July 29, 1980 – on the eve of the 1980 Democratic Convention, the recurring trainwreck called Billy Carter, Jimmy’s brother, kept surfacing in the news. Doubtless it was all good news for the Reagan camp, who were making political hay by the ton, but it was still a world of
July 27, 1980 – news from Radio Moscow on this day 36 years ago. The Olympic games, held in the Russian capital, were the big news. Despite a boycott by the U.S., the games went on and Olympic records were set and broken, while America quietly waited until 1984 to
Pulp in session for John Peel – September 9, 1994 – BBC Radio 1 – Pulp this evening. Always a favorite – particularly around the period of this third John Peel session in 1994. With the inimitable Jarvis Cocker on vocals, carrying a bag of razor-sharp lyrics and songs which
Aztec Camera in concert from Glasgow, and recorded by BBC Radio 1 for their In Concert series in 1984. Ending up the week with a desert island band. Aztec Camera were one of the most enjoyable and engaging bands of the mid-80s. Along with groups like The Trashcan Sinatras, a
Killing Joke in concert tonight. From the 1986 Reading Festival, a one-hour set by the pioneers of Industrial Rock. Killing Joke were a very influential band in the 80s. Their mix of Electronica, Goth, and Synth Pop paved the way for a number of bands to follow suit – notably,
Department S – In session for John Peel – November 19, 1980 – BBC Radio 1 – Another short-lived band of the Dawn of New Wave era. Department S were named after a popular 60s TV show. They had evolved from an earlier Punk/Ska band, Guns for Hire and emerged
Modern-English-Peel-Session-Nov.-11-1980 – BBC Radio 1 – Early glimpses of New Wave tonight, by way of Modern English, a band who not only pioneered a new genre in music, but also achieved hit-making cross-over status. Formed in 1979, Modern English were a four-piece from Colchester who bore a strong resemblance to
Au Pairs in concert tonight. Together a short period of time, but highly influential during that period. Formed in 1978 and disbanding in 1983, Au Pairs was led by singer Lesley Woods, who was described as “One of the most striking Women in British Rock”. The band were at the
Randy Weston this weekend, recorded by the CBC in Canada at the Bamboo Club in Toronto. This 1985 solo gig spotlights the highly distinctive style that has made Weston such a highly regarded figure in Jazz. Characterized by critics as a “Griot of Jazz and its African roots”, Randy Weston
The Vapors in concert from Guildford and recorded by BBC Radio 1 on February 11, 1981. Sadly, The Vapors, like many bands from the beginnings of Rock n’ Roll, were often relegated to “one-hit wonder” status – it certainly wasn’t their fault. As is evidenced by this concert, The Vapors
