Low-Noise

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of American indie-rock band Low (as well as some other general stuff) in (just under) thirty minutes.

Formed in 1993 by Alan Sparhawk (guitar and vocals) and Mimi Parker (drums and vocals), the band was a trio from 1993 to 2020, having featured four different bassists. They disbanded following the death of Parker in 2022.

I do hope you enjoy this episode.

Mathew Woodall

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A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Original Pirate Material by English hip hop project the Streets (as well as some other general stuff) in (just over) thirty minutes.

Released in 2002 by principal member Mike Skinner, the album is musically influenced by UK garage and American hip hop, while its lyrics tell stories of British working-class life. Skinner has also stated that his main early influences were from the United States, in particular Wu-Tang Clan rappers such as Raekwon and RZA, as well as the album Illmatic by Nas.

The cover artwork depicts the south face of the...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the album Amarok by English musician Mike Oldfield.

Released in 1990 by Virgin Records, Oldfield originally conceived it as an 'angry protest album'. It is presented as a single sixty-minute track of continuous, uninterrupted but constantly changing music.

Although the album was not promoted with singles or a concert tour at the time, a duo comprising American pianist Gus Fogle and bassist Jason Miller performed the piece in April 2012, after it had been transcribed note for note by Welsh composer and arranger Ryan Yard.

'I am told that when men...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the Scottish rock/soul/funk band Love and Money (as well as some other general stuff) in (just under) twenty five minutes.

Formed in 1985 in Glasgow, Love and Money was created by three former members of Friends Again (singer-songwriter and guitarist James Grant, drummer Stuart Kerr and keyboardist Paul McGeechan) along with bassist Bobby Paterson, who replaced Friends Again's Neil Cunningham and who had been a member of Set the Tone, a band previously signed to Island Records in 1983. In their initial nine years together they recorded four moderately successful albums, three of...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the English post-rock band Bark Psychosis (as well as some other general stuff) in (just under) twenty five minutes.

Originally, Bark Psychosis was a quartet of Graham Sutton, Daniel Gish, John Ling and Mark Simnett. This line-up (with contributions from other passing members) recorded early singles and EPs plus the debut album Hex, before gradually dissolving over the course of 1994, with Sutton moving on to his drum and bass project Boymerang and to production work. Sutton reformed the group in 2004 without any of the other previous members, as a flexible project in which...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the English rock band Joy Division (as well as some other general stuff) in (just over) thirty minutes.

Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook formed the band (initially called Warsaw) after attending a 1976 Sex Pistols concert. While Joy Division's first recordings were heavily influenced by punk, they soon developed a sparse sound and style that made them one of the pioneering groups of the post-punk genre. Their self-released 1978 debut EP An Ideal for Living drew the attention of Tony Wilson, who signed them to his independent label Factory Records. Their debut album Unknown Pleasures...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the musical group Gong (as well as some other general stuff) in (just over) twenty five minutes. The band were formed in Paris in 1967 by Australian musician Daevid Allen and English vocalist Gilli Smyth. Band members have included Didier Malherbe, Pip Pyle, Steve Hillage, Mike Howlett, Tim Blake, Pierre Moerlen, Bill Laswell and Theo Travis. Others who have played on stage with Gong include Don Cherry, Chris Cutler, Bill Bruford, Brian Davison, Dave Stewart and Tatsuya Yoshida.

Gong's 1970 debut album, Magick Brother, featured a psychedelic rock sound. By the following year, the second...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the album 'Moon Safari' by French electronic duo Air (as well as some other general stuff) in just under twenty minutes.

Released in 1998 by Source and Virgin Records, Moon Safari was acclaimed by critics.

It was re-released in 2008 to mark the album's 10th anniversary (including a bound book, a DVD documentary about the duo, and a bonus CD with live performances and remixes). In 2024, it was reissued again to mark the album's 25th anniversary. Who knows, maybe in 2028 we can enjoy a 30th anniversary release! 

In the meantime, I do...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the musical group Animals That Swim (as well as some other general stuff) in (just over) twenty five minutes. Formed in London in 1989, the band was initially created by brothers Hugh Barker and Hank Starrs (Jeffery Barker), before adding third brother Al Barker to the line-up (along with Del Crabtree).

The band issued two albums on the Elemental label, but work on a third LP eventually dissolved after Elemental was taken over by One Little Indian in 1996. The Snowstorm label commissioned a third album in 1999. The band was inactive from 2001 to 2011, although Snowstorm i...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Irish rock band Thin Lizzy (as well as some other general stuff) in (just over) twenty five minutes. Formed in Dublin in 1969, the band were led by bassist, songwriter, and singer Phil Lynott until 1984.One of the defining rock groups of the 20th Century, Thin Lizzy became an inspiration for modern heavy rock bands such as Metallica and Alice in Chains.

I do hope you enjoy this episode.

Mathew Woodall

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A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the song 'The Captain of Her Heart' by the Swiss duo Double (as well as some other general stuff) in just under twenty minutes.


Double was formed in 1983 in Zürich by Felix Haug (drums and keyboards) and Kurt Maloo (guitar and vocals). The high point of their career came shortly after the 1985 release of their first full-length album, Blue, which contained the international smash hit, 'The Captain of Her Heart'.

I do hope you enjoy this episode.

Mathew Woodall

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A (relatively) in-depth analysis of British rock band The Railway Children in (just under) twenty minutes. Formed in Wigan in 1984, the group comprised Gary Newby (vocals/guitar/keyboards), Brian Bateman (rhythm/guitar), Guy Keegan (drums), and Stephen Hull (bass).

Their debut single A Gentle Sound was released on Factory Records in 1986. This was followed by their debut album, Reunion Wilderness in 1987. They were then signed by Virgin Records and their second album, Recurrence was released in 1988. They supported R.E.M. on tour in Europe and The Sugarcubes in the US. and in 1990, they released the album Native...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Scottish pop band The Big Dish in (just over) twenty minutes. The band formed in Airdrie, Scotland in 1983 and initially comprised Steven Lindsay (vocals/guitar), David Brownlie (drums), Stuart Hall (saxophone), Mark Ryce (guitar), and John Harper (keyboards). The band was subsequently augmented on stage by Paul Albertis (bass) and John Hendry (drums). As well as releasing three studio albums, the band performed live as support to Lloyd Cole and Big Country and Del Amitri.

In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

Mathew Woodall

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A (relatively) in-depth analysis of English band The Beat (known in the United States and Canada as the English Beat and in Australia as the British Beat) in (just over) twenty minutes. The band formed in Birmingham in 1978. Their music fuses Latin, ska, pop, soul, reggae and punk rock.

In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

Mathew Woodall

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A (relatively) in-depth analysis of German electronic band Kraftwerk and in particular, their performance at the Forever Now festival in (just over) twenty minutes

Kraftwerk were formed in Düsseldorf in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider. They are widely considered innovators and pioneers of electronic music. The band's work has influenced a diverse range of artists and many genres of modern music, including synth-pop, hip hop, post-punk, techno, house and ambient music.

On 22 June 2025, Kraftwerk headlined at Forever Now, a new, one-day festival at The National Bowl, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire (all other acts ran lat...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of American singer, songwriter, composer, and actor Isaac Hayes Jr. in (just over) forty five minutes - this is the longest Low-Noise epidosode to date, which seems rather fitting as Hayes is known for his lengthy musical compositions.

As a successful in-house songwriter, session musician and producer, Hayes was one of the creative forces behind Stax Records in the 1960s. With his working partner David Porter he wrote the Sam & Dave hit Soul Man, widely considered to be one of the most influential songs of all time. Hayes also had a successful solo career...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the song 'Why' by Carly Simon (as well as some other general stuff) in just under twenty minutes.

The song was recorded for the 1982 film Soup for One. The film was a flop, but the soundtrack, including Simon's song, was a success, particularly in Europe. The song Why, produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, also became a top 10 hit in the UK.

In 2021 it was reissued in a 12" format on the Unidisc label. Pressed on olive green vinyl with a white swirl, the reissue includes the 12" version, an...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the album Mamouna by Bryan Ferry (as well as some other general stuff) in just under thirty minutes.

Released on Virgin Records in 1994, Mamouna was Ferry's first album of original material in seven years. Ferry spent six years writing and recording it under the working title Horoscope. The album peaked at number 11 on the UK Albums Chart.

Mamouna was reissued in 2023 and previously unreleased alternative recordings were assembled for the first time as the ‘Horoscope’ album. A 3CD version also included an additional disc of previously unreleased demos or 'sketches' from both...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the album Kiss Me. Kiss Me, Kiss Me by The Cure (as well as some other general stuff) in just over thirty minutes.

The Cure enjoyed an increased international popularity after the release of The Head on the Door in 1985. Capitalising on this success, the band released a singles compilation 'Standing on a Beach'. They toured to support the compilation and also released a live concert, filmed in the south of France and called The Cure in Orange. In the meantime each band member had already begun to explore their own musical ideas res...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Exit North, the musical collaboration between Steve Jansen, Thomas Feiner, Ulf Jansson and Charlie Storm in under thirty minutes.

Former Japan-drummer Jansen established a co-writing connection with singer Thomas Feiner in 2007 for his first solo album 'Slope'. Feiner co-wrote the track 'Sow The Salt.'

For Jansen's second album 'Tender Extinction', Feiner co-wrote the track 'Captured.' They felt they had similar musical incentives and in 2014, Jansen proposed a more permanent partnership. Feiner had been co-composing some sketches and ideas with pianist Ulf Jansson, so this was the starting point for...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of English progressive folk band Gryphon in under twenty minutes.

Formed in London in 1972, Gryphon are known for their medieval and Renaissance style of music.After gaining notability during the progressive rock heyday of the early 1970s, they retired to pursue other musical activities. The group reformed for a one-off reunion in 2009, retired once more before playing some gigs in 2015. They performed at the Cropredy Festival in 2016, and in 2017, performed at the ProgRock festival in Portugal and the NewDay Festival in the UK. The first new Gryphon record for 41 years was released in 2018. This...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of British funk band Cymande in under thirty minutes.

Cymande was formed in London, in 1971. All were members of an Afro-Caribbean community in Balham, originating from nations such as Guyana, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent. Cymande were discovered by British producer John Schroeder while they played in a club in Soho in 1971. Schroeder recorded some demos and convinced Janus Records to sign the group. Their first single 'The Message' reached the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B charts in the United States. Their debut album was released in 1972 and also reached the Billboard pop and...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Canadian folk band The Weather Station in (just under) fifteen minutes. 

Formed in 2006, The Weather Station is fronted by Tamara Lindeman.Their debut album The Line was released in 2009 and their seventh album, Humanhood, was released in 2025.

In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

Mathew Woodall

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A (relatively) in-depth analysis of London-based jazz/afrobeat/hiphop fusion band Kokoroko in under thirty minutes. Their trackAbusey Junction, from their first eponymous EP boasts 59 million views on YouTube. They released their debut album 'Could We Be More' in 2022 and their second album ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ was released in 2025 on the Brownswood label.

In this episode I am in discussion with Bhoke.

Mathew Woodall

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A (relatively) in-depth analysis of English post-punk band Gang of Four in under thirty minutes.

Gang of Four played a stripped-down mix of punk rock, funk and dub, with a lyrics addressing societal/political issues. Their acclaimed debut album, Entertainment!, was released in 1979. Their early 80s albums (Songs of the Free and Hard) found them softening some of their abrasive qualities, progressing towards dance-punk and disco. They are widely considered one of the leading bands of the late 1970s/early 1980s post-punk movement, inspiring everyone from Kurt Cobain to Frank Ocean.

In this episode I am...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of English rock band Soft Machine in under thirty minutes.

Soft Machine's music can be categorised into various genres and subgenres, including progressive rock, experimental rock, jazz rock, jazz, proto-prog, psychedelic rock and art rock. The band are part of the Canterbury scene of progressive rock

Although they achieved little commercial success, critics consider Soft Machine to have been influential in rock music. The band's name originates from William S. Burroughs's novel The Soft Machine.

As of 2025, the current lineup consists of John Etheridge, Theo Travis, Fred Thelonious Baker and Asaf Sirk...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the single Rip It Up by Orange Juice (as well as some other general stuff) in just under thirty minutes.

After releasing a series of singles on the independent Postcard label, the debut album by Orange Juice 'You Can't Hide Your Love Forever', was realeased by Polydor in February 1982. The album received mixed reviews. Retrospectively, however, it is often regarded as a classic of the era and a key influence on the C86 generation. The group's second album 'Rip It Up', issued in November 1982 featured the single of the same name, which reached...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the rock classic (Don't Fear) The Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult (as well as some other stuff) in just under thirty minutes. The song, written and sung by lead guitarist Donald 'Buck Dharma' Roeser is taken from the 1976 album Agents of Fortune and explores the theme of eternal love and the inevitability of death.

The band name Blue Öyster Cult features an umlaut. The 'metal umlaut' (also known as röck döts) has also been used in the names of several rock or heavy metal bands such as Queensrÿche, Motörhead, the Ac...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the single Down in the Tube Station at Midnight by the Jam (as well as some other stuff) in just under thirty minutes.

Released in October 1978, Down in the Tube Station at Midnight was the second single from the Jam's third album, All Mod Cons. It reached No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart.

This episode is dedicated to Paul Richard Buckler (1955 – 2025) and I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

Mathew Woodall

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A (relatively) in-depth analysis of English rock band Led Zeppelin in under thirty minutes.

Led Zeppelin are one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated record sales of between 200 and 300 million units worldwide. Their debut album, Led Zeppelin, was released in 1969.

In 2025, Becoming Led Zeppelin, a documentary which charts the formation and early years of the band was released. Directed by Bernard MacMahon, the film was made with the full co-operation of the group. When a work-in-progress version was screened at the Venice Film Festival in 2021, it received a 10-minute standing ovation.
Duration: 00:19:10

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the critically aclaimed album Broken English by English singer-songwriter and actor Marianne Faithfull in under thirty minutes.

After a long absence, Faithfull made a musical comeback in 1979 with Broken English. The album was a commercial success and marked a resurgence of her musical career. The album earned Faithfull a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance and is widely  regarded as her definitive recording.

Faithfull received the World Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 Women's World Awards, and in 2011 she was made a Commandeur of the Ordre des A...

Released in 1999, the film Magnolia was film written, directed and co-produced by Paul Thomas Anderson. The movie is an epic mosaic of interrelated characters in search of happiness, forgiveness and meaning in the San Fernando Valley. The script was inspired by the music of Aimee Mann, who contributed several songs to its soundtrack.

Anderson met Aimee Mann in 1996 when he asked her husband, Michael Penn, to write the score and songs for his film, Hard Eight. Mann's songs had been featured on soundtracks before but only incidentally. Anderson encouraged her to write songs for the film by sending her...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of English singer-songwriter Lloyd Cole in under thirty minutes.

Cole was the lead vocalist of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions from 1984 to 1989. Since then he has enjoyed a prolific solo career with his first album 'Lloyd Cole' being released in 1990.

'Downtown' from his first album was featured in the 1990 film Bad Influence. 'Pay for It' from Cole's 1991 album 'Don't Get Weird on Me Babe' was also featured on the soundtrack of When the Party's Over. 

In 2023, Cole released his twelfth album 'On Pain', featuring songs recorded in his attic (which b...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of English singer-songwriter Peter Skellern in under thirty minutes.

Peter Skellern rose to fame in the 1970s and had two top twenty hits on the UK Singles Chart: 'You're a Lady in 1972, which typifies his signature use of brass bands and choral arrangements and 'Hold On to Love' in 1975. In the 1980s, a decade before the Gallagher brothers, Skellern formed the band Oasis with Julian Lloyd Webber and Mary Hopkin. He also established a long standing musical comedy partnership with Richard Stilgoe.

You're a Lady has been covered by many artists including...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of unique English singer-songwriter Julia Fordham in (just over) fifteen minutes.

Fordham's professional career started in the early 1980s, when she was known as Jules Fordham, singing backing vocals for Mari Wilson and Kim Wilde. In 1988, she released her first album on Circa Records. Her second album, Porcelain, followed in 1989. It was Fordham's only album to chart on the US top 100. In 2014, Fordham, now based in California, returned to the UK to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Porcelain. She performed the album in its entirety, accompanied by her long-time pianist and producer Grant Mitchell. T...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of American singer-songwriter Natalie Prass in (just over) fifteen minutes.

Prass grew up in Virginia, where she met fellow musician Matthew E. White. They played in a band together in the early 2000s, then White moved to Richmond to study jazz. Prass’ own journey took her to Berklee and Middle Tennessee State before she settled in Nashville. Eventually she reconnected with White, who was still based in Richmond and was working toward the launch of a record label called Spacebomb. The rest, as they say, is history...

In this episode I am in...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of French musician Nicolas Godin in (just under) twenty minutes.

In 2015, Godin released his first solo album Contrepoint (Because Music), inspired by the music of Bach. Godin also composed the soundtrack for French series A Very Secret Service (2015–2018) and his second album Concrete and Glass was released in 2020.

In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

A huge thank you to the wonderful Heather Murray.

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A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Max Richter in (just under) twenty minutes.

Richter was born in Hamelin, Germany and grew up in Bedford, England. He studied composition and piano at the University of Edinburgh and at the Royal Academy of Music. After completing his studies, Richter co-founded the contemporary classical ensemble Piano Circus. He stayed with the group for ten years, commissioning and performing works by minimalist musicians such as Arvo Pärt, Brian Eno, Philip Glass, Julia Wolfe, and Steve Reich. The ensemble was signed to Decca/Argo, producing five albums.

Richter now arranges, performs, a...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of The Blue Nile (just under) twenty minutes.

The Blue Nile were a Scottish band, specifically three Glasgow natives who had graduated from university there. Following support from artists such as Rickie Lee Jones and Peter Gabriel, the group received critical acclaim, particularly for their first two albums A Walk Across the Rooftops and Hats. The group took their name from the title of Alan Moorehead's 1962 book (a sequel to The White Nile), the two books making up a history of the Nile River. 

In 2019, the band's major label albums were re-issued o...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the The Clash together with their 1979 album 'London Calling' in (just under) thirty minutes.

The Clash achieved critical and commercial success in the UK with the release of their eponymous debut album and second album Give 'Em Enough Rope however, it was their experimental third album London Calling, released in 1979, that earned them popularity in the United States.

Produced by Guy Stevens at Wessex Sound Studios, the album bridged the traditional punk rock sound with a new wave aesthetic. London Calling also reflects the band's growing interest in styles beyond their...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1981 album 'Face Value' by Phil Collins in (just under) twenty minutes. 

Face Value was an instant commercial success and reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart for three weeks. It has since sold over 1.5 million in the UK. The album received widespread praise from critics and launched Collins' solo career whose commercial success would ultimately outstrip that of Genesis. Its lead single 'In the Air Tonight', released in January 1981, reached No. 2 on the UK singles chart and became known for its distinct drum arrangement.

During a break in activity from G...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the album '1972' by by indie folk musician Josh Rouse in (just under) twenty minutes. 

Released in 2003, 1972 is the fourth album by Rouse. Born in the rural town of Oshkosh, Nebraska, Rouse's family moved to various locations during his childhood including Utah, California, Wyoming, and Georgia. He began writing songs aged 18, and following his nomadic childhood, he eventually moved to Clarksville, Tennessee where he attended college, dropped out and then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, working as a parking valet. It was here he met local musicians and began recording.The initial recordings h...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the song Love My Way (and The Psychedelic Furs) in (just under) fifteen minutes.

The Psychedelic Furs formed in London in 1977. Led by vocalist Richard Butler and his brother Tim on bass, they are one of the many acts spawned from the British post-punk scene.

The band had several hits in their early career. Pretty in Pink was originally released in 1981 as a single from their second album, Talk Talk Talk. John Hughes' 1986 film was named after the song and a re-recorded version of the song was included on its soundtrack.<...

Frankie Goes to Hollywood signed to ZTT Records in 1983. Their debut album, Welcome to the Pleasuredome was released in 1984. Produced by Trevor Horn, it achieved advance sales of more than a million, and their first three singles, "Relax", "Two Tribes" and "The Power of Love", reached number one on the UK singles chart. The BBC briefly banned them from broadcast for their provocative themes, drawing further publicity. Their second album, Liverpool was released in 1986. The album sold fewer copies, and they disbanded acrimoniously the following year. Holly Johnson successfully sued ZTT to leave his contract and began a solo career...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of British, singer/songwriter Judie Tzuke in just under thirty minutes.

Judie Tzuke was born Judie Myers in 1956. She is best known for her 1979 hit 'Stay with Me till Dawn', which reached number 16 on the UK singles chart.

Tzuke's family relocated from Poland to England in the 1920s, and changed their surname from Tzuke to Myers, like other Jewish families from Eastern Europe. Judie preferred the original family name, using it at school and later as her stage name. She was educated in the visual arts, performing arts, and music, performing in...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1973 album 'Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid' by Bob Dylan in (just under) fifteen minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid is the twelfth studio album and first soundtrack album by Dylan, released by Columbia Records for the Sam Peckinpah film of the same name. Dylan himself appeared in the film as the character 'Alias'. The soundtrack consists mainly of instrumental music and was inspired by the movie itself. It also includes 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door', which became a trans-Atlantic Top 20 hit. The...

Queen's previous album, Sheer Heart Attack, released in 1974, had achieved commercial success and brought the band mainstream attention. The single Killer Queen reached number two on the UK Singles Chart. The album was also a minor hit in the US. Despite this success, the band was broke at the time, largely due to a contract they had signed which meant that they would produce albums for a production company, who would then sell the album to a record label. This meant that Queen saw almost none of the money they earned, as Trident Studios paid them £60 weekly. Guitarist Brian May w...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of American lyricist, singer, songwriter and painter Carole Bayer Sager in just under thirty minutes.

Bayer Sager's first recording as a singer in her own right was the 1977 album Carole Bayer Sager. It included the hit single 'You're Moving Out Today', a song which she co-wrote with Bette Midler and Bruce Roberts. The single reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart. She was born in New York City and graduated from New York University, where she majored in English, dramatic arts, and speech. She had already written her first pop hit, 'A Groovy Kind...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the song There Is a Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths in (just under) fifteen minutes.

Critics consider "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" to be one of the Smiths' finest songs. Simon Goddard wrote, "In a straw poll among Smiths fans today, 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' would more than likely still come out victorious", which he credits to the "perfect balance" of Marr's compositional skills and Morrissey's lyricism.. AllMusic's Tim DiGravina calls it "a standout among standouts from the Smiths' masterpiece third album, The Q...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of American singer, songwriter, and musician John Martyn in just under twenty minutes.

I hope you enjoy the podcast and do leave feedback if you like what you have heard.

Mathew Woodall

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of The Police in just under 20 minutes.

Their 1978 debut album, Outlandos d'Amour, reached No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart on the strength of the singles "Roxanne" and "Can't Stand Losing You". Their second album, Reggatta de Blanc (1979), became the first of four consecutive No. 1 albums in the UK; its first two singles, "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon", became their first UK number ones. Their next two albums, Zenyatta Mondatta (1980) and Ghost in the Machine (1981), led to further critical and commercial success with two songs, "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and "Ev...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of American singer, songwriter, and musician Kacey Musgraves in just under fifteen minutes.

Musgraves is a seven-time Grammy Award winner who released her fifth studio album Deeper Well in March 2024.

Born in Golden, Texas, Musgraves has been making music since she was eight. As a child, she was a champion yodeller and sang the national anthem at the 2002 Winter Olympics. In her teens, her parents paid for her to record a sucession of three independently produced albums, while her grandmother worked as her agent.

I hope you enjoy the podcast...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of The Waterboys in just under 20 minutes.

The Waterboys were formed in 1983 by Mike Scott. Although over seventy musicians have performed live as part of the group, some have spent only a short time with the band, contributing to a single tour or album, while others have been long-term members with significant contribution. Mike Scott has remained the only constant member. Musically they have explored several different styles, but their music is essentially a mix of folk music with rock. They dissolved in 1993 when Scott departed to pursue a solo career. The group reformed...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the song Wand'rin' Star by Lee Marvin (in just under 20 minutes). The song was originally written for the stage musical Paint Your Wagon in 1951 and was recorded by Lee Marvin when the musical was translated in a movie in 1969.

Released as a single in 1970, Wan'drin' Star became a number one hit in the UK. A sound-alike cover version appeared on the 1970 Top of the Pops album with one reviewer using terms like "laryngitic croak" and "gargling gargoyles" to describe how he felt about the version. It was also covered by UK comedian Julian...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of German musician, composer, and record producer Nils Frahm (in just under 20 minutes).

Redefining the space between classical and electronic music, Frahm’s unconventional approach to the piano, played contemplatively and intimately, and his use of ambient textures and atmospheric electronica, has won him many fans across the globe. Frahm launched his own label LEITER with his manager Felix Grimm and during the Covid-19 lockdown, they released Old Friends New Friends, a selection of solo piano tracks from twelve years of his archives.

In this episode I am in conversation with Dr. An...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1977 album 'Low' by David Bowie in (just under) fifteen minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

Bowie's eleventh album is an art rock and experimental rock record influenced by German bands such as Tangerine Dream, Neu!, Harmonia and Kraftwerk, Low features Bowie's first explorations in electronic and ambient styles. Side one consists primarily of short, direct avant-pop song-fragments, with mostly downbeat lyrics reflecting Bowie's state of mind, and side two comprises longer, mostly instrumental tracks, conveying musical observations of Berlin. Visconti created the distinctive drum sound using an Even...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of The Bible in just under fifteen minutes.

The band released two critically acclaimed albums in the mid-1980s and are best known for the hits 'Graceland' and 'Mahalia'. Since The Bible's first split in 1990, lead singer Boo Hewerdine has maintained a solo career while the band itself has been intermittently active.

I hope you enjoy the podcast and do leave feedback if you like what you have heard.

Mathew Woodall

Manassas is a double album by the group Manassas, a blues-rock band led by Stephen Stills. Recorded towards the end of 1971 the album explored several musical styles including rock, latin, country and bluegrass. Released in 1972, it was a critical comeback for Stills, being certified Gold a month after being released and peaking at number 4 on the US album charts.

Stills, a Civil War enthusiast, flew the then unnamed band to Virginia, at one point visting Manassas which lies close to where the Confederacy had claimed its first major victory at the Battle of Bull Run. The group were...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1979 album Tusk by Fleetwood Mac in (just under) fifteen minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

When contemplating their 12th album, Lindsey Buckingham was adamant about creating an album that sounded nothing like Rumours. Eager to embrace the modern sounds of New Wave and insprired by bands such as Talking Heads, Buckingham was determined to explore the unknown, whether or not his bandmates were interested or not. Like the Beatles’ White Album (also a double album) and The Beach Boys Smiley Smile, Tusk reveled in its own ch...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of House of Love in just under fifteen minutes.

The group rose to prominence in 1987 with their first single Shine On, released on the Creation label. In the US, I Don't Know Why I Love You, Marble and You Don't Understand were also popular on alternative rock radio stations.

They disbanded in 1993 and after a hiatus of ten years, reformed in 2003. They have been cited as an influence by bands such as Slowdive and Ride.

In 2020, chief singer-songwriter-guitarist Guy Chadwick announced a change of line-up and that he had recruited...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of singer, songwriter and musician Mark Knopfler. Widely known as the front man of the British rock group Dire Straits and later as a successful writer of film soundtracks and as a solo artist. Knopfler is exceptionally skilled on the guitar, celebrated in particular for his trademark fingerstyle technique and distinctive sound. As a songwriter, he is regarded for his unique blend of folk, roots, pub rock, and country music.

In April 2024, Knopfler released his tenth solo album, One Deep River. The album was followed by a standalone EP for Record Store Day called The Boy, c...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1981 album 'KooKoo' by Debbie Harry in (just under) twenty minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

This, Harry's debut solo album was produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic (do listen to our Chic episode from Season One if you have a spare moment). Kookoo enjoyed moderate commercial success in the US, faring better in the UK, where it reached a respectable number six (we always loved Debbie Harry and Blondie here in the UK!).

The iconic sleeve design was created by Swiss...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of singer, songwriter and musician Jah Wobble. Wobble began his musical career as a founder member of Public Image Limited, his heavy, hypnotic bass lines defining their early sound. Wobble parted company with Lydon and Public Image Limited in 1980 to pursue what would become a successful and prolific solo career and has since collaborated with a wide variety of musicians and recording projects over the years. According to Spotify 'Jah Wobble is one of the genuine musical polymaths to emerge from the post-punk era as a virtuoso bassist, composer, producer, journalist, poet, and author.'
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A (relatively) in-depth analysis of singer, songwriter and musician Suzanne Vega. 

In this episode I am in conversation with Dr. Andrew Webber.

I hope you enjoy this podcast.

Mathew Woodall

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1983 album 'Seesds of Love' by Tears for Fears in (just under) fifteen minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

This is Episode 14 of Season 3 - a huge thank you to the overwhelming numbers of listeners over the past two years as the Low Noise podcast continues to evolve in its own inimitable way. I truly appreciate all your interest and support.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

Mathew Woodall

The introduction features an excerpt from 'Ma' from the album 'Asimov' by...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of British Rock band Supertramp in just over fifteen minutes.

Supertramp are a British rock group and successfully straddled both progressive rock and pop-rock. Formed in 1970, all members were multi-instrumentalists. Co-founder, composer and lead singer, Roger Hodgson left the band in 1983 to focus on raising his family and a maintaining a more spiritual existence.

Although Supertramp are known for ambitious concept albums, they are best known for radio-friendly hits such as “Dreamer” and “The Logical Song”. According to Hodgson, both these songs were based on his experiences growing up in the English countrys...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1979 album 'Rickie Lee Jones' by Rickie Lee Jones in (just under) fifteen minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

The eponymous debut album was released in 1979 by Warner Bros. Records. Marinated in Jones' folk, rock and jazz influences it became a critical and commercial success. The album cover photo was taken by Norman Seeff.

This is Episode 12 of Season 3 - a huge thank you to the overwhelming numbers of listeners over the past two years as the Low Noise podcast continues to evolve in its...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the song A Forest by The Cure in (just under) fifteen minutes.

In this episode I am in discussion with Bhoke.

I hope you enjoy the podcast and please do leave feedback if you like what you you have heard.

Mathew Woodall

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of the 1983 album 'Beauty Stab' by ABC in (just under) fifteen minutes. In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

In 2005, a digitally remastered CD of the album was released with three bonus tracks.

This is Episode 10 of Season 3 - a huge thank you to the overwhelming numbers of listeners over the past two years as the Low Noise podcast continues to evolve in its own inimitable way. I truly appreciate all your interest and support.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

Mathew Woodall
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'Sail On' is a song by The Commodores, the first of three singles from their 1979 album Midnight Magic. Written by Lionel Ritchie, the song reached the top ten on both the US and UK charts.

10cc are a British rock band formed in Stockport in 1972. The group initially consisted of four musicians – Graham Gouldman, Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme – who had written and recorded together since 1968. The group featured two songwriting teams. Many regard Stewart and Gouldman as the predominantly pop songwriters, and Godley and Creme as the more experimental half of 10cc. Some have described Godley and Creme’s songwriting as featuring art and cinematically inspired writing.

In this episode I am in conversation with Dr. Andrew Webber.

I hope you enjoy the podcast and do leave feedback if you like what yo...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Scottish chamber-pop band The Bathers in just under twenty-five minutes.

The Bathers are a Scottish chamber pop band. The vehicle for singer-songwriter Chris Thomson, they have released seven albums and have been referred to as "the best-kept secret in Scottish music". They were initially active between 1985 and 2001 and reformed in 2016.

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 was released in 1990 on Virgin Records with Michael Mertens being the only remaining member.

In 2018, Brücken and Susanne Freytag began performing together as xPropaganda and in 2022, released an album The Heart...

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Be My Somebody by Norah Jones in (just under) fifteen minutes.

In this episode I am in discussion with Bhoke.

I hope you enjoy the podcast and do leave feedback if you like what you you have heard.

Mathew Woodall

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of Me and Mrs. Jones by Billy Paul in (just under) fifteen minutes.

In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber.

I hope you enjoy the podcast and do leave feedback if you like what you you have heard.

Mathew Woodall

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 with The Los Angeles Times,

In this episode I am in discussion with Meah and April.

I hope you enjoy the podcast and do leave feedback if you like what you have heard.
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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 Episode 1 of Season 3 - a huge thank you to the overwhelming numbers of listeners over the past two years as the Low Noise podcast continues to evolve in its...

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

This episode is dedicated to Barney Bubbles, S. Neil Fujita, Reid Miles, Peter Blake, Stanley 'Mouse' Miller, Malcolm Garrett, John...

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, Jump for Joy was released on the Merge label in 2023.

In this episode I am in conversation with Dr. Andrew Webber.

I hope you enjoy the podcast and do leave feedback if you like what you have heard.
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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 have met with universal acclaim.

In this episode I am in conversation with Dr. Andrew Webber.

I hope you enjoy this podcast.

Mathew Woodall

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 now lives in Easthampton, Massachusetts with his American wife, Elizabeth Lewis.

The song 'Rattlesnakes' was covered by Tori Amos in 2001 and Sandie Shaw released a version of '(Are You) Ready to Be Heartbroken...

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, Denzel Curry, Pouya, Yung Simmie and Chris Travis. Purrp's groundbreaking debut studio album Mysterious Phonk: Chronicles of SpaceGhostPurrp was released in 2012. Since 2010, he has released over twenty five mixtapes, the latest being...

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 debut album of the same name and later added a new acoustic recording as a bonus track on her 2015 album Blackbirds.

Beloved of UK audiences and championed by the likes...

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 with Yes, his wife apparently dismissing the band as 'old farts'. Upon completion, the track was also rejected by Arista. Clive Davis felt the song was 'too strange and wouldn’t be a hit'. The At...

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 the band were touring to promote their Speaking in Tongues album. Stop Making Sense includes a memorable performance of the first Talking Heads single, Psycho Killer, through to Burning Down the House, their most recent single at that...

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 enjoy this episode.

Mathew Woodall

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 include a singles chart.

In the 1970s, it became the best-selling British music newspaper. From 1972 to 1976, it was particularly associated with gonzo journalism, a style of writing that typically employs...

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 band) and drummer Jim Walker. The group's line-up has changed frequently over the past few decades with Lydon being the only constant member.

Public Image Ltd. released their...

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 1982 song Back on the Chain Gang written by Chryssie Hynde and recorded by Pretenders in (just over) ten minutes (short and sweet).

In this episode I am in discussion with Dr. Andrew Webber and we're back on the train...

It was always going to be a toss-up between 'Don't Get Me Wrong' and 'Back on the Chain Gang' but 'Chain Gang' won in the end.

In 1995 Tejano singer Selena recorded 'Fotos y Recuerdos' a Cumbia version of the song, which deserves a listen. In 2004 Brazilian singer/songwriter, Danni...

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, Gene Parsons, Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, Phish, Bob Dylan, Phil Pritchett, Jackson Browne, Gregg Allman, Stein Ove Berg, Johan Berggren, Richard Shindell...

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 unseen photos.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Mathew Woodall

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 that love is supposed to be?"

This episode is dedicated to Shuhada' Sadaqat, known professionally as Sinéad O...

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 was featured in the 1999 movie Mystery Men. The video game series No More Heroes is also named after this song.

Whatever happened to dear old Lenny, the great Elmyr...

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"