Classic Albums

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Classic Albums was devised by radio producer John Pidgeon as a vehicle for Roger Scott, following the disc jockey’s move from Capital Radio to BBC Radio 1 in 1988. The first hour-long series, produced independently by John and Roger, opened with Dire Straits’ Brothers In Arms in May 1989, followed by the Rolling Stones’ Beggar’s Banquet, Genesis’s Invisible Touch, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, Police’s Synchronicity, the Eagles’ Hotel California and U2’s The Joshua Tree. Roger died of cancer five months later, and the second series aired posthumously. Further programmes were presented by Richard Skinner.

Classic Albums is a documentary series about pop music 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 pop music.

The music, and its production, is dissected by the musicians and/or producer playing the multitrack recordings and singling out tracks that one does not usually consciously hear when listening to the music, giving insight into the way the sound is built up. Also, the individual musicians play back pieces, which are then blended with the original recording. Almost all songs are dealt with, focusing almost entirely on the music itself, how it was composed/realised. Personal aspects of the band or members are occasionally dealt with, but mostly only if they serve this purpose. TV episodes are 50 minutes long but the DVD releases contain much additional material. All the releases in this series are done with the co-operation and full authorisation of the artists involved.

The series are made by Isis/Eagle Rock Entertainment and have been broadcast worldwide (BBC, ITV, VH1, etc). They are also available on DVD.

Some albums that have been covered are: