so sad to hear that Bob ‘Bomber’ Harris is retiring as a DJ who we all grew up with here via The Old Grey Whistle Test earning his sobriquet ‘Whispering’ Bob as we all tuned in every week to see who he would feature (Captain Beefheart, Ry Cooder, Roxy Music, Eurythmics etc etc . . . . ) and the endless brilliant cartoons played via the featured album tracks. That he continued so long via BBC Radio is little short of miraculous and we will miss him sorely. It is reported his pancreatic cancer has no spread to his spine thus incapacitating him further. I trust his ongoing treatment lends to his comfort in his retirement . . . . . . .
Reasons to be cheerful . . . . . .or reflective for sure
The Old Grey Whistle Test (OGWT) is a term that echoes in the hearts of music lovers of all ages. This British music television program, broadcasted on BBC2 from 1971 to 1988, was a lighthouse for non-mainstream music, presenting a wide array of artists and musical styles. The concept of the show was the brainchild of BBC producer Rowan Ayers and commissioned by David Attenborough. According to presenter Bob Harris the programme derived its name from a Tin Pan Alley phrase inspired. According to this phrase, if a song could be remembered and whistled by the ‘old greys’ - the doormen in grey suits - after hearing it just once or twice, it had passed the 'old grey whistle test’.
Included in this post are the following albums:
VA - The Old Grey Whistle Test [2010]
VA - The Old Grey Whistle Test, 40th Anniversary Album [2011]
VA - The Old Grey Whistle Test, Live [2012]
The first in the series of three box sets, “VA - The Old Grey Whistle Test [2010]”, is a collection that embodies the spirit of OGWT. Curated by Bob Harris, a Radio 2 DJ and host of the show, this two-disc release comprises 38 tracks that span across different years and genres. The assortment of tracks provides a glimpse into an era ruled by album artists, offering a unique perspective into the musical scene of that time.
The second box set, “VA - The Old Grey Whistle Test, 40th Anniversary Album [2011]”, commemorates the 40th anniversary of the show. This 3 CD set showcases a varied range of artists and genres, mirroring the wide spectrum of artists that appeared on the show. The collection of tracks serves as a testament to the legendary acts that adorned the OGWT stage.
The third box set, “VA - The Old Grey Whistle Test, Live [2012]”, exemplifies what OGWT stood for - live music. This three-disc collection exclusively contains archived live performances from the show. The variety in the selection mirrors the diversity of artists that appeared on the show. This compilation is highly recommended for truly celebrating what The Old Grey Whistle Test stood for - live music.
In summary, these three box sets pay homage to the legacy of The Old Grey Whistle Test, encapsulating its essence, marking its milestones, and emphasizing its focus on live music. They provide listeners with an opportunity to experience the enchantment of this iconic show and appreciate the wide range of music it promoted. (B)
As a Special treat I have included the BBC special - The Old Grey Whistle Test, Live - For One Night Only. Hosted by Bob Harris, this live studio shows features music, special guests and rare archive to mark 30 years since the legendary series was last broadcast. Featuring performances from Peter Frampton, Richard Thompson, and Albert Lee among others. Posted in two formats
Now the only snag with compilations like this is that there are inevitably bands and artists left out. Whilst it show the breadth and depths of the extraordinary eclecticism of the bands featured, there are for me glaring errors and holes in the stars covered that it becomes a kind of average selection. To me it seems a tad biased towards American acts but that might be me! No Ry Cooder solo or with his bands who featured, no Frank Zappa?, Edgar Winter but no Johnny? Richard and Linda Thompson but no Fairport Convention?, no Neil Young or even CSNY? It goes on but it was such a great programme it became an institution, so its a well worth a listen of course
Regular visitor and pal Jobe from the FBSVW crew brought to my attention the untimely death of Tony McPhee of Groundhogs fame and as I saw his band at least twice over the period of UK festivals, free and otherwise, it seemed remiss to not mention his passing
The Groundhogs in 1974: (l-r) bassist Peter Cruickshank, drummer Clive Brooks and guitarist Tony McPhee.Photograph: Michael Putland/Getty Images
Tony McPhee solo acoustic at TOGWT standing in for Country Joe!
This is a worthy piece from The Guardian’s Alexis Petridis
The Smiths - Assembly Rooms Derby, UK. Filmed for The Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC TV December 7, 1983 Dream Remaster -FM Source @flac
Track List: 1. Handsome Devil 2. Still Ill 3. This Charming Man 4. Pretty Girls Make Graves 5. Reel Around The Fountain 6. What Difference Does It Make? 7. Miserable Lie 8. This Night Has Opened My Eyes 9. You've Got Everything Now 10. These Things Take Time 11. Hand In Glove
The Smiths - Still Ill - Derby Assembly Rooms 1983
6 December 1983 (although note the film states 7th Dec)
01. 00:00 Handsome Devil
02. 02:53 Still III
03. 06:26 This Charming Man
04. 09:23 Pretty Girls Make Graves
05. 13:01 Reel Around The Fountain
06. 18:50 What Difference Does It Make?
07. 22:19 Miserable Lie
08. 26:30 This Night Has Opened My Eyes
09. 29:44 Hand In Glove
10. 32:20 These Things Take Time
11. 35:00 You’ve Got Everything Now
The chaotic performance of "You've Got Everything Now" was moved after "These Things Take Time", making it look like the show ended with the melée.
It wasn't long into "You've Got Everything Now" before the stage became crowded with fans. Band members disappeared from view and Morrissey could barely sing his lines. He tried as best he could but made strangling noises as he was pulled left and right and tried not to get drowned in a sea of dancing people. The stage got filled with as many fans as was physically possible. It was one of the Smiths' first major stage invasions (including a small child!). The band left stage after the latter number, and after the stage was cleared, they returned for an encore. After "These Things Take Time", Morrissey just shouted "Goodbye! Stay handsome... goodbye..." and that was the end.
