Jarvis meets natural history film-maker Sir David Attenborough. They discuss the origins of singing and the significance of music and rhythm to every human culture. David remembers his 1950s series The Song Hunter, produced with ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax. It was an early showcase for folk and popular music on BBC television — although David recalls one disastrous performance! He also reads out advice from Victorian explorers, hints at a forthcoming project with Björk and explains how elaborate songs and plumage can attract a flighty female. They consider our amazing, sometimes daunting, ability to access music written throughout history. Jarvis asks David about the importance of connecting with nature, and how he feels about the closure of BBC Television Centre. David has dedicated his broadcasting career to sharing science and culture with everybody, and for that Jarvis thanks him. Birthdays: Florian Schneider and Andrew Sachs (talking about his love of animals).
Kraftwerk - Morgenspaziergang (2009 mix)
David Attenborough plays the piano
Fleet Foxes - Meadowlarks
Julie Felix - Going to the Zoo
Howlin' Wolf - Spoonful
Gorillaz (feat. Bobby Womack) - Cloud of Unknowing
David Bowie - Theme from Cat People
This Mortal Coil - Song to the Siren
Rolf Harris - War Canoe
Michael Gorman - The Lark in the Morning
Bob Roberts - Maggie May
Margaret Barry - She Moved Through the Fair
Leadbelly - Goodnight Irene
Jo Stafford - Goodnight Irene
Björk - Human Behaviour
The Byrds - Pretty Polly
Hank Mizell - Jungle Rock
Jacques Loussier - Bach: Fugue No 2 en ut mineur (Clavier Bien Tempéré)
Edward Williams - Man: A Choice for the Future of Life on Earth
Theme from Life on Earth
Broadcast - Echo's Answer
Woody Guthrie - So Long, It's Been Good to Know You
