The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Tony Allen and Simon Tong talk to John Wilson
John Wilson returns with another run of the 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 91Èȱ¬'s iconic Maida Vale Studios.
Modern day super-group, DAMON ALBARN, PAUL SIMONON, TONY ALLEN and SIMON TONG talk to John Wilson about their acclaimed debut album "The Good, The Bad & The Queen."
Released in 2007, the album brought together Blur's front-man, the bassist from the Clash, the Afrobeat pioneer who was also Fela Kuti's drummer, and former guitarist from the Verve who co-created the Magnetic North. Described by Damon Albarn as "a song cycle that's also a mystery play about London", the record was voted the Best Album of 2007 by the Observer Music Magazine and it includes the singles Herculean, Kingdom of Doom and Green Fields.
Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Tony Allen and Simon Tong respond to questions from the audience and perform live versions of their follow-up album, 2018's "Merrie Land".
Eight things we learned from Lily Allen’s Mastertapes
We hear about the breakdown of her marriage, substance abuse… and socks
10 things we learned from Randy Newman’s Mastertapes
The legendary songwriter's interview with John Wilson is fascinating and very funny.
Mastertapes special: Paul McCartney
Live performances
Watch and listen to exclusive live performances from the Mastertapes recordings.
Radio 4 on Music
Re-releasing music documentaries from the Radio 4 Archive.
Podcast
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Mastertapes
John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album.