An enthralling history of the record label that stuffed the charts with hits takes in everything from Bananarama to Bronski Beat. Plus, Suzi Ruffell serves up a lovely series of LGBTQIA+ chat and discussion
From Blancmange to Bananarama, London Records “stuffed the UK charts with hits” in the 80s, says music writer Siân Pattenden. She’s the host of this five-part series about the evolution of the label, featuring interviews with artists and A&Rs. It’s a fascinating oral history that takes in the queer representation offered by Bronski Beat; All Saints’ edgy take on Girl Power; and the goth-pop prowess of Shakespears Sister (pictured above).
Widely available, episodes weekly
From nuclear war to climate change, there are many things that could cause the demise of humanity. In a series that’s more hopeful than it sounds, US journalist Ben Bradford considers the threat levels, beginning with an episode on nukes and whether mutually assured destruction is truly MAD.
Widely available, episodes weekly
