mysterytrainshow Sound discoveries

Victoria Wood told me to do it

Sound discoveries #1

I found this gem while watching clips of classic English comedy. Victoria Wood was maybe the first comedienne to establish herself in the predominantly male environment of the UK comedy of the ’70s. She had a very successful career up until her untimely death in 2016. Apart from her acting, writing and comedic abilities, she was an accomplished singer-songwriter, and the amazing Ballad Of Barry & Freda (Let’s Do It) is a great example of that (even if it owes much to Cole Porter).

This hilarious song tells the story of a middle-aged couple who has lost the passion for sex. Until Freda feels the strong urge to rekindle it right here and now -much to the astonishment and terror of Barry. “Beat me on the bottom with the Woman’s weekly” may well be the funniest sexy demand I ever heard!

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Mystery Train #88

In the room edition

There is a room in your head. It’s full of objects, places, experiences and songs.
This is an atypical broadcast, a little schizophrenic in the music choices -with many Greek artists.
Featuring songs by Yo La Tengo, The Teardrop Explodes, Naked Pray, Spyridoula, Morka, The Nits, Melina Kana, Iron Butterfly, Pavlos Sidiropoulos, Harry Nilsson et al.

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Mystery Train’s theme song

It’s been many months since the show acquired a distinctive intro theme. It so happens to be the first thing that I ever played on air, and it’s both driving and atmospheric. I’m talking about Pipeline, from The Chantays -the original and definitive version of this surf rock classic. There have been occasions where I used other songs (once, even a great Bill Frisell Pipeline cover) but for frequent listeners this tune means Mystery Train is on.

I thought it would be boring for you to listen to it every time you press play on these podcasts. It really has no point without the talking and welcoming that takes place during the live broadcast. But I believe it deserves a special place on this blog!

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Mystery Train #87

Rio – Antirio edition

A show in full summer mood, bouncing around the globe: USA, Greece, Brazil, Jamaica, UK, India, Italy… this train is taking you places!
Fellow travelers include Markos Vamvakaris, Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, Mano Negra, Spunk!, 2Hurt, Vetiver, Savina Yannatou, Koop, Angelos Skordilis, Gram Parsons et al.

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Mystery Train #84

Prayer in the eclipse edition

This show is inspired by summer’s biggest eclipse. Somewhere in here a prayer is also hidden.
Featured artists include Pete Molinari, Sivert Høyem, Was (Not Was), Jefferson Airplane, Duke Garwood, 16 Horsepower, Barry Goldberg, Kula Shaker, Eagles Of Death Metal, Pink Floyd, Bruna Caram et al.

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Mystery Train #83

Warm nights edition

Music of nostalgia and loneliness during a warm summer night. A show that looks for redemption.
Featuring songs by Neil Young, Dodgy, Giardini di Mirò, Randy Newman, Duke Ellington & John Coltrane, Jean-Luis Murat, Sophie Zelmani, Calexico, Lemonostifel, Lost Bodies, Chrysta Bell & David Lynch et al.

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Mystery Train #81

Crime in the tropics edition

This broadcast is a bit like a film noir soundtrack and it takes you on a fascinating journey around the globe.
Cast of characters includes Snowy White, Dan the Automator, Kid Loco, The Fleshtones, John Campbell, Jonathan Wilson, Neko Case, DJ Food, Stelvio Cipriani, Stan Getz & Dave Brubeck et al.

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Mystery Train #80

Not too late edition

This show tells us there’s still time. To live, to try again, to be a better person. Still time for great music.
Featuring songs by The Box Tops, The Dream Syndicate, Kid Koala, Moloko, Monsieur Minimal, Baby Guru, Martina Topley-Bird, Nalyssa Green, Lambchop, Peter Murphy, Carlo Rustichelli et al.