Mastertapes
86 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 5 years ago - ★★★★ - 22 ratingsJohn Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album, and a live audience also puts questions. Featuring exclusive live performances.
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Episodes
Rufus Wainwright
November 11, 2014 18:41 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBJohn Wilson chats to Rufus Wainwright about his life-changing album, 2003's Want One. Rufus tells the stories behind some of those songs, and sings and performs solo piano. As Rufus says himself, he has no filter. The two meet in a stylishly transformed Maida Vale Studio. Rufus also sings a cappella a song he composed after the death of his mother, the singer Kate McGarrigle. The programme features footage from a young Rufus' first ever song recording, as part of a Canadian children's film.
Rufus Wainwright (the A-Side)
November 11, 2014 17:48 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBSinger-songwriter-composer Rufus Wainwright talks about his breakthrough 2003 album, ‘Want One’. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, Rufus talks to John Wilson. The son of folk singers Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III, Rufus began playing the piano at the age of ...
Soul II Soul (B-Side)
December 10, 2013 15:30 - 25 minutes - 23 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience ask Jazzie B and Caron Wheeler questions about Soul II Soul's debut 1989 album, 'Club Classics Vol 1'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Jazzie talks more about his own roots as a musician and Soul II Soul perform live versions of tracks from the album. Producer: Helen Lennard First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
Soul II Soul (A-Side)
December 09, 2013 23:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBJazzie B and Caron Wheeler discuss Soul II Soul's 1989 debut album, 'Club Classics Vol 1', which included the global hit 'Back to Life'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, Jazzie B and Caron talk to John Wilson. Soul II Soul is one of the most successful British black g...
Edwyn Collins (B-Side)
December 03, 2013 15:30 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience ask Edwyn Collins questions about his 1994 album, 'Gorgeous George'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. With a small band, Edwyn performs acoustic live versions of some to the tracks from the album which he started recording 20 years ago. Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
Edwyn Collins (A-Side)
December 02, 2013 23:00 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBEdwyn Collins discusses his 1994 album 'Gorgeous George', featuring the single 'A Girl Like You'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, Edwym talks to John Wilson. Edwyn is an Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter who has enjoyed great success both as a solo artist and as t...
Natalie Merchant (the B-Side)
November 26, 2013 15:30 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience ask Natalie Merchant questions about her 1995 solo album, 'Tigerlily'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Natalie also performs live versions of some to the tracks from the album. Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2013.
Natalie Merchant (the A-Side)
November 25, 2013 23:00 - 26 minutes - 24 MBNatalie Merchant discusses 'Tigerlily', her 1995 solo album made after leaving 10,000 Maniacs. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, Natalie talks to John Wilson. Completely self-funded (to ensure creative control),'Tigerlily' went on the sell over 5 million copies and co...
David Crosby (B-Side)
November 19, 2013 15:30 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience questions David Crosby about his 1971 album, 'If I Could Only Remember My Name'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. David also performs live versions of some the tracks from that debut solo album and from his as yet unreleased solo album, "Croz" Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2013.
David Crosby (A-Side)
November 18, 2013 23:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBDavid Crosby discusses the making of his 1971 album If 'I Could Only Remember My Name'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, the double-inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame talks to John Wilson. Released in 1971, If 'I Could Only Remember My Name' was one of four h...
Robbie Williams (A-Side)
November 12, 2013 12:22 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBRobbie Williams discusses the 1997 hit 'Life Thru a Lens', his first post-Take That album. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. This is the A-side. Robbie Williams is the UK's best-selling solo artist of all time. But when he released his debut solo album, "Life Thru A Lens", after le...
Robbie Williams (B-Side)
November 12, 2013 10:29 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience questions Robbie Williams about his 1997 album, 'Life Thru a Lens', made after he left Take That. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Robbie Williams candidly responds to questions from the audience and performs live versions of some to the tracks from that debut solo album, as well as "Swings Both Ways" Producer: Paul Kobrak. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2013.
Spandau Ballet (B-Side)
June 25, 2013 14:30 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp and Tony Hadley respond to audience questions about their 1983 hit album, 'True’. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Gary and Tony answer questions from the audience and perform live versions of some of the songs from the album. Producer: Helen Lennard First broadcast on Radio 4 in June 2013.
Spandau Ballet (A-Side)
June 24, 2013 22:02 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBSpandau Ballet's Gary Kemp and Tony Hadley discuss their 1983 international hit album, 'True'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In this one (The A-side), Gary and Tony reflect on Spandau Ballet's third album, 'True', which became a worldwide smash hit featuring tracks such as 'Gold',...
Eliza and Martin Carthy (B-Side)
June 18, 2013 15:00 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, Eliza and her father Martin respond to audience questions about her fifth solo album, 'Anglicana'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. They perform live versions of some of the songs from the album, as well as discussing their work together with Norma Waterson as Waterson:Carthy. Producer: Helen Lennard First broadcast on Radio 4 in June 2013.
Eliza and Martin Carthy (A-Side)
June 17, 2013 22:30 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBEliza and Martin Carthy talk about their critically celebrated 2002 folk album, 'Anglicana'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In this one (The A-side), Anglicana with Eliza Carthy and her father Martin Carthy talking to John Wilson. Together Eliza Carthy and her parents Martin Carthy...
Richard Thompson (B-Side)
June 11, 2013 14:30 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, Richard Thompson answers questions from the audience about his 1991 solo album, 'Rumor and Sigh'. This is not just his most commercially successful album, but also a high point of his career. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. He also performs live versions of some of the album tracks, as well as classic tracks from his days with Fairport Convention. Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on Radio 4...
Richard Thompson (A-Side)
June 10, 2013 22:02 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBRichard Thompson talks about his critically acclaimed 1991 album 'Rumor and Sigh'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In this one (The A-side), Richard talks to John Wilson. Named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the Top 20 Guitarists of all time, Richard looks back at the making o...
Mike Scott and Steve Wickham of the Waterboys (the A-Side)
June 03, 2013 22:31 - 27 minutes - 24.7 MBMike Scott and Steve Wickham talk about The Waterboys 4th album, from 1988, 'Fisherman's Blues'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In this one (The A-side), John Wilson talks to Mike and Steve about the album that marked a distinct change in the sound of their group The Waterboys, 'Fi...
Mike Scott & Steve Wickham of the Waterboys (the B-Side)
June 03, 2013 22:31 - 27 minutes - 24.7 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, Mike Scott and Steve Wickham answer questions from an audience about The Waterboys album, from 1988, 'Fisherman's Blues'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. The duo also performs exclusive live versions of some of some to the tracks from the album. Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2013.
Wilko Johnson (the B-side)
May 29, 2013 10:24 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, guitarist and founding member Wilko Johnson responds to questions from the audience about Dr Feelgood's 'Down By The Jetty'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Wilko also performs exclusive live versions of some of the songs discussed. Producer: Paul Kobrak. First broadcast on Radio 4 in May 2013.
Wilko Johnson (the A-side)
May 29, 2013 09:56 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBWilko Johnson talks about Dr Feelgood's debut album, released in 1975, 'Down By The Jetty'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In this one (The A side), John Wilson talks to the guitarist and founding member of Dr. Feelgood about 'Down By The Jetty', released in January 1975 and includi...
The Zombies (the B-Side)
December 17, 2012 23:25 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, Rod Argent, Chris White and Colin Blunstone answer questions from an audience about their album, 'Odessey and Oracle'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Rod, Chris and Colin perform live versions of some of the songs from the Zombies' album, still held in such high regard. Producer: Paul Kobrak. First broadcast on Radio 4 in December 2012.
The Zombies (the A-Side)
December 11, 2012 15:55 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBJohn Wilson concludes his series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Programme 7. Forty five years after it was recorded, Rod Argent, Ch...
Corinne Bailey Rae (the B-Side)
December 10, 2012 23:25 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, Coraine Bailey Rae responds to questions from the audience about the inspiration behind her 2010 album, 'The Sea'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Corinne, together with pianist Steve Brown, performs acoustic live versions of some of the songs discussed. Producer: Paul Kobrak. First broadcast on Radio 4 in December 2012.
Corinne Bailey Rae (the A-Side)
December 04, 2012 15:30 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBCoraine Bailey Rae talks about the inspiration behind her 2010 album, 'The Sea'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. Both editions feature exclusive live performances of songs from the album. In this one (The A side), John Wilson takes Grammy-award-winning Corinne Bailey Rae back to the...
Ray Davies (the B-Side)
December 03, 2012 23:15 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, Ray Davies responds to questions from the audience about the inspiration behind two classic Kinks albums, 'Lola' and 'Muswell Hillbillies'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Ray performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the albums, both of which were released more than forty years ago. Producer: Paul Kobrak. First broadcast on Radio 4 in December 2012.
Ray Davies (the A-Side)
November 27, 2012 15:30 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBRay Davies talks about the inspiration behind two classic Kinks albums, 'Lola' and 'Muswell Hillbillies'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. Both editions feature exclusive live performances of songs from the two albums. In this one (The A side), John Wilson takes Ray back to the early...
Brinsley Forde (the B-Side)
November 26, 2012 23:30 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, now the audience get to ask Brinsley Forde their questions about the inspiration behind Aswad's 1981 album 'New Chapter'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Brinsley performs live versions of some of the tracks from the album which was released more than three decades ago. Producer: Emma Kingsley First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.
Brinsley Forde (the A-Side)
November 20, 2012 15:57 - 27 minutes - 25 MBBrinsley Forde talks about the inspiration behind Aswad's 1981 album 'New Chapter'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. In this one (The A side), John Wilson asks Brinsley about the album in question. More than 30 years since its relea...
Paul Weller (the B-Side)
November 19, 2012 23:20 - 22 minutes - 21 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, now the audience get to ask Paul Weller the questions about The Gift, the Jam's final album. He also performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the album which was released 30 years ago. With John Wilson. Complete versions of the songs performed in the programme (and others) can be heard on the 'Mastertapes' pages on BBC Radio 4's website, where all the programmes of the series can also be downloaded and other musica...
Paul Weller (the A-Side)
November 13, 2012 15:30 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBPaul Weller talks about 'The Gift', the Jam's final album. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In this one (The A side), John Wilson asks Paul about the album in question, and then, in the accompanying B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live perform...
Suzanne Vega (the B-Side)
November 13, 2012 10:56 - 27 minutes - 25 MBFollowing on from the A-side of this two-part programme, now the audience get to ask Suzanne Vega the questions about her platinum-selling Solitude Standing. We hear how the sound of the album changed from her previous album, as Suzanne decided to bring out the drums and give the sound an edge. Suzanne describes writing the song "Gypsy" for a boy she met at summer camp and how the two of them got back in touch when he realised the song was about him. And we hear how Suzanne has written a ...
Suzanne Vega (the A-Side)
November 06, 2012 16:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBSuzanne Vega discuss her platinum-selling Solitude Standing. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In this one (The A side), John Wilson asks Suzanne about the album in question, and then, in the accompanying B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live ...
Billy Bragg (the B-Side)
November 05, 2012 23:30 - 27 minutes - 24.7 MBJohn Wilson launches a major new series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Programme 1, Side B. 'Talking With The Taxman About Poetry' - Having discussed the making of his self-proclaimed 'difficult' third album (in the A-side of the programme), Billy Bragg responds to questions from the audience. He considers the state of protest songs today, ...
Billy Bragg (the A-Side)
October 30, 2012 17:12 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBJohn Wilson's series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Programme 1, A-side. 'Talking With The Taxman About Poetry' - Billy Bragg reveals how the self-proclaimed 'difficult' third album was written and created with a guitar he bought when he was out shopping for swimming trunks (he claims he still swims naked as a result)... he explains how a fil...