An Easter Sunday Service

2017-04-16: Happy Easter, everyone! Jarvis sings an Easter hymn he remembers from his schooldays. While this is a deeply spiritual time for some, for others it's all about the eggs — we hear some facts and music savouring of chocolate. From Easter 2010, there's a clip of Peter Blake telling Jarvis about his Sgt Pepper's album cover design. During an angelic track, we hear some poems written by children on the subject of spring. Plus, a reminder of Record Store Day, and a nod to the beautiful music of the film Barry Lyndon. Birthdays: Dusty Springfield (talking about identity), Joan Bakewell (wishing she could sing), Henry Mancini and Herbie Mann.

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.

Halloween Happenings

2016-10-30: A special Halloween show teeming with spooky tricks and treats. Be thrilled by the eerie sound installation Requiem for 114 Radios! Be chilled by a sickly pumpkin pie recipe! Cower as Jarvis attempts apple-bobbing accompanied by a classic monster mix! Feel a creeping sense of unease at the short story, The Man Who Forgot Ray Bradbury by Neil Gaiman! And if all that's not enough to make you carry on screaming, tremble at some terrifying film music, and the nastiest record Jarvis has ever heard. It's not all scary stuff though — there's also a lovely personal message for Jarvis from radio legend Desmond Carrington. Phew.

Highlights of 2015 - Part 2

2016-01-03: More highlights from 2015 on the Sunday Service. Featuring birthday boys Sid Vicious and Dennis Bergkamp, Tom Jones and Prince, Rowan Williams and Douglas Gordon. We heard about Bob Dylan's electric experiments. Jarvis visited the Phonogalerie in Paris and also learned about the birth of mp3. Hot Chip, Sparks and Green Gartside sat in when he was away. Barcode melodies gave us new insight into the possibilities of peanut butter. Paul Morley wrote a book with Grace Jones, and Seamus Murphy wrote a book with PJ Harvey. David Eagleman made sense of the mysteries of the mind. And Jarvis made something to show his love for Paris. 

Highlights of 2015 - Part 1

2015-12-27: A look back at the year on the Sunday Service. Featuring the interview with artist Christian Marclay, the flight into outer space with Yuri Gagarin and the journey into inner space on Bicycle Day. Steve Davis gave Jarvis a snooker masterclass. Amongst those who sat in when Jarvis was away were Jonny Trunk and John Cale. We voted for Britain's Favourite Bird and we enjoyed Glastonbury. And there was an outstanding turn from special guest Furby.

Christmas Party and JCSS Awards

2015-12-20: Seasonal edition with the murmur of a Christmas party in the background. Jarvis reads out thoughtful letters to Santa from Thom Yorke, Tim Minchin and Victoria Hislop (found here); shares some dreadful cracker jokes; and asks listeners for a song that sums up what we'd like for Christmas. A selection of the JCSS Awards nominations are played and the winners for Mellowest Track and Best Title are announced. Plus: we hear the characteristics of Sagittarius. On This Day, the Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life was released (James Stewart recalls how he heard about the film idea from Frank Capra). Birthdays: Uri Geller and Joe Cornish. 

Newvember

2015-11-01: Could we see dark, cold November as a positive month? Could it be a time for new music, new experiences and new beginnings: Newvember? We celebrate the joyful Mexican Day of the Dead; and on this day in history, Michelangelo unveiled his beautiful Sistine Chapel ceiling, and the European Union was established. Jarvis also announces the JCSS Awards, where listeners will nominate their favourite mellow musical discoveries of the year. Birthdays: Jim Steinman, Anthony Kiedis, Lyle Lovett, LS Lowry, Ted Lowe and Sharron Davies. Valete: Mark Murphy.

PAUL MORLEY Talks About Grace Jones

2015-10-25: Journalist and broadcaster Paul Morley joins Jarvis to discuss Grace Jones' recent memoir, which Paul helped to assemble. They talk about how her strictly religious upbringing influenced her stage persona, her early foray into disco and her later work with Chris Blackwell. Jarvis also recalls encountering her at the Meltdown Festival. Also: we hear the traits of Scorpio and get ready for Halloween with some spooky music. Birthdays: Pablo Picasso, Nancy Cartwright, Phil Daniels, Coco Robicheaux, Natasha Khan and Richard Lloyd.

Easter

2015-04-05: With music and facts about Easter and chocolate, plus music from films and some poems by Michael Horovitz.

A Seasonal Sunday Service

Jarvis returns for a one-off show looking back over his highlights of 2014.  Featuring tracks by acts he saw live during the year, records he heard in second-hand clothing stores whilst trying on clothes and quotes from books he's enjoyed from the last 12 months. 

The Best of the Sunday Service 2013

Jarvis looks back over some of his favourite bits from the Sunday Service 2013. He brings us clips from guests such as David Attenborough, who came in to talk about musicality in the animal kingdom; Nick Hornby, who discusses his project in which children wrote lyrics for grown-up musicians; and Beardyman, who provided an improvised backing to a previously unreleased Pulp lyric.

Brian Eno (3) - a cappella

For the last Sunday Service before Christmas, we have a bit of an office party and hear some dubious cracker jokes. As it's the time of year for carolling, Brian Eno returns to the show to talk about his fondness for a cappella music. He shares a range of examples of sweet and strong singing without instruments. There is also a snowy story read by Iggy Pop, about a father and son's skiing trip on Christmas Eve.

Look Back On Lou

Jarvis pays tribute to the life and work of rock legend Lou Reed, who died last week. Featuring archive interview clips and quips from the influential Velvet Underground band leader, and praise from colleagues and admirers such as Andy Warhol, David Bowie and Brian Eno.  Also, we try some alternative instrumental tracks to accompany fireworks displays, and sample a recipe for Yorkshire Parkin, a fiery ginger cake.

Spooky Sunday Sounds

It's time to get in the mood for Hallowe'en, so we hear a horrifying story of vampirism read by Christopher Lee. Jarvis quizzes us on our knowledge of monster sounds and there's a recipe for pumpkin pie. 

From Morrissey to Moondog via Manzarek

This bank holiday weekend promises to be very rainy, so imagine you're on a fiery hot beach instead... We mark the birthdays of Morrissey [22/05] and Moondog, the eccentric outsider artist who brought music to the streets of New York. For Whitsuntide, Philip Larkin reads his poem The Whitsun Weddings. We hear about a record that found a re-release after 27 years. On This Day, Vauxhall Bridge first opened and the European flag was unfurled. The Peel Z is for Zion Train. Birthdays: Steve Hanley, Robert Morley (an unlikely papal candidate), Levon Helm, Jaki Liebezeit, Stevie Nicks (on the romantic legacy of Fleetwood Mac), Mick Ronson (Bowie explains how he persuaded the Spiders to wear make-up) and Peggy Lee (being modest). Valete: Ray Manzarek — there's a rowdy 15min Doors live track, with audience hecklers getting superbly scolded.

Jarvis announced on this show that he will be away until September and there will be guest presenters throughout the summer.

Epiphany

It's Twelfth Night (or is it?) when the reign of the Lord of Misrule comes to an end. In an unsure world, Jarvis confesses one thing he's still sure of... We're asked to suggest a song that sums up our festive season. On This Day, record label EMI dropped The Sex Pistols: an EMI executive explains why. We hear some facts about Epiphany, as 6th January is when the Magi's arrival in Bethlehem is celebrated. TS Eliot recites his poem The Journey of the Magi. Alan Watts lectures on reincarnation — would you be happy to be reborn as a fruit fly? The Peel N is for Nina Nastasia. Birthdays: Alan Watts, Syd Barrett (with memories from Rick Wright), Sandy Denny, Montgolfier, Kahlil Gibran, Nigella Lawson (the rude mash-up of her cooking commentary is here) and Alex Turner (paying homage to The Smiths). Valete: Gerry Anderson.

Best of 2012 - Part 2

Bonne année! Here's another helping of 2012 highlights. Featuring the day the show took to the waves, including the Heart of Darkness jamma session; John Cooper Clarke praising the poetry of Baudelaire; and some of Scott Walker's interview. There's a Month of Sundays lesson about dub music from David Rodigan; Kathy Burke remembers meeting The Clash; and we look back on the time the show went a bit martial arts. Jarvis reviews the A-Z of Peel and plays an energetic example. We revisit the culture of 'balling' amongst pro poker players. Jarvis wishes us all a happy new year. Birthdays: Bo Diddley.

Best of 2012 - Part 1

Can you hear bells jingling, and boots trudging through the snow? As you dash about preparing for Christmas, Jarvis presents some of his 2012 highlights, the coins in the JCSS Christmas pudding. Featuring Michael Clark talking about David Bowie; Kraftwerk quotes; Edna O'Brien on Francis Bacon's surprising Christmas gift; some of Leonard Cohen's interview; and a clip from when Pam Hogg sat in. Another deputy, Marianne Faithfull, chats to Jefferson Hack and reads some lyrics she's written about 'magical midnight'. Plus, apple nachos; Johnny Trunk praises Dory Previn; the poetic intro to the Sheffield Sunday show; and a clip from A Month of Sundays with Underworld's Karl Hyde. Birthdays: Carla Bruni and Chet Baker.

KATHY BURKE

For April Fool's Day, we hear the classic 1957 Panorama report about spaghetti farming.  Jarvis talks about the Teenage Cancer Trust gig he played last night, which has left him a bit sleepy; and the listeners are invited to suggest funny songs.  Terry Jones reports on penguins migrating to the tropical sunshine.  Actor, director and writer Kathy Burke drops in: she discusses the TV series she's written, Walking and Talking, a comedy drama about her memories of being 14 and passionate about punk.  She also describes the time Morrissey followed her to the pub to ask her to be in his music video, and shares some songs that make her smile.  Jarvis finishes with a surprising announcement.  Birthdays: William Harvey, Milan Kundera, Ali MacGraw, Annie Nightingale, Sergei Rachmaninov, Carol White, Gil Scott Heron (on his early experiences of music) and Ronnie Lane (with the story behind the song Lazy Sunday).