FT Life of a Song
316 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 6 years ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsEach month FT music critics and contributors discuss the story of a song, from its origins and early recordings through cover versions good and bad. Formerly called FT Arts.
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Episodes
The life of a song: Baltimore
March 06, 2015 16:27 - 5 minutes - 8.03 MBDavid Cheal tells the story of Randy Newman’s ‘Baltimore’, through covers by Nina Simone, The Tamlins and Billy Mackenzie. Credits: CTI, Warner Bros., EMI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bureaucracy: friend or foe?
March 06, 2015 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBThe anarchist and anthropologist David Graeber discusses both the stupidity and secret joys of bureaucracy with the FT's Martin Sandbu and Lucy Kellaway Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The life of a song: I’m a Believer
February 27, 2015 16:56 - 5 minutes - 7.86 MBThe Life of a Song: David Cheal follows the fortunes of Neil Diamond’s ‘I’m a Believer’, from The Monkees to Robert Wyatt to the movie 'Shrek'. Credits: Colgems, Virgin, Interscope, Sony Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The life of a song: When the Levee Breaks
February 20, 2015 17:58 - 5 minutes - 7.35 MBFrom recordings by Memphis Minnie and Led Zeppelin to sampling by Dr Dre, Eminem and Massive Attack, David Cheal traces the various incarnations of ‘When the Levee Breaks’. Credits: Columbia, Atlantic, The Chronic Interscope Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The life of a song: Always On My Mind
February 13, 2015 17:19 - 5 minutes - 7.55 MBIn the first of a new series, David Cheal looks at the song covered by artists from Brenda Lee to Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson to the Pet Shop BoysCredits: Sony Music Entertainment, EMI, Sony BMG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
No wonder Europe is annoyed with Greece
February 06, 2015 16:10 - 43 seconds - 9.18 MBGreek culture taught the rest of us how to live ‑ and it’s not time to write off that particular debt yet, says Peter Aspden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reel lives: Jan Dalley on falsity in film
January 30, 2015 17:26 - 6 minutes - 9.52 MBAs two recent biopics come under fire from those depicted, the FT’s arts editor ponders what compels movie-makers to embellish ‘true stories’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
IP or not IP? Jan Dalley on the Luc Tuymans case
January 23, 2015 17:30 - 43 seconds - 11 MBThe Belgian artist has been found guilty of plagiarism. But intellectual property law is a poor fit with contemporary art's mash-ups, multiples and reworkings, says the FT's arts editor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Florence and the machines: the British Library Sound Archive
January 09, 2015 15:52 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MBPeter Aspden visits the basement treasure-house where recordings of Florence Nightingale, 1940s electronica and other rarities are stored alongside some equally exotic audio technology Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keep it complex: Peter Aspden on art and identity
January 02, 2015 13:10 - 6 minutes - 8.34 MBPoliticians love to keep things simple, at least in their public pronouncements. Artists, by contrast, embrace complication, nuance and imagination – so who better to tackle slippery questions of national identity as the UK prepares for a general election? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cover story: the golden age of Esquire
December 23, 2014 15:52 - 6 minutes - 8.84 MBBetween 1962 and 1972, the magazine set new standards for its industry – and in doing so created the perfect collectible, says Peter Aspden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A new short story for the holidays
December 19, 2014 15:30 - 38 minutes - 52.9 MB'Ambition', by the award-winning author Helen Simpson, is read by Christopher Villiers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2014 Comeback Special: Peter Aspden on ‘Elvis at the O2’
December 19, 2014 15:06 - 6 minutes - 8.75 MBThe London venue’s exhibition of Presley memorabilia is curious mix of the banal and the resplendent – and none the worse for that, says the FT’s arts writer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Loan goal: Peter Aspden on the Elgin Marbles
December 12, 2014 14:05 - 43 seconds - 8.73 MBIn lending one of its Parthenon sculptures to Russia, the British Museum has provoked Greece and exposed the hollowness of so-called ‘cultural diplomacy’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Past masters: Peter Aspden on Terry Riley and Joni Mitchell
December 05, 2014 16:05 - 43 seconds - 10 MBHere today, washed-up tomorrow: that’s supposed to be the career trajectory for musicians in the pop age. But, as two recent projects show, great artists will always find ways to keep their signature work fresh and relevant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kitchen-sink commandments: ‘Decalogue’, 25 years on
November 28, 2014 14:45 - 43 seconds - 8.64 MBBy focusing on the personal rather than the political, Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski created a quietly subversive masterpiece, Peter Aspden says Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hitting the arts jackpot
November 21, 2014 16:32 - 43 seconds - 8.63 MB20 years after the launch of the National Lottery, Jan Dalley celebrates how it has become the most successful form of cultural crowd-funding ever Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Revolution for sale: Peter Aspden on Nike and The Beatles
November 14, 2014 16:05 - 43 seconds - 9.23 MBHow a legal dispute over the use of a John Lennon song in a sneaker advert paved the way for today’s cultural mash-ups – and put paid to the notion of artists “selling out” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Beginnings and endings: Taylor Swift and Sylvie Guillem
November 07, 2014 12:44 - 43 seconds - 8.98 MBAs pop star Swift, 24, takes a stand against Spotify and dancer Guillem, 49, announces her retirement, Peter Aspden reflects on two very different divas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Show us what you’ve got
October 31, 2014 15:56 - 7 minutes - 9.79 MBGalleries display only a fraction of the works in their collections. Art historian Bendor Grosvenor says it’s time they faced down their conservation departments and liberated their hidden masterpieces Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rich pickings: Peter Aspden on spectator apartheid
October 24, 2014 14:01 - 43 seconds - 7.28 MBArt may be essentially egalitarian as it illuminates the human condition – but that hasn't stopped members of the Porsche Travel Club getting special access to the Sistine Chapel. Should we worry if the wealthy corner the finest cultural experiences? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rhythm and bruises: Peter Aspden on Boy Blue
October 17, 2014 13:47 - 43 seconds - 8.19 MBThe FT’s arts writer enjoys the troupe’s dance extravaganza at the Barbican – and explains why the fusion of hip-hop and martial arts might just conquer the world Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rembrandt right or wrong
October 10, 2014 10:14 - 43 seconds - 16.3 MBAs London's National Gallery prepares to open a blockbuster exhibition of the artist's late works, art historian Bendor Grosvenor looks at the chaotic world of Rembrandt connoisseurship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Flux and the city: Peter Aspden on urban art
October 03, 2014 13:05 - 6 minutes - 8.67 MBThe received wisdom is that contemporary art is just what a regenerating city needs, a stimulant for minds and economies alike. But are the wilfully puzzling tropes of the avant-garde really what the public wants? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Happy Birthday, Leonard Cohen
September 19, 2014 13:05 - 6 minutes - 9.45 MBThe singer-songwriter is about to turn 80 – a rite of passage not only for him but also for rock music. Peter Aspden celebrates a musician with a rare talent for staying ahead of the times Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Roll over, rock ’n’ roll: Peter Aspden on Miley Cyrus
September 12, 2014 11:05 - 5 minutes - 7.53 MBThe singer’s New York sculpture show confirms that contemporary art has replaced music as the go-to means of expression for young people with attitude, says the FT’s arts writer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Computers versus connoisseurs
September 09, 2014 13:20 - 6 minutes - 8.66 MBWith their ever-growing ability to crunch data and analyse patterns, computers are valuable tools for art research – but that doesn’t mean art historians will soon be a thing of the past, argues Bendor Grosvenor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, sea and tragic wisdom: Peter Aspden on cultural tourism
September 05, 2014 14:35 - 6 minutes - 8.89 MBOn holiday in Greece, the FT’s arts writer travels to some out-of-the-way ancient sites and wonders whether they still hold lessons for 21st-century visitors – or are just another aspect of vacation kitsch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In praise of boiled string
August 29, 2014 14:30 - 5 minutes - 8.04 MBCourtauld Institute student and arts writer Aindrea Emelife reflects on the current neglect of Surrealism in the art world – and considers what significance the movement might still hold for today’s young rebels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Snap judgment: Bendor Grosvenor on photography in galleries
August 22, 2014 11:35 - 5 minutes - 8.17 MBThe editor of arthistorynews.com welcomes the decision of the National Gallery in London to let visitors photograph works – and hits back at critics who say it will make people look at art in the ‘wrong’ way Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The loser’s guide to movie-going
August 15, 2014 16:35 - 5 minutes - 7.3 MBFilm screenings are becoming ever more inventive, with fine dining, unusual venues and even hot tubs thrown in to lure audiences. But for Antonia Quirke, nothing can match the downbeat charm of a black-box cinema on a weekday afternoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Vintage women: Jan Dalley on late flourishing
August 08, 2014 14:00 - 6 minutes - 9.47 MBDolly Parton, Judi Dench, Louise Bourgeois. . . in recent years, women in all branches of the arts have enjoyed major career successes in their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. But what’s behind this phenomenon? The FT’s arts editor has some suggestions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Graffiti and the gallery: Peter Aspden on Pure Evil
August 01, 2014 09:00 - 6 minutes - 8.75 MBThe FT’s arts writer meets one of street art’s biggest names and reflects on what is lost when underground culture becomes part of the commercial mainstream Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Icons of dissent
July 25, 2014 15:45 - 5 minutes - 5.29 MBPeter Aspden visits the V&A’s ‘Disobedient Objects’ exhibition and reflects on the art of protest in the age of rapid digital dissemination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When violence gets real
July 18, 2014 15:00 - 5 minutes - 7.96 MBAs the Imperial War Museum unveils a £40 million refurbishment, Ludovic Hunter-Tilney reflects on the ubiquity of violence in popular culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The art we deserve?
July 11, 2014 11:45 - 5 minutes - 8.08 MBAs Arts Council England announces its latest round of funding, FT arts editor Jan Dalley reflects on what the language of “investment” means for the art of our time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
‘Downton Abbey’ and the gift of soft power
June 27, 2014 16:05 - 6 minutes - 8.9 MBWhen David Cameron presented Li Keqiang with a ‘Downton Abbey’ shooting script recently, the gesture was fraught with subtext. But what should a post-imperial premier give to his rising-power counterpart? Peter Aspden has some suggestions. . . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
To boldly go: Peter Aspden on Sajid Javid and Mark Cousins
June 13, 2014 15:15 - 6 minutes - 8.86 MBThe UK’s culture secretary is a ‘Star Trek’ fan who wants the arts to be ‘accessible to everyone’ - while the filmmakers of the defiantly highbrow ‘Life May Be’ remind us that there are merits in other ambitions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Outrage sells: Peter Aspden on Banksy and Bond Street
June 06, 2014 11:05 - 5 minutes - 8.01 MBAs Sotheby’s prepares for a selling exhibition of the street artist’s work the FT’s arts writer reflects on shock culture – and the art market’s appetite for it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Marxist melodies: Laura Battle on music from the left
May 30, 2014 14:30 - 5 minutes - 7.84 MBA developing theme in new music sees artists navigating the fine line between criticism and complicity - and revelling in the contradictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Snap judgment: Peter Aspden on the Prix Pictet
May 23, 2014 14:00 - 5 minutes - 7.8 MBThough shortlisted for the prestigious photography award, Nigeria’s Abraham Oghobase has been refused a visa by the UK government. That’s a sorry state of affairs for a country that professes to be in the vanguard of cultural openness, says the FT’s arts writer. This week’s column is read by Alexander Gilmour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Poop and post-poop: Peter Aspden on Hong Kong’s art scene
May 16, 2014 14:35 - 6 minutes - 8.32 MBIn a despatch from Hong Kong, the FT’s arts writer reflects on the city’s ‘Tate bricks’ moment, and what it tells us about the fast-changing status of contemporary art in China Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Faith, hope and video: Peter Aspden on art and religion
May 02, 2014 14:45 - 5 minutes - 7.84 MBAs St Paul’s Cathedral prepares to unveil a Bill Viola installation, the FT’s arts writer considers the potentially enriching relationship between sacred settings and contemporary art Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Just reach out: Peter Aspden on making culture accessible
April 25, 2014 10:35 - 5 minutes - 7.37 MBA brush with institutional hauteur in Nice makes the FT’s arts writer long for the determinedly inclusive museums and galleries of the UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fatale attraction: Ludovic Hunter-Tilney on the screen seductress
April 17, 2014 14:20 - 5 minutes - 4.93 MBIn the 1980s and 1990s cinema audiences were in thrall to powerful women in erotic thrillers such as Body Heat and Basic Instinct. But whatever became of the genre and is it ripe for a comeback? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Art of the unexpected: Deborah Bull on measuring cultural impact
April 11, 2014 12:30 - 5 hours - 4.86 MBThe Director of Cultural Partnerships at King's College London reflects on the growing appetite among artists and arts organisations for evidence about the impact and value of what they do See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Satire without a sting: Peter Aspden on ‘W1A’
April 04, 2014 16:45 - 43 seconds - 8.96 MBThe BBC’s self-parodying show goes too far – in the direction of complacency, complicity and all-round smugness. But comedy can be a remarkable force for exposing the flaws of the society from which it springs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Show, don’t tell: Peter Aspden on documentaries
March 28, 2014 13:45 - 6 minutes - 8.51 MBDriven by ubiquitous video technology, a new wave of films – such as the award-winning ‘Gaza: Chronicles of a Conflict’ – favours rawness and immediacy over explanation and context Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Money trouble: Peter Aspden on arts funding
March 14, 2014 15:10 - 6 minutes - 8.6 MBArt and Mammon are uneasy bedfellows: witness the recent furore over the Sydney Biennale. The solution, says the FT’s arts writer, is for institutions to embrace debates over their funding, not run from them See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Rubble cause: Peter Aspden on ‘Ruin Lust’
March 07, 2014 17:50 - 5 minutes - 8 MBTate Britain’s new show explores our fascination with ruins. But where yesterday’s aficionados looked to the remains of ancient civilisations, today’s ruinous visions are of the future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.