The Strange Brew Podcast

16/08/2024

New podcast: Owen Elliot-Kugell, daughter of ‘Mama Cass’ Elliot, offers a heartfelt look into her mother’s life and career while reflecting on the writing of her memoir, My Mama, Cass, in honour of her mother’s legacy. Owen delves into Cass’s early years, her rise in the music industry, and her experiences with The Big Three, The Mugwumps, and The Mamas & The Papas, as well as her solo career and untimely passing

Owen Elliot-Kugell, daughter of 'Mama Cass' Elliot, offers a heartfelt look into her mother's life and career while reflecting on the writing of her memoir, My Mama, Cass, in honour of her mother's legacy. Owen delves into Cass's early years, her rise in the music industry, and her experiences with....

12/08/2024

The Strange Brew is delighted to premiere the official music video for ‘Soho Fantasy,’ the lead single from Rogers & Butler’s eagerly awaited album, Studio 3. Set against the electric backdrop of London’s evocative Soho district, this video brings to life the song’s compelling story of a young woman ensnared by the allure of the city’s bright lights

The Strange Brew is delighted to premiere the official music video for 'Soho Fantasy,' the lead single from Rogers & Butler’s eagerly awaited album, Studio 3. Set against the electric backdrop of London's evocative Soho district, this video brings to life the song’s compelling story of a young w...

12/08/2024

Great to catch up with Alan Parsons again - mainly to cover Pyramid and his work with The Beatles plus Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. Podcast coming soon

09/08/2024

New podcast: Alan Whitehead, former drummer of The Marmalade, shares his experiences with the group as well as time in The Attack and Loose Ends. He covers Marmalade’s journey to success with hits like ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da’ and ‘Reflections of My Life’, the 60s scene with Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, and what led to the end of their classic line-up. He also discusses his subsequent career in artist management, his spiritual journey, and current life in Thailand.

Alan Whitehead, former drummer of The Marmalade, shares his experiences with the group as well as time in The Attack and Loose Ends. He covers Marmalade's journey to success with hits like 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da' and 'Reflections of My Life', the 60s scene with Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney and Stevie W...

08/08/2024

Brian R Banks delves into an excellent box set of the Edgar Broughton Band's BBC session from Esoteric Recordings and Cherry Red Records

Edgar Broughton Band: Gone Blue - the BBC Sessions. A new box from Cherry Red/Esoteric features tracks from all of their surviving BBC recordings from 1969-73, the Harvest years.

05/08/2024

Dave King, the creative force behind the indie-psych-pop project Gurry Wurry speaks about his eagerly anticipated new album ‘Happy For Now’. We cover the inspirations, collaborations, and creative processes that define his latest work, as well as exploring the unique atmosphere and themes of Gurry Wurry’s enchanting sound

Dave King, the creative force behind the indie-psych-pop project Gurry Wurry, speaks about his eagerly anticipated new album 'Happy For Now'. We cover the inspirations, collaborations, and creative processes that define his latest work, as well as exploring the unique atmosphere and themes of Gurry....

02/08/2024

New podcast: Larry Tamblyn, founder and original lead singer of the Standells discusses their origins, recording ‘Dirty Water’ and other garage rock classics like ‘Sometimes Good Guys Don’t Wear White’ as well as their experiences appearing in TV and film.

Larry Tamblyn, founder and original lead singer of the Standells, discusses their origins, recording 'Dirty Water' and other garage rock classics like 'Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White' as well as their experiences appearing in TV and film. Larry also shares his memories of other musicians inclu...

01/08/2024

New interview: Tim Bowness provides insight into the creative process behind his new album, Powder Dry. Featuring 16 pieces over a compact 40-minute duration, this album represents a bold new direction as his first entirely self-produced and performed work. The record continues his legacy of consistently pushing the boundaries of progressive rock and art pop.

Tim Bowness provides insight into the creative process behind his new album, Powder Dry. Featuring 16 pieces over a compact 40-minute duration, this album represents a bold new direction as his first entirely self-produced and performed work. The record continues his legacy of consistently pushing t...

26/07/2024

New podcast: Graeme Thomson, author of the acclaimed biography Under the Ivy, explores the life and music of Kate Bush. He describes her idyllic childhood and early musical influences, tracing her journey from her groundbreaking debut album The Kick Inside to experimental masterpieces The Dreaming and Hounds of Love

Graeme Thomson, author of the acclaimed biography Under the Ivy, explores the life and music of Kate Bush. He describes her idyllic childhood and early musical influences, tracing her journey from her groundbreaking debut album The Kick Inside to experimental masterpieces The Dreaming and Hounds of....

24/07/2024

Farewell to one of the greats, John Mayall, the Godfather of British blues

The music world is mourning the loss of blues guitarist John Mayall, who passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on 22 July 2024. Mayall’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life for the "Godfather of the British Blues".

22/07/2024

Coming next month: The Strange Brew with Alan Whitehead of Marmalade, The Attack and Loose Ends

My son Paul sent me this … apparently I’ve been restored, updated and upgraded! Late 1969 early ‘70 must be ....Even after all this time, nearing 50 himself ...

19/07/2024

New podcast: Chris Slade, drummer for the greatest names in rock history, shares his highlights behind the drumkit. Chris delves into his early days with Tom Jones, playing with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, and his collaborations with David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Gary Moore, and AC/DC. Additionally, he opens up about his own band, The Chris Slade Timeline, and their debut album, TimeScape. THE CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE

Chris Slade, drummer for the greatest names in rock history, shares his highlights behind the drumkit. Chris delves into his early days with Tom Jones, playing with Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and his collaborations with David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Gary Moore, and AC/DC. Additionally, he opens up abou...

17/07/2024

Brian R Banks reviews 'You Know It Ain’t Easy' the first complete anthology of known recordings by Snafu, a versatile short-lived English quintet tipped as contenders

Snafu. You Know It Ain't Easy is the first complete anthology of known recordings by Snafu, a versatile short-lived English quintet tipped as contenders. The early 70s was an era of great originality of course, those forging a niche that they developed their own way usually found success. But if it....

12/07/2024

New podcast: Russ Giguere of The Association shares the story of the group and million sellers ‘Cherish’, ‘Windy’, and ‘Never My Love’. He recounts their early days, the writing and recording of their material and playing at major festivals like Monterey Pop.

Russ Giguere of The Association shares the story of the group and million sellers 'Cherish', 'Windy', and 'Never My Love'. He recounts their early days, the writing and recording of their material and playing at major festivals like Monterey Pop. He reflects on his solo work, friendship with Judee S...

09/07/2024

Patrick Clarke author of ‘Bedsit land: The Strange Worlds of Soft Cell' picks his top 5 Soft Cell Deep Cuts (Manchester University Press)

Soft Cell, Top 5, Marc Almond, Dave Ball. Though best known today for their string of hits, most notably ‘Tainted Love’, there was a radicalism to Marc Almond and Dave Ball’s work in the 1980s that’s often overshadowed by their commercial success.

06/07/2024

New interview: Chris Slade talks to Jason Barnard, taking us from his early days playing with Tom Jones to his pivotal role in Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and AC/DC. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his collaborations with legendary guitarists David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, and Gary Moore. Finally, he brings us up to date with the story of his debut album with THE CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE

Chris Slade, drummer, interview, AC/DC, Tom Jones, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Gary Moore. Chris also discusses his own band, Timeline, and their debut album.

05/07/2024

New podcast: David Wells explores the hit singles, cult classics and tracks from 1968’s key albums as the American music scene moved on from the Summer of Love. While psychedelia had been the dominant musical force in 1967, the scene fragmented to garage-punk, psychedelic pop and early hard rock

David Wells explores the hit singles, cult classics and tracks from 1968's key albums as the American music scene moved on from the Summer of Love. While psychedelia had been the dominant musical force in 1967, the scene fragmented to garage-punk, psychedelic pop and early hard rock.

03/07/2024

New interview: Gav King, lead singer of Private Dicks speaks about his debut solo album “Skeletons”. Collaborating with lifelong friends guitarist Paul Guiver and Neil Taylor (Tears for Fears), the album delivers an authentic dark retro new wave sound. We’ll hear in his discussion with Jason Barnard how he went from the chaotic punk scene to a more self-aware solo project.

Gav King, lead singer of Private Dicks speaks about his debut solo album "Skeletons". Collaborating with lifelong friends guitarist Paul Guiver and Neil Taylor (Tears for Fears), the album delivers a authentic dark retro new wave sound. We'll hear in his discussion with Jason Barnard how he went fro...

29/06/2024

Join me on Monday 29th July at the FortyFive Vinyl Café York for an extraordinary evening with Chaz Jankel, co-founder of the legendary band Ian Dury and The Blockheads. This exclusive event, offers a rare opportunity to understand the creative process of songwriting and the tales behind the songs https://www.fortyfiveuk.com/events/chaz-jankel

28/06/2024

New podcast: Albert Hammond discusses his new album ‘Body of Work’ and reflects on his extensive musical career. He talks about collaborating with songwriters like Mike Hazelwood, Roger Cook, Hal David, Graham Lyle, Roy Orbison, Diane Warren and John Bettis. Albert shares stories about writing hit songs including ‘The Air That I Breathe’, ’99 Miles From LA’, ‘One Moment in Time’, and ‘When I Need You’

Albert Hammond discusses his new album 'Body of Work' and reflects on his extensive musical career. He talks about collaborating with songwriters like Mike Hazelwood, Roger Cook, Hal David, Graham Lyle, Roy Orbison, Diane Warren and John Bettis. Albert shares stories about writing hit songs includin...

27/06/2024

My piece on 'Vinyl’s Second Coming: Taking a Trip with Benevolent Antenna Records', a trio of excellent lathe-cut EPs

Today’s psychedelic and lo-fi music is most commonly on the fringes of the mainstream, fostered by a dedicated community of listeners and the desire to have something tangible in their hand. Enter Benevolent Antenna Records, a New Jersey-based label spearheaded by Jet Wintzer of Sc**zo Fun Addict....

22/06/2024

Coming soon The Strange Brew Podcast with Chris Slade - drummer for ACDC, Manfred Mann's Earthband, Tom Jones, David Gilmour, Gary Moore, Gary Numan, The Firm (Jimmy Page/Paul Rodgers) and Uriah Heep

21/06/2024

New podcast: John Flansburgh discusses They Might Be Giants' latest single ‘Lazy’, and shares details of their upcoming UK tour, which features songs from their classic album Flood. John also opens up about TMBG’s songwriting process and the remarkable longevity and creativity of They Might Be Giants

John Flansburgh discusses They Might Be Giants' latest single 'Lazy', and shares details of their upcoming UK tour, which features songs from their classic album Flood. John also opens up about TMBG's songwriting process and the remarkable longevity and creativity of They Might Be Giants.

19/06/2024

New interview: Albert Hammond speaks to Jason Barnard about his new album, ‘Body Of Work’, and reflects on an illustrious career spanning over 60 years. From his unique musical upbringing in Gibraltar to penning timeless hits like ‘The Air That I Breathe’ and ‘One Moment In Time’, Albert shares intimate stories of his life in music

Singer-songwriter Albert Hammond speaks to Jason Barnard about his new album, 'Body of Work', and reflects on an illustrious career spanning over 60 years. From his unique musical upbringing in Gibraltar to penning timeless hits like 'The Air That I Breathe' and 'One Moment In Time', Albert shares i...

14/06/2024

New podcast: Gerry Beckley of America reveals the guiding principles behind his songwriting craft. Gerry highlights the inspirations fueling his latest self-titled album, while also reflecting on the creative process behind America’s greatest hits including ‘A Horse With No Name’, ‘Sister Golden Hair’, and ‘All My Life’

Gerry Beckley of America reveals the guiding principles behind his songwriting craft. Gerry highlights the inspirations fueling his latest self-titled album, while also reflecting on the creative process behind America's greatest hits including 'A Horse With No Name', 'Sister Golden Hair', and 'All....

11/06/2024

Coming soon: The Strange Brew Podcast with Albert Hammond. Albert is one of the most successful songwriters of all time (huge hits for Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Willie Nelson and The Hollies.) However I devoted much of my time to dig into his deep cuts with Hammond-Hazlewood, DDDBMT, Freddie and The Dreamers and Blue Mink. His new album is excellent too!

07/06/2024

New podcast: Deep Purple co-founder, Nick Simper, dives deep into his career. We start in the mid-60s playing bass with Buddy Britten and Johnny Kidd. Nick then recalls recording Deep Purple’s first three albums and their early singles ‘Hush’, ‘Help’ and ‘Kentucky Woman’. Tensions led to Deep Purple Mark 1 splitting, the formation of Warhorse and Fandango in the 1970s, with Nick playing alongside Nasty Habits to this day

Deep Purple co-founder, Nick Simper, dives deep into his career. We start in the mid-60s playing bass with Buddy Britten and Johnny Kidd. Nick then recalls recording Deep Purple's first three albums and their early singles 'Hush', 'Help' and 'Kentucky Woman'. Tensions led to Deep Purple Mark 1 split...

04/06/2024

The Strange Brew feature on the brilliant Barry Ryan box set

Barry Ryan - The Albums 1969-1979. 95-track 5CD clamshell box set containing Barry’s five studio albums for Polydor Records, a disc of non LP recordings plus a discs of late 70s tracks for other labels including nine previously unreleased cuts.

02/06/2024

Dan West, known by his moniker d’Animal, is releasing his new album, ‘Hedonistic Pillow.’ With a musical history that spans rock, jazz, and pop, West brings a unique blend of influences and personal experiences to his work. He opens up about the inspirations behind his new songs, his creative process, and the evolution of his sound

Dan West, known by his moniker d’Animal, is releasing his new album, 'Hedonistic Pillow.' With a musical history that spans rock, jazz, and pop, West brings a unique blend of influences and personal experiences to his work. He opens up about the inspirations behind his new songs, his creative proc...

31/05/2024

New podcast: Terry Britten talks about writing huge songs for Lenny Kravitz, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and Cliff Richard. We start from his early days in the 1960s Australian band The Twilights and work our way up to his new album ‘Other Side of the Tracks.’ Hear the incredible stories behind ‘Heaven Help’, ‘Devil Woman’ and ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ and much more

Terry Britten, songwriter, talks about writing huge songs for Lenny Kravitz, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and Cliff Richard. We start from his early days in the Australian band The Twilights in the 1960s and work our way up to his new album 'The Other Side of the Tracks.' Hear the stories behind 'He...