple Venus and Wasp Star - separated at birth!, the best reggae album ever, laughter on records, underwhelming follow-up albums and why Hot Rats makes the perfect crime thriller soundtrack. Supporting cast includes Kevin Turvey, Philip Glass, Brian Auger's Oblivion Express and Dave "Bucket" Colwell of Humble Pie.Support Word In Your Ear on Patreon and gain access to hours of extra content: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40:0630/07/2021
Word in The Park #2: Lesley-Ann Jones remembers John Entwistle’s riotous funeral
We had our first live event for 18 months on a fabulous, sun-baked afternoon in Holland Park on July 17 and the writer and former Fleet Street columnist Lesley-Ann Jones was one of the four guests (there’ll be a podcast of each of them). These are her crowd-pleasing, colourful memories of Queen backstage at Live Aid, living with Raquel Welch and tea with Bowie at Haddon Hall. The Stones are in there too. @LAJwriter LAJ’s books …https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Lesley-Ann-Jones/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3ALesley-Ann+Jones Podcast …https://podcasts.apple.com/sn/podcast/11-porkys-pals-lesley-ann-jones/id1463527178?i=1000442129335Support Word In Your Ear on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22:4125/07/2021
Summer in the City: Word in The Park presents ... Gary Crowley
In our sun-baked return to live events on July 17, we had four guests onstage at a spectacular outdoor venue kindly lent us by Opera Holland Park in West London, the first our old pal the shy, retiring, hard-to-prise-a-word-out-of-him broadcaster Gary Crowley. Stories here include the time he was invited round to the Clash HQ for an interview (when still at school), the giddying sensation of meeting Paul McCartney and some unsung heroes of '80s pop. @CrowleyOnAir Radio London …https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7z2 Gary's 'Lost '80s' CD box-sets … …https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gary-Crowleys-Lost-Various-Artists/dp/B07L51CSKHhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Gary-Crowley-Lost-80s-2/dp/B093XGSJKWSupport Word In Your Ear on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23:2121/07/2021
How do songs become terrace anthems?
Sports writer and old pal Nige Tassell traces the story of Sweet Caroline, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Yes Sir I Can Boogie – with fond memories of the Tranmere Rovers’ spontaneous vegan chant moment. Other piping hot topics include Dua Lipa and the stolen photo, have you ever booed a band?, the exact number of onstage hours Dylan’s played All Along The Watchtower, the magic of Freddie King and the Jayhawks, does Richard Branson like music?, indie weddings and are there any rap covers bands? @nigetassell Nige’s books …https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Nige-Tassell/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3ANige+Tassell Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
48:2213/07/2021
Flat Rabbit, Mandible Rumpus ... what makes a band name work?
In which we salute Frogspawn Candy, Lord Snooty & his Pals and Steppenwolf, rejoice in the Onion's coverage of Lorde, applaud the return of the Siffleur and pop tunes that feature whistling, back Elvis Costello on song-stealing, have a CD Date Night with the Decemberists and A Tribe Called Quest (while unravelling their Lou Reed court case), and inspect a new theory about the Manson murders. Elvis Costello on song stealing …https://uk.news.yahoo.com/elvis-costello-defends-olivia-rodrigo-150635978.html Lorde in the Onion …https://www.theonion.com/lorde-slammed-and-condemned-because-it-seems-like-it-s-1847175966 Chris Pratt’s former band names …https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=x9obbpaVIvw&feature=youtu.beTickets for Word In The Park on July 17th here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37:5806/07/2021
Bob Geldof: an unmissable hour of insight into rock stardom
Nobody is better qualified to talk about music as he's seen it from every angle. Bob Geldof broke into the Beatles' hotel room aged 12. He saw Dylan and the Stones when he was 13. Radio Luxembourg sent him messages from the ether. He worked out why the great lyrics work ("and the best opening line"). He studied the stagecraft of a host of musicians and formed a band of his own. He felt the lure of "screaming stadium whores and sex on tap". He staged Live Aid. And he ended up a close friend of many of "the people at the top of pop's Mount Olympus". This extraordinary interview has revelations about what's required to be a rock star you may never have imagined. And he nominates some Greatest Records Ever Made. https://www.theboomtownratsofficial.com/ Citizens of Boomtown …https://www.amazon.co.uk/Citizens-Boomtown-Rats/dp/B083MVDKMWTickets for Word In The Park in London on July 17th here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699Support Word In Your Ear on Patreon to gain access to a load of extra content and benefits: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
01:17:1503/07/2021
Rock band gangs you want to join
Matters of high import discussed this week include ... having a 'date night' with your old CDs. Can the one-piece jumpsuit ever return? The whole Billie Eilish apology saga. Do all first girlfriends have names like Deidre Birchwood? What pop location deserves a blue plaque? Why Court And Spark outranks Blue. The Foo Fighters' Bee Gees moment. Rock's second best year. And would you pay $998 to get some All Things Must Pass garden gnomes? Plus James Brown, Black Grape, Chicken Shack, Duckworth Lewis, Tom Petty and Robert Plant's Band Of Joy. And David's mist-filled 30-second reverie about a romance in summer '67.Tickets for Word In The Park in London on July 17th here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
47:1429/06/2021
If the England Squad were a rock band which would they be?
In which we shake down the piping hot topics du jour, among them ... the 50th anniversary of Glastonbury, the genius of Miles Copeland's management method, the new six-hour Beatles movie, Bob Geldof on what it takes to be a rock star, would Oasis have worked in the '70s, why current songwriters are afraid to experiment, and whatever happened to Terry Reid? Terry Reid at the first Glastonbury in 1971 ...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFtPnpDMxyITickets for Word In The Park in London's Holland Park on July 17th here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:1121/06/2021
DJ Princess Diana
In this week's pod we explore whether Apple's new spatial audio is actually worth it, ponder urgent listener questions such as "is pop music all about cymbals?" and "should we be paying attention to Van Morrison right now?" and chat to old pal Paul Burke about advertising in music and why the art of discotheque DJing is a little bit like foreplay.http://www.paulburkecreative.com/Tickets for Word In The Park in London on July 17th here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699Support Word In Your Ear on Patreon and gain access to a load of extra content and benefits: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
51:3014/06/2021
Joni Mitchell's golden month remembered
This week's burning hot topics include .... the 50th birthday of Joni Mitchell's 'Blue’. Songs about the joy of spending "a bankroll big enough to choke a donkey". When Whistle Test went all Tomorrow's World. Books or records: which could you survive without? Is there the Who without Pete Townshend? Films we've watched the most. Music that's unfailingly cheerful. Is "Play Loud" the daftest thing ever put on an album cover? Was there ever a posher musician than James Lascelles of Global Village Trucking Company (in line of succesion to the British throne)? And the sweet story of Gravesend's own rock gods Kinky Machine and their 50-year anniversary video. Kinky Machine's reunion ...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn8MyQH-gu0Whistle Test tackles the new technology, 1983 ...https://youtu.be/iQ76xlMF8r4Tickets for Word In The Park in London's Holland Park on Saturday July 17th here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
47:1808/06/2021
Favourite critics and pop star stamps
In which we salute some much-loved writers (Clive James on Rod Stewart: "he was hopping about like a bifurcated marrow"), investigate the Friends Reunion, predict the next pop acts on postage stamps (a round of Stamp Waddy, anyone?) and tackle the burning issues of the day - aka What's the longest you've ever waited for a band to appear? And who's best: Britney Spears or Taylor Swift (and which would you want to organise your bungee jump)?Tickets for Word In The Park on July 17th here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699Support Word In Your Ear on Patreon for a cornucopia of additional content and fabulous benefits!: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:2931/05/2021
Bernie Marsden on the blues boom, "mailbox money", UFO and Whitesnake
Bernie's memoir - 'Where's My Guitar?' - is just out in paperback and this highly entertaining encounter with the old rock and roll trouper features his early bands (Clockwork Mousetrap, Skinny Cat), Cream and Fleetwood Mac at Dunstable's California Ballroom, auditioning for Renaissance and East Of Eden (then turning the job down), 'secret police' on the Wild Turkey tour, thumping Phil Mogg, Mickie Most's butler and Rolls Royce car phone, sessions for Hot Chocolate, the Spinal Tap moment of Whitesnake's Lovehunter sleeve, the extraordinary tale of his co-writing Here I Go Again and the perils of trying to prise Tony "Dear Boy" Ashton out of a pub. @Bernie_Marsden https://berniemarsden.com/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wheres-My-Guitar-Inside-British/dp/0008356556Tickets for Word In The Park on July 17th here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699Support Word In Your Ear on Patreon and gain access to a whole load of benefits and extra content: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
48:2926/05/2021
The Bob Dylan million dollar 80th birthday bash
In which three old lags who've been following Dylan most of their lives - David Hepworth, Sid Griffin and Mark Ellen - offload a passionate personal theory and fly the flag for a favourite track. As Sid points, "How many times do you find yourself saying, 'Who does that? Only Bob Dylan!'" Includes 'Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues' as a quiz and the three albums sleeves where he wears the same jacket. Also .... the John Lydon/Pistols/Danny Boyle legal stand-off and memories of the much-loved Fred Dellar, the Rock Wikipedia of his day. Sid's books about Dylan ...https://www.amazon.co.uk/Million-Dollar-bash-Dylan-Basement/dp/1908279699Tickets for Word In The Park on July 17th here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699Support Word In Your Ear on Patreon for a smorgasbord of benefits: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
52:1024/05/2021
Richard Thompson on Fairport and Sandy Denny's "Gustav Mahler emotional see-saw"
In which the beloved entertainer talks about his memoir 'Beeswing: Fairport, Folk and Finding My Voice 1967-1975', a rich and circuitous ramble that features Jimmy Shand, Louis Armstrong, a school band with Hugh Cornwell, sitar lessons with Andy Summers, the word game that invented 'Unhalfbricking', the genius of Sandy Denny, the 'backstabbing' folk community, the perils of the British stiff upper lip, a cardboard cut-out of Nick Drake, the Henry the Human Fly photoshoot, disinfecting sheep, the writing of Meet on the Ledge and the enduring mystery of the best song lyrics. @RthompsonMusic https://www.richardthompson-music.com/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beeswing-Fairport-Finding-Voice-1967-75/dp/0571348165Tickets for Word In The Park on July 17th here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
47:1019/05/2021
Burglary and bluebeat in a brilliant new Madness documentary
In which we look at the light-fingered early lives of Camden's Magnificent Seven and the soundtrack of the Pursuit of Love, note the collapse of the BRITs and the Oscars and tell the extraordinary tale of the writer who thinks Bob Dylan's his dad. Plus ... Never Mind The Quality, Feel the Length (long things that only work because they're long - eg the Irishman, the Dead's Dark Star, Lawrence Of Arabia). And... what items of girls' clothing is Alex wearing this week? The Madness doc ...https://www.bt.com/tv/documentary/madness-before-we-was-we-channel-amc-date-music-band-history-trailer Bob Dylan Knew My Mother: Sam Sussman's piece in Harpers ... https://harpers.org/archive/2021/05/the-silent-type-on-possibly-being-bob-dylans-son/Word In Your Ear is back and in the great outdoors, tickets here ... https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699Want exclusive early access to every future Word podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole load of other benefits? Of course you do! Sign up to our fabulous Patreon where deep joy awaits: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40:5918/05/2021
Joel Selvin on "a sylvan moment in Hollywood history"
The great Joel Selvin has just published 'Hollywood Eden: Electric Guitars, Fast Cars and the Myth of the California Paradise', a thumping account of the West Coast pop revolution between 1958-1968 beginning with the rise of Jan & Dean and ending with "the greatest record ever made", Good Vibrations. He beams in from San Francisco, a substantial cigar on the go, to talk about the shamefully uncelebrated Nancy Sinatra's pioneering records (and '57 pink Thunderbird), the Beach Boy who invented the surf market, the "poisonous" Kim Fowley, the genius of Phil Spector and Lou Adler and the rise of Sunset Strip. @Joelselvin https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hollywood-Eden-Electric-California-Paradise/dp/1487007213 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
36:1513/05/2021
Bob Marley RIP (who died 40 years ago on May 11)
In which we remember the Wailers' London shows and what made them unique, salute the fond but sceptical rock photographs of our old friend Ken Sharp, unravel the brilliant mechanics of Jerry Seinfeld's 'Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee', discover why Steve Martin gave up comedy, tell an old Barry Cryer gag and play a bracing round of 'Irritating Electoral Candidate or Fun-Loving Calypso Songbird?' (Lord Buckethead? Attila the Hun? etc).Tickets for Word In The Park here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast, and in full audio-visual glory? Of course you do, you're only human! Make sure you're subscribed to our fabulous Patreon for this and much more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42:0511/05/2021
Rickie Lee Jones promotes "thumping good read"!
Forty-two years after her meteoric ascent, Rickie Lee Jones has put out a memoir, 'Last Chance Texaco: Chronicles of a Troubadour'. And this we strongly recommend, a candid, salty, high-octane account of her breakthrough and early adventures criss-crossing America, many of which were turned into songs. Among her cast of fellow travellers are her Vaudevillian song-and-dance grandparents, Tom Waits, Dr John, Lowell George, Lenny Waronker and Chuck E Weiss, all of whom feature in this delightful pod. As do tales of her famous Saturday Night Live slot, West Side Story, her Beatles obsession (aged 8), the Damon Runyan world of late '70s L.A., current life in New Orleans and the "firece fire of fans who've stayed with me". @RickieLeeJones https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Chance-Texaco-Chronicles-Troubadour/dp/1611856469 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
28:3606/05/2021
Does every act have a gimmick?
In which we're joined by old pal Kate Mossman who's had a colourful encounter with Tom Jones, we look at the legal battle for Nirvana's logo and the bands who sell more t-shirts than records, we're convinced we know why the England Squad don't make football singles any more, we dig out some surely bank-busting white labels and play a round of Hip Hop Star or Character From A '60s Comic?Kate's terrific piece about Tom Jones in the New Statesman ...https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music-theatre/2021/04/tom-jones-interview-i-wanted-be-man-desperatelyWord In Your Ear is back and in the great outdoors, tickets here ... https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699To contribute to WIYE Patron Jeff Rees' time capsule project, email us your suggestions at [email protected] to receive every future Word Podcast before the rest of the world - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole load of additional content and benefits? Of course you do, you're only flesh and blood! Make sure you're subscribed to our fabulous Patreon, deep joy awaits: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
57:0204/05/2021
The eternal battles between Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf
In which we shake down the Bat Out Of Hell saga and Morrissey v the Simpsons, wonder what happened to the Bay City Rollers billions, explore Richard Thompson's theory of folk-rock snobbery, salute pop memoirs that end early and remember how people reacted when Kraftwerk and the Ramones first appeared. And announce our Word in the Park live event in July! ... WORD IN THE PARK TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-word-in-the-park-a-summer-afternoon-of-socially-distanced-storytelling-tickets-152091141699 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:1927/04/2021
On Jagger's ropey new single and what made the Stones a dance band
A world-put-to-rights-special that tells the story of the man who hid in a crate on a three-day flight with only a book of Beatles song lyrics for entertainment, looks at the stupidity of 19 year-olds, considers Rob Lowe’s belief that "there's no point in being famous today", predicts that CDs will become as treasured and collectable as vinyl, and wonders if musicians could still play if as pissed as they claimed to be. Also includes Shit-faced Shakespeare and a round of Song Title By the World's Most Pretentious Band or Artwork By Damien Hirst?Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - plus LOTS more? Of course you do, you're only human! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
53:5022/04/2021
Tessa Norton and Bob Stanley on the folklore of the Fall
Tessa and Bob are lifelong Mark E Smith devotees and have just published 'Excavate: the Wonderful And Frightening World of The Fall', a collection of essays inspired by the band’s unique and eternally beguiling back catalogue and divinely cranky modus operandi - along with artwork, ephemera, lyrics sheets, letters to fans and self-written press releases. It's an atlas that navigates the Fall’s outer reaches rather than an investigation of the man himself "as you can't look directly at the sun". This terrific free-wheeling conversation touches on football, architecture, working men's clubs, self-made mythology, the nature of Fall fans, the powerful impact of Kenny Everett's World's Worst Records Show album and the plastic carrier-bag left onstage that Tessa still has 25 years later. @rocking_bob @tessanorton https://www.amazon.co.uk/Excavate-Wonderful-Frightening-World-Fall-ebook/dp/B0873XZ21B Yeah Yeah Yeah by Bob Stanley …https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yeah-Story-Modern-Pop/dp/0571322409/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&qid=1617954172&refinements=p_27%3ABob+Stanley&s=books&sr=1-4 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:0917/04/2021
Original gangs that are still together
In which David delivers a tremulous rant about the curse of the two-minutes' silence at sport events, we note the Duke of Edinburgh's Beatles connection, rummage through the BBC's 'black box', salute the longest-lasting line-ups (Damned, Golden Earring, ZZ Top, Blind Boys of Alabama?), weep at the worst rock and roll tattoos, remember the Bowie album with three different covers and play 'Oi! band member or friend of the Krays?' and 'no-frills Seventies drummer or cast member of Corrie?'Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
46:4112/04/2021
What pop music will still be around in 200 years' time?
In which we applaud Paul Simon's light-fingered songwriting skills, delight in the fake Roxy Music rejection letter, trace the origins of rock's black uniform (which Keith Richards reckons has it roots in cowboy movies), discover powerful new chemical benefits from being in bands, reveal the Spandau Ballet hit based on If I Had A Hammer, hear Philip Roth's advice to an aspiring novelist and play rock band or children's entertainment option (Angry Beavers?).Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
56:0706/04/2021
"It ain’t 'alf been a gas this time!"
In which we play theatrical moments from great live albums - Humble Pie, ELP, the Stones, James Brown, Sinatra & Count Basie, Free, the Who, the Allman Brothers ("Whipping Post!") - relive the wit and wisdom of James Blunt on Twitter, examine the raw agony of having a rock star as a parent (warning: Eve Hewson's Bono story involves public dancing to the Backstreet Boys in a dressing-gown) and reveal whose tour rider includes "oxygen tanks and a doctor available to give mid-set B-12 injections".Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:5129/03/2021
A 1971 Special on Nick Drake and Led Zeppelin at the Nottingham Boat Club
In which we're joined by old pal Trevor Dann who was one of the 200 people sitting on the floor of the Nottingham Boat Club 50 years ago hearing the unreleased Stairway To Heaven ("maximum volume as it was on the river and there were no houses next door"). Plus memories of Nick Drake in 1971 (Trevor wrote the memoir Darker Than The Deepest Sea) - the underwhelming live shows, the mistakes on his album sleeves, the family tensions, why his legend is still expanding and what he might be doing if he was still with us today. And ... the Stack Waddy game: real or fake Half Man Half Biscuit tracks (Eamonn Holmes Under The Hammer?) and Indie Rock Band or lower league football team? @TrevorDannTrevor's excellent Nick Drake memoir ...https://www.amazon.co.uk/Darker-Than-Deepest-Sea-Search/dp/0749951338Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:3625/03/2021
The enduring magic of the mixtape
In which we relive the joys of cassette mixtape pop snobbery, discover a rock star's mum who was a WW2 secret agent, name the best songs about mothers, salute Tony "Ian Faith" Hendra RIP and his part in Spinal Tap (and his National Lampoon gags eg 'Yoko Is A Concept By Which We Measure our Pain'), note the coded messages in Dylan's 'Bringing It All Back Home' sleeve and play 'Lee Perry Tune or Item of Jamaican Cuisine?'Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
47:4115/03/2021
The undignified history of the Ponytail In Rock
In which we salute Chris Barber and Bunny Wailer, listen to Robert Fripp's £80-a-pop personal message service, marvel at the Kings Of Leon's new crypto-currency, relive the agony of the Bob Harris vinyl flood, wonder if Bob Weir's was the only decent rock ponytail, reconnect with the Drifters, Lonnie Donegan and Lewis Taylor ("the great undiscovered jewel of 20th C popular music"), and play 'Van Morrison song or Richard Littlejohn headline?', 'Oasis track or children's book?' and '50s wrestler or member of the Bonzo Dog Band?'.Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast (and in full audio-visual glory!) alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
57:0608/03/2021
Happy 50th, Nick Drake and the Stones 'farewell' tour!
In which we try the Obama/Springsteen pod, view astonishing footage of Sinatra recording in 1965, watch films we've never seen (eg "Life Of Brian" - merchandise at the stoning scene? "Two rocks and a bag of gravel"), remember the Stones' satin-clad tax-dodging flit to the south of France, applaud the greatest one-man albums ever made, and play 'Children's book or rare psychedelic single?', 'European rave palace or Gwyneth Paltrow lifestyle accessory' and 'Spot the fake DJ' (Spinston Churchill?).WIYE Merch: http://www.wiyelondon.com/merchFrank Sinatra recording in 1965 ...https://www.openculture.com/2017/04/watch-frank-sinatra-record-it-was-a-very-good-year-in-the-studio-in-1965.htmlWorking with Frank ... https://youtu.be/ogC-D3jneGECilla recording with Burt Bacharach ...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj7-saWB4eQWant exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast (and in full audio-visual glory!) alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
01:00:4801/03/2021
A guided tour chez Dolly Parton!
In the event of the temporary indisposition of Mr Mark Henry Ellen his part is taken for today's podcast by Mr Alexander Karl Gold and he and David Hepworth talk on the subject of which other songwriter-band leaders might arguably give Ray Davies a run for his money when it comes to sustained creation of brilliant singles, what it's like to go to Dolly Parton's home town and the contrasting accounts of the popular song experience which are available in the films "Framing Britney" and "Travelling For A Living" (https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-travelling-for-a-living-1966-online), a 1966 film of life with the Watersons. Plus, of course, the Stackwaddy Game.Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
46:0823/02/2021
The Greatest Love Songs Ever Written
... a Valentine's Day Special (which naturally involves Jackie DeShannon and Lucinda Williams), the curious case of Bruce Springsteen, the Jeep ad and the shot of tequila, and the 50th birthday of Tapestry. Plus Stack Waddy: 'leafy English village or colourful minor celebrity?' and 'Tom Waits track or story by Damon Runyon?'Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
46:3215/02/2021
Tom Lehrer, payola and the Midnight Train to Georgia
In which we navigate by way of pay-for-play bribery, Elvis Costello's mum, the songs the Bonzos taught us, the man who helped cook the Beatles' books, the eternal trials of posh pop stars, and Farrah Fawcett-Majors and the story of the Midnight Plane To Houston. And play 'Pulp song or episode of Are You Being Served?'The Bee Gees record a message for Pete Paphides' ansaphone in 1997 ...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcKi3-pYutQ&lc=UgwqHWpFK3w9utgLeH54AaABAg&feature=em-commentsWant exclusive access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42:5908/02/2021
The story about Phil Collins, George Harrison and the congas ...
In which the conversational spotlight alights upon the great Hilton Valentine (RIP), adventures with the KLF, Phil Collins' disastrous session for All Things Must Pass, DJ EZ's marathon, Clare Torry on the Great Gig In The Sky, Carey Mulligan v Variety magazine and John Otway's version of House of the Rising Sun. Plus be prepared to play ... "Rave DJ or Household Cleaning Product?" and "Queen track or fantasy novel by George RR 'Games Of Thrones' Martin?".Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast (and in full audio-visual glory!) alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
58:2801/02/2021
Where Dolly and Phil Spector meet PG Wodehouse ...
A snow-filled scenic ramble featuring the appeal of Dolly Parton for the under-fives, the Cilla Black/Phil Spector chart battle of '65 (and Phil's unsettling appearance at the Q Awards), a John Lennon birthday lunch in Paris, the post-Brexit future for musicians on tour, Midge Ure, Tucky Buzzard and Eddie Izzard ... plus a bracing round of 'Wodehouse character or rock musician?' and 'Morrissey song title or quote from Oscar Wilde?'.Midge Ure on the impact of Brexit on touring the EUhttps://twitter.com/BBCSounds/status/1352594601434099716Want exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
55:2327/01/2021
It's all gone Sea Shanty!
In which we're joined by Sam Pope - the man who shantyised Eminem - on the new mass appeal of seafaring folk tunes, applaud the value of Happy Music (and name the tracks that never let you down), wonder why no-one's made a biopic about Fleetwood Mac, Blondie or the Ramones, and watch Fran Lebowitz in Pretend It's A City and wish we could have had breakfast with Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington. And play 'Film noir or Springsteen song?' and 'Reggae soundsystem or Marvel superhero?'.Sam Pope on Tik Tok and Instagram - @sampopemusicWant exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast (and in full audio-visual glory!) alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49:0918/01/2021
Neil Young and the concert that invented 'the whoop'
In which we tell the story of James Taylor's tattoo, Bowie's coded message to Hermione, Tracy Chapman v Nicki Ninaj, Gerry Marsden stealing George Harrison's girlfriend, and the real life girls from Valerie and My Sharona - plus bracing rounds of 'Republican Senator or Country Music star?' and 'Joanna Newsom song title or vegetarian restaurant in Brighton?'. And the lost Wombles-style Oasis tribute album (What's the Story) Tobermory?. James Taylor's tattoo story is at 4.20 ...https://youtu.be/ouR_PDffp40Want exclusive early access to each and every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do! Make sure you're signed up to our fabulous Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42:4111/01/2021
The priceless mishaps of Fleetwood Mac
Surely the only podcast on God’s Earth that covers Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera, Pulp’s Disco 2000, Zulu, voter fraud in Citizen Kane, Mother’s club in Birmingham, Prudence Farrow, the Alan Parsons Project, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly!, the Maharishi, ‘Lennon Remembers’, Gothmog (lieutenant of Morgul) and ‘Is it a craft beer or a Mercury Prize Nominee?’ The Beatles recording of ‘There You Go Eddy’, a song about Hunter Davies …https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=beatles+there+you+are+eddy+youtube&docid=608013219034040298&mid=427E49A4B90193F58E80427E49A4B90193F58E80&view=detail&FORM=VIRE Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
44:2007/01/2021
To the sunlit uplands of the new Let It Be movie!
Surely the only podcast that's ever included tantalising Beatles film outtakes, the knock-down sale of Michael Jackson's Neverland, 'the Great Fatsby' by Leslie West, Frank Sinatra, E17 with sleigh bells and and Ladbaby's We Built This City On Sausage Rolls. Plus we play energetic rounds of 'Farrow & Ball paint colour or Tyrannosaurus Rex track?' and 'Lilith Fair acoustic act or Lush beauty product'?Want exclusive early access to this - and every future - Word Podcast, and in full audio-visual glory, alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do. Make sure you're signed up to our fantastic Patreon for all this and more. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
45:2728/12/2020
*EARLY ACCESS* Word Podcast 365 - to the sunlit uplands of the new Let It Be movie!
Surely the only podcast that's ever included tantalising Beatles film outtakes, the knock-down sale of Michael Jackson's Neverland, 'the Great Fatsby' by Leslie West, Frank Sinatra, E17 with sleigh bells and and Ladbaby's We Built This City On Sausage Rolls. Plus we play energetic rounds of 'Farrow & Ball paint colour or Tyrannosaurus Rex track?' and 'Lilith Fair acoustic act or Lush beauty product'? Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
00:0027/12/2020
Word Podcast 364 - in stout defence of the Bee Gees
In which we dust down a great new Bee Gees doc (How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?), applaud Bill Bailey, remember the absurdity of the Best Guitarist polls (and then name our favourite guitarists), mine the folklore of John Le Carre for possible band names (the Scalphunters, Madame Ostrakova), shake down the ‘river of dimes’ world of music copyright, and play a bracing round of ‘Black Metal Band or Item Of IKEA Furniture? Bill Bailey doing U2 having a Catastrophic Technical Failure …https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=bill+bailey+impression+of+U2++youtube&docid=608004010494658780&mid=093D1A58807BF3F7B1D8093D1A58807BF3F7B1D8&view=detail&FORM=VIRE And his impression of Billy Bragg …https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=bill+bailey+billy+bragg+youtbe&docid=608046294460467055&mid=933388ED5A44F42CF025933388ED5A44F42CF025&view=detail&FORM=VIREWant exclusive early access to every future Word Podcast - and in full audio-visual glory! - alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining content and benefits? Of course you do. Make sure you're signed up to our fantastic Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
48:5521/12/2020
*EARLY ACCESS* Word Podcast 364 - in stout defence of the Bee Gees
In which we dust down a great new Bee Gees doc (How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?), applaud Bill Bailey, remember the absurdity of the Best Guitarist polls (and then name our favourite guitarists), mine the folklore of John Le Carre for possible band names (the Scalphunters, Madame Ostrakova), shake down the ‘river of dimes’ world of music copyright, and play a bracing round of ‘Black Metal Band or Item Of IKEA Furniture? Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
00:0020/12/2020
Word Podcast 363 - $300m for Dylan catalogue "a bargain"
In which we salute the Taylor Swift publicity machine and the "sixth Stone" Ian Stewart, marvel at the money-spinning value of song copyrights (Dylan, Gershwin, Third Man Theme etc), listen to albums in the dark, point up McCartney's superhuman achievement on June 14 1965 and spot fictitious music magazines (the Amazing Pudding?) and emo bands (Moose Blood?). Ian Leslie's 64 Reasons To Celebrate Paul McCartney ...https://ianleslie.substack.com/p/64-reasons-to-celebrate-paul-mccartneyWant exclusive early access to this - and every future - Word Podcast alongside a whole host of additional exciting, enlightening and entertaining benefits? Of course you do. Make sure you're subscribed to our fantastic Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
47:0814/12/2020
*EARLY ACCESS* Word Podcast 363 - $300m for Dylan catalogue officially "a bargain"
In which we salute the Taylor Swift publicity machine and the "sixth Stone" Ian Stewart, marvel at the money-spinning value of song copyrights (Dylan, Gershwin, Third Man Theme etc), listen to albums in the dark, point up McCartney's superhuman achievement on June 14 1965 and spot fictitious music magazines (the Amazing Pudding?) and emo bands (Moose Blood?). Ian Leslie's 64 Reasons To Celebrate Paul McCartney ...https://ianleslie.substack.com/p/64-reasons-to-celebrate-paul-mccartney Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
00:0013/12/2020
Word Podcast 362 - does anyone form a band any more?
Choice items discussed include Dua Lipa's 5-million-tickets-sold online show, the full list of Altamont catastrophes, the magic of the rock press 'on the road' feature, Maslow's hierarchy of needs (oh yes!), Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter's move into military defence and US Spy Satellites, David's disastrous cinema outing, whether going to gigs is now largely about the 'being there' on social media, cult Xmas singles and the mystery of Griselda Pugh & the Horses of Instruction.Want to receive this - and every future - Word podcast before the rest of the word, and in full audio-visual glory, alongside a whole host of other exciting, enlightening and entertaining benefits? Of course you do. Make sure you're signed up to our fantastic Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49:5507/12/2020
Word Podcast 362 (audio version) - does anyone form a band any more?
Choice items discussed include Dua Lipa's 5-million-tickets-sold online show, the full list of Altamont catastrophes, the magic of the rock press 'on the road' feature, Maslow's hierarchy of needs (oh yes!), Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter's move into military defence and US Spy Satellites, David's disastrous cinema outing, whether going to gigs is now largely about the 'being there' on social media, cult Xmas singles and the mystery of Griselda Pugh & the Horses of Instruction. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
00:0006/12/2020
Word Podcast 361 - & when did YOU last listen to Apple Jam?
In which we look at pop conspiracy theories (eg Britney Spears), the Christmas songs that work for 2020, the 36 different versions of the new McCartney album, the howling mundanity of Arsene Wenger's Desert Island Discs, folk box-sets made in China, Gary Barlow in Sainsbury's, "America's truth crisis" and mangled celebrity band names. And the time David spent Christmas alone. The #FreeBritney story in Vanity Fair …https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/11/the-oracle-of-britney-spears The ‘Harry Smith B Sides’ in the New York Times ...https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/14/arts/music/anthology-of-american-folk-music.html Nick Lowe’s ‘Christmas At The Airport’ …https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQoVB3Rd28E Davitt Sigerson’s It’s A Big Country … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDXZsydJU2cWant to receive this - and every future - Word Podcast before the rest of the world, and in full audio-visual glory, alongside a whole host of other exciting, enlightening and entertaining benefits? Of course you do. Make sure you're signed up to our fantastic Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
54:1230/11/2020
*EARLY ACCESS* Word Podcast 361 - and when did YOU last listen to 'Apple Jam'?
In which we look at pop conspiracy theories (Britney Spears!), the Christmas songs that work for 2020, the 36 versions of the new McCartney album, the howling mundanity of Arsene Wenger's Desert Island Discs, folk box-sets made in China, Gary Barlow in Sainsbury's, "America's truth crisis" and mangled celebrity band names. The #FreeBritney story in Vanity Fair …https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/11/the-oracle-of-britney-spears The ‘Harry Smith B Sides’ in the New York Times ...https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/14/arts/music/anthology-of-american-folk-music.html Nick Lowe’s ‘Christmas At The Airport’ …https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQoVB3Rd28E Davitt Sigerson’s It’s A Big Country …https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDXZsydJU2c Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
00:0029/11/2020
Word Podcast 360 - George Clooney's $14m hand-out: the Movie
In which we fantasise about what happened after Clooney gave 14 friends $1m in cash, note the sale of Dylan's private letters, miss the great North London record shops, unravel Radio 1 v the Pogues, pitch pop stars' dogs against Nigerian Highlife entertainers and name the second greatest Christmas record ever made.--------------Want to receive this - and every future - Word Podcast before the rest of the world, and in full audio-visual glory, in addition to a whole host of other exciting, enlightening and entertaining benefits? Of course you do. Make sure you're signed up to our fantastic Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
46:3823/11/2020
*EARLY ACCESS* Word Podcast 360 - 'George Clooney's $14m hand-out: the Movie!'
In which we fantasise about what happened after Clooney gave 14 friends $1m in cash, note the sale of Dylan's private letters, miss the great North London record shops, unravel Radio 1 v the Pogues, pitch pop stars' dogs against Nigerian Highlife entertainers and name the second greatest Christmas record ever made.Bob Dylan chronological playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4yakVhk1BBXS3nXUEMh1RR?si=qRSBLUjPRzCdC97yreie_g Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
00:0022/11/2020
Word Podcast 359 - for the love of Bo Diddley
Acts that wrote songs about themselves (Animals, Monkees, Manfreds, Devo, NWA, Ants etc), Lloyd Cole does handwritten lyrics to order, the welding of Bob Dylan, Des O'Connor's UK tour with Buddy Holly, the West Wing v The Thick Of It, amusingly named skate-punk bands and does Terminator X own a black ostrich stud farm in North Carolina?Want to receive this - and indeed every future - Word Podcast before the rest of the world, and in full audio-visual glory, alongside a whole host of other exciting, enlightening and entertaining benefits? Of course you do. Make sure you're signed up to our fantastic Patreon for all this and more: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
48:0417/11/2020