 |
About our audio: the files are 128kbps mp3 files.
Students: If you have problems accessing these files, it may be because of your institution's firewall. Please consult your IT dept. or contact us
Quality ratings: most of these interviews have been recorded on portable cassettes in variable conditions tape hiss and background noise will frequently be present.
|
|
*****
|
broadcast |
|
****
|
good |
|
***
|
average |
|
**
|
poor |
|
*
|
grotty |
ARTISTS
America (1972)
The grits and granola boy-band on the Crosby, Stills & Nash copyists issue, playing live and sharing accommodation
File format: mp3; file size: 14.8mb; Interview length: 16' 11"; sound quality: ****
P.P. Arnold (2002)
On the road with Ike & Tina Turner; supporting the Rolling Stones; 'Tin Soldier' and The Small Faces; meeting Jimi; going out with Rod Stewart, plus countless superstar sessions: P.P. Arnold takes us on a trip back to Swinging London!
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 56.7mb, total interview length: 1h 1' 57" sound quality: ****
Ash (2004)
Ash's Tim Wheeler and Rick McMurray talk about Meltdown, the struggles around Nu-Clear Sounds, Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement... and magic mushrooms!
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 50mb, total interview length: 51' 16" sound quality: ***
Hank Ballard (1987)
From Alabama to Detroit, from The Royals to The Midnighters, the great Hank Ballard tells of Clyde McPhatter, Billy Ward, King Records and 'The Twist' and 'Work With Me Annie'
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 42.2meg, total interview length: 46' 05" sound quality: ***
The Band's Levon Helm (1998)
The Band's drummer takes us from West Memphis nightclubs to The Hawks to Dylan to Big Pink to Muddy Waters, and along the way touches on his break with Robbie Robertson and the death of Richard Manuel
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 81.1meg, total interview length: 1h 28' 37" sound quality: **
The Band's Rick Danko (1995)
A fascinating interview with Rick Danko about living in Woodstock, the Big Pink ("actually magenta") , and working in the Basement with Bob Dylan.
File format: mp3 File size: 28.5mb Interview length: 31 minutes 13 seconds Sound quality: ****
Bill Graham on The Band (and Dylan) (1991)
Über-promoter Bill Graham talks about his relationship with The Band, from their Winterland debut to The Last Waltz, via Watkins Glen and the 1974 Dylan mega-tour
File format: mp3 File size: 28.3mb Interview length: 30 minutes 56 seconds Sound quality: ****
Gypsy Dave with The Beatles in India (1981)
Travel with Donovan-acolyte Gypsy Dave to the ashram at Rishikesh to witness The Beatles meeting the Maharishi. Gypsy Dave is the cynic in the camp, and makes his escape with Ringo and Maureen.
File format: mp3; file size: 19.8mb; Interview length: 21' 38"; sound quality: **
The Beau Brummels' Sal Valentino (2007)
Sal Valentino takes us through the history of The Beau Brummels, from being produced by a young Sly Stone for Tom Donahue's Autumn Records to the Warners years, working with Van Dyke Parks and Randy Newman, and the Triangle and Bradley's Barn albums.
File format: mp3 File size: 31.2mb Interview length: 34' 02"; Sound quality: *****
Beck in Los Angeles, part 1 (1997)
Beck talks to Barney Hoskyns about hip hop, folk, blues and the making and success of Odelay.
File format: mp3 File size: 27.6mb
Interview length: 40 minutes 18 seconds Sound quality: ****
Beck in Los Angeles, part 2 (1997)
Beck talks to Barney Hoskyns about country music, Los Angeles, his artist grandfather, Tom Waits and more.
File format: mp3 File size: 24.4mb Interview length: 35 minutes 39 seconds Sound quality: ****
Bee Gee Barry Gibb (2001)
Barry takes us through the '60s, starting in Australia before hitting Swinging London, hanging out with Stones and Beatles, the drugs and booze, and his close relationship with Robert Stigwood
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 60meg, total interview length: 65' 29" sound quality: ****
The Black Crowes (2001)
Hangin' with Oasis, The Rolling Stones and Plant'n'Page, marriage to Kate Hudson and why they hate Rick Rubin - the Robinson Bros. tell all.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.7mb, total interview length: 54' 15" sound quality: ****
Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi (1973)
From collapsing at the Hollywood Bowl to Geezer Butler's gallstones, via the making of Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and enjoying a nice game of Monopoly at home, the Riff King chats with Keith Altham
File format: mp3; File size: 32.6meg, interview length: 35' 34" sound quality: ***
Bobby 'Blue' Bland (1989)
Bobby Bland talks about his influences, including MOR men like Perry Como and Andy Williams, and about the ups and downs of his career. Oh, and how C.L. Franklin gave him "the squall".
File format: mp3 File size: 15.8mb Interview length: 17 minutes 12 seconds Sound quality: ****
Blondie's Debbie Harry (2003)
Elle ne regrette rien: La Harry on Blondie then and now, NYC then and now, on art and movies, on Chris Stein, and on the latest Blondie album The Curse of Blondie
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 64.7meg, total interview length: 1h 10' 38" sound quality: **
Marc Bolan, parts 1 & 2 (1975)
Marc on life on the road, rock'n'roll literature, his image and clothes, guitars, "chicks", Elvis and a whole lot more
File format: mp3; Part 1: file size: 26.2mb; length: 28 minutes 37 seconds. Part 2: file size: 28.1mb; length: 30 minutes 43 seconds.Sound quality: ***
Booker T. Jones (2006)
The Booker T & The MGs mainman talks about the Stax years, working with the likes of Otis Redding and Albert King, making 'Green Onions', and on to later projects with Santana, Neil Young and Boz Scaggs.
File format: mp3; file size: 25.5mb; Interview length: 27' 5"; sound quality: *****
David Bowie, part 1 (1999)
The Dame, surrounded by some splendid NYC ambience, talks about where he's at today, his workaholism, being part of Tin Machine and some of the personae he has adopted.
File format: mp3 File size: 27.5mb Interview length: 30 minutes 02 seconds Sound quality: ***
David Bowie, part 2 (1999)
DB on being liberated by Hunky Dory, becoming Ziggy, years lost to drugs, and on his relationship with his fans via the internet.
File format: mp3 File size: 24.3mb Interview length: 26 minutes 21 seconds Sound quality: ***
James Brown (2003)
James Brown talks about survival, mistrust, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Invention of Funk.
File format: mp3 File size: 28.5mb Interview length: 31 minutes 8 seconds Sound quality: ***
Jackson Browne in London, part 1 (1993)
On songwriting – the political versus the personal – and the making of his album I'm Alive, his brushes with movie soundtrack songwriting, and his love of pop music.
File format: mp3 File size: 28.9mb Interview length: 31 minutes 35 seconds Sound quality: ****
Jackson Browne in London, part 2 (1993)
JB on the rise of country rock, the Ash Grove and Troubadour scenes, David Geffen, the notorious Elektra Ranch and the singer songwriter movement.
File format: mp3 File size: 36.4mb Interview length: 39 minutes 46 seconds Sound quality: ****
Jeff Buckley interviews Esquivel (1996)
Jeff Buckley asks the questions, and Esquivel gives us a glimpse of his happy half-century of music making.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 40.6meg, total interview length: 44' 20" sound quality: **
Tim Buckley (1974)
From Van Gogh to Hank Williams to Hunter S Thompson via RD Laing and Ray Charles: Tim Buckley on life, America, and all his albums.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 75.6meg, total interview length: 1h 22' 29" sound quality: ***
T-Bone Burnett (2006)
T-Bone Burnett guests on Selvin On the City ( KSAN Underground Radio 107.7, San Francisco), talking about production, the soundtrack for O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Ralph Stanley, Jakob Dylan and more.
File format: mp3 File size: 27.2mb Interview length: 29' 44"; Sound quality: *****
J.J. Cale (1996)
The 'After Midnight' Man takes us back to Tulsa, and on to L.A.: how he's stayed a step outside the music business, how Clapton's 'After Midnight' cover saved his ass, and on the changes he's seen in his many years as a musician
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 41.2meg, total interview length: 44' 58" sound quality: ***
Belinda Carlisle (1987)
La Carlisle on Solo vs Go-Go, Pop vs Rock, critics vs her, choosing songs and NOT being an actress
File format: mp3 File size: 20.5mb Interview length: 22 minutes 21 seconds Sound quality: ****
Roosevelt Jamison on James Carr (and O.V. Wright)
Roosevelt Jamison - friend, mentor and sometime manager - remembers arguably the greatest of deep soul singers, James Carr (and O.V. Wright too).
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 47.2mb, total interview length: 51' 37" sound quality: ***
Johnny Cash, Late and Alone (1996)
Johnny Cash talks to Barney Hoskyns about his health, his religion, his revival with Rick Rubin, and the myth of the Million Dollar Quartet
File format: MP3 File size: 31mb
Interview length: 45 minutes 14 seconds Sound quality: ***
Nick Cave (1986)
The interview was meant to be about The Bad Seeds' Kicking Against The Pricks, but swiftly degenerates into an attack on music journalism in general, and interviewer Mat Snow in particular
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 41.8meg, total interview length: 45' 56" sound quality: ***
Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man - part 1 (1988)
Laughing Lennie talks to Mat Snow about songwriting, meditiation and religion, the collapse of literary culture, and the misperception of him as a Gloom Merchant.
File format: mp3 File size: 22.7mb
Interview length: 24 minute 48 seconds Sound quality: ***
Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man - part 2 (1988)
In this part of Mat Snow's interview, Lennie talks about music as therapy, ambiguity, songwriting and 'My Way': Sinatra vs Vicious
File format: mp3 File size: 28.1mb Interview length: 30 minutes 42 seconds Sound quality: ***
Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man - part 3 (1988)
Lennie talks to Mat Snow about his relationship with the press, Montreal, the idealism of '68, and the rise of the post-punk Cult of Cohen.
File format: mp3 File size: 27.3mb Interview length: 29 minutes 48 seconds Sound quality: ***
The Ry Cooder Interview, parts 1-3 (2005)
From his youth in Santa Monica via the Ash Grove scene through to movie soundtracks and his explorations of world musics: Ry on the music business, his fellow musicians and his politically progressive background and instincts.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 76.2meg, total interview length: 83' 11" sound quality: ***
Ry Cooder (2008)
The meastro of roots and Americana talks about his recent work - I, Flathead, Chávez Ravine - and looks back to the making of his first album and subsequent career.
File format: mp3 File size: 32.4mb Interview length: 35' 27"; Sound quality: *****
Elvis Costello (1983)
Imperial Bedroom vs. Punch the Clock; Emerick vs. Lowe vs. Langer/Winstanley; reassessing his back catalogue and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 83.9meg, total interview length: 1h 31' 41" sound quality: ***
Cream's Jack Bruce (1999)
From Manchester's Twisted Wheel to the Royal Albert Hall: Jack Bruce talks to Johnny Black about the beginning and ending of the first supergroup, Cream
File format: mp3 File size: 23.9mb Interview length: 26 minutes 8 seconds Sound quality: ****
The Cure's Robert Smith (1995)
Johnny Black quizzes the Cure frontman on being childlike, on the album Disintegration, his 30th birthday crisis, stories from the touring front, and the exit of Lol Tolhurst.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 103.4mb, total interview length: 1h 53' 04" sound quality: ****
The Cure's Simon Gallup (1995)
The Cure's bass player Simon Gallup's take on the Lol Tolhurst affair, getting married, plus stories from the road.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 44.7mb, total interview length: 51' 03" sound quality: ****
Def Leppard's Joe Elliott (2006)
Joe Elliott tells tales of the road, talks about his heroes (and one or two villains), and looks back at Rick Allen's accident and Steve Clark's alcoholism and death.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 63.5mb, total interview length: 1h 9' 25" sound quality: ****
Depeche Mode's David Gahan, part 1 (2003)
David Gahan talks about doing his solo album, songwriting and being Martin Gore's mouthpiece
File format: mp3 File size: 28.4mb Interview length: 30 minutes 59 seconds Sound quality: ***
Depeche Mode's David Gahan, part 2 (2003)
The Car Crash Years: On the road with Depeche Mode, the desire to be a rock'n'roll star, the influence of Grunge, and Dog Days in Santa Monica
File format: mp3 File size: 25.1mb Interview length: 27 minutes 22 seconds Sound quality: ***
Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh (1988)
Mark Mothersbaugh on de-evolution, DNA, and the new dystopia, plus retirement and reformation, and the desert that is Los Angeles
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 43.5mb, total interview length: 47' 30" sound quality: **
Bo Diddley (1970)
When Bo's not being a boxer, truck driver, gunslinger, lumberjack etc. he's being A Man - a husband and father, dealing with life in the USA. The Gunslinger tells Michael Lydon of record company rip-offs, dealin' with the po-lice and the very meaning of life itself.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts (plus introduction), total file sizes: 72.4meg, total interview length: 1h 20' 01" sound quality: **
Dr. John with Jerry Wexler (1972)
Kick back around the piano and let Dr. John and Jerry Wexler take you back to New Orleans: 'Fess, Guitar Slim and many more. (And be patient; Wexler becomes audible after a few minutes!)
File format: mp3; file size: 27.3mb; Interview length: 29' 50"; sound quality: ****
Dr. John (1971)
From scuffling in the clubs and studios of late-'50s New Orleans, to his reinvention as Dr. John in mid-'60s L.A., Mac Rebennack tells the whole story - the gangsters, the drugs, the hard times and the high times. And, of course, the music, always the music.
File format: mp3; in 6 parts, total file sizes: 157.1mb, total interview length: 2h 51' 32" sound quality: ***
Elastica's Justine Frischmann (1994)
The Full Frischmann: Starting Suede! Leaving Suede! Not much liking Suede these days! And then the excitement of being in Elastica at the height of Britpop, anticipating recording the first album...
File format: mp3 File size: 34.9mb Interview length: 38 minutes 10 seconds Sound quality: ***
Elbow (2003)
A somewhat wind-blown Guy Garvey and pals on the making of Cast of Thousands, prog rock, Manchester, religion and being stalked by Cameron Diaz
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 88.1meg, total interview length: 1h 36' 09" sound quality: **
Jeff Buckley interviews Esquivel (1996)
Jeff Buckley asks the questions, and Esquivel gives us a glimpse of his happy half-century of music making.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 40.6meg, total interview length: 44' 20" sound quality: **
Donald Fagen, parts 1 & 2 (1993)
On making Kamakiriad, NYC versus LA, favourite grooves and favourite rhythm sections, working by himself and looking back on Steely Dan
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 74.8meg, total interview length: 80' 36" sound quality: ***
Fairport Convention's Dave Pegg (1995)
Dave Pegg talks about Liege & Lief, Unhalfbricking, the departure of Richard Thompson and the death of Sandy Denny.
File format: mp3; file size: 35.4mb; Interview length: 38' 43"; sound quality: *****
Marianne Faithfull (1987)
Clean, sober and philosophical: Marianne, on the up with the Strange Weather album, talks about acting, poetry, the art of interpretation, and addiction and recovery.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 67.3meg, total interview length: 1h 13' 30" sound quality: ***
Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne
On the release of At War With The Mystics, Mr. Coyne waxes philosophical about rock'n'roll, life, drink, drugs, death and the entire meaning of it all.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.1mb, total interview length: 49' 18" sound quality: *****
Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood (1995)
The veteran drummer assesses the career of Fleetwood Mac, looking at key songs from their career from 'Oh Well' to 'Tusk'
File format: mp3 File size: 43.7mb Interview length: 47 minutes 46 seconds Sound quality: ****
Steven Rosen talks to John Fogerty (1997)
John Fogerty on guitar playing versus songwriting, and how he's got better.
File format: MP3 File size: 883.1k
Interview length: 1 minute 10 seconds Sound quality: ***
Kim Fowley (1993)
A brief history of Hollywood (the Fowley version); growing up in L.A., and growing up fast; getting into the music biz, and the calamity that was The Beatles. The King of the Hollyweird Night tells all.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 105.2mb, total interview length: 1h 54' 48" sound quality: ***
Free's Andy Fraser (1991)
The British Blues-rock bass wunderkind talks about joining John Mayall at 15, then of his years with the fabulous Free, including the writing of the iconic 'All Right Now', and Paul Kossoff's descent into drugs.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 40.7meg, total interview length: 44' 26" sound quality: ***
Genesis - The Phil Collins Years (2000)
Follow You, Follow Me: Johnny Black hears from Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks about Phil's joining, becoming front man, and his departure.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 81.3mb, total interview length: 1h 17' 44" sound quality: ****
The Grateful Dead (and the New Riders), part 1 (1970)
Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir from the Dead, plus New Riders David Nelson and Marmaduke, talk about Workingman's Dead and the birth of the New Riders of the Purple Sage, while DJ Ted Alvy spins tunes and tries to keep order. Originally broadcast on KPPC-FM Pasadena in December 1970.
File format: mp3 File size: 24.5mb Interview length: 26 minutes 43 seconds Sound quality: ****
The Grateful Dead (and the New Riders), part 2 (1970)
...in which Garcia, Weir, David Nelson and Marmaduke break out the guitars and have themselves an impromptu hootenanny hosted by DJ Ted Alvy, playing some of your country-gospel favourites amidst much studio chaos. Originally broadcast on KPPC-FM Pasadena in December 1970.
File format: mp3 File size: 30.7mb Interview length: 33 minutes 31 seconds Sound quality: ****
Green Day (1995)
The young pups of punk nouveau phone in about their humungous success, vast wealth, and what it means to be a punk, twenty years after the fact.
File format: mp3 File size: 33.3mb Interview length: 36 minutes 24 seconds Sound quality: **
PJ Harvey (2004)
Peej on making Uh Huh Her, songwriting, minimalism, her rock'n'roll bohemian upbringing, working with Marianne Faithfull and meeting Kurt Cobain
File format – mp3; File size: 26.8mb (1) and 26.9mb (2); Interview lengths: 29 minutes 18 seconds (1) and 29 minutes 20 seconds (2); Sound quality: ***
Ronnie Hawkins
The Hawk recalls rockin' out of Canada with his teenage Hawks - road stories, show business sharks and wild times, taking in Roulette's Morris Levy, Bob Dylan, John Lennon and, of course, ex-Hawks The Band
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 81mb, total interview length: 1h 18' 25" sound quality: ***
Lee Hazlewood (1999)
From Arizona and Duane Eddy to L.A. and Nancy Sinatra: three hours of yarns and reminiscences from the irascible Lee Hazlewood
File format: mp3; in 6 parts, total file sizes: 169.7meg, total interview length: 3h 5' 39" sound quality: ***
Jimi Hendrix (1970)
In the last interview Hendrix did, a week before his death, he talks poignantly about his plans for the future, and looks back at his past.
File format: mp3 File size: 28.6mb Interview length: 31 minutes 17 seconds Sound quality: ****
John Lee Hooker (1988)
An avuncular (if occasionally inaudible) John Lee talks about making The Healer, doing Iron Man with Pete Townshend, his roots, and the state of the world today
File format: mp3 File size: 24.9mb Interview length: 27 minutes 12 seconds Sound quality: ***
Michael Jackson (1980)
John Pidgeon, via a 13-year-old Janet, hears from the King of Pop about how he linked up with Motown, learned about the studio, how he sees his future and his defense of disco
File format: mp3; file size: 9.2mb; Interview length: 10' 01"; sound quality: ****
Mick Jagger (1973)
Ol' Rubber Lips on the reception afforded to Exile, the making of latest album Goat's Head Soup, what current music is or isn't turning him on, and the Stones' place in the scheme of things
File format: mp3 File size: 29.5mb Interview length: 32 minutes 13 seconds Sound quality: **
Etta James (1989)
Etta James tells Barney Hoskyns about her struggles with addiction, meeting Billie Holiday, making Seven Year Itch and staying contemporary.
File format: mp3 File size: 40.4mb
Interview length: 44 minutes 5 seconds Sound quality: **
Wyclef Jean (2002)
From the Fugees to Tom Jones, Haiti's very own Wyclef Jean talks hip hop, crack vs. music, martial arts and Cab Calloway
File format: mp3 File size: 26.4mb Interview length: 28' 50" Sound quality: ****
Rickie Lee Jones (1991)
The boho queen talks about her covers album Pop Pop, songwriting and song choices, working with Don Was and her unlikely friendship with Scotland's The Blue Nile
File format: mp3; file size: 30.5mb; Interview length: 33' 16"; sound quality: **
Lenny Kravitz (1990)
Lenny on being away from home, his family background, the truth about the '60s copyist accusations, Prince, his band, and his Romeo Blue persona
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.2meg, total interview length: 49' 21" sound quality: ***
Patti LaBelle (1987)
The gal with the Big Hair talks about hitting with 'On My Own', the making of her Winner In You album, and fondly remembers the old package-tour days and her time with LaBelle.
File format: mp3 File size: 16.1mb Interview length: 17 minutes 32 seconds Sound quality: ***
k.d. lang (1997)
America's First Lady of Polysexual Song talks about the making of Drag, the art of interpretation, and of her love of all things Burt Bacharach
File format: mp3; file size: 12.9meg, interview length: 14' 06" sound quality: *****
Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones (2003)
Led Zep's bass player takes us back to the riotous days of 1970, and the joys of playing with Bonzo, the folk and R&B influences, and forward to 1979, and Knebworth and In Through The Out Door
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 64.2meg, total interview length: 1h10'7", sound quality: ***
Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page (2003)
Jimmy Page on going through the archives to assemble the monumental Led Zeppelin DVD, and on the early days of the band, on the road and in the studio, through to Knebworth in 1979
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.2meg, total interview length: 49'22", sound quality: ***
Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page (1977)
Jimmy Page on recording techniques, and the formation of Led Zeppelin, with Steven Rosen (1977)
File format: MP3 File size: 1.2 mb
Interview length: 1 minute 49 seconds Sound quality: ***
Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant (2003)
Percy himself on Led Zep's annus mirabilis 1970 - from conquering America and playing the Royal Albert Hall, to "getting it together in the country" at Bron-Y-Aur, and the gestation of Led Zep, then fast forward to 1979, and family tragedy, recording In Through the Out Door, and playing Knebworth
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 65.2meg, total interview length: 1h11'08", sound quality: ****
The Lemonheads' Evan Dando (1996)
Car Button Cloth-era Evan Dando sings 'Don't Fear The Reaper', talks rather a lot about drugs and name-drops remorselessly, to highly entertaining effect.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 68.2meg, total interview length: 1h 14' 29" sound quality: ****
Little Richard, The Quasar of Rock (1987)
Little Richard, on the 'phone, talks about race, religion, Good Works, the original giants of rock'n'roll, and Prince and Michael Jackson
File format: mp3 File size: 20.3mb Interview length: 22 minutes 13 seconds Sound quality: **
Little Richard speaks, part 1 (1985)
Little Richard on the demonic nature of Rock'n'Roll of which, nonetheless, he is King; on how he came out of the American South; on Otis Redding and much more. Hear him sing!
File format: mp3 File size: 26.3mb Interview length: 28 minutes 47 seconds Sound quality: ****
Little Richard speaks, part 2 (1985)
Mr Penniman on God, Gospel, Sex, Drugs & Rock'n'Roll. Phew!
File format: mp3 File size: 21.5mb Interview length: 23 minutes 30 seconds Sound quality: ****
Living Colour (1988)
The Black Rock pioneers debate race, the reclamation of rock by black musicians, and both the tensions and the possibilities contained by the cultural melting pot that is New York's Five Boroughs.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 56.5meg, total interview length: 1h 01' 39" sound quality: ***
Love's Bryan MacLean (1996)
RBP takes a drive around Los Angeles with Arthur Lee's second-in-command, hearing all about the madness, the drugs and the whole Sunset Scene vibe - and the making of the first two, classic, Love albums.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 92meg, total interview length: 1hr 40' 34" sound quality: **
Arthur Lee in LA, part 1 (1993)
Arthur Lee tells Barney Hoskyns about growing up in Memphis and Los Angeles and his dreams of being a musician. Some of the time.
File format: mp3 File size: 35.5mb Interview length: 39 minutes 54 seconds Sound quality: **
Arthur Lee in LA, part 2 (1993)
An increasingly cantankerous Arthur Lee describes a gay near-miss with Jimi Hendrix, rants about hip-hop, and spouts New Age gibberish to a palpably startled Barney Hoskyns
File format: mp3 File size: 50.2mb Interview length: 54 minutes 51 seconds Sound quality: **
Love's Arthur Lee (1974)
Steven Rosen talks to Arthur Lee in 1974 on the influence of the Byrds on Love, and his development as an artist.
File format: MP3 File size: 1mb
Interview length: 1 minute 27 seconds Sound quality: ***
John Mayall (1990)
British Blues legend John Mayall looks back to the start of the Blues Boom; on his guitar players Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor; revisits the Flamingo in Wardour Street; harp lessons from Sonny Boy Williamson and through to living in the USA and that house fire.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 102.2meg, total interview length: 1h 51' 38" sound quality: ***
Paul McCartney (2003)
A long, free-flowing conversation, during which Paul talks about Phil Spector and Let It Be, on his relationship with Yoko and the "who's name first" saga, and the deaths of John Lennon and George Harrison, plus much more.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 75.8mb, total interview length: 1h 22' 44" sound quality: ****
Clyde McPhatter (1968)
From Harlem in the '50s to London in the late '60s: Clyde McPhatter on Billy Ward and the Dominos, The Drifters, Atlantic Records, Alan Freed and the usual trials and tribulations of an R&B artist.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 40.1meg, total interview length: 43' 48" sound quality: ***
Mercury Rev (2001)
Jonathan Donahue and Jeff Mercel talk about band members past and present, and working with producers and arrangers such as Jack Nitzsche and Tony Visconti, plus their very own Dave Fridmann
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 50mb, total interview length: 51' 19" sound quality: ***
Metallica (1996)
The Rashomon interview: all four Metallicas sit down, separately, to talk about the making of Load.
File format: mp3; in 5 parts, total file sizes: 104.6mb, total interview length: 1h 54' 21" sound quality: ***
Metallica's Lars Ulrich, part 1 (1991)
Mat Snow talks to Metallica's Lars Ulrich about his roots, the formation of Metallica, the L.A. and S.F. scenes and the sacking of Dave Mustaine.
File format: MP3 File size: 31.4 mb
Interview length: 46 minutes Sound quality: ***
Metallica's Lars Ulrich, part 2 (1991)
Metallica's Lars Ulrich talks about the Washington Wives, Cliff Burton's death, touring with Ozzie, and Alcoholica!
File format: MP3 File size: 31.3 mb
Interview length: 45 minutes 37 seconds Sound quality: ***
Joni Mitchell at 50 (1994)
The First Lady of the Canyon looks at her past and present, from her Canadian youth through the Canyon days, the nightmare of the '80s and to her place in 1994. Songs, places, lovers, friends, gender and politics. Oh, and Bob Dylan's bad breath.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 111.4mb, total interview length: 2h 1' 41" sound quality: ***
Willie Mitchell, Memphis Magician (1985)
The legendary Memphis producer talks about the rise of Southern Soul and the Memphis Sound, meeting and producing Al Green and making all those fabulous hits for Hi Records
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 46.2meg, total interview length: 50' 30" sound quality: ****
Morrissey interviewed, part 1 (1989)
Part 1 of Mat Snow's monumental interview with Morrissey in 1989
File format: MP3 File size: 25.8mb
Interview length: 37 minute 42 seconds Sound quality: ***
Morrissey interviewed, part 2 (1989)
Revenge is his motive and shaved are his armpits.
File format: MP3 File size: 20.3mb, Interview length: 22 minutes 10 seconds, Sound quality: ***
Morrissey interviewed, part 3 (1989)
On topicality and politics in songwriting, his depressions, and touring and audiences.
File format: MP3 File size: 32.3mb, Interview length: 35 minutes 15 seconds, Sound quality: ***
Willie Nelson in Stockholm (1994)
Willie Nelson – on tour in Sweden – on leaving Columbia for Liberty, his tussle with the IRS, Cowboy movies, songwriting and more...
File format: mp3 File size: 30mb Interview length: 32 minutes 43 seconds Sound quality: ****
Aaron Neville (1989)
The giant of New Orleans singers looks back at his roots in the Crescent City: the hard times and the good times, being a Neville Brother, key vocal influences and more.
File format: mp3 File size: 29.2mb Interview length: 31 minutes 55 seconds Sound quality: ***
Randy Newman (1995)
The Great American Songwriter talks about his childhood, being a perennial outsider, life on Warners, the American South, racism, Los Angeles, Faust and much more
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 69.8meg, total interview length: 1h 16' 17", sound quality: ***
Malcolm McLaren Remembers The New York Dolls, parts 1 & 2 (1997)
From meeting up in London, Paris and NYC, via the Red Guards debacle, to catching the clap in New Orleans, Malcolm McLaren tells all about his time with the New York Dolls
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 54.3meg, total interview length: 59' 19" sound quality: **
Don Nix (1985)
A languid, laid-back chat with the man who was always there: at the start of southern soul in Memphis with the Mar-Keys, on the road with Leon Russell, in L.A. with J.J. Cale and on. On the musicians he knew, scenes he was part of, and on that thorny subject, race.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 81.1meg, total interview length: 1h 28' 39" sound quality: ****
Mike Oldfield (1994)
The Tubular Bells man on his latest album, The Songs of Distant Earth, on using technology, digital vs. analogue, Richard Branson and more.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.2meg, total interview length: 49 25" sound quality: ****
Yoko Ono (1988)
Yoko on her musical upbringing, life during wartime, the avant garde and her involvment with John and the English music scene
File format: mp3 File size: 26.6mb Interview length: 38 minutes 44 seconds Sound quality: *
Roy Orbison (1987)
Roy Orbson on the Travelling Wilburys, the ups-and-downs of his career, the old Sun Records gang, and a whole lot more...
File format: mp3 File sizes: 17.8 and 17.9mb
Interview lengths: 31:08 and 31:26 Sound quality: ***
Ozzy Osbourne Speaks! Part 1 (1991)
In that inimitable Black Country accent, Ozzy talks about his background, musical roots and the birth and death of Black Sabbath. Drugs! Drink! Management Rip-Offs! It's all here.
File format: mp3 File size: 30.1mb Interview length: 43 minutes 55 seconds Sound quality: ***
Ozzy Osbourne Speaks! Part 2 (1991)
Sacked by Sabbath, saved by Sharon, going solo: Ozzy tells all about the ups, the downs, the addiction and alcoholism.
File format: mp3 File size: 30.7mb Interview length: 44 minutes 47 seconds Sound quality: ***
Johnny Otis (1970)
From Little Esther to Big Mama, "The Duke Ellington of Watts" takes us back to Central Avenue: the shysters, the talent, the clubs and record labels; the hits, the misses and the rip-offs.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.6meg, total interview length: 49' 49" sound quality: ***
Van Dyke Parks, part 1 (1993)
Van Dyke Parks talks of his early days in Los Angeles, the folk scene, and the deaths of both his brother and John F. Kennedy
File format: mp3 File size: 32.4mb Interview length: 35 minutes 21 seconds Sound quality: ****
Van Dyke Parks, part 2 (1993)
On becoming an arranger and songwriter, the effects of the '60s British Invasion, the counterculture and the death of the hippie dream.
File format: mp3 File size: 25.9mb Interview length: 28 minutes 18 seconds Sound quality: ****
Van Dyke Parks, part 3 (1993)
Van Dyke Parks talks about being in the studio with Brian Wilson, the legendary Smile project, his own Song Cycle and much more
File format: mp3 File size: 34.7mb Interview length: 37 minutes 56 seconds Sound quality: ****
Phil Kaufman remembers Gram Parsons (2003)
From Mick'n'Keef to Emmylou; from Topanga Canyon to the Joshua Tree: Executive Nanny Phil Kaufman looks back on low lives and high times with Gram Parsons.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.4.mb, total interview length: 54' 01" sound quality: ***
Dolly Parton (2005)
Movies, fasting, fame and faith, plastic surgery, marriage, 9/11 and on being a gay icon: Dolly says more in twenty minutes than most do in two hours.
File format: mp3; file size: 22.1mb; Interview length: 24' 08"; sound quality: ****
Dan Penn (1985)
A short chat with the country-soul legend, talking about writing 'Cry Like A Baby', producing the Box Tops, and on the sadly MIA Eddie Hinton
File format: mp3 File size: 9.2mb Interview length: 10 minutes Sound quality: ****
Wilson Pickett (1977)
After Michael Lydon's swift intro, an avuncular Wilson Pickett talks about his gospel roots, The Falcons, hooking up with Atlantic and working in Memphis and Muscle Shoals.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 42.3mb, total interview length: 46' 10" sound quality: ***
Pink Floyd's Nick Mason and Rick Wright (1971)
A splendid radio interview with Messrs. Mason and Wright in which they talk to DJ Ted Alvy about Meddle, the Zabriskie Point soundtrack, their quadraphonic p.a. system, and playing live. Originally broadcast on KPPC-FM Pasadena in October 1971.
File format: mp3 File size: 33.8mb Interview length: 36 minutes 52 seconds Sound quality: ****
The Pixies' Black Francis (1989)
Black Francis on the telephone, talking about The Pixies' major label debut, his influences ranging from his Pentecostal background to the movies of David Lynch, and his "Black Francis" persona
File format: mp3 File size: 23mb Interview length: 25 minutes 10 seconds Sound quality: **
Robert Plant (2003)
A somewhat wind-blown interview: on digging back into his pre-Zep archives for Sixty Six to Timbuktu; discovering his voice as a young singer; life and career post-Zeppelin.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 63.8mb, total interview length: 1h 9' 44" sound quality: **
Iggy Pop (1999)
Barney Hoskyns talks to Iggy Pop, New York NY, 24 June 1999
File format: MP3 File size: 20.9mb
Interview length: 45 minutes Sound quality: ***
David Porter
The man who co-wrote all those great hits with Isaac Hayes remembers Memphis, and Stax, from back in the day.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 78.3mb, total interview length: 1h 25' 36" sound quality: ***
The Pretty Things' Phil May (1995)
Chief Pretty Thing Phil May, along with manager Mark St John, on the early days of the Pretties, there rivalry with the Rolling Stones, disappearing bandmates and the legal battles to regain their copyrights.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.8meg, total interview length: 54' 27" sound quality: ****
PiL in Estonia, part 1 (1988)
Live Aid? Bollocks! Mat Snow battles the airport tannoy to hear pearls of wisdom from John Lydon and band.
File format: MP3 File size: 16.1 mb
Interview length: 23 minute 47 seconds Sound quality: ***
The Raconteurs (2006)
Raconteurs Jack White, Brendan Benson, Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence on how they got together, making the first album, and their shared love of Led Zeppelin
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 39.5meg, total interview length: 43' 04" sound quality: ***
The Ramones in London, part 2 (1985)
Joey and Dee Dee talk about drugs, playing fast, New York City, and where they come from musically.
File format: mp3; File size: 12.5 mb Interview length: 18 minutes 16 seconds, sound quality: ***
The Ramones in London, part 1 (1985)
Joey and Dee Dee talk about life for da brudders is the mid-'80s, Hardcore, chart success (or not), and much more.
File format: mp3; File size: 30.6 mb
Interview length: 44 minutes 36 seconds, sound quality: ***
Phil Walden on Otis Redding and more (1971)
It's 1971, and the Allmans are on the rise, Jimmy Carter is in the Governor's Mansion, and Otis is four-years-dead: Capricorn man Phil Walden and pals look back at Otis, the MGs, and discuss race and the South with remarkable frankness.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 96.1mb, total interview length: 1h 44' 59" sound quality: **
R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe
Gavin Martin quizzes the R.E.M. front-man on movies, religion, his gayness, Bill Berry's departure and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 46.4mb, total interview length: 50' 45" sound quality: ****
The Replacements' Paul Westerberg (1987)
Replacements kingpin Westerberg on the making of Pleased To Meet Me in Memphis with messrs. Chilton and Dickinson, and on his family background, the Minneapolis scene, hatred of the English music press, beer, football and life on the road.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 50mb, total interview length: 44' 46"; sound quality: ***
Ian Samwell on Cliff Richard (1995)
From The 2i's, Cliff Richard and writing 'Move It', to producing America's 'Horse With No Name', this beat-boom Zelig takes us on a journey through British Rock'n'Roll history.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 61.7mb, total interview length: 1h 07' 15" sound quality: ****
Keith Richards (1997)
The Human Riff on Exile on Main Street, Gram Parsons, rastamen in the hills and his loathing of Oasis
File format: mp3 File size: 27.7mb Interview length: 30 minutes 13 seconds Sound quality: ****
Mick Jagger (1973)
Ol' Rubber Lips on the reception afforded to Exile, the making of latest album Goat's Head Soup, what current music is or isn't turning him on, and the Stones' place in the scheme of things
File format: mp3 File size: 29.5mb Interview length: 32 minutes 13 seconds Sound quality: **
Keith Richards (1985)
Starting with the Live Aid Dylan "fiasco", this interview moves swiftly through subjects such as guitar playing and Jeff Beck's Stones "audition", before degenerating into a row about production methods. Things get back on keel with talk of Exile and Keef's Desert Island Discs. Sound quality is, shall we say, funky.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 66mb, total interview length: 1h 12' 03" sound quality: **
Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera and Bryan Ferry (2001)
The Roxy chaps talk about their 2001 reunion, and look back to the days of zany outfits and VCS3s.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 82.1mb, total interview length: 1h 29' 37" sound quality: **
A Wizard, A True Star: Todd Rundgren, part 2 (1997)
On getting involved with Albert Goldman and the Woodstock scene, recording The Band and dressing up and taking acid
File format: mp3 File size: 39.6mb Interview length: 43 minutes 15 seconds Sound quality: ****
A Wizard, A True Star: Todd Rundgren, part 1 (1997)
On Todd's childhood and early musical adventures, culminating in the formation of The Naz and a sudden immersion in the teen pop world
File format: mp3 File size: 38.5mb Interview length: 42 minutes 06 seconds Sound quality: ****
A Wizard, A True Star: Todd Rundgren, part 3 (1997)
Meeting the Sayles Brothers, working on Ritalin, the Concept for A Wizard, A True Star, building Secret Sound Studio and developing his recording techniques
File format: mp3 File size: 33.1mb Interview length: 36 minutes 09 seconds Sound quality: ****
Ed Sanders of The Fugs (1996)
Ed Sanders – Fug, poet, agitator and all round rebel-about-town talks about his life from the early '60s Lower East Side Bohemia to the late '60s LA of Charlie Manson
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 48.4meg, total interview length: 52' 46" sound quality: ****
Carlos Santana (1977)
Carlos Santana talks to Steven Rosen about his musical background. (1977)
File format: MP3 File size: 427kb
Interview length: 36 seconds Sound quality: **
Scritti Politti's Green (1988)
Scritti's Green talks about making Provision, meeting Jacques Derrida, working with Miles Davis, Roger Troutman and Chaka Khan, hanging out with Kraftwerk and struggling to come up with an album title...
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 55meg, total interview length: 1 hour, sound quality: ****
Sex Pistol Glen Matlock (2005)
From shop boy to Sex Pistol: the Pistols' key songwriter talks about the genesis of the band, the role of McLaren, goin' down the Roxy and the 100 Club Punk Festival
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 42.3meg, total interview length: 46' 08" sound quality: **
Percy Sledge (1994)
The sould legend from the Quad-cities, Tri-states area on Otis, Bobby Womack, his love of country music, and the making of the National Anthem of North-West Alabama, 'When A Man Loves A Woman'.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 74.8meg, total interview length: 1h 21' 39" sound quality: ***
Elliott Smith (1998)
Elliott Smith on discomfort, vocal styles, solo vs. electric bands, more discomfort, playing waltzes and Art, Capital A.
File format: mp3 File size: 39.3mb Interview length: 42 minutes 57 seconds Sound quality: ***
The Patti Smith Group's Lenny Kaye on NYC punk (1986)
Musician and journalist Kaye on the CBGBs scene, the differences between US and UK Punk, Patti Smith and his seminal Nuggets compilation.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 56meg, total interview length: 1h 01' 06" sound quality: ***
Ronnie Spector, part 1 (1991)
On marriage to, and escape from, Phil Spector, being fancied by John Lennon and on being a Ronette - Ronnie Spector tells all.
File format: mp3 File size: 21.1mb Interview length: 23 minutes 6 seconds Sound quality: ***
Ronnie Spector, part 2 (1991)
Ronnie goes to Swinging London, gets hit on by hero Frankie Lymon, drinks rather a lot and writes a book. Top girl!
File format: mp3 File size: 27.1mb Interview length: 29 minutes 38 seconds Sound quality: ***
Candi Staton (2006)
Starting with her collaboration with The Source on the dancefloor classic 'You Got The Love', this fascinating interview takes us back to racist Alabama, gospel, her marriage to Clarence Carter and her time at Rick Hall's Fame, and takes in the years of abuse and drink, and her return to the church.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 64.7mb, total interview length: 1h 10' 40" sound quality: ****
The Streets (2002)
Mike Skinner talks about finding his voice, making Original Pirate Material, writing, politics, getting high and about life itself.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.2mb; Interview length: 48' 13"; sound quality: ****
Joe Strummer (1999)
From Tony Bennett to Tony Adams: Gavin Martin chats with the Mighty Strummer amidst liggers and drunken Finns about The Clash, The Mescaleros, Greil Marcus and why he hates Suede and the Manic Street Preachers.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 106.3mb, total interview length: 1h 56' 08" sound quality: **
Sugababes (2002)
The First Ladies of the British pop charts talk about fame, boys, UK Garage, the Angels With Dirty Faces album and each other.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 64.6mb, total interview length: 1h 09' 46" sound quality: ****
Johnnie Taylor (1989)
Soul legend Johnnie Taylor tells Barney Hoskyns about his background in gospel with the Highway QCs and the Soul Stirrers, Sam Cooke, Stax Records, having hits in the disco era, and finding a new home at Malaco.
File format: mp3 File size: 20.8mb Interview length: 22 minutes 45 seconds Sound quality: ****
Rufus Thomas (1985)
Rufus Thomas, between mouthfuls, talks about his youth in segregated Memphis, Minstrelsy, Ike and Tina Turner and his long involvement with Stax Records.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 70meg, total interview length: 1h 16' 23" sound quality: **
Richard Thompson, part 1 (1988)
Richard Thompson talks to Mat Snow about growing up in North London, learning guitar and forming Fairport Convention. Along the way he meets Sandy Denny and Joe Boyd...
File format: mp3 File size: 35.8mb
Interview length: 39 minutes 11 seconds Sound quality: ***
Richard Thompson, part 2 (1988)
Richard Thompson on Islam, divorce, songwriting, Fairport reunions... and his problem with The Pogues!
File format: mp3 File size: 45.8mb
Interview length: 50 minutes 3 seconds Sound quality: ***
Peter Townshend (1979)
Steven Rosen talks to Pete Townshend about developing his solo style after listening to Jimi Hendrix (1979).
File format: MP3 File size: 842kb
Interview length: 1 minute 11 seconds Sound quality: ***
Marc Bolan, parts 1 & 2 (1975)
Marc on life on the road, rock'n'roll literature, his image and clothes, guitars, "chicks", Elvis and a whole lot more
File format: mp3; Part 1: file size: 26.2mb; length: 28 minutes 37 seconds. Part 2: file size: 28.1mb; length: 30 minutes 43 seconds.Sound quality: ***
Trouble Funk (1987)
Drop The Bomb! The First Citizens of the Chocolate City talk about everything Go Go: the audiences, the live thing, getting energy from the people and the Washington DC scene.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 40.8mb, total interview length: 44' 24" sound quality: ***
Luther Vandross, part 1 (1989)
Luther Vandross talks about growing up in the Bronx and his early bands, his big break working on Bowie's 'Young Americans', meeting Marcus Miller and hanging out with Chic.
File format: mp3 File size: 33.6mb Interview length: 36 minutes 48 seconds Sound quality: ****
Luther Vandross, part 2 (1989)
A master at work: Vandross talks to Barney Hoskyns about producing, recording and singing... and his privacy and sense of self.
File format: mp3 File size: 33.7mb Interview length: 36 minutes 54 seconds Sound quality: ****
Tom Waits, part 1 (1999)
On his new album, Mule Variations; on changing labels; on his formative influences... and on edible slugs!
File format: mp3 File size: 26.6mb Interview length: 38 minutes 52 seconds Sound quality: **
Tom Waits part 2 (1999)
Beatniks, recording, songwriting, Frank Zappa and L.A.... and his first tattoos!
File format: mp3 File size: 24.3mb Interview length: 35 minutes 29 seconds Sound quality: **
Tom Waits (2006)
Tom Waits talks about some of his favourite artists - William Burroughs, Daniel Johnston, Johnny Cash, and being the adult when working with Keith Richards!
File format: mp3 File size: 24.7mb Interview length: 26' 56"; Sound quality: *****
Tom Waits (1988)
Moles at Stonehenge? Umbrellas? Showbiz Shirts? Yes, it's another leap into the surrealistic world of Tom Waits
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.7meg, total interview length: 54' 14" sound quality: ***
Jimmy Webb (1993)
The legendary songwriter on his early years: L.A. cruisin', high school jazz, getting odd jobs in the music biz, playing piano for Johnny Rivers and starting to write songs, up to the breakthrough with the 5th Dimension and 'Up, Up And Away'.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 44.1mb, total interview length: 48' 08" sound quality: ****
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (1996)
The Queen of nouveau bluegrass, Gillian Welch, and her guitar pickin' sidekick David Rawlings, talk about meeting at Berklee, making the fabulous Revival album, living in Nashville and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.2meg; Interview length: 38' 18"; sound quality: ***
Jerry Wexler (1993)
Smokin' weed in the MOMA courtyard: growing up in NYC and the people he grew up with; meeting the Erteguns; writing for Billboard; the early days at Atlantic and working with the great Ray Charles
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 44.5meg, total interview length: 48' 40" sound quality: ***
The Who's John Entwistle (1994)
The Ox talks about the making of classic Who songs such as 'I'm A Boy' and 'My Generation', naming Led Zeppelin, the endless rows, and tells a handful of great Keith Moon stories
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 68.7meg, total interview length: 1h 14' 58" sound quality: ****
Steve Winwood, parts 1-4 (1997)
Winwood talks about the early days in Birmingham, from his childhood through to the start of the Spencer Davis Group, and thence to the stop-start life of Traffic, plus an overview of where he's at now
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 109.4meg, total interview length: 2 hours; sound quality: ****
Stevie Wonder (2005)
From 'Fingertips' to the 21st Century, and everything in between: his classic albums; Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye and Prince; race, religion and blindness; recording and technology then and now... and he sings! he preaches! he does your horoscope!
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 100.3meg, total interview length: 1h 49' 29" sound quality: ***
XTC's Andy Partridge (1994)
Childhood fears, being bullied at school, his first tentative steps as a musician up to the extended trauma of XTC, culminating in his stage fright-induced withdrawal from live playing.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 114.8mb, total interview length: 2h 05' 24" sound quality: ****
The Zombies' Colin Blunstone (1997)
Colin Blunstone looks back at the Zombies, from their formation in leafy St. Albans, via their first hit 'She's Not There', on to package tours of the US and finally to the crumbling of the band and its aftermath
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 106.7meg, total interview length: 1h 56' 26" sound quality: ****
ZZ Top (1984)
A two parter: firstly, all tres hombres on Mexico, Houston, TV Dinners and what they did on their holidays; then solo Billy Gibbons ("The Reverend Billy G"), on the black roots of the Top, his love of Eno and guitar playing.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.8meg, total interview length: 54' 22" sound quality: **
OTHERS
Al Aronowitz (1991)
Hired and fired by the New York Post, having that "total phoney" Andy Warhol steal the Velvets from him, running with Dylan and, extensively, his dealings with The Band – the "blacklisted journalist" Al Aronowitz vents his not-inconsiderable spleen.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 68.7meg, total interview length: 1h 16' 43" sound quality: ***
Ahmet Ertegün (1971)
From his youth as an avid record collector and black music fan, up to signing Ray Charles, Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegün tells the whole story.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 103.7mb; total interview length: 1h 53' 29" sound quality: ***
Stax Records' Estelle Axton (1985)
From Satellite Records to 'Disco Duck': Stax Records' Estelle Axton on the "recording bidness" - pre-Stax Memphis and Sun and Elvis, Rufus Thomas, the Mar-Keys, 'Last Night', Otis, Hayes and Porter, the record shop, and through to Al Bell and the downfall.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 82.4meg, total interview length: 1h 29' 53" sound quality: ***
Mickie Most (1997)
Purveyor of pap, or pop genius? The Rak man on 'House of the Rising Sun', Herman's Hermits, 'Hi Ho Silver Lining', Donovan and lots more
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 42.8meg, total interview length: 46' 50" sound quality: *****
Tom Dowd (1971)
The Land of a Thousand Drifters: Charlie Gillett talks with arguably the greatest recording engineer in rock and soul history about the early days with Atlantic, Leiber and Stoller, The Rascals and Stax.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 53.2meg, total interview length: 58' 07" sound quality: ***
Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff (2005)
The making of The Sound of Philadelphia: Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff on the Philadelphia International label, and working with the diverse likes of Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, Jerry Butler and Laura Nyro.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.5mb; Interview length: 24' 24"; sound quality: ***
Greg Shaw (1993)
Mojo Naviagator and Bomp founder Greg Shaw on his early days in psychedelic San Francisco, L.A. Garage Punk, The Doors, Love and Los Angeles rock.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 82.6mb, total interview length: 1h 30' 07" sound quality: ***
Chips Moman (1985)
The legendary producer gives a history of Memphis R&B, touching on (in no particular order) Stax, James Carr, Dan Penn, Elvis, the fading of the Memphis light and the perils of Nashville.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 78.3mb, total interview length: 1h 25' 33" sound quality: ***
back to LIBRARY
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
If you are interested in the syndication of this or any other article on Rock's Backpages, please email us.
cassette image courtesy of Diane DiPiazza