A triple header this week, it is Christmas after all. That must mean a guest presenter in the Classic Albums studio. Gary and Stephen have to be on their best behaviour with Russell explaining a whole new genre 'intelligent dance'. Stephen tries to keep up but Gary gives in to his bafflement.

This week we listen to the best of the 'Best Ofs'. Little Stevie Wonder goes head to head with the mighty Neil Young and the Cure. Are we full of the joys of Christmas or do we Bah Humbug our way through the show? Listen in and find out.

Direct download: 30_Classic_Abums_Christmas_Special_2008.wav.MP3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 1:33 PM
Comments[149]

    Great christmas show guys.

    I'm not quite sure what my favourite album of the year is the ones I've loved have been:

    Bon Iver - For Emma...
    Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazarus Dig
    Kings of Leon - Only By the Night

    Listened to all 3 a hell of a lot and the thing I've noticed is all have songs that grow on you after time. KoL was the most immediate, the other 2 took a bit of work.

    I also liked:
    British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
    Racontuers - Consolers of the lonely
    Vampire Weekend

    but there's still a few albums I'd like to get like Laura Marling, Seldom Seen Kid to name a couple.

    Also, you may have this one Stephen, the soundtrack to 'I'm Not There' the Dylan film is fantastic, with covers by Sufjan Stevens and Anthony and th Johnsons to name but a few, be interested to see if anyone else has this and likes it as much as I do?

    I think musically though this year will be remembered for me first listening to Tindersticks on Stephen's recommendation, a band I've fallen completely in love with.

    hope everyone had a nice Christmas and here's looking forward to another year of great music.

    posted by: Jordan on Fri, 12/26 03:10 PM EST

    My albums of the year are:
    Young Knives-Superabundace
    Frightened Rabbit-The Midnight Organ Fight
    Fleet Foxes
    Mudhoney-The Lucky Ones
    Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds-Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!
    I haven't got Seasick Steve's new album yet, was utterly disappointed by Kings of Leon's new one. Seldom Seen Kid is just the same song over and over again(apart from Grounds For Divorce)but was alright and I quite liked Bon Iver's record.There isn't one album that has really stood out as that bands best to me, they all feel like they could be bettered

    posted by: James on Sat, 12/27 10:21 AM EST

    Look forward to Gary covering a Yes album on a future podcast. I'm a

    big Yes fan, actually. Worst Christmas song ever? Has to be Mel and Kim 'Rockin

    Around The Christmas Tree'. Also, Bros, 'Cat Among The Pidgeons' backed with

    'Silent Night'. Reached number two in December 1988 or 1989. I know, I know... in my defense, I did need to research that particular fact. Dance music was indeed great during 92-93 as Russell correctly states. I was enjoying I suppose the bigger acts like Aphex Twin, Orbital, The Orb. I once had a promo-pack from Warp Records which sadly got lost in a house-move. It was a great package, possibly because I lost it and never reviewed any of it - subsequently, I never received anything from Warp ever again. 1990 for me as the greatest year in music. It was when I discovered this world outside of pop, I bought my first album by The Fall, the wonderful 'Extricate'. I bought The Stone Roses debut, Nick Cave, The Pixies, Ride. I got into stuff that wasn't U2 or Simple Minds, so my personal year zero if you like. Another great show, guys. Keep it up. Oh, albums of the year? Laura Marling as number one for me. One to watch out for.

    posted by: Adrian Denning on Tue, 12/30 09:44 AM EST

    Oh, Stephen? Check your email for info RE the Felt albums.

    posted by: Adrian Denning on Wed, 12/31 02:00 PM EST

    Have checked Adrian. Ta.

    Jordan, you and the Tindersticks have made my day. Another recruit!!!

    posted by: Stephen on Mon, 1/5 11:30 AM EST

    Going back to what Gary said a few episodes ago about no good new music this year. I bought 5 new albums the other day cause my favourite CD shop was having a sale and 4 of them (Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling, Conor Oberst and Fleet Foxes) were all new out this year and all seem like top albums.

    The other album in case you wondering was Eels live with strings, a great band in any year.

    posted by: Jordan on Wed, 1/7 02:01 PM EST

    Gosh. I need the Eels live with strings. Good call Jordan. That's going on my list.

    Favourite Tindersticks LP so far?

    posted by: Stephen on Mon, 1/12 02:52 AM EST

    So Stephen is also entranced by Bon Iver eh?? Seems I'm the only detractor on the forum! I wouldn't say I dislike the album (I have warmed to it considerably) but it's just not bringing me in!

    Albums of the Year? Like the Fleet Foxes one, Elbow also worth a mention as is TV on the Radio.

    Hoping the Annus Mirabilis thread gets a good discussion in the next podcast. I'm intrigued!

    posted by: Welshbenny on Mon, 1/12 05:31 AM EST

    Well Stephen I guess I'd have to say Tindersticks II as its the first one I got and has such a great opening 4 songs, along with 'Talk to Me' 'No More Affairs' and 'Travelling Light' to name just a few more beauties on the album.

    But I keep coming across more and more gems on the first album, 'Her' being the latest one. I think because the first 2 albums have so many songs on more and more songs will reveal themselves over time.

    Curtains has some great songs but hasn't grabbed me as a whole quite as much as the first 2 albums, but again with time I'm sure I'll find more to love on it. Also for xmas I got the BBC sessions CD so I have a lot to listen to.

    Oh yea and reguarding Mr E have you read his book 'Things the Grandchildren Should Know'? absolutely fantastic read and well worth getting hold of if you haven't already.

    posted by: Jordan on Mon, 1/12 01:11 PM EST

    Hey you guys... Finally got round to listening to the podcast (its been a hectic xmas and new year so far!!) and love the favourite 'best of' albums - got to agree with the choice of The Cure and Stevie Wonder.

    My other favourite 'best ofs' are:

    1. David Bowie 'Changes One' - all the better early stuff and none of the 80's big hair crap!

    2. Japan 'Exorcising Ghosts' - More big hair early 80's i guess, but they were at least a bit more thoughtful in their music than Spandau Ballet or Ultravox i think!

    3. Kate Bush 'The Whole Story' - a perfect compilation as you could wish for i think!

    4. Simon & Garfunkel 'Greatest Hits' - bit slushy in parts i know but they were great when hitting those vocal harmonies!

    As for my best albums of year:

    Bon Iver - love it still!
    Toumani Diabate 'Mande Variations' - amazing!
    Seasick Steve 'I Started Out With Nothin' And Still Got Most Of It Left' - raw and unbettered in my little opinion!

    Oh and get the 'Eels live with Strings' Stephen, its excellent - saw them last year in Sheffield and they are most excellent!

    posted by: Daveyman on Tue, 1/13 08:31 AM EST

    Her is a favourite of mine too, Jordan. I have been discovering gems and gems over the last few years. The first three Tindersticks LPs are a bit bottomless like that, they just keep giving. The BBC sessions is a lovely records. Perversely I have 2 copies. Maybe we could give one away as a comp prize???

    Eels with strings now on birthday list Daveyboy

    posted by: Stephen on Wed, 1/14 03:03 AM EST

    Errrrr, what a great post! You info help me so much. And Im not sure if you care I ad my Ed Hardy products here. Im the fresh of selling online, just tell me if you are interested in the UGG Boots tips. My buddy is the expert of uggs and Jordan Shoes XD

    posted by: UGG Boots on Mon, 8/10 12:57 AM EDT

    Shop for Comfortable UGG classic cardy, Man's UGG Slipper,Women's Ugg Sandal.Good quality, and great discount,free shipping.

    posted by: Man's UGG Slipper on Wed, 9/9 03:10 AM EDT

    Shop for Comfortable UGG classic cardy, Man's UGG Slipper,Women's Ugg Sandal.Good quality, and great discount,free shipping.

    posted by: Man's UGG Slipper on Wed, 9/9 03:14 AM EDT


    As UGGs moved into the fashion mainstream in the last ten years, however, they’ve become associated with women, mainly due to female celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey wearing and recommending them.

    posted by: tiffany jewellery on Wed, 9/16 05:03 AM EDT

    The strange thing about this is that is a complete fashion role reversal for UGGs. UGG Boots, by that name, and been around for almost a hundred years. By different names, the basic design of UGGs has been around for thousands of years. And all that time, up until about 2000, they were considered a masculine item.

    posted by: tiffany jewellery on Wed, 9/16 05:22 AM EDT

    The fighter pilots and bomber crews for World War I and World War II wore UGG Boots in their airplanes for warmth. Back then, airplanes did not yet have pressurized cabins to keep in air and warmth, and at high altitudes, the air got cold—very cold. During these times, UGGs were considered not just masculine items, but soldier’s gear.

    posted by: tiffany jewellery on Thu, 9/17 04:26 AM EDT

    We are professional supply UGG Boots,
    we promised you all of our ugg boots are 100% authentic Australia UGG Boots but low price,Buy UGG Boots ON Woolboots.com must be your best choice!

    posted by: Cheap UGG Boots Sale on Mon, 9/21 03:18 AM EDT

    YoUGGs.Org - online ugg blogging magazine,daily updating free webblog information including bargains on ugg boots sale,released fashion australia ugg cardy,seo and so on,welcome friends wordwidely enjoying and pouring new trends,google insight guide you how to farword youtube developing

    posted by: Ugg Boots on Mon, 9/21 08:42 AM EDT

    The roots of ugg bailey button education are bitter , but the fruit is sweet .ugg calssic Life is the art of drawing sufficient conclusions from insufficient premises.

    posted by: Cheap Sale on Tue, 9/22 10:39 AM EDT

    Itisbettertowastechihairstraightenersone'syouththanto do noting bose headphones with it at all. Onething I know. If a jewel falls into the nokia 8800 arte mire, it remains as precious as before; and though dust should ascend to bose in-ear headphones heaven, its former worthlessness will not altered.

    posted by: nokia8800 on Thu, 9/24 11:09 PM EDT

    lv bags sales online life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards. High sale chanel hags expectations are the key to every miu miu bags thing.

    posted by: Chanel bags on Sun, 9/27 10:33 PM EDT

    unlock nokia mobile it is better to waste one's youth than to do noting nokia mobiles with it at all. Onething I know.If a jewel falls into themire, it remains as precious as before; and though dust should ascend to buy cheap nokia 8800 heaven, its former worthlessness will not altered.

    posted by: nokia mobile on Mon, 9/28 09:18 AM EDT

    cheap nokia phones life is the art of drawing nokia 8800 on sale sufficient conclusions from insufficient premises.Better to light onecandle than to curse the darkness. We can't all beheroes. Fear not that the life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a ghd beginning.

    posted by: noika8800 on Mon, 9/28 09:32 AM EDT

    An ugg lo pro button man is not made for defeat.An ugg bailey button man can be destroyed but not defeated.No rational man can die without ugg boots uneasy apprehension.Better ugg knightsbridge be unborn than untaught,for ignorance is the root of misfortune.Genius17 without education is like silver in the uggs boots mine.


    posted by: Ugg Australia on Wed, 10/7 09:28 AM EDT

    a wise luxury handbags on sale man never loses anything if he hashimself.a greatman is always willing to be little. Death is the only bottega veneta pure, beautiful conclusion of a great cheap handbags passion.When the fight begins within himself, a man's worth something.

    posted by: supershandbag on Thu, 10/8 06:45 AM EDT

    A wise man never loses anything if he has buy cheap nokia 8800 himself.A great nokia mobiles man is always willing to be little. Death is the onlypure, beautifulconclusion of a great passion. It is better to waste one's youth than to do noting with it at all. One nokia sirocco thing I know.

    posted by: nokia mobiles on Fri, 10/9 07:26 AM EDT

    The first wealth is health . all is but lip-wisdom that wants experience. timberland boots sale online expericence is a hard timberland roll top teacher because she gives the mens timberland 6 inch test first, the mens timberland chukka lesson afterwards. buy cheap timberland boots experience is not interesting till it begins to repeat itself, in fact, till it does that ,it hardly is experience.

    posted by: Timberland 6 Boots on Thu, 10/15 10:31 PM EDT

    More and more people choose ugg boots uk. So you know that ugg series of the most famous is thecardy ugg boots. If you want to buy a pair of cheap ugg boots, I recommend you go to online store, there have a lot of ugg boots sale.

    posted by: Angel on Thu, 10/15 10:36 PM EDT

    High ugg lo pro button expectations are the key to every ugg knightsbridge thing. If you wait, all that happens is that uggs boots you get older.it is while you are patiently toiling at the little tasks ofugg boots life that the ugg bailey button meaning and shape of great whole of life dawn on you.

    posted by: ugg classic on Thu, 10/15 10:49 PM EDT

    More and more people choose ugg boots uk. So you know that ugg series of the most famous is thecardy ugg boots. If you want to buy a pair of cheap ugg boots, I recommend you go to online store, there have a lot of ugg boots sale.

    posted by: Angel on Thu, 10/15 10:55 PM EDT

    If you buy a beautiful ugg boot for your girlfriend or for your wife,I think she will deeply moved by you.Nowdays,the ugg boot is popular by women.Women's is crazy about Women's UGG Classic Tall Boot 5815.The UGG Classic Short Boot is often made of genuine sheepskin and authentic quality Australian imported wool.The ugg boot is warm in winter.And you can feels great comfortable.And now the ugg is not the original ulgy thick boot.The UGG Women's Classic Cardy Boot is a good choice.Features good material,the shoe is a good choice this winter.

    posted by: ugg classic cardy on Fri, 10/16 11:36 AM EDT

    The ugg boots experience more than sufficiently teaches that men govern nothing with ugg bailey button more difficulty than their tongues. ugg boots experience never misleads; what you are missed by is only your ugg lo pro button judgement, and this misleads you by anticipating results from ugg classic cardy experience of a kind that is not produced by your experements.

    posted by: Ugg Boots on Fri, 10/16 11:30 PM EDT

    Activity is the only road to knowledge . a free man obtains knowledge from many sources 1 besides books . greatugg bailey button part to the ugg lo pro button information I have was acquired by looking up something and finding something else on the way . If a man empties his purse into his head, no ugg knightsbridge man can take it away from him , an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest .

    posted by: Ugg sale on Sat, 10/17 11:27 PM EDT

    in 1995, it probably thought it had made a sensible addition to its portfolio of footwear brands. ugg was positioned as high-end luxury footwear, best known for its sheepskin boots, favoured by Californian surfers. read more:www.gouggs.com

    posted by: gouggs.com on Sun, 10/18 03:08 AM EDT

    It is no use doing what ugg bailey button you like; you have got to like what you do  My philosophy of ugg lo pro button life is work . When work is a pleasure , life is joy ! When work is duty ,ugg knightsbridge life is slavery .Work banishes those three great evils : boredom , vice, and poverty.

    posted by: Ugg Classic Cardy on Mon, 10/19 12:42 PM EDT

    High buy cheap ghd styler expectations are the key to every ghd iv dark sttyler thing. If you wait, all that happens is that you get older. chi flat iron it is while you are patiently toiling at the little tasks of life that the meaning and shape of great whole of life dawn on you.

    posted by: GHD Styler on Mon, 10/19 11:01 PM EDT

    High buy cheap ghd styler expectations are the key to every ghd iv dark sttyler thing. If you wait, all that happens is that you get older. chi flat iron it is while you are patiently toiling at the little tasks of life that the meaning and shape of great whole of life dawn on you.

    posted by: GHD Styler on Mon, 10/19 11:08 PM EDT

    The Ugg knightsbridgechange is the law of ugg lo pro button life. and those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.How we spend our day is, of course, how we spend our lives. a man is not old as long as he is seeking something. An ugg bailey button man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.

    posted by: UGG Boots on Wed, 10/21 08:24 AM EDT

    It is no use doing what ugg bailey button you like; you have got to like what you do  My philosophy of ugg lo pro button life is work . When work is a pleasure , life is joy ! When work is duty ,ugg knightsbridge life is slavery .Work banishes those three great evils : boredom , vice, and poverty.

    posted by: Ugg Classic Cardy on Wed, 10/21 08:30 AM EDT


    Just wanted to say great job with the blog, today is my first visit here and I’ve enjoyed reading your posts so far

    UGG Knights Bridge Boots

    posted by: cheap uggs on Thu, 10/22 01:28 AM EDT

    The life is the art of drawing nokia 8800 on sale sufficient conclusions from insufficient premises.Better to light one nokia 8800 candle than to curse the darkness. We can't all be heroes. Fear not that the life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a hair straighteners beginning.

    posted by: nokia 8800 on sale on Thu, 10/22 01:42 AM EDT

    The life is the art of drawing nokia 8800 on sale sufficient conclusions from insufficient premises.Better to light one nokia 8800 candle than to curse the darkness. We can't all be heroes. Fear not that the life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a hair straighteners beginning.

    posted by: nokia 8800 on sale on Thu, 10/22 01:43 AM EDT

    When the fight begins within ugg bailey button himself, a man's worth something ugg lo pro button.Have no fear of perfection---you'll never reach it. it is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees. life is not all beer and skittles. Fear not that the life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have an ugg knightsbridge beginning.

    posted by: Uggs On Sale,Classic UGG Boots on Thu, 10/22 08:29 AM EDT

    When the fight begins within ugg bailey button himself, a man's worth something ugg lo pro button.Have no fear of perfection---you'll never reach it. it is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees. life is not all beer and skittles. Fear not that the life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have an ugg knightsbridge beginning.

    posted by: Uggs On Sale,Classic UGG Boots on Thu, 10/22 08:29 AM EDT

    58]

    My girlfriend received the ugg boots I bought her for her birthday, she adores them. I was a little worried the calf would be tight around her legs but it hasn’t been a problem. I’ll be back before Christmas.

    posted by: cheap uggs on Sat, 10/24 12:15 AM EDT

    Offering cheap Ugg boots on sale as well as all types of Uggs. Ugg boots made in Australia discounts upto 80% Off. All types of Ugg boots sale including Bailey Button Ugg Boots,Classic Cardy Ugg Boots,Classic Mini Ugg Boots.

    Discount UGG boots are sheepskin boots that are so incredibly comfortable for woman, kids and men.

    Please visit our website http://www.uggofficial.co.uk to learn more about UGG boots and all Uggs.

    posted by: UGG BOOTS SALE on Sun, 10/25 11:58 PM EDT

    Ugg Classic Cardy: http://www.llikeonline.com/ugg-classic-cardy-c-69.html
    Cheap ugg boots put you ahead of fashion. And the uggs on sale,buy uggs online is your best choice. We can provide Fashionable design and High quality UGG boots,the fashionable ugg classic cardy is cheap and substantial benefit.
    What a surprise is that recently we have a pomotion for all the customers, Everyone just buy two UGG boots.then you can get a pair of UGG slipper for free! Limited stock, hurry up!
    Free Shipping, Delivery by EMS in 6-9 business days.

    posted by: ugg classic cardy on Mon, 10/26 01:56 AM EDT

    ugg bootsailey Button the sheepskin of the ugg boots is able to naturally wick away any moisture that is created when wearing them. Plus shoe boots the sheepskin also has some give so the boots will mold themselves to your feet. The level of comfort that this provides as you wear them is unsurpassed and other ones cannot emulate.http://www.gouggs.com/products_all.html

    posted by: gouggs on Tue, 10/27 07:32 AM EDT

    Uggs on sale! Looking for grey ugg boots? Check out our discounted Ugg boots on our Ugg boots sale site! You might want to consider Australian sheepskin boots from Salesuggboots.com.

    posted by: uggs on sale on Wed, 10/28 05:06 AM EDT

    http://www.easybuyying.com/ugg-boots-ugg-baby-boots-c-46_47_289.html
    http://www.easybuyying.com/ugg-boots-ugg-5691-lo-pro-button-boots-c-46_47_288.html
    http://www.easybuyying.com/ugg-boots-ugg-5389-new-arrival-boots-c-46_47_287.html

    posted by: jack on Wed, 10/28 12:48 PM EDT

    From success you get a lot of women mbt shoes things, but not that great cheap mbt shoes sale inside thing that love reviews mbt shoes brings you. Shallow men believe in luck.Wisdom is knowing what to sell mbt shoes do next,skill is knowing how to do it,and virtue is to do it. Wise men learn by other men's mistakes.Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.

    posted by: sell mbt shoes on Thu, 10/29 03:05 AM EDT

    From success you get a lot of women mbt shoes things, but not that great cheap mbt shoes sale inside thing that love reviews mbt shoes brings you. Shallow men believe in luck.Wisdom is knowing what to sell mbt shoes do next,skill is knowing how to do it,and virtue is to do it. Wise men learn by other men's mistakes.Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.

    posted by: sell mbt shoes on Thu, 10/29 03:06 AM EDT

    I watched all of it. thanks for your share all the time, i will go here soon. ugg boots, lol!

    posted by: uggs on sale on Thu, 10/29 03:31 AM EDT

    I like this post, thank you. and i Just got my ugg boots! They are absolutely beautiful, and the quality is just amazing. No wearing them in, no blisters just absolutely snug strait out of the box. Lol. Ugg boots! So pretty! I will pair them with my new jeans.

    posted by: uggs on Fri, 10/30 12:11 AM EDT

    We should so live and labor in our cheap mbt shoes time that mbt shoes sale what came to us as seed may go to the next mbt walking shoes generation as blossom,and what came to us as blossom may go to them as fruit. This is what clearance we mean by progress. It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.

    posted by: mbt masai shoes on Mon, 11/2 03:07 AM EST

    Accidentally come here , I am incomparable to enjoy myself when i appreciate your beautiful article from my deep

    heart!
    ugg bailey button



    Everything dynamic and very positively!
    ugg bailey button

    posted by: uggs on sale on Wed, 11/4 08:06 AM EST

    Just wanted to say great job with the blog, today is my first visit here and I’ve enjoyed reading your posts so far

    ugg boots on sale

    posted by: ugg boots on sale on Wed, 11/4 10:47 AM EST



    I hope you have found this aion gold system requirements to be aion gold and hopefully you can start playing aion gold right away.

    posted by: wow gold on Wed, 11/4 06:49 PM EST

    With Thanksgiving Day approaching and to thank for the customer,there are amazing ugg boots sale promotions on our company.We give you a fantastic gift that is buy one and get one free,once you buy one of ugg 30th anniversary,ugg 5359 nightfall,ugg 5245 ultra tall,ugg 5691lo pro button or 5818 sienna miller other ugg boots on our website, we will give you a , hat or a wallet as a gift. http://www.uggboots4buy.com/




    posted by: ugg boots sale promotions on Wed, 11/4 08:59 PM EST

    Welcome to our wesite:hhttp://www.nikeaf1jordanshoes.com/ .We are a trade company, specialize in brand-named and fashional footwear. our main products include Nike shoes, Jordan shoes, Adidas shoes, LV shoes, Chanel shoes, UGG boots. Christian Louboutin shoes.Ed hardy boots, AE boots, clothing,handbag,jerseys,jewelrys,El,and so on. Welcome inquiry.

    posted by: Nike Shoes on Wed, 11/4 09:05 PM EST