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E35: P. Funk Special + Hal David audio with Lloyd Bradley and Tom Vickers Jul 12, 2019

Show notes

In this week's episode, Mark and Barney are joined by not one but two guests. Lloyd Bradley and Tom Vickers tell the story of how they first met, Lloyd blagging his way into a singles-reviewing session with George Clinton at Blues and Soul magazine when Tom was Parliament's publicist and self-dubbed "Minister of Information". This gives rise to a lengthy discussion about all things Parliamentary and Funkadelical, with Lloyd explaining how he morphed from sneaking into gigs to a long and illustrious career as a music journalist and author.

The four men hear a clip from the week's new audio interview, a 1999 conversation with Hal David, the brilliant lyricist for Burt Bacharach's pop masterpieces. Hal reminisces about demo'ing 'Make It Easy on Yourself' with Dionne Warwick – and recalls her subsequent disappointment when the song went to Jerry Butler.

Mark presents the highlights from the articles added to the archive, including Jimmy Page waxing astrological, Mick Jagger feeling intellectually-limited, and Eminem being booed off stage in London — leading the group to debate whether, and how, hip-hop can be successful in large venues.

Lloyd Bradley's website is lloydbradley.net, where you can find details of his books Bass Culture and Sounds Like London.

Tom Vickers' website is tomvickers.com, where you can find information about his writing and excerpts from Tales from the Tour Bus.

Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie

Pieces discussed: George Clinton, Hot House, Soul II Soul's Jazzie B, Hal David audio, Fats Domino, Jimmy Page, Albert Ayler, Barry White, Mick Jagger, Keith Moon R.I.P., Cerys Matthews/Catatonia, Eminem live at the Astoria

E34: Amy Linden on Amy Winehouse + Kanye West + Nico + Bobby Womack Jul 05, 2019

Show notes

In this week's episode, Mark Pringle and Barney Hoskyns welcome special guest Amy Linden to reminisce about reading Creem at her local library and falling in with the punk scene in San Francisco in the late '70s... and then about writing for Vibe, Spin and XXL. Amy shares stories of chasing Amy Winehouse and detesting Kanye West.

The trio listen to excerpts from a 1976 Bobby Womack audio interview in which the maverick soul man – who died five years ago this week – talks about recording at Muscle Shoals with white musicians and tells of how Wilson Pickett's voice replaced his own on early recordings for Atlantic Records.

Ahead of the opening of Maxine Peake's Nico Project in Manchester, the former Christa Päffgen is featured as artist of the week on RBP, sparking discussion of a late interview in which she claims she'd like to be a farmer – or the captain of a ship.

Finally, Mark presents archive highlights that include an account of what it's like to play a Rolling Stones gig (supposedly penned by Brian Jones), a Randy Newman interview in which he playfully describes himself as "lovable and friendly and perfect in every way" and a De La Soul interview that prompts Amy to mock Mark's pronunciation of their name mercilessly.

Find Amy's podcast, ImmaLetYouFinish, on Spotify, Instagram @immaletyoufinishny and Twitter @finishimma.

Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie

Pieces discussed: Amy Winehouse, Kanye West, Bobby Womack, Nico, Lester Bangs on Nico, Nico with the Faraway Eyes, On Stage with the Stones, Delaney & Bonnie, Randy Newman, George Harrison, KISS Pt. 2, Japan, Wham!, De La Soul, Bobby Neuwirth/David Geffen, Dave Bartholomew, Terry Reid

E33: L.A. Special with Chris Campion + Elliot Roberts audio + Little Feat Jul 02, 2019

Show notes

In this week's episode, Barney Hoskyns and Mark Pringle are joined by Chris Campion all the way from Pioneertown, California. The subject of Chris' upcoming book, John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas, leads into a wide-ranging and discursive conversation about L.A. in the '60s and the music and madness of Arthur Lee and Charles Manson.

Continuing the Southern California theme, the three men hear excerpts from a 1993 audio interview with the late Elliot Roberts in which the legendary manager talks about his client Joni Mitchell's house, the Eagles, and the impact of cocaine on the L.A. scene.

Finally, in the archive highlights section, Mark selects an interview with Keith Richards' mother, a live review of Jimi Hendrix playing London's Bag O'Nails club in 1967 and – returning to the L.A. theme – a 1972 interview with Elliot Roberts' managerial/Asylum Records partner David Geffen.

Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie

Pieces discussed: Inside Grime, Papa John Phillips, Arthur Lee, Devendra Banhart, Elliot Roberts, Little Feat, Fear and Loathing in Little Feat?, Lowell George, The Rolling Stones/Keith Richard's mum, Rik Gunnell, Jimi Hendrix @ Bag O'Nails, David Geffen, Talking Heads on Eno, Merle Haggard, Lenny Waronker and George Michael

E32: Go-go in D.C. + Anita Ward audio + Felix Dennis and the Oz Trial Jun 21, 2019

Show notes

For this week's episode, Mark, Barney and Jasper look back at Go-Go, the funk 'n' roll sound of Washington, D.C.. Discussing its influences on Swing Beat and its intersections with hip-hop, they revisit classic Go-Go articles by the NME's Richard Grabel (1984) and Simon Witter (1987), plus Don Snowden's tribute to "Go-Go godfather" Chuck Brown.

Your hosts then hear a clip from an 2016 audio interview with Memphis disco queen Anita Ward, who discusses life as a one-hit-wonder – and 'Ring My Bell', the No. 1 smash in question. Barney, Mark and Jasper mark five years since the death of Felix Dennis, reflecting on his experiences in the Oz Trial and his subsequent incarnation as a crack-smoking media magnate.

Rounding up highlights in the new RBP library additions, Mark starts with Mike Nesmith of the Monkees, moves on to the Grateful Dead live in Europe in 1972 Europe 72 and considers an NME Gram Parsons interview conducted not long before the country-rock icon's death in 1973. Jasper enthuses about the live sound of Oxford band Foals.

Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie

Pieces discussed: Go-Go and Angel Dust, Go-Go not gone, Remembering Chuck Brown, Anita Ward, Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin, John Lennon, Felix Dennis, Mike Nesmith, Rev. Gary Davis, The Grateful Dead, Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan: The Rolling Thunder Revue, KISS, U2, Peter Andre, Radiohead: Hail to the Thief, Baxter Dury and Foals

E31: Bernard Fowler's Life in Music + Dr. John audio + Andy Gill R.I.P. Jun 14, 2019

Show notes

Hosts Barney Hoskyns and Mark Pringle are joined by special guest Bernard Fowler to discuss his life in music, from the Peech Boys at the Paradise Garage to working with Mick Jagger on She's the Boss and commencing a 30-year relationship with the Rolling Stones. He also regales the chaps with tales of recording a disco cover of Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall' and explains how growing up in New York City influenced his new album of Stones covers Inside Out.

Barney enthuses about Martin Scorsese's new Rolling Thunder Revue, a film about Bob Dylan's mid-'70s tour of America, before paying tribute to NME/Q/Independent writer Andy Gill – noting pieces he wrote about Cabaret Voltaire (and Andy's native Sheffield), Frank Zappa and the man for whom he was often mistaken: Gang Of Four guitarist Andy Gill.

The three hombres then listen to clips from Andy Schwartz's 1994 audio interview with Dr. John, wherein the man born Malcolm Rebennack remembers being ripped off by labels in his early recording career – and his struggle to get clean.

Finally, Mark presents highlights from the week's other additions to the RBP archive, including a 1956 interview with Alexis Korner about British skiffle, Labelle shaking up the male-dominated music industry in 1974 and Barbara Ellen's report of having a truly miserable time at the Glastonbury festival.

For details about Inside Out and The Bura, please visit bernardfowler.com/music.

Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie

Pieces discussed: Bernard Fowler, The Peech Boys, Scorsese's Rolling Thunder Revue, Andy Gill meets Andy Gill, Cabaret Voltaire, Frank Zappa, Dr. John audio, Skiffle or Piffle?, Mick Farren, Sly Stone, Labelle, Rod Stewart, The Specials, Crass, William Burroughs, Glastonbury, Lisa Robinson, Eagles of Death Metal and Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys.

E30: Dawn James on The Beatles + Roky Erickson R.I.P. + Neil Young audio Jun 07, 2019

Show notes

Content warning: This episode contains a description of sexual assault that some listeners may find distressing.

Mark Pringle and Barney Hoskyns are joined by queen of Rave magazine Dawn James to hear about her wild life as a '60s pop feature writer. She remembers her friends the Beatles, reveals the identity of her most difficult interview and astonishes Mark 'n' Barney by confessing her love for ELP. She also talks about her sister Twinkle, whose career as a pop singer-songwriter is celebrated on Twinkle: Girl In A Million, a new compilation on RPM records.

Paying tribute to Roky Erickson of the 13th Floor Elevators, Barney and Mark discuss his huge influence on punk rock and psychedelia. They then move on to a lengthy and fascinating 1985 audio interview with Neil Young, including a clip in which he talks about rock 'n' roll being "a young person's game".

Lastly, Mark presents the highlights from the articles added to the library, including interviews with Nancy Sinatra about being in her father's shadow, James Brown wanting to see the Queen and the President "get down" to soul music, and Flaming Lip Wayne Coyne's desire to struggle with the "insane beast" that is rock music.

To buy Twinkle: Girl In A Million, please visit http://cherryred.co/TwinkleGirlMillion. You can find more information via the Facebook page.

Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie

Pieces discussed: Who is the Funniest Beatle?, Françoise Hardy, Jimi Hendrix, Psychedelic Punks, Roky Erickson, Lenny Kaye's Nuggets, Neil Young audio, Eric Burdon of the Animals, Nancy Sinatra, Mungo Jerry, James Brown, The Runaways, West Coast Punk, Joy Division, Imagination, The Flaming Lips and Yngwie Malmsteen

E29: Rickie Lee Jones + Harry Doherty + Rory Gallagher audio May 31, 2019

Show notes

In this week's episode, Barney Hoskyns and Jasper Murison-Bowie hold the fort in Mark Pringle's absence as he enjoys the sunny shores of Crete. Back in muggy London, Rickie Lee Jones is the free feature on RBP, ahead of the release of new covers album Kicks. Barney and Jasper take a look at pieces about Jones' unexpected success with 1979's 'Chuck E's in Love', as well as her drug problems and wild days with boyfriend Tom Waits.

The two of them then consider pieces by Melody Maker mainstay Harry Doherty, who died five years ago: a report from a 1977 Queen/Thin Lizzy tour; an interview with the young Kate Bush; and a 1976 interview with Irish blues guitar hero Rory Gallagher. By editorial design, the week's audio interview is also with Gallagher, this time from 1978 and with Cliff White. Barney and Jasper hear a clip in which Rory talks about recording live.

Despite his absence, Mark has selected highlights from the week's library load, including an interview with the Beatles before they embark on their 1964 tour of the U.S., plus an interview with Pete Townshend in which he slags off Paul McCartney's song 'Yesterday'. A brilliant Steven Wells polemic about homophobia sparks discussion of Morrissey's far-right views – and of whether or not bad people can make good music. Pieces on Gnarls Barkley and Christine and the Queens/Chris round out the episode.

Pieces discussed: Rickie Lee Jones, Pirates, Rickie Lee Retrospective, Queen/Thin Lizzy, Kate Bush, Rory Gallagher, Rory Gallagher audio, The Beatles look ahead, Pete Townshend, The Gospel of Rock according to Van Halen, Homophobia in music, Oasis @ Earl's Court, Tony Bennett, Gnarls Barkley and Why Christine and the Queens makes me feel like I'm ten years old and climbing a tree.

E28: Danny Fields on the Stooges + the Ramones + George Clinton audio May 24, 2019

Show notes

Joined by godfather of punk Danny Fields, Barney Hoskyns and Mark Pringle hear tales from his time with the Stooges and the MC5, as press agent for The Doors and as manager of the Ramones. Plus, he tells the story of how Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin ended up rolling around on the floor of a bar in a big ball of cartoon smoke and fists. Primal Scream is the week's free feature, and Mark, Barney and Danny chat about their frontman Bobby Gillespie and consider the influence of Screamadelica. The three of them then listen to excerpts from a 1978 audio interview with George Clinton, in which he talks about what 'funkadelic' really is and where 'One Nation Under a Groove' came from. To round out the episode, Mark presents his highlights from the articles added to the archive, including a 1966 interview with Kim Fowley, Shirley Bassey live at the Royal Albert Hall and the fact that in its early days, MTV only played white music.

E27: Bruce Springsteen + Elton John + The Beatles + Stevie Wonder with Bob Spitz May 10, 2019

Show notes

In this week's episode, Mark Pringle and Barney Hoskyns are joined by Bob Spitz, who was all set to go to medical school until his parents talked him out of it. Instead, he bagged a job with "New York's Mickie Most", Wes Farrell, and went on to discover Bruce Springsteen, helping to land him a record deal with Columbia's John Hammond. Tiring of life on the road, Bob began writing about rock for Crawdaddy before going on to author major books about Bob Dylan and the Beatles.

Bob recounts fascinating stories about all of the above, conveniently tying in with this week's featured artist Elton John ahead of the release of new biopic Rocketman. The trio hear a clip from a 1995 audio interview with Stevie Wonder in which the Motown maestro talks about why he started writing more politically – and about the inspirational influence of Marvin Gaye's album What's Going On.

Mark selects highlights from the week's new additions to the library, ranging from a Crispian St. Peters interview – in which Chelsea players chuck olives at him on a plane back to London from Barcelona – to John Sinclair's White Panther Statement in the Warren-Forest Sun... not forgetting a pre-release review of the Beatles' Let It Be when it was still titled Get Back.

Many thanks to special guest Bob Spitz.

Please visit bobspitz.com for information on his books, including The Beatles: The Biography.

Pieces discussed: Sir Paul McCartney, Barry Manilow, Elton John, The Rebirth of Elton John, Sir Elton, Stevie Wonder audio, Chelsea FC vs. Crispian St. Peters, White Panther Statement, The Beatles, The Teardrop Explodes + Echo & The Bunnymen, Laurie Anderson, Bobby Womack, Jim Dickinson and Prince.

E26: Mavis Staples + Bob Stanley/Saint Etienne + The B-52s audio May 03, 2019

Show notes

This week, Mark, Barney and Jasper start with featured artist Mavis Staples and discuss her legacy as a member of the Staple Singers – as well as her solo work with Prince and other producers.

Three pieces by featured writer Bob Stanley spark discussion of Johnny Cash and self-proclaimed "best group on the planet" the Stone Roses. A 1992 interview with Saint Etienne cements Bob's "poacher turned gamekeeper" status as one third of that "meta-pop" trio.

The week's audio interview is with B-52s Keith Strickland and Katie Pierson, wherein they skirt around the subject of bandmate Ricky Wilson's AIDS-related death in 1985. Mark and Barney consider the group's status as darlings of late '70s New York and hail them as one of "the best things to come out of New Wave".

Launching into the highlights of the rest of the week's additions, Mark selects a diverse selection of pieces including a 1972 live review of the Rolling Stones, plus interviews with jazzman Horace Silver and Bobby Brown of the rebooted New Edition. Barney mentions the irascible Mark E. Smith and a review of the late Ellen Willis' book Out of the Vinyl Deeps. Jasper introduces his considerably older colleagues to the music of young guns Crystal Fighters.

Pieces discussed: Mavis Staples and Prince, Mavis Staples, The Everlasting Legacy of the Staple Singers, Johnny Cash, The Stone Roses, Sparks, Saint Etienne, The B-52s, The Rolling Stones, Yes' Chris Welch, Horace Silver, Warren Zevon, Dollar, George Jones, New Edition, Mark E. Smith, Bobby Jameson, Ellen Willis, Wyclef Jean and Crystal Fighters

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