Over the weekend, having abandoned our East Neuk weekend to the storm and subsequent power cut, I encountered two great pieces of radio and a film which, though it never wholly disappointed, equally left no real mark.
On Saturday on BBC Radio 4 there was a wonderful half hour programme in which two comedy producers, Jon Plowman and Peter Finchman explore a classic comedy series. This week they interviewed Ricky Gervais about ‘After Life.’ It was fascinating and hugely enjoyable as they, and in particular, go to the heart of what makes something funny, but also why the show was so moving. Towards the end of the interview they focussed on Ricky Gervais’s use of music. They marvelled at how ambitious he’d been with songs and artists but more crucially at how the entire song had been used to tell a particular part of the story. You can hear it all on this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0027cr1
Later that day I went to see ‘A Complete Unknown’ which focusses on the early years of Bob Dylan’s career. Again, the interesting thing about the film was the respect paid to the entire song. (with the interesting exception of the title track) Dylan’s songs were used to move the narration along and, inevitable, this worked seamlessly. If I’m honest, the songs outshone the drama.
Finally let me point you to Nick Cave’s Desert Island Discs in which, over a brilliantly hosted hour, Lauren Laverne listened to the stories behind his choices. It was utterly compulsive listening. Uplifting, funny, heartbreaking and ultimately life affirming, it again showed we need songs at all points in our lives.
On this week’s AC we will again devote two hours celebrating the great art of the song. You’ll hear songs lasting just over two minutes to ones that creep up to four, but each will be there because they say something quite unique and have been created and crafted by songwriters who want to share a story which has not been told elsewhere. You’ll hear selections from Ashley Campbell, Hannah White, Carly Pearce and Ruston Kelly. We’ll celebrate Neil Young’s country roots and we will say Happy New Year to our Nashville correspondent, Bill Demain.
Bill has an interesting anniversary to celebrate concerning an artist who had to flee Music City to be taken seriously. You may take a little while to guess so while you’re pondering I can tell you that Bill has news of exciting developments on the live scene in Nashville.
To hear all of this and more please join me this Tuesday for two hours of country, Americana and roots music which will have you scurrying to discover more about some very exciting artists. We start at five past eight on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Sounds where you can listen any time you choose.