Music 101 for Saturday 12 December 2009

Saturday December 12

2-3 pm:

We mark the passing of a true New Zealand music pioneer, Eldred Stebbing. Ex Stebbing studio engineer Ian Morris remembers him here

Access All Areas: Def Jam: The House that Russell and Rick Built

Hip Hop label Def Jam Records is one of the most successful record companies in the United States. As Def Jam celebrates its 25th anniversary Trevor Reekie discusses the label's impact with Oliver Wang, a music journalist and assistant professor of sociology at California State University. (audio here)

3-4 pm

Meet David Thomas of American experimental rock group Pere Ubu - the self-proclaimed "longest-lasting, most disastrous commercial outfit to ever appear in rock 'n' roll". ( podcast of the musical play here and audio from the interview here)

Nick Bollinger reviews a couple of bitter-sweet local releases: The Gladeyes' Psychosis of Love, and Haunted Love's Darkness In Diamond City.

Californian/Alaskan band Port O'Brien talk about finding musical inspiration baking loaves and catching salmon.

4-5 pm

London Calling - The Joe Strummer Story (Part 1 of 2)

As the lead singer and main songwriter for the British new wave band The Clash, Joe Strummer inspired a generation with his hard hitting lyrics and powerful guitar chords. After the band split in the mid 1980s, Joe remained an icon to musicians of all generations, recording and working over a diverse spread of genres. His career also included stints with The Pogues, a solo album, acting and producing. London Calling - The Joe Strummer Story features a previously unheard interview with Joe recorded in 1995, where he talks frankly and openly about his life work. The programme also features contributions from the musicians and colleagues who knew him over his 30-year recording career.

Hear a session with Wellington's Urbantramper. Based on the songs of modern romantic lead singer Lake, the band is fleshed out with harmonies, horns, tambourine and melodica. Hear it here.