Low-Noise

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of German synth-pop band Propaganda in just under twenty-five minutes. Formed in Düsseldorf in 1982, the group signed by Paul Morley to ZTT Records in 1983. They released their first single Dr Mabuse in 1984 and their debut album A Secret Wish in 1985. By 1986 Claudia Brücken had left the group amidst some complicated legal wranglings with ZTT. A second album, 1234...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Be My Somebody by Norah Jones in (just under) fifteen minutes. Norah Jones (born Geethali Norah Jones Shankar) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist.  She has won many awards for her music and has sold over 50 million records worldwide. Be My Somebody is featured on her third album Not Too Late, released in 2007. Jones wrote most of the songs on the album...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Me and Mrs. Jones by Billy Paul in (just under) fifteen minutes. Paul Williams known professionally as Billy Paul, was an American soul singer, known primarily for the song which was written by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Cary Gilbert. It describes an extramarital affair between a man and his lover, Mrs. Jones. The two meet in secret "every day at the same cafe...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of 'Let Me Sign' by English actor Robert Pattinson in (just over) ten minutes. In addition to landing the lead role of Edward Cullen in the 2008 American romantic vampire movie Twilight, Pattinson also performed two original songs 'Never Think' and 'Let Me Sign'. Director Catherine Hardwicke described both tracks as "haunting" and beautiful" during an interview wit...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1973 album 'Band on the Run' by Wings in (just under) fifteen minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber. A 50th anniversary expanded edition of the album was released in 2024. As the number of reissues over the past fifty years indicates (this is now the fourth), it is one of McCartney's most significant post-Beatles albums. This is...

In their heyday, album covers were veritable canvases, pored over by music lovers across the globe as they devoured the music therein. In this bonus broadcast I pay hommage to the lost art of the album cover with fellow album aesthete Dr. Andrew Webber. I hope you enjoy the podcast and do leave feedback if you like what you have heard. I look forward to seeing you in Season Three... Mathew Woodall...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of American folk band Hiss Golden Messenger. Formed in 2007 and originating from North Carolina, the group is led by singer/songwriter MC Taylor. Hiss Golden Messenger's early recordings were released through Taylor's label, Heaven & Earth Magic Recording Company. The limited edition debut album, Country Hai East Cotton, was released in 2009. Their latest album...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of singer, songwriter and musician Nadia Reid. Hailing from Port Chalmers, New Zealand, the Guardian has called Reid one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets. She is renowned for her warm musical soundscapes and unique voice. Reid has released three albums: Listen to Formation, Look for the Signs (2015), Preservation (2017), and Out of My Province (2020). All three h...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of English singer, songwriter and musician Lloyd Cole. Cole was the lead vocalist of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions from 1984 to 1989 and has since worked as a solo artist. Cole was born in the spa town of Buxton, Derbyshire and studied Philosophy and English at the University of Glasgow. Having always nurtured a passion for American literature and Americana, Cole n...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of American rapper and producer Markese Money Rolle, otherwise known as SpaceGhostPurrp in (just over) twenty five minutes. In this episode I am in conversation with A Du Tre. Born in Miami, Florida, Purrp is the founder of the now-defunct American hip hop group Raider Klan, the co-founder of Black Money Boys and has collaborated with Xavier Wulf, Robb Banks, Denze...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of The Secret of Life by the Nashville-based, New York raised Queen of Country Noir Gretchen Peters in (just over) fifteen minutes. Recorded (and written) by Peters in 1995-96, the song was then recorded by fellow country artist Faith Hill in 1997-98 as the fifth and final single from her album Faith. Peters included the original version of the song on her 1996 deb...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Owner of a Lonely Heart by British progessive rock band Yes in (just over) fifteen minutes. Released in 1983 this is the first track from the album 90125. Written by South African guitarist and singer Trevor Rabin, contributions were made by vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, and producer Trevor Horn. Horn said he was criticised for agreeing to work wi...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Stop Making Sense by Talking Heads in (just over) twenty minutes. Stop Making Sense is a ground-breaking concert film featuring a live performance by Talking Heads. Released in 1984, it was directed by Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia, The Manchurian Candidate), it was shot over four nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theatre in December 1983, when...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the song Sign o' the Times by Prince in (just over) fifteen minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber. I hope you enjoy the podcast and do leave feedback. Mathew Woodall

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey in (just over) twenty minutes. In this episode I am in conversation with Meah and April. According to Wikipedia, Lana Del Rey's music is 'noted for its cinematic quality and exploration of tragic romance, glamour, and melancholia, with frequent references to contemporary pop culture and 1950s–1970s Americana. I hope you en...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the British music newspaper NME (or New Musical Express as it was originally known) in (just over) twenty minutes. In this episode I am in conversation with with Dr. Andrew Webber. NME is currently a British music, film, gaming, and culture website and brand. Launched in 1952, it was originally a newspaper (or 'rock inkie') and was the first British newspaper to...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the English post-punk band Public Image Ltd. in (just over) fifteen minutes. In this episode I am in conversation with Dr. Andrew Webber. Public Image Ltd. (or PIL) are an English post-punk rock band formed by John Lydon (previously of the Sex Pistols), guitarist Keith Levene (one of the original members of The Clash) bassist Jah Wobble (who cut his teeth in the...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of American singer Britney Spears in (just over) twenty minutes. Mathew Woodall is in discussion with Meah and April. Often referred to as the "Princess of Pop", she is credited with influencing the revival of 'teen pop' during the late 1990s and early 2000s "You see my problem is this: I'm dreaming away, wishing that heroes, they truly exist"

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1979 album 'The Long Run' by Eagles in (just under) twenty minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the ultimate truckin' anthem Willin' by Little Feat in (just over) twenty five minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Mr. Keep on Truckin' himself Dr. Andrew Webber and if you give us weed, whites , and wine and you show us a sign, we'll be willin' to be movin'... As far as I am aware, the song has been covered by Linda Ronstadt, Seatrain, The Byrds, G...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1978 solo album 'Wet Dream' by Richard Wright in (just over) twenty minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber. After being generally unavailable for many years, the album was re-issued on CD on 28 July 2023, which would have been Wright's 80th birthday. It features a new stereo mix by Steven Wilson and new artwork with previously uns...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1989 album 'Mind Bomb' by The The in (just under) twenty minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber and we identify Kingdom of Rain as being a stand-out track: But as silent as the car lights that move across this room As cold as our bodies silhouetted by the moon And I would lie awake and wonder "Is it just me? Or is this the way tha...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the song No More Heroes by The Stranglers in (just over) twenty minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber. In 1995, The Stranglers' publishers took legal action against Elastica, claiming that their single Waking Up borrowed heavily from No More Heroes. Elastica settled out of court. No More Heroes has been covered by Violent Femmes and...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1990 song Vogue by Madonna in (just under) twenty minutes. Mathew Woodall is in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber (fellas that were in the mood...)

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Nigerian musician, bandleader, composer and political activist Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti in (just over) twenty minutes. Mathew Woodall is in discussion with Bhoke. "I no be gentleman at all, I be Africa man original"