In this week's episode Mark, Barney & Jasper discuss the work of American music writer Peter Guralnick, with reference to the three free interviews featured on Rock's Backpages this week. They talk about the impact of Guralnick's books about southern soul and Elvis Presley, along with his earlier profiles of Howlin' Wolf and Charlie Rich. RBP's power trio then turns its attention to super-diva Céline Dion, subject of the week's free feature. Barney defends the empress of pop shlock against his colleagues' scorn and draws support from interviews with her by David Sinclair and Ian Gittins. The week's new audio offering is Adam Sweeting's 1997 interview with John Fogerty, who — in the episode's featured clips — recalls the origins of his Creedence Clearwater Revival and the bitter acrimony of their eventual split. Mark, Barney & Jasper put Creedence in context and hear Fogerty reminisce about his unhappy experiences under contract to Fantasy's Saul Zaentz. New library highlights considered by your hosts include Cilla Back "in her own words" in Disc, the Guardian's Geoffrey Cannon lambasting Led Zeppelin in 1970, Michigan State News man Bill Holdship dissing disco in 1978, Police manager Miles Copeland declaring himself to be "a nasty S.O.B." in Musician and NME's Steven Wells introducing Suffolk metalheads Cradle Of Filth to the chairman of the Campaign for Courtesy … Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Enter the giveaway at rocksbackpages.com/giveaway for a chance to win an RBP subscription or book. Pieces discussed: Pieces discussed: Peter Guralnick by Maud Berthomier, Peter Guralnick By Don Waller, Peter Guralnick's Sam Phillips, Céline Dion, Céliner Dion, Célinest Dion, John Fogerty audio, Cilla Black writes for Disc, Percy Sledge, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Led Zeppelin: Lead Balloon, George Harrison, Iggy and the Stooges, Disco sucks, Kurtis Blow, Miles ‘Nasty S.O.B.’ Copeland, Warren Zevon, Prince, Cradle Of Filth, Destroy All Monsters, Robbie Williams, Afropunk and Steely Dan.

In this week's episode, Mark & Barney invite the marvellous Mick Brown to reminisce about his journey from editing mid-'60s fanzine Soulbeat to feature-writing for the Guardian and the Telegraph, via stints at Sounds and Street Life. Mick recalls his encounters with Marvin Gaye, Mac Rebennack and Phil Spector, subject of his seminal 2008 biography Tearing Down the Walls of Sound. He also weighs in on Gene Clark's cult classic No Other, of which he was an early champion on its 1974 release. He joins Mark and Barney in an extended appreciation of the troubled "Byrd Who Wouldn't Fly". The three hombres then hear clips from Maureen Paton's 2009 audio interview with Mick Hucknall, in which the Simply Red frontman holds forth on Manchester, the Iraq war, The X-Factor and plenty more besides.  New library additions highlighted by Mark include '60s pieces on the Troggs and the Yardbirds, plus interviews with Barry Manilow and Public Enemy's Chuck D. Many thanks to special guest Mick Brown; find more of his writing on his Telegraph writer’s page at telegraph.co.uk/authors/mick-brown/. Enter the giveaway at rocksbackpages.com/giveaway for a chance to win an RBP subscription or book. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Marvin Gaye, Dr. John, Phil Spector, Gene Clark, Gene Clark’s Return, Gene Clark’s Last Stand, Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall audio, Yardbirds, Troggs, Sly and the Family Stone, The Nice, Val Wilmer, Def Leppard, Barry Manilow and Public Enemy’s Chuck D.

In this week's episode Mark & Barney welcome special guest Caroline Sullivan and hear all about her journey from New Jersey to the republic of Brightonia, discussing in the process her poptastic pieces about Girls Aloud, Adele and Courtney Love's optioning of her classic Bay City Rollers book. Jasper then rejoins the band as Caroline, citing "artistic differences", splits the crazy scene and heads back to Brighton. Talk turns to the week's other free pieces, which mark the 40th anniversary of postpunk legends the Pop Group's incendiary debut album Y. The week's new audio offering is John Tobler's 1977 interview with the great Bonnie Raitt, 70 years young next week. After hearing a clip in which Bonnie talks about how she got into blues, Mark, Barney & Jasper pay tribute to her voice, her slide-guitar playing, and her soulful interpretations of songs by Eric Kaz, Jackson Browne & friends. New library highlights considered by your hosts include Disc's Caroline Boucher chatting with Marc Bolan in 1972, Trouser Press' Jim Green tagging along with Elvis Costello in Belfast, The Wire's David Stubbs going into Battles and Lisa Verrico seeing M.I.A. in live action in 2007. Caroline Sullivan's Bay City Rollers book is available on Amazon; follow her on Twitter @TheCSullivan. Enter the giveaway at rocksbackpages.com/giveaway for a chance to win an RBP subscription or book. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Courtney Love, Girls Aloud, Adele, The Pop Group, The Popper Group, The Poppest Group, Bonnie Raitt audio, Dusty Springfield, Marc Bolan, Linda Ronstadt, Elvis Costello, Durutti Column, British synth-pop, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Battles, M.I.A. and Dagmar Krause.

In this week's episode (the 50th, no less), Mark, Barney & Jasper pay tribute to the late Nick Tosches, discussing pieces by him on Captain Beefheart (1981) and his great biographical subject Jerry Lee Lewis (1982). They then discuss the week's other free pieces, which concern the annus metallibis that was Motörhead's 1979 – the year of both Overkill and Bomber. They also lament the passing of original 'head guitarist Larry Wallis, who last month departed the stage for the final time. The week's new audio offering being a 1993 conversation with Long Beach OG Snoop (Doggy) Dogg, lost trios paranoias hear clips from Steven Daly's fascinating interview and reminisce about the impact of Dr. Dre's languid beanpole prodigy. New library highlights considered by your hosts include Disc's Rosalind Russell on Sweet's Brian Connolly, Glenn O'Brien on the (temporary) shuttering of NYC landmark Max's Kansas City and Susan Corrigan on her abiding love affair with Madchester. After Jasper samples some Señor Coconut from 2002, the RBP "team" bows out for another week. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Enter our great giveaway at rocksbackpages.com/giveaway for a chance to win an RBP book or subscription. Pieces discussed: Pieces discussed: Jerry Lee Lewis, Captain Beefheart, Hail, Hail Rock'n' Roll, Motörhead, Oy Lemmy, Larry Wallis, Pink Fairies live (YouTube), Snoop Doggy Dogg, Plizzanet Earth, Rick Laird, West Bruce & Laing, Sweet, In Memory of Max's Kansas City, Duran Duran, Van Halen, Cher, Michael Jackson, Madchester, Terry Riley, Señor Coconut, Blick Bassy, glenn mcdonald, All rock stars have a price and Bob Dylan turns 70.

In this week's episode of the RBP podcast, cocktail-lounge trio Mark, Jasper & Barney kick things off by discussing Oz rockers INXS. Ahead of the release of new documentary Mystify, they consider the tragic death of frontman Michael Hutchence. The week's featured writer is Tim Riley, whose articles on roots rock, 2 Live Crew and Buddy Holly's influence on John Lennon spark discussion of the intersection between nostalgia and authenticity, the disproportionate censorship of black voices... and Lennon's inner geek. The trio then listen to excerpts from Andy Gill's 2003 conversation with Jonny Greenwood about the Radiohead guitarist's first film soundtrack Bodysong – and early electronic instrument the Ondes Martenot.  Finally, they each pick highlights from the articles added to the RBP library this week – among them a Brian Case interview with tenor-sax great Sonny Rollins and Jamiroquai's Jay Kay, a.k.a. "the prat in the hat", plus a piece from the early days of the internet and an interview with Charles Mingus' son Eric. Pieces discussed: INXS: The Sound of SUXS, INXS: The Lizard of Oz, Michael Hutchence obituary, Roots rock, 2 Live Crew, John Lennon's inner geek, Jonny Greenwood audio, Jonny Bluewood, Bodysong, The Animals in America, Roberta Flack, Fripp and Eno, Sonny Rollins, Bruce Springsteen, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Jamiroquai, Brainwashed.com, Eric Mingus, Jennifer Lopez, Eric Carmen

In this week's episode of the RBP podcast, Mark Pringle and Barney Hoskyns are joined by special guest David Hepworth to talk about his experiences as a journalist, editor, publisher and now bestselling author. In a free-ranging conversation, your hosts hear how Dave got his start at the bottom of the NME totem pole before joining the nascent Smash Hits under Nick Logan. They also discuss his longstanding friendship with Mark Ellen, from founding Q, MOJO and The Word to presenting The Old Grey Whistle Test and the TV coverage of Live Aid. Finally, they quiz him on his new book, The Rock and Roll A Level: A Very Hard Pop Quiz. There is a brief discussion of free-featured artists Elbow, noting the Bury quintet's unlikely ascent to the status of National Treasure and the all-round decency and right-on-ness of the band's "shambling everyman" of a singer, Mr. Guy Garvey. The week's audio interview is with the late and reliably irascible Ginger Baker, speaking on the phone to Jim Sullivian in 2015. Mark, Barney & Dave hear a clip in which the Cream legend refuses to be drawn on his relationship with his family. There follows a discussion of Baker's status as rock's first superstar drummer – and conjecture as to whether he might possibly be the single most unpleasant man in the history of rock and roll. Finally, Mark presents some of his highlights from the week's other additions to RBP, including interviews with Pete Townshend, Billy Paul and rapper (and "complete tosser," says Mark) Just-Ice. Barney touches on the passing of Eddie & the Hot Rods frontman Barrie Masters. Many thanks to special guest David Hepworth, whose book The Rock and Roll A Level is published by Bantam Press. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Michael Jackson's Off the Wall, Ian Dury & Wilko Johnson, Emmylou Harris, Guy Garvey, Elbow, Elbow's Asleep in the Back, Ginger Baker audio, The Who, L.A. underground, Billy Paul, Lowell George's retreat from Little Feat, The Specials, Madonna in the movies, Just-Ice and Robbie Robertson.

Content warning: This episode contains a description of violence that some listeners may find distressing. In this week's episode of the Rock's Backpages podcast, RBP's Mark, Barney & Jasper pay tribute to Robert Hunter, discussing his role within the Grateful Dead and how he helped unlock Jerry Garcia's voice with his lyrics. Featured writer for the week is Phil Symes with three articles: Neil Diamond is mocked and disparaged by your hosts; a young Michael Jackson talks on the phone about his sideline solo career; and Sylvia (Robinson)'s 1973 smash 'Pillow Talk' is acknowledged as the American version of 'Je t'aime (moi non plus)'. Your hosts then listen to a clip from the week's audio interview, in which disco diva Loleatta Holloway talks to Cliff White about the transition from gospel to secular soul – and the attendant issues. Mark argues that Holloway's gospel roots enabled her to succeed as the euphoric disco chanteuse whom Black Box sampled (sans permission) on 'Ride On Time'. Mark presents his highlights from the week's new library additions, including the earliest mention on RBP of songsmith Randy Newman (in a Cilla Black interview); a contemplative Bill Withers talking to Disc's Robin Katz; and the violent tale of Coxsone Dodd attacking Joe Higgs over royalties. Jasper brings tales from the deep with Laurie Anderson's take on Melville's Moby Dick; Coldplay supported by Jay-Z; and just how streaming is skewing the pop charts. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Italian language consultant: Giacomo Bruzzo of RareNoiseRecords Pieces discussed: Robert Hunter (Bruce Pollock), Robert Hunter (Ken Hunt), Grateful Dead's American Beauty, Neil Diamond, Michael Jackson, Sylvia Robinson, Loleatta Holloway audio, Beat Show @ Royal Albert Hall, Cilla Black, Bill Withers, Jimmy Page, Richard Strange, Joe Higgs, Rock fashion, Henry Rollins, Jam & Lewis, Peter Jenner, Nick Cave, Laurie Anderson, Coldplay/Jay-Z, Streaming's impact on the charts, A Tribe Called Quest, Marvin Gaye and Dr. John.

In this week's episode of the Rock’s Backpages podcast, Mark & Barney are joined by the "Fab"-ulous Mat Snow to discuss the 50th anniversary of Beatles swansong Abbey Road. Mat also regales them with his tale of setting off a firework in the NME reviews office... plus his further adventures in the world of music journalism (including a pivotal stint as editor of MOJO). The week's audio interview is a 1977 conversation with Blondie, so the trio hear a clip of Debbie Harry recalling her life as a waitress at Max's Kansas City. Archive highlights as selected by Mark include yodelling Frank Ifield, the Monkees' Davy Jones, and a Steven Wells review of Napalm Death's cheerily-titled Fear, Emptiness, Despair... Pieces discussed: The Beatles, George Harrison, Abbey Road, Abbey Roader, Abbey Roadest, Ramones + Blondie + Talking Heads, Blondie audio, Blondie live in Hammersmith, Frank Ifield, Davy Jones of the Monkees, David Cassidy, The Osmonds, The Clash, Pat Benatar, Mission of Burma and Napalm Death.

n this week's episode, RBP's original power trio is reunited as Barney Hoskyns returns from holiday, joined by Mark Pringle and Jasper Murison-Bowie. Los tres hombres commence with a discussion of the Sugarhill Gang's groundbreaking 'Rapper's Delight', considering its place in the history of hip hop with reference to three contemporary articles about the record. The week's featured writer is Hit Parader's girl-about-town in swinging '60s London, Miranda Ward, whose scenester piece on Otis Redding and TV interview with George Harrison are discussed. Talk then turns to the week's audio interview, which features Madonna in conversation with Steven Daly in 2002. La Ciccone talks about her forthcoming (and widely-mocked) film Swept Away, as well as the difference between British and American class and her lapsed Catholicism and devotion to Kabbalah. Mark begins the archive highlights section with Karl Dallas interviewing Woody Guthrie's son Arlo in 1966, moves swiftly on to John Mendelssohn poo-poohing Humble Pie live in 1969 and sparks a conversation about whether or not the live album is dead with a review of Free: Live. Jasper rounds out the episode by discussing an interview with Héloïse Letissier of Chris/Christine and the Queens and a review of Common's Black America Again. Pieces discussed: Sugarhill Gang, Sugarhiller Gang, Sugarhillest Gang, Otis Redding, George Harrison, Madonna, Arlo Guthrie, Island Records, Humble Pie, Free: Live, Dick Hestall-Smith, Teo Macero, Salt 'N Pepa, Brian Eno, Early days of Arcade Fire, Bassists, The Roots with Ornette Coleman, Tame Impala's Currents, Christine and the Queens and Common's Black America Again

In this week's episode of the RBP Podcast, Mark Pringle and Jasper Murison-Bowie are joined by Mr. Simon Witter to talk about his career in music journalism, from Zapp to acid house by way of Cameo and his forays into the early days of Chicago house with pioneering DJs Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy.  Simon's interviews with Larry Blackmon and Roger Troutman inform conversation about afro-futurist funk and D.C.'s go-go music. The trio also discuss what kinds of powders taste better dissolved in cream soda and the impact of said powders (and other drugs!) on the second summer of love in 1988. Mark, Jasper and Simon briefly talk about the week's featured artists the Pixies and pay tribute to the late Daniel Johnston, before moving on to the new audio interview, a 1991 conversation with The Band's Robbie Robertson conducted by Tony Scherman. Robbie talks about his pre-Band days with Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, how they weren't allowed to have steady girlfriends... and getting kicked out of a barbecue joint with Sonny Boy Williamson by racist Arkansas cops.  In the archive section, Mark picks the week's highlights – including an interview with Marc Bolan of T(yrannosaurus) Rex plus the Village People doing their damnedest to remain ambiguous about their sexual preferences, while Jasper picks a review of Burial's Untrue and an interview with Anderson "best teeth in the game" .Paak. Many thanks to special guest Simon Witter. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Cameo, Zapp, Clubbing in Chicago with Frankie Knuckles & Ron Hardy, Acid House, Pixies, Pixier, Pixiest, Daniel Johnston, The Band's Robbie Robertson audio, Heinz, T(yrannosaurus) Rex, Jackie Wilson, Village People, Donna Summer, Johnny Cash, Stone Temple Pilots, Dusty Springfield, Burial, The xx and Anderson .Paak.

In this week's episode of the RBP Podcast, Mark Pringle and Jasper Murison-Bowie are joined by David Stubbs to talk about his book Mars By 1980, which traces the story of electronic music from its beginnings in the mechanical experiments of the late nineteenth century through Stockhausen and musique concrète to Stevie Wonder's cosmic funk, the 80s electropop of bands like Depeche Mode and beyond. Mark and Jasper hear how David got his start at Melody Maker after co-founding Oxford magazine Monitor as a student; he confesses that at the time he was in a 'slightly pompous phase' where the only music he was listening to was avant garde classical and jazz or funk. These areas inform much of the discussion that follows, as the three of them consider the initially slow and then suddenly meteoric rise of the synthesizer in popular music. The week's audio interview is with Francis Rossi of Status Quo in 2010, with the chosen clips concerning the adjustment of Her Majesty the Queen's undergarments as well as his relationship with bandmate Rick Parfitt. The free feature is Slade, with three pieces about Noddy and co up for grabs. In the archive section, Mark highlights a few pieces including Cecil Taylor's hands blurring with the speed of his playing live in Hammersmith, Muddy Waters interviewed by Max Jones and Dennis Wilson opening up about his time with Charles Manson for the first time to Joel Selvin. Jasper selects Evan Parker playing the Invisible Jukebox game with Mike Barnes for The Wire plus a piece by their illustrious guest about whether humour and music can mix. Mars By 1980: The Story of Electronic Music is available via the Faber website at https://www.faber.co.uk/9780571351299-mars-by-1980.html.  Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Janet Jackson, Aphex Twin, DJ Shadow, Yo! Bum Rush Foucault!, Status Quo audio, Slade, Slader, Sladest, Cecil Taylor, Al Green, Muddy Waters, Cherrelle, Manfred Eicher/ECM, Evan Parker and seriously funny music.

In this week's episode of the RBP podcast, Mark & Barney are joined by She Bop queen Lucy O'Brien to discuss her life in journalism – from her days distributing Spare Rib magazine at her convent school to being a member of the "soulcialist" faction at the NME. They explore how creeping consumerism and confusion about the paper's identity caused it to lose much of what set it apart, precipitating its eventual demise. To celebrate the new revised and updated edition of Lucy's classic Dusty Springfield biography, they discuss what set Dusty apart as a singer and the problems she faced as a result of her sexuality. In the context of Lucy's definitive She Bop: The Definitive History of Women in Popular Music, the three of them consider a number of female artists including Madonna, Taylor Swift and Skunk Anansie's Skin, before listening to a clip from the week's audio interview with Alicia Keys, conducted by Maureen Paton in 2010. Finally, exploring what else is new in the RBP archive, Mark reads from some of his highlights, including a somewhat perplexing Iggy Pop interview, Lemmy talking about Mods and combs, and Tim Westwood's cultural appropriation of hip hop. Find Lucy O'Brien's website at http://lucyobrien.co.uk and order Dusty: The Classic Biography from the publisher's website at https://www.mombooks.com/book/dusty/.  Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Dusty Springfield, Skunk Anansie, Madonna, Taylor Swift's first album, Taylor Swift straying from Country, The Cult of Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys audio, Small Faces, The Temptations, Iggy Pop, Motörhead, Amy Grant and Tim Westwood.

In this week's episode, Barney Hoskyns and Jasper Murison-Bowie are joined by Richard Williams to discuss his long and august career in music journalism, from his writing about avant-jazz giant Albert Ayler for his local Nottingham newspaper through his stewardship of Melody Maker to his time as the Guardian's chief sportswriter.  The three men talk about Ayler and the great Laura Nyro, as well as about Richard's early interview with Bob Marley, at whose UK label (Island) Richard became Head of A&R for over two years. Asked what sort of music excites him these days, Richard (and Jasper) enthuse about the contemporary London jazz scene. The week's free feature marks the passing of Peter Fonda, with contemporary appraisals of Dennis Hopper's 1969 classic Easy Rider that spark discussion of the film's soundtrack. We then hear clips from John Tobler's 1980 interview with Arthur Lee, wherein the sometime Love frontman toys with the notion of getting the original band back together and reminisces about meeting Jimi Hendrix for the first time in 1964. The episode concludes with a brief look at highlights among new articles in the RBP library, including an early Pink Floyd interview, a review of Panjabi MC's The Album and a live review of rapper Dave at Koko.  Find Richard Williams' blog at https://thebluemoment.com. Pieces discussed: Richard Williams interviewed by Simon Warner, Albert Ayler, Laura Nyro, Bob Marley, Kamasi, Kendrick and co, Charlie Gillett on Easy Rider, Miller Francis Jr. on Easy Rider, Rock at the Movies, Love's Arthur Lee audio, The Pink Floyd, Puff Daddy, Boz Scaggs, Panjabi MC, Akala and Dave @ Koko.

In this week's episode of the Rock's Backpages Podcast, Jasper Murison-Bowie and Barney Hoskyns are joined by the great Ian Penman to discuss his new essay collection It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track – along with his late '70s/early '80s years at the NME and his subsequent writing for The Wire and the London Review of Books. Thus commences a wide-ranging conversation about everything from Frank Sinatra to Charlie Parker to Prince, via John Fahey, Nina Simone and Kate Bush. Along the way, Penman passionately disputes the received wisdom that he brought down the NME with his infrequent references to French theorists Roland Barthes and Jacques Derrida. Los tres hombres hear clips from a 1990 audio interview with Billy Gibbons, wherein the urbane ZZ Top frontman recalls meeting Muddy Waters and pays homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Finally, having had far too much fun with this episode, your hosts run swiftly through a handful of the new library pieces available to RBP subscribers. It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track is published by Fitzcarraldo Editions; purchase the book here. Find Ian Penman on Twitter @pawboy2. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Pole, John Fahey, Nina Simone, Kate Bush, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons audio, The Truth About the Pop Idles..., Arif Mardin, Modern Lovers, The Cramps, Madness, Stone Roses, Swells on War, Prince

In this week's episode, Mark & Barney are joined by American singer/performance artiste extraordinaire Tammy Faye Starlite to talk about grande dame of British art-pop Marianne Faithfull. Tammy discusses her upcoming run of New York shows based around Faithfull's 1979 classic Broken English – plus the week's new audio interview, with the lady herself. The trio mull over Faithfull's relationships and/or friendships with Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Anita Pallenberg. They also discuss parallels between her and Nico, another object of Tammy's hommage. Talk turns to David Dalton, featured writer of the week and co-author of Faithfull's autobiography. The recent passing of filmmaker D. A. Pennebaker is marked by discussion of Dalton's 1999 interview with "Penny". The week's free feature is about Miles Davis, marking the 50th anniversary of groundbreaking "ambient jazz-rock" masterpiece In A Silent Way. Discussion touches on the album's sessions and the influence on Miles of funky Betty Davis (née Mabry), in terms of both music and fashion. Mark picks his highlights from the archive pieces, which include a 1970 interview with Love's Arthur Lee, a David Hepworth review of Michael Jackson's Off The Wall and Nick Coleman talking to Anita Baker in 1986. To buy tickets for Tammy Faye Starlite's run of Marianne Faithfull shows, please visit the Pangea website. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Marianne Faithfull audio, David Dalton talks to Marianne, D. A. Pennebaker, Pennebaker looks back, Janis Joplin, Miles Davis' In A Silent Way, Miles Davis: Rock is a White Man's Word, What Made Miles Davis Go Pop?, The Changing Face of the Byrds, Love's Arthur Lee, Michael Jackson's Off the Wall, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Anita Baker, Paula Yates, Rolling Stones

Content warning: This episode contains references to sexual violence and domestic abuse. Following the cancellation of Woodstock 50, regular RBP podcast hosts Mark Pringle & Barney Hoskyns are joined by occasional host Jasper Murison-Bowie to discuss the legacy of those fateful three days in August 1969. RBP's very own power trio considers contemporary reports that paint contrasting pictures: Danny Goldberg's positive story for Billboard, Miller Francis Jr.'s altogether more sanguine account for Atlanta's Great Speckled Bird, highlighting the survivalist nature of attending the festival as a punter. Featured writer of the week is Duke University professor Mark Anthony Neal, with pieces on "blue-eyed" soul enigma Lewis Taylor, the demise of Vibe magazine, and the remarkable voice of doomed New Jersey soul singer Linda Jones. Los tres hombres hear a clip from a 1991 audio interview with Shirley Collins, wherein the English folk doyenne discusses her 20-year-old No Roses album. Collins talks about the album's recording process and (most of) the 26 musicians who performed on it. Mark presents his highlights from the archive, including a report on the controversy that followed Norman Jopling's unfavourable live review of Otis Redding on the 1967 Stax revue; a Roy Carr interview with Tina Turner, and a report on Ecstasy in Holland. Jasper rounds out the selection of archive highlights with a live review of reggae singer Shaggy, aka Mr Boombastic/Mr Lover Lover/Mr Romantic. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Woodstock (Danny Goldberg report), Woodstock (Miller Francis Jr. report), Woodstock '94, Lewis Taylor, Barney on Lewis Taylor, Demise of Vibe, Linda Jones, Shirley Collins audio, The Stax Controversy, "Mert" Hunter, The Kid They Killed at Altamont, Tina Turner, Gene, Ecstasy, Marilyn Manson, Shaggy

Joined by GQ editor (and sometime i-D contibutor) Dylan Jones, Mark and Barney talk about Dylan's new book The Wichita Lineman: Searching in the Sun for the World's Greatest Unfinished Song and celebrate 'Lineman''s composer Jimmy Webb and the song's original singer, the late Glen Campbell. Dylan explains how he came to write the book and the three men enthuse about Webb's ability to tell stories in song and in person. After listening to a clip from a 2005 audio interview with Webb himself, wherein he laments the lack of complexity in contemporary pop and discusses his use of harmony and chords, Mark and Barney quiz Dylan about hiring Boris Johnson as car correspondent for GQ magazine. Talk turns briefly to politics as they consider how Dylan's acquaintance David Cameron might now feel about calling the 2016 referendum. Mark presents highlights from the week's new library pieces. These include an interview with Robin Gibb shortly after he left the Bee Gees, a report from the Wailers' first trip to London, and a Diana Ross press conference about the album she recorded with Chic's Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. To buy Dylan Jones' The Wichita Lineman, visit the Faber website. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Jimmy Webb, Paul Simon, Bee Gees, Jimmy Page/Led Zeppelin, Todd Rundgren, The Wailers, The Stylistics, Pink Floyd's The Wall, Diana Ross/Chic, Absolute Beginners, Violence in hip-hop/Sleeping Bag Records, Courtney Love/Hole

This week, Mark and Barney are joined by Mick Houghton, Let It Rock and Sounds scribe turned beloved publicist for Echo & the Bunnymen, the Teardrop Explodes and the KLF. Discussing Mick's new book Fried and Justified, Barney addresses Mick's rage at a bad NME review of Julian Cope's World Shut Your Mouth written by... Barney himself. The three of them listen to excerpts from an unwieldy but fascinating conversation between New Orleans R&B legends Dave Bartholomew, Red Tyler and Earl Palmer, in which they discuss what makes the Crescent City so different – and hence so tricky for non-NOLA musicians. Finally, Mark presents highlights from the week's new library pieces, including Geoffrey Cannon's live review of Joni Mitchell getting off to a rocky start at the 1970 Isle of Wight festival; Michael Goldberg's report on the John Fogerty/Saul Zaentz "Zanz Kant Danz" lawsuit, and Steven Daly's 1999 interview with the young Britney Spears, which prompts both Mark and Barney to laud the pop genius of '...Baby One More Time' and 'Oops!...I Did It Again'. To buy Fried and Justified: Hits Myths, Break-ups and Breakdowns in the Record Business 1978–1998, please visit the Faber website. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Emmylou Harris, the Teardrop Explodes, Earl Palmer, Dave Bartholomew and Alvin "Red" Tyler audio, Jeannie C. Riley, Joni Mitchell @ Isle of Wight Festival, Funkadelic banned from the Lyceum, the Cramps, John Fogerty vs. Saul Zaentz/Fantasy, Talk Talk and Britney Spears

In this week's episode, Mark and Barney are joined by not one but two guests. Lloyd Bradley and Tom Vickers tell the story of how they first met, Lloyd blagging his way into a singles-reviewing session with George Clinton at Blues and Soul magazine when Tom was Parliament's publicist and self-dubbed "Minister of Information". This gives rise to a lengthy discussion about all things Parliamentary and Funkadelical, with Lloyd explaining how he morphed from sneaking into gigs to a long and illustrious career as a music journalist and author. The four men hear a clip from the week's new audio interview, a 1999 conversation with Hal David, the brilliant lyricist for Burt Bacharach's pop masterpieces. Hal reminisces about demo'ing 'Make It Easy on Yourself' with Dionne Warwick – and recalls her subsequent disappointment when the song went to Jerry Butler. Mark presents the highlights from the articles added to the archive, including Jimmy Page waxing astrological, Mick Jagger feeling intellectually-limited, and Eminem being booed off stage in London — leading the group to debate whether, and how, hip-hop can be successful in large venues. Lloyd Bradley's website is lloydbradley.net, where you can find details of his books Bass Culture and Sounds Like London. Tom Vickers' website is tomvickers.com, where you can find information about his writing and excerpts from Tales from the Tour Bus. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: George Clinton, Hot House, Soul II Soul's Jazzie B, Hal David audio, Fats Domino, Jimmy Page, Albert Ayler, Barry White, Mick Jagger, Keith Moon R.I.P., Cerys Matthews/Catatonia, Eminem live at the Astoria

In this week's episode, Mark Pringle and Barney Hoskyns welcome special guest Amy Linden to reminisce about reading Creem at her local library and falling in with the punk scene in San Francisco in the late '70s... and then about writing for Vibe, Spin and XXL. Amy shares stories of chasing Amy Winehouse and detesting Kanye West. The trio listen to excerpts from a 1976 Bobby Womack audio interview in which the maverick soul man – who died five years ago this week – talks about recording at Muscle Shoals with white musicians and tells of how Wilson Pickett's voice replaced his own on early recordings for Atlantic Records. Ahead of the opening of Maxine Peake's Nico Project in Manchester, the former Christa Päffgen is featured as artist of the week on RBP, sparking discussion of a late interview in which she claims she'd like to be a farmer – or the captain of a ship. Finally, Mark presents archive highlights that include an account of what it's like to play a Rolling Stones gig (supposedly penned by Brian Jones), a Randy Newman interview in which he playfully describes himself as "lovable and friendly and perfect in every way" and a De La Soul interview that prompts Amy to mock Mark's pronunciation of their name mercilessly. Find Amy's podcast, ImmaLetYouFinish, on Spotify, Instagram @immaletyoufinishny and Twitter @finishimma. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Amy Winehouse, Kanye West, Bobby Womack, Nico, Lester Bangs on Nico, Nico with the Faraway Eyes, On Stage with the Stones, Delaney & Bonnie, Randy Newman, George Harrison, KISS Pt. 2, Japan, Wham!, De La Soul, Bobby Neuwirth/David Geffen, Dave Bartholomew, Terry Reid

In this week's episode, Barney Hoskyns and Mark Pringle are joined by Chris Campion all the way from Pioneertown, California. The subject of Chris' upcoming book, John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas, leads into a wide-ranging and discursive conversation about L.A. in the '60s and the music and madness of Arthur Lee and Charles Manson. Continuing the Southern California theme, the three men hear excerpts from a 1993 audio interview with the late Elliot Roberts in which the legendary manager talks about his client Joni Mitchell's house, the Eagles, and the impact of cocaine on the L.A. scene. Finally, in the archive highlights section, Mark selects an interview with Keith Richards' mother, a live review of Jimi Hendrix playing London's Bag O'Nails club in 1967 and – returning to the L.A. theme – a 1972 interview with Elliot Roberts' managerial/Asylum Records partner David Geffen. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Inside Grime, Papa John Phillips, Arthur Lee, Devendra Banhart, Elliot Roberts, Little Feat, Fear and Loathing in Little Feat?, Lowell George, The Rolling Stones/Keith Richard's mum, Rik Gunnell, Jimi Hendrix @ Bag O'Nails, David Geffen, Talking Heads on Eno, Merle Haggard, Lenny Waronker and George Michael

For this week's episode, Mark, Barney and Jasper look back at Go-Go, the funk 'n' roll sound of Washington, D.C.. Discussing its influences on Swing Beat and its intersections with hip-hop, they revisit classic Go-Go articles by the NME's Richard Grabel (1984) and Simon Witter (1987), plus Don Snowden's tribute to "Go-Go godfather" Chuck Brown. Your hosts then hear a clip from an 2016 audio interview with Memphis disco queen Anita Ward, who discusses life as a one-hit-wonder – and 'Ring My Bell', the No. 1 smash in question. Barney, Mark and Jasper mark five years since the death of Felix Dennis, reflecting on his experiences in the Oz Trial and his subsequent incarnation as a crack-smoking media magnate. Rounding up highlights in the new RBP library additions, Mark starts with Mike Nesmith of the Monkees, moves on to the Grateful Dead live in Europe in 1972 Europe 72 and considers an NME Gram Parsons interview conducted not long before the country-rock icon's death in 1973. Jasper enthuses about the live sound of Oxford band Foals. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Go-Go and Angel Dust, Go-Go not gone, Remembering Chuck Brown, Anita Ward, Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin, John Lennon, Felix Dennis, Mike Nesmith, Rev. Gary Davis, The Grateful Dead, Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan: The Rolling Thunder Revue, KISS, U2, Peter Andre, Radiohead: Hail to the Thief, Baxter Dury and Foals

Hosts Barney Hoskyns and Mark Pringle are joined by special guest Bernard Fowler to discuss his life in music, from the Peech Boys at the Paradise Garage to working with Mick Jagger on She's the Boss and commencing a 30-year relationship with the Rolling Stones. He also regales the chaps with tales of recording a disco cover of Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall' and explains how growing up in New York City influenced his new album of Stones covers Inside Out. Barney enthuses about Martin Scorsese's new Rolling Thunder Revue, a film about Bob Dylan's mid-'70s tour of America, before paying tribute to NME/Q/Independent writer Andy Gill – noting pieces he wrote about Cabaret Voltaire (and Andy's native Sheffield), Frank Zappa and the man for whom he was often mistaken: Gang Of Four guitarist Andy Gill. The three hombres then listen to clips from Andy Schwartz's 1994 audio interview with Dr. John, wherein the man born Malcolm Rebennack remembers being ripped off by labels in his early recording career – and his struggle to get clean. Finally, Mark presents highlights from the week's other additions to the RBP archive, including a 1956 interview with Alexis Korner about British skiffle, Labelle shaking up the male-dominated music industry in 1974 and Barbara Ellen's report of having a truly miserable time at the Glastonbury festival. For details about Inside Out and The Bura, please visit bernardfowler.com/music. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Bernard Fowler, The Peech Boys, Scorsese's Rolling Thunder Revue, Andy Gill meets Andy Gill, Cabaret Voltaire, Frank Zappa, Dr. John audio, Skiffle or Piffle?, Mick Farren, Sly Stone, Labelle, Rod Stewart, The Specials, Crass, William Burroughs, Glastonbury, Lisa Robinson, Eagles of Death Metal and Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys.

Content warning: This episode contains a description of sexual assault that some listeners may find distressing. Mark Pringle and Barney Hoskyns are joined by queen of Rave magazine Dawn James to hear about her wild life as a '60s pop feature writer. She remembers her friends the Beatles, reveals the identity of her most difficult interview and astonishes Mark 'n' Barney by confessing her love for ELP. She also talks about her sister Twinkle, whose career as a pop singer-songwriter is celebrated on Twinkle: Girl In A Million, a new compilation on RPM records. Paying tribute to Roky Erickson of the 13th Floor Elevators, Barney and Mark discuss his huge influence on punk rock and psychedelia. They then move on to a lengthy and fascinating 1985 audio interview with Neil Young, including a clip in which he talks about rock 'n' roll being "a young person's game". Lastly, Mark presents the highlights from the articles added to the library, including interviews with Nancy Sinatra about being in her father's shadow, James Brown wanting to see the Queen and the President "get down" to soul music, and Flaming Lip Wayne Coyne's desire to struggle with the "insane beast" that is rock music. To buy Twinkle: Girl In A Million, please visit http://cherryred.co/TwinkleGirlMillion. You can find more information via the Facebook page. Produced by Jasper Murison-Bowie Pieces discussed: Who is the Funniest Beatle?, Françoise Hardy, Jimi Hendrix, Psychedelic Punks, Roky Erickson, Lenny Kaye's Nuggets, Neil Young audio, Eric Burdon of the Animals, Nancy Sinatra, Mungo Jerry, James Brown, The Runaways, West Coast Punk, Joy Division, Imagination, The Flaming Lips and Yngwie Malmsteen

In this week's episode, Barney Hoskyns and Jasper Murison-Bowie hold the fort in Mark Pringle's absence as he enjoys the sunny shores of Crete. Back in muggy London, Rickie Lee Jones is the free feature on RBP, ahead of the release of new covers album Kicks. Barney and Jasper take a look at pieces about Jones' unexpected success with 1979's 'Chuck E's in Love', as well as her drug problems and wild days with boyfriend Tom Waits. The two of them then consider pieces by Melody Maker mainstay Harry Doherty, who died five years ago: a report from a 1977 Queen/Thin Lizzy tour; an interview with the young Kate Bush; and a 1976 interview with Irish blues guitar hero Rory Gallagher. By editorial design, the week's audio interview is also with Gallagher, this time from 1978 and with Cliff White. Barney and Jasper hear a clip in which Rory talks about recording live. Despite his absence, Mark has selected highlights from the week's library load, including an interview with the Beatles before they embark on their 1964 tour of the U.S., plus an interview with Pete Townshend in which he slags off Paul McCartney's song 'Yesterday'. A brilliant Steven Wells polemic about homophobia sparks discussion of Morrissey's far-right views – and of whether or not bad people can make good music. Pieces on Gnarls Barkley and Christine and the Queens/Chris round out the episode. Pieces discussed: Rickie Lee Jones, Pirates, Rickie Lee Retrospective, Queen/Thin Lizzy, Kate Bush, Rory Gallagher, Rory Gallagher audio, The Beatles look ahead, Pete Townshend, The Gospel of Rock according to Van Halen, Homophobia in music, Oasis @ Earl's Court, Tony Bennett, Gnarls Barkley and Why Christine and the Queens makes me feel like I'm ten years old and climbing a tree.