Classic Albums

50min

Documentary

A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive of a well-known band or musician or that exemplify a stage in the history of music.

Episodes

Cast

Paul Simon: Graceland

1. Paul Simon: Graceland

50min

14th Apr 1997

This premiere episode spotlights Paul's 1986 Grammy-winning 'comeback' album. Introduced by Ringo Starr, each song is examined from the studio perspective. Paul considers the title track to be "The best I ever did". He describes how he came up with the musical and lyrical ideas, and we hear comments from the engineers and from prominent critics, and some of the South African musicians who contributed.

Grateful Dead: American Beauty

2. Grateful Dead: American Beauty

50min

15th Apr 1997

This 1970 release was an important step in the rise of the Grateful Dead to legend status. Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, along with some interviews with Jerry Garcia, discuss what went into the writing and recording.

Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life

3. Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life

50min

16th Apr 1997

Stevie's 1976 double album is looked at here. Stevie had already released the smash album, Innervisions, but as Berry Gordy explains, he took the experimentation to a new level. Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock are in the studio with Stevie, along with some other top musicians who contributed, as we examine the creation and recording process, of what many consider Stevie Wonder's finest hour.

The Band: The Band

4. The Band: The Band

50min

17th Apr 1997

Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Garth Hudson discuss the making of their classic 1969 release. Each member explains how they achieved their distinct sound, with all of them often switching instruments. We hear from Eric Clapton and George Harrison on the influence the record had. Also included is a tribute to suicide victim Richard Manuel.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland

5. The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland

50min

18th Apr 1997

Jimi is recalled here with archival footage, and current interviews with Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, and engineer Eddie Kramer, explain the creative processes that went into the 1968 album. Jimi's manager, Chas Chandler, contributes some details, in what was to be his final interview.

Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

6. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

50min

22nd Jul 1997

The band's Grammy-winning 1977 album is given the Classic Albums treatment. We hear from all the band members, and technicians who worked on the project. Each track is examined and the master tapes are analysed. Included is some archival performance footage, along with some home movies.

First air date

14th Apr 1997

Last air date

8th Oct 2021

Status

Ended

Type

Documentary

Original language

en

Networks