Welcome to another Songlist Special which effectively pays homage to The Old Grey Whistle Test.
Usually known as OGWT (and from 1983 simply Whistle Test) it’s probably no exaggeration to say that it was the most important music programme on UK TV. Aired on BBC2 from 1971 to 1988, it attracted studious music lovers who wanted thoughtful analysis & interviews. Album-oriented rock and ‘serious’ music was the order of the day. (None of this was available on the BBCs main music programme Top Of The Pops – TOTP.)
In future issues we’ll look at how the OGWT got its name and examine its roots and history. We’ll also feature its presenters, including the iconic ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris.
We’ll end by saying something that’s probably regarded as ‘controversial’ & not too popular these days. And that’s giving credit to the BBC for keeping the programme on air for so long. For 17 glorious years the OGWT brought us an eclectic mix of musical genres, including rock, folk, reggae, progressive rock, punk, new wave, and more.
Will we see another music TV series like it ever again?
THE SONGS
The Damned – Smash it Up
The Damned made history when they became the first UK punk band to release a single – New Rose in 1976 – and an album – Damned Damned Damned in 1977 – and tour the US in spring, 1977.
Here we feature their 1979 single Smash it Up (taken from their album Machine Gun Etiquette). Their performance – rooted in glorious chaos, irreverence, raw energy & unpredictability – sums up punk.
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd epitomise Southern rock, which is rooted in rock and roll, blues & country (but perfectly blended with elements of gospel, soul, and sometimes even jazz). Sweet Home Alabama is an iconic homage to their homeland. It’s a remarkable song as it’s instantly recognisable from the off.
As free thinkers & non-conformists we love the ‘rebel spirit’ of Southern rock. Lynyrd Skynyrd are unapologetic & proud of their identity. As we’ve noted many times before, all art forms must be free to provoke, unsettle, and challenge. They certainly do this when they display the Battle Flag of the Army of Tennessee!
Talking Heads – Psycho Killer
Psycho Killer is another track that’s instantly recognisable due to its simple yet very distinctive bass intro. Written by David Byrne, Chris Frantz, and Tina Weymouth in 1974 (when they were known as The Artistics) it’s an attempt to get inside the head of a “psycho killer” — portraying the character’s hysteria, detachment, and internal conflict.
Talking Heads were a fascinating band. Emerging from the New York punk scene they’re seen as pioneers of new wave, post punk and art rock. We’re not too sure if this does them justice – they must be one of the most innovative & genre defying bands we’ve ever come across.
Teardrop Explodes – Reward
The Teardrop Explodes were formed in Liverpool in 1978. Described as post-punk/neo-psychedelic band they were fronted by the eccentric Julian Cope. Cope is also an author and political/cultural activist.
The band were short lived (1978–1982) but very influential. They’re credited with reviving 1960s-inspired psychedelia & have been referenced by Blur, Morrissey and Inspiral Carpets.
Gary Numan – My Name is Ruin & Are Friends Electric?
We featured the original version – from the late 70s – of Are Friends Electric? in our first OGWT Special. It was very raw with a pounding bassline & later made history by becoming the UKs first synthesizer-based number one hit.
The version we have here is much more polished. Gary Numan is not as robotic. My Name is Ruin – in particular – shows how far this electronic pioneer his come as a performer & songwriter.
Police – Can’t Stand Losing You
During the late 70s/early 80s, the Police never seemed to be off the TV or radio. Their line up was Gordon Sumner (better known as Sting) on lead vocals & bass guitar, Andy Summers on guitar & Stewart Copeland on drums. Together they managed to weave elements of punk, reggae, new wave, jazz, and pop into a distinctive sound.
Can’t Stand Losing You featured on their debut album Outlandos d’Amour (which was released in 1978) and was released as a single in August of the same year. The song is written from the perspective of a teenage boy who is so devastated by a breakup that he contemplates or commits suicide.
Patti Smith Group – Because the Night
Patti Smith is an American singer, songwriter, poet, author, and visual artist (mainly drawings & photography). Universally known as the “Godmother of Punk” she fused rock ‘n’ roll with poetry & and was very influential in the 1970s New York punk scene. Artists & bands such as Madonna, Michael Stipe (lead singer of alternative rock band R.E.M.), U2, Hole & Florence Welch lead singer of the indie rock band Florence + the Machine) all cite her as an influence.
Because the Night is about the all-consuming nature of love & reflects Smith’s feelings for her boyfriend (and future husband) Fred “Sonic” Smith. It’s probably her best-known song & has an anthem-like feel to it – which is not surprising as Brue Springsteen wrote the music and chorus!
Supertramp – Dreamer
We just love the way Dreamer combines dreamy – almost ethereal – sequences with heavier moments. Roger Hodgson’s distinctive vocals & the band’s harmonies all add to a memorable track.
Founded in 1970, Supertramp found fame with the release of their third album, Crime of the Century (in 1974). It uniquely blended their traditional progressive rock sound with that of pop. Dreamer is an excellent example of this sound, which has certainly stood the test of time.
Thin Lizzy – Don’t Believe A Word
This version of Don’t Believe A Word is really different to the one most people are used to. Here, Phil Lynott shares lead vocals with Gary Moore. It’s also far slower & heavily influenced by the blues.
However, it does grow in intensity & speed. This reveals the heavy rock sound of Thin Lizzy that most of us are familiar with.
The Who – Long Live Rock
Formed in 1964, The Who progressed from the pop art & mod subcultures to become an English rock institution. Their classic line up consisted of Roger Daltrey (lead singer), Pete Townshend (lead guitar), John Entwistle (bass). and Keith Moon (drums).
Long Live Rock was recorded in 1972. However, it didn’t appear until 1974 on the album Odds & Sods (which consisted of 11 studio outtakes). The band’s OGWT performance epitomised their energetic & sometimes frantic style.
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