Brian Eno (4) - ambient music

2017-01-01: Brian Eno welcomes Jarvis to his studio to talk about his album Reflection. First, Jarvis recreates the moment Brian's concept of ambient music was born — with a nod to an earlier version of the idea, Erik Satie's 'furniture music'. Then over tea, Brian talks about his first ambient album, Music for Airports; his working process and techniques; and his fascination with the interplay between new technology and human creativity. He also emphasises the value of optimism in uncertain, revolutionary times — and the importance of experimentation and play. Then we explore more from the world of ambient music — Jarvis mentions the book/CD Ocean of Sound by David Toop. Lastly, we hear about Brian's software that recycles lyrics into profound new combinations. 

A Seasonal Sunday Service

2016-12-25: A festive show featuring cracker jokes, jingling bells and clips from this year's Sunday Service. This year, Jarvis spoke to Yuval Noah Harari; Richard Hines; Ralph Rugoff; Adam Curtis; Paul Morley; and Marina Abramovic. Do you remember: playing a record using the new fiver; experimental music for cats; an extract from Stephen Hawking's Reith Lecture; and "O" by Jim Jarmusch/Preservation. There's also a chance to hear for the first time on the Sunday Service some clips that were previously cut for time: Leonard Cohen discussing religion; and a salty anecdote by David Bowie from his early career. Finally, a special present for the listeners — a New Year new song recorded by Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley. Merry Christmas everyone!

How to Paint a Perfect Christmas

2016-12-18: Too stressed to feel Christmassy? Jarvis is here to help, providing an oasis of calm amidst this festive madness — songs themed around shopping, seeing a show (remember to switch off your phone), putting up the tree, over-indulging and new year's resolutions. There's life advice from Lemmy Kilmister and a guided yoga meditation. Jarvis does two readings: How to Paint a Perfect Christmas by Miroslav Holub, and Ballad of the Breadman by Charles Causley. And listeners suggest an unusual version of a well-known Christmas song.

Nik Cohn

2016-12-11: Jarvis is joined by writer Nik Cohn, talking about the new edition of his classic Awopbopaloobop Alopbamboom: Pop from the Beginning. First published in 1969, the book aimed to capture the spirit of rock in the late 1960s; the result is an unruly, thrilling and definitive history of an era, from Bill Haley to Jimi Hendrix. Nik also discusses how pop developed in the decades post-publication. Meanwhile, Jarvis refers to the events Cafe Improv and Letters Live — he reads out an insightful letter by Hunter S Thompson about how a man finds a goal. The listeners are asked for our favourite B-sides.

The Sundaze Service

2016-12-04: Are you feeling it? As the BBC's My Generation season reaches 1989, Jarvis takes us on a trip to a virtual acid house rave. We travel there by car following dubious directions, climb up a hill to join the party, avoid throwing a whitey, and feel bliss in the chillout zone. The whole adventure is tied together with evocative extracts from Fierce Dancing by CJ Stone. There's also a clip about the aftermath of a party, acted out by Jarvis and Padgett Powell. And we consider the legacy of this innovative producer-led music and its influence on the electronic music of today.