Top of the Pops
19.30, 00.55, BBC4
Well, we did say the opening track last week was an eye-opener, and we note that somebody on YouTube has stuck the fantastic record version of that ace Rah Band song over the visuals from Pops, which is brilliant because it means we don’t have to listen to the wimpy lo-fi live version but still get to see the guitarist’s lovely smile. A landmark show for two reasons this week, firstly because it’s the last time for a long time you’ll hear a very familiar piece of music, and secondly it’s big news for fans of A Bit Of That Sort Of Rock because if you count The Jam as mod and The Stranglers as pub rock, then it’s definitely the p-word this week, happily when the clued-up Kid Jensen hosts.
The People’s Songs
I wonder if the Manic Street Preachers’ performance of ‘Faster’ in 1994 was inspired by Richard A. Hewson’s choice of headwear? And did it get as many complaints?