The Music Group

Series	Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Description
01	01		20070912		This week's guests include anatomist Dr Alice Roberts and comedian Ed Byrne
01	02		20070919		With Stephen K Amos, Miranda Sawyer and Pete Jenner.
01	03		20070926		With Mark Steel, Joe Boyd and Dr Alice Roberts.
01	04		20071003		With Craig Brown, Caitlin Moran and Dr Brian Cox
01	05		20071010		Janet Ellis, BEN GOLDACR.
01	06 LAST		20071017
02	01		20080409	20080813	Poet Benjamin Zephaniah, writer Lynn Barber and comedian Arthur Smith discuss such diverse subjects as a musical desire to sleep with common people and a joyful Parisian explosion.
02	02		20080416	20080820	With producer Trevor Horn, magazine editor Emma Soames and journalist Jonathan Freedland
02	03		20080423	20080827	He is joined by poet John Hegley, design guru Stephen Bayley and cookery writer Rosamund Grant.
02	04		20080430	20080903	He is joined by comedian Alexei Sayle, journalist Mark Ellen and writer and actress Sue Perkins
02	05		20080507	20080911 20100518	Nick Clegg, Kate Adie, Robin Denselow
02	06 LAST		20080514	20080806	Guests include Zoe Ball and Polly Toynbee in a show coming from the Pavilion Theatre at the Brighton Festival.
03	01		20090414	20090418	His guests include musician and composer Nitin Sawhney; actress, comedienne and Radio 2 DJ Liza Tarbuck; and children's author Terry Deary, creator of the the Horrible Histories series of books.
03	02		20090421	20091225	Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks each of three guests to play the track of their choice for the delight or disdain of the others. His guests include actor Don Warrington, Guardian journalist Decca Aitkenhead and Professor Martyn Poliakoff, a pioneer in the field of green chemistry, who reveals a liking for Tom Lehrer. A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Phil Hammond's guests include Don Warrington, Decca Aitkenhead and Martyn Poliakoff. His guests include actor Don Warrington, music writer Laura Barton and Professor Martyn Poliakoff, a pioneer in the field of green chemistry, who reveals a liking for Tom Lehrer. Phil Hammond's guests include Don Warrington, Laura Barton and Martyn Poliakoff.
03	03		20090428	20090502	His guests are BBC economics editor Stephanie Flanders, whose musical heritage is bound up with the lyrics made famous by her father, 'mud, mud, glorious mud' and 'I'm a gnu', historian Dominic Sandbrook, author of White Heat: A History of Britain in the Swinging Sixties, and comic broadcaster and author Karl Pilkington. A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. With Stephanie Flanders, Dominic Sandbrook and Karl Pilkington.
03	04		20090505	20090509	His guests are Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band member Neil Innes; Graham Linehan, writer of The IT Crowd, Black Books and Father Ted; and actress Felicity Finch, who plays Ruth Archer in The Archers. A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Phil Hammond's guests are Neil Innes, Graham Linehan and Felicity Finch
03	05		20090512	20090516	Phil's guests include soul food chef Momma Cherri and crime writer Mark Billingham. Will the tastes of his popular, country music-loving detective Tom Thorne be making an appearance? A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
03	06 LAST		20090519	20100101	Phil is joined by poet Grace Nichols and former Slade frontman Noddy Holder. Noddy uses the record he brings in to help explain his love of rock'n'roll, and Grace's record offers a Caribbean take on Don Juan. A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Phil Hammond is joined by Slade frontman Noddy Holder and poet Grace Nichols. Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks each of three guests to play the track of their choice for the delight or disdain of the others. Phil is joined by poet Grace Nichols and Slade frontman Noddy Holder. The record that Noddy chooses to bring to the group sparks some lively discussion about his love of rock and roll.
03	SPECIAL		20091020	20110302	In a special edition from the courtroom at the University of Derby, the musical tastes of NUS president Wes Streeting, agony aunt Anna Raeburn and comedian and 'Inbetweener' Simon Bird are rigorously put on trial.
04	01		20100417		Janet Street Porter joins saxophonist Soweto Kinch and technology writer and academic Aleks Krotoski to explain why they've brought a Cole Porter classic, a nine-minute bebop jazz odyssey, and some Sixties boyband pop for discussion on this week's show. The Music Choices are: Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" by Ray Charles and Betty Carter. "Children of The Night" by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers from the album Mosaic. "Pleasant Valley Sunday" by The Monkees.
04	02		20100424		Novelist Marina Lewycka joins artist Grayson Perry and self-proclaimed bird nerd" Professor Nicky Clayton to explain why they've brought along a bittersweet aria, an autobiographical rant about father/son relationships and a popular Argentine tune, in some frank and funny discussion. Find out what Mozart has in common with a pop song about a polka dot bikini; what happens to cross-dressers when they hit the age of fifty and what the sexual behaviour of birds has to do with the history of tango. The Music Choices are: Dove sono i bei moment from Mozart's Marriage of Figaro Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini by Brian Hyland Surviving Twin by Loudon Wainwright III Pavadita by Alfredo De Angelis y su orquesta Producer: Tamsin Hughes. A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Phil Hammond's guests are Marina Lewycka, Grayson Perry and Professor Nicky Clayton."
04	03		20100501		Comedian Milton Jones joins editor of 'The Lady' Rachel Johnson and Wilf Lunn - best known for his satirical inventions on Vision ON - to explain why they've brought a pop-punk record, a Californian country ballad and a Swedish harmonica epic to this week's show. Milton makes public his desire to be Billy Idol. Rachel reveals what happened when her Sixties liberal dad caught her with a Mohican-wearing boyfriend and Wilf explains how he got sacked from his job as a projectionist - for not playing Larry Adler. And in one surreal episode, a guest muddles up a 'rubbery egg' with a well known lyric. It all makes for some bizarre conversation. Hosted by Dr Phil Hammond. The music choices are: Swedish Rhapsody by Larry Adler Rebel Yell by Billy Idol Me and Bobby McGee by Janis JoplinProducer: Tamsin Hughes. A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Dr Phil Hammond is joined by Milton Jones, Wilf Lunn and Rachel Johnson
04	03		20100501		Comedian Milton Jones joins editor of 'The Lady' Rachel Johnson and Wilf Lunn - best known for his satirical inventions on Vision ON - to explain why they've brought a pop-punk record, a Californian country ballad and a Swedish harmonica epic to this week's show. Milton makes public his desire to be Billy Idol. Rachel reveals what happened when her Sixties liberal dad caught her with a Mohican-wearing boyfriend and Wilf explains how he got sacked from his job as a projectionist - for not playing Larry Adler. And in one surreal episode, a guest muddles up a 'rubbery egg' with a well known lyric. It all makes for some bizarre conversation. Hosted by Dr Phil Hammond. The music choices are: Swedish Rhapsody by Larry Adler Rebel Yell by Billy Idol Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin Producer: Tamsin Hughes. A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
04	04		20100508		Actor David Morrissey joins columnist Suzanne Moore and money man Vincent Duggleby - who they discover plays banjo, double bass and sousaphone - to explain why they've brought a misanthropic solo record, a risque Seventies pop song and a hitherto unheard BBC recording to this week's show. Whilst giving a trad jazz masterclass, Vincent explains what track he has in common with Robert Peston. Suzanne admits to being scared at a Beatles concert and David reveals that he once interviewed Kenny Ball. However, his musical knowledge and exquisite taste suggest he'd be just as at home as a DJ on the radio as he is acting and directing his own films. With Phil Hammond. The music choices are: Street In the City by Pete TownshendFroggie Moore Rag by Mike Daniels and his Delta Jazzmen Walk On The Wild Side by Lou ReedProducer: Tamsin Hughes A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Dr Phil Hammond is joined by David Morrissey, Vincent Duggleby and Suzanne Moore.
04	05		20100511	20100515	The Thick of It's 'glummy mummy' Nicola Murray - better known as actress Rebecca Front - joins journalist James Brown and novelist Robert Hudson to explain why they've brought a slice of Sixties musical theatre, a punk rock rap record and a song about imminent environmental apocalypse to be scrutinised by the group this week. Rebecca reveals how Sammy Davis Jr has helped her children's swimming lessons, and James tells tales of what happened when he visited some hip hop superheroes in the Hollywood Hills. Robert wonders why his father didn't give it all up for music and The Free Electric Band. With Phil Hammond. The music choices are: The Rhythm of Life by Sammy Davis Jr Sabotage by The Beastie Boys We're Running Out by Albert Hammond Producer: Tamsin Hughes A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Dr Phil Hammond is joined by Rebecca Front, Robert Hudson and James BrownUnder scrutiny this time are the music choices of The Thick of It's Rebecca Front, novelist Robert Hudson and ex-NME hack James Brown. Which one has a love of musical theatre? The producer is Tamsin Hughes, and this is a Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
04	06 LAST		20100522		Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks three guests to play the track of their choice for the delight or disdain of the others. Journalist John Harris joins comedian Sarah Millican and ex-army captain Patrick Hennessey to explain why they've brought a swampy Cajun blues number, a TV soundtrack staple and an infamous song about mortality to the final group in the series. In a wide ranging debate that takes in the impenetrable nature of Captain Beefheart and the emotional blackmail of bands like Coldplay, John describes a moment of epiphany outside a Leominster service station, Sarah revels in her taste for mother-in-law" music and Patrick reveals what made his troops cry in Afghanistan. It wasn't always the hard combat and the casualties. The music choices are: Clear Spot by Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band Chocolate by Snow Patrol The Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd Producer: Tamsin Hughes A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Dr Phil Hammond is joined by Patrick Hennessey, Sarah Millican and John Harris"
05	01		20101014		Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks three guests to play the track of their choice for the delight or disdain of the others. So what does their choice say about them? How will the other guests react? They may have gone for a guilty pleasure, something they've heard recently and can't get out of their head. It might typify their taste or it might be a complete aberration. But the choices are subject to the scrutiny of the other guests. Tread carefully; it might be something with very specific personal significance. Did you know Don Warrington is a fan of The Streets? Or that Felicity Finch aka Ruth Archer likes a song about Rwandan cows? In previous series we've heard Noddy Holder wax lyrical about Little Richard, actress Liza Tarbuck go gooey over Georgie Fame, journalist Polly Toynbee confess a delight in Hi Ho Silver Lining by Jeff Beck and Bonzo D Dog Doo Dah bandsman, Neil Innes berate the banality of Jim Reeves' Old Tige. Producer: Tamsin Hughes Phil Hammond's asks Mark Borkowski, Vicky Tuck and Julian Baggini to play a favourite song
05	01		20110426	20110430	Comedian Stewart Lee and voiceover artist Julie Berry are joined by the author of One Day, novelist David Nicholls to discuss three personally significant pieces of music. Amongst their choices are a soulful rendition of a song about the Falklands' conflict, a piece that survived a Carnegie Hall protest involving red paint; and a painful and experimental journey into playing guitar when suffering from a degenerative disease. In the process, we discover one Music Group member had an adolescent passion for Space themes played by the Geoff Love Orchestra, whilst another has experienced the benefits of Bach in a hotel bathroom. We also discover what the free jazz movement has to do comedy and more specifically, with Morecambe and Wise. The Music Choices are: Shipbuilding sung by Robert WyattBach's Chaconne from Partita No.2 for solo violin performed by Yehudi Menuhin5 Weeks Later by Derek Bailey Presenter: Phil HammondProducer: Tamsin Hughes A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Phil Hammond's guests are David Nicholls, Julie Berry and Stewart Lee.
05	02		20110503	20110507	John Cooper Clarke and psychiatrist Sube Banerjee are joined by the actress Samantha Morton to discuss three personally significant pieces of music. Amongst their choices are a classic slice of secular gospel, a 1970s punk rock call to arms; and a song that is guaranteed to get one music group member dancing, exactly one minute fifty seconds into the track. Along the way we find out what head teachers like to play to pupils in assembly and the influence Joe Strummer had on dementia strategy at the Department of Health. We also discover the difference between song writing and poetry, in the English language, and who stole John Cooper Clarke's hair. The Music Choices are: Please, Please, Please by James Brown and The Famous Flames White Man (In Hammersmith Palais) by The Clash Scarlet Fields by The Horrors Presenter: Phil HammondProducer: Tamsin Hughes A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Phil Hammond invites guests to select and dissect their personal choice of music.
05	03		20110510	20110514	Julian Assange's lawyer, Mark Stephens and the British Museum's Irving Finkel are joined by TV presenter Konnie Huq to discuss three personally significant pieces of music. Amongst their choices are an inspirational seven minutes of time-wasting Seventies introspection; an 80s club classic from some British soul pioneers and a delicate French love song from an English soprano, which was originally recorded at 78rpm. Along the way we find out who has played opposite Jude Law in a theatre production, what Arthur Scargill bought in a high end fashion outlet and how a 1950s reel to reel tape recorder can bring love into your life. The Music Choices are: Time by Pink Floyd Back To Life (Back To Reality) by Soul II Soul Tu N'es Pas Riche from Offenbach's La Parichole sung by Dame Maggie Teyte Presenter: Phil HammondProducer: Tamsin Hughes A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Phil Hammond's guests are Konnie Huq, Mark Stephens and Dr Irving Finkel.
05	04		20110517	20110521	Fashion designer Betty Jackson joins founder member of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, George Hinchliffe and astrophysicist Lucie Green to discuss three personally significant pieces of music. Amongst their choices are a sweeping Sixties soundscape, some philosophising Canadian power rock and eight minutes of magnificent trombone solo played by a man with a pork pie hat. Along the way we discover what makes a fashion entrepreneur weep at the kitchen table, why comedy instruments can produce very moving music, how rock has contributed to the public understanding of science and the name of the Italian singer that links the occult film Don't Look Now with the phrase 'The weekend starts here!' The Music Choices are: You Don't Have To Say You Love Me by Dusty Springfield Closer To The Heart by Rush The Lord Is Listening To Ya, Hallelujah by The Carla Bley Band
05	05 LAST		20110524		Joining The Music Group this week are the host of Carpool, Scrapheap Challenge and Kryten in Red Dwarf, Robert Llewellyn; chef, cookery writer and co-founder of fast food chain Leon, Allegra McEvedy and artist, TV director and ex-Slits' guitarist Viv Albertine. Their choice of music includes a rousing piece of power folk, a personal manifesto for female empowerment and a 1970s tribute to Thirties' night life in Berlin. Along way we discover out how to bring a machete back from Burma and what aerobics has to do with punk rock. There's some lively disagreement over The X-Factor, militancy and The Woodcraft Folk and a track to which two of the guests can't help but sing along. The Music Choices are: Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons Gloria sung by Patti Smith Maybe This Time sung by Liza Minnelli from the film Cabaret Presenter: Phil Hammond Producer: Tamsin Hughes A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Phil Hammond's guests are Allegra McEvedy, Robert Llewellyn and Viv Albertine.
05	05 LAST		20110528		Phil Hammond's guests are Allegra McEvedy, Robert Llewellyn and Viv Albertine.
		Comic Relief Special	20110315		The Music Group is back with a Comic Relief Special. Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks his laughter-loving comedy guests to choose a track to delight, or otherwise, the audience assembled in the Radio Theatre. Amongst Phil's guests are Sherlock's Mrs Hudson and sitcom veteran, Una Stubbs; comedy genius turned punk-folk troubadour, Ade Edmondson; and comedian Susan Calman who gave up corporate law for laughter. Ade has chosen a predictably anarchic, 'doo-dah' leftfield choice of music. What will the other guests make of it? A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4. Una Stubbs and Ade Edmondson go 'doo-dah' discussing music in a Comic Relief Special.

Series

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Description

20070912

This week's guests include anatomist Dr Alice Roberts and comedian Ed Byrne

20070919

With Stephen K Amos, Miranda Sawyer and Pete Jenner.

20070926

With Mark Steel, Joe Boyd and Dr Alice Roberts.

20071003

With Craig Brown, Caitlin Moran and Dr Brian Cox

20071010

Janet Ellis, BEN GOLDACR.

06 LAST

20071017

20080409

20080813

Poet Benjamin Zephaniah, writer Lynn Barber and comedian Arthur Smith discuss such diverse subjects as a musical desire to sleep with common people and a joyful Parisian explosion.

20080416

20080820

With producer Trevor Horn, magazine editor Emma Soames and journalist Jonathan Freedland

20080423

20080827

He is joined by poet John Hegley, design guru Stephen Bayley and cookery writer Rosamund Grant.

20080430

20080903

He is joined by comedian Alexei Sayle, journalist Mark Ellen and writer and actress Sue Perkins

20080507

20080911
20100518

Nick Clegg, Kate Adie, Robin Denselow

06 LAST

20080514

20080806

Guests include Zoe Ball and Polly Toynbee in a show coming from the Pavilion Theatre at the Brighton Festival.

20090414

20090418

His guests include musician and composer Nitin Sawhney; actress, comedienne and Radio 2 DJ Liza Tarbuck; and children's author Terry Deary, creator of the the Horrible Histories series of books.

20090421

20091225

Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks each of three guests to play the track of their choice for the delight or disdain of the others.
His guests include actor Don Warrington, Guardian journalist Decca Aitkenhead and Professor Martyn Poliakoff, a pioneer in the field of green chemistry, who reveals a liking for Tom Lehrer.
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Phil Hammond's guests include Don Warrington, Decca Aitkenhead and Martyn Poliakoff.
His guests include actor Don Warrington, music writer Laura Barton and Professor Martyn Poliakoff, a pioneer in the field of green chemistry, who reveals a liking for Tom Lehrer.
Phil Hammond's guests include Don Warrington, Laura Barton and Martyn Poliakoff.

20090428

20090502

His guests are BBC economics editor Stephanie Flanders, whose musical heritage is bound up with the lyrics made famous by her father, 'mud, mud, glorious mud' and 'I'm a gnu', historian Dominic Sandbrook, author of White Heat: A History of Britain in the Swinging Sixties, and comic broadcaster and author Karl Pilkington.
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
With Stephanie Flanders, Dominic Sandbrook and Karl Pilkington.

20090505

20090509

His guests are Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band member Neil Innes; Graham Linehan, writer of The IT Crowd, Black Books and Father Ted; and actress Felicity Finch, who plays Ruth Archer in The Archers.
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Phil Hammond's guests are Neil Innes, Graham Linehan and Felicity Finch

20090512

20090516

Phil's guests include soul food chef Momma Cherri and crime writer Mark Billingham.
Will the tastes of his popular, country music-loving detective Tom Thorne be making an appearance?
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.

06 LAST

20090519

20100101

Phil is joined by poet Grace Nichols and former Slade frontman Noddy Holder.
Noddy uses the record he brings in to help explain his love of rock'n'roll, and Grace's record offers a Caribbean take on Don Juan.
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Phil Hammond is joined by Slade frontman Noddy Holder and poet Grace Nichols.
Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks each of three guests to play the track of their choice for the delight or disdain of the others.
Phil is joined by poet Grace Nichols and Slade frontman Noddy Holder.
The record that Noddy chooses to bring to the group sparks some lively discussion about his love of rock and roll.

SPECIAL

20091020

20110302

In a special edition from the courtroom at the University of Derby, the musical tastes of NUS president Wes Streeting, agony aunt Anna Raeburn and comedian and 'Inbetweener' Simon Bird are rigorously put on trial.

20100417

Janet Street Porter joins saxophonist Soweto Kinch and technology writer and academic Aleks Krotoski to explain why they've brought a Cole Porter classic, a nine-minute bebop jazz odyssey, and some Sixties boyband pop for discussion on this week's show.
The Music Choices are:
Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" by Ray Charles and Betty Carter.
"Children of The Night" by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers from the album Mosaic.
"Pleasant Valley Sunday" by The Monkees.

20100424

Novelist Marina Lewycka joins artist Grayson Perry and self-proclaimed bird nerd" Professor Nicky Clayton to explain why they've brought along a bittersweet aria, an autobiographical rant about father/son relationships and a popular Argentine tune, in some frank and funny discussion.
Find out what Mozart has in common with a pop song about a polka dot bikini; what happens to cross-dressers when they hit the age of fifty and what the sexual behaviour of birds has to do with the history of tango.
The Music Choices are:
Dove sono i bei moment from Mozart's Marriage of Figaro
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini by Brian Hyland
Surviving Twin by Loudon Wainwright
III Pavadita by Alfredo De Angelis y su orquesta
Producer: Tamsin Hughes.
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Phil Hammond's guests are Marina Lewycka, Grayson Perry and Professor Nicky Clayton."

20100501

Comedian Milton Jones joins editor of 'The Lady' Rachel Johnson and Wilf Lunn - best known for his satirical inventions on Vision ON - to explain why they've brought a pop-punk record, a Californian country ballad and a Swedish harmonica epic to this week's show.
Milton makes public his desire to be Billy Idol.
Rachel reveals what happened when her Sixties liberal dad caught her with a Mohican-wearing boyfriend and Wilf explains how he got sacked from his job as a projectionist - for not playing Larry Adler.
And in one surreal episode, a guest muddles up a 'rubbery egg' with a well known lyric.
It all makes for some bizarre conversation.
Hosted by Dr Phil Hammond.
The music choices are:
Swedish Rhapsody by Larry Adler
Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
Me and Bobby McGee by Janis JoplinProducer: Tamsin Hughes.
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Dr Phil Hammond is joined by Milton Jones, Wilf Lunn and Rachel Johnson

20100501

Comedian Milton Jones joins editor of 'The Lady' Rachel Johnson and Wilf Lunn - best known for his satirical inventions on Vision ON - to explain why they've brought a pop-punk record, a Californian country ballad and a Swedish harmonica epic to this week's show.
Milton makes public his desire to be Billy Idol. Rachel reveals what happened when her Sixties liberal dad caught her with a Mohican-wearing boyfriend and Wilf explains how he got sacked from his job as a projectionist - for not playing Larry Adler. And in one surreal episode, a guest muddles up a 'rubbery egg' with a well known lyric. It all makes for some bizarre conversation.
Hosted by Dr Phil Hammond.
The music choices are:
Swedish Rhapsody by Larry Adler
Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin
Producer: Tamsin Hughes. A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.

20100508

Actor David Morrissey joins columnist Suzanne Moore and money man Vincent Duggleby - who they discover plays banjo, double bass and sousaphone - to explain why they've brought a misanthropic solo record, a risque Seventies pop song and a hitherto unheard BBC recording to this week's show.
Whilst giving a trad jazz masterclass, Vincent explains what track he has in common with Robert Peston.
Suzanne admits to being scared at a Beatles concert and David reveals that he once interviewed Kenny Ball.
However, his musical knowledge and exquisite taste suggest he'd be just as at home as a DJ on the radio as he is acting and directing his own films.
With Phil Hammond.
The music choices are:
Street In the City by Pete TownshendFroggie Moore Rag by Mike Daniels and his Delta Jazzmen
Walk On The Wild Side by Lou ReedProducer: Tamsin Hughes
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Dr Phil Hammond is joined by David Morrissey, Vincent Duggleby and Suzanne Moore.

20100511

20100515

The Thick of It's 'glummy mummy' Nicola Murray - better known as actress Rebecca Front - joins journalist James Brown and novelist Robert Hudson to explain why they've brought a slice of Sixties musical theatre, a punk rock rap record and a song about imminent environmental apocalypse to be scrutinised by the group this week.
Rebecca reveals how Sammy Davis Jr has helped her children's swimming lessons, and James tells tales of what happened when he visited some hip hop superheroes in the Hollywood Hills.
Robert wonders why his father didn't give it all up for music and The Free Electric Band.
With Phil Hammond.
The music choices are:
The Rhythm of Life by Sammy Davis Jr
Sabotage by The Beastie Boys
We're Running Out by Albert Hammond
Producer: Tamsin Hughes
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Dr Phil Hammond is joined by Rebecca Front, Robert Hudson and James BrownUnder scrutiny this time are the music choices of The Thick of It's Rebecca Front, novelist Robert Hudson and ex-NME hack James Brown.
Which one has a love of musical theatre?
The producer is Tamsin Hughes, and this is a Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.

06 LAST

20100522

Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks three guests to play the track of their choice for the delight or disdain of the others.
Journalist John Harris joins comedian Sarah Millican and ex-army captain Patrick Hennessey to explain why they've brought a swampy Cajun blues number, a TV soundtrack staple and an infamous song about mortality to the final group in the series.
In a wide ranging debate that takes in the impenetrable nature of Captain Beefheart and the emotional blackmail of bands like Coldplay, John describes a moment of epiphany outside a Leominster service station, Sarah revels in her taste for mother-in-law" music and Patrick reveals what made his troops cry in Afghanistan.
It wasn't always the hard combat and the casualties.
The music choices are:
Clear Spot by Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band
Chocolate by Snow Patrol
The Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd
Producer: Tamsin Hughes
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Dr Phil Hammond is joined by Patrick Hennessey, Sarah Millican and John Harris"

20101014

Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks three guests to play the track of their choice for the delight or disdain of the others.
So what does their choice say about them? How will the other guests react?
They may have gone for a guilty pleasure, something they've heard recently and can't get out of their head.
It might typify their taste or it might be a complete aberration.
But the choices are subject to the scrutiny of the other guests.
Tread carefully; it might be something with very specific personal significance.
Did you know Don Warrington is a fan of The Streets? Or that Felicity Finch aka Ruth Archer likes a song about Rwandan cows?
In previous series we've heard Noddy Holder wax lyrical about Little Richard, actress Liza Tarbuck go gooey over Georgie Fame, journalist Polly Toynbee confess a delight in Hi Ho Silver Lining by Jeff Beck and Bonzo D Dog Doo Dah bandsman, Neil Innes berate the banality of Jim Reeves' Old Tige.
Producer: Tamsin Hughes
Phil Hammond's asks Mark Borkowski, Vicky Tuck and Julian Baggini to play a favourite song

20110426

20110430

Comedian Stewart Lee and voiceover artist Julie Berry are joined by the author of One Day, novelist David Nicholls to discuss three personally significant pieces of music.
Amongst their choices are a soulful rendition of a song about the Falklands' conflict, a piece that survived a Carnegie Hall protest involving red paint; and a painful and experimental journey into playing guitar when suffering from a degenerative disease.
In the process, we discover one Music Group member had an adolescent passion for Space themes played by the Geoff Love Orchestra, whilst another has experienced the benefits of Bach in a hotel bathroom.
We also discover what the free jazz movement has to do comedy and more specifically, with Morecambe and Wise.
The Music Choices are:
Shipbuilding sung by Robert WyattBach's Chaconne from Partita No.2 for solo violin performed by Yehudi Menuhin5 Weeks Later by Derek Bailey
Presenter: Phil HammondProducer: Tamsin Hughes
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Phil Hammond's guests are David Nicholls, Julie Berry and Stewart Lee.

20110503

20110507

John Cooper Clarke and psychiatrist Sube Banerjee are joined by the actress Samantha Morton to discuss three personally significant pieces of music.
Amongst their choices are a classic slice of secular gospel, a 1970s punk rock call to arms; and a song that is guaranteed to get one music group member dancing, exactly one minute fifty seconds into the track.
Along the way we find out what head teachers like to play to pupils in assembly and the influence Joe Strummer had on dementia strategy at the Department of Health.
We also discover the difference between song writing and poetry, in the English language, and who stole John Cooper Clarke's hair.
The Music Choices are:
Please, Please, Please by James Brown and The Famous Flames White Man (In Hammersmith Palais) by The Clash Scarlet Fields by The Horrors
Presenter: Phil HammondProducer: Tamsin Hughes
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Phil Hammond invites guests to select and dissect their personal choice of music.

20110510

20110514

Julian Assange's lawyer, Mark Stephens and the British Museum's Irving Finkel are joined by TV presenter Konnie Huq to discuss three personally significant pieces of music.
Amongst their choices are an inspirational seven minutes of time-wasting Seventies introspection; an 80s club classic from some British soul pioneers and a delicate French love song from an English soprano, which was originally recorded at 78rpm.
Along the way we find out who has played opposite Jude Law in a theatre production, what Arthur Scargill bought in a high end fashion outlet and how a 1950s reel to reel tape recorder can bring love into your life.
The Music Choices are:
Time by Pink Floyd
Back To Life (Back To Reality) by Soul II Soul
Tu N'es Pas Riche from Offenbach's La Parichole sung by Dame Maggie Teyte
Presenter: Phil HammondProducer: Tamsin Hughes
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Phil Hammond's guests are Konnie Huq, Mark Stephens and Dr Irving Finkel.

20110517

20110521

Fashion designer Betty Jackson joins founder member of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, George Hinchliffe and astrophysicist Lucie Green to discuss three personally significant pieces of music.
Amongst their choices are a sweeping Sixties soundscape, some philosophising Canadian power rock and eight minutes of magnificent trombone solo played by a man with a pork pie hat.
Along the way we discover what makes a fashion entrepreneur weep at the kitchen table, why comedy instruments can produce very moving music, how rock has contributed to the public understanding of science and the name of the Italian singer that links the occult film Don't Look Now with the phrase 'The weekend starts here!'
The Music Choices are:
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me by Dusty Springfield
Closer To The Heart by Rush
The Lord Is Listening To Ya, Hallelujah by The Carla Bley Band

05 LAST

20110524

Joining The Music Group this week are the host of Carpool, Scrapheap Challenge and Kryten in Red Dwarf, Robert Llewellyn; chef, cookery writer and co-founder of fast food chain Leon, Allegra McEvedy and artist, TV director and ex-Slits' guitarist Viv Albertine.
Their choice of music includes a rousing piece of power folk, a personal manifesto for female empowerment and a 1970s tribute to Thirties' night life in Berlin.
Along way we discover out how to bring a machete back from Burma and what aerobics has to do with punk rock.
There's some lively disagreement over The X-Factor, militancy and The Woodcraft Folk and a track to which two of the guests can't help but sing along.
The Music Choices are:
Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons
Gloria sung by Patti Smith
Maybe This Time sung by Liza Minnelli from the film Cabaret
Presenter: Phil Hammond
Producer: Tamsin Hughes
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Phil Hammond's guests are Allegra McEvedy, Robert Llewellyn and Viv Albertine.

05 LAST

20110528

Phil Hammond's guests are Allegra McEvedy, Robert Llewellyn and Viv Albertine.

Comic Relief Special

20110315

The Music Group is back with a Comic Relief Special.
Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks his laughter-loving comedy guests to choose a track to delight, or otherwise, the audience assembled in the Radio Theatre.
Amongst Phil's guests are Sherlock's Mrs Hudson and sitcom veteran, Una Stubbs; comedy genius turned punk-folk troubadour, Ade Edmondson; and comedian Susan Calman who gave up corporate law for laughter.
Ade has chosen a predictably anarchic, 'doo-dah' leftfield choice of music.
What will the other guests make of it?
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
Una Stubbs and Ade Edmondson go 'doo-dah' discussing music in a Comic Relief Special.

Cast

All Episodes

Producer: Tamsin Hughes
Presenter: Phil Hammond

Duration

30 Minutes

Genre

Music
Genre: Discussion & Talk, Music, Rachel Johnson, Wilf Lunn

Pid

Production Company

A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4

Triva

s2e5 was repeated following the 2010 election as Nick Clegg was one of the panel.
When the series three special was repeated the listing was slightly changed because Wes Streeting was now former NUS president.

Cast

All Episodes

Duration

Genre

Pid

Production Company

Triva

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