Only A Podcast

In an opening aside, The Captain curses wireless technology. Just use wires, folks. After all these years, ElTele learns how to run.But the main theme for the end of year episode is: we list our best film, TV series, documentary, book, event, album and podcast of the year (spoiler: we don't choose our own). If we'd like anything for Christmas, it's that you like, subscribe, favourite, rate or share this podcast. Oh, and world peace too.Meri Kirihimete to you all.No links, no spoilers, listen now!https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-53-our-best-things-of-2023/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

In our penultimate episode of 2023, we review a live concert by a legendary band, and a new album from an old stager. Spy drama Slow Horses returns. The Captain is drawn in to animated martial arts series Blue Eye Samurai, and is hanging out for the gripping final episode of NZ drama After the Party.ElTele discusses the loss of Shane MacGowan of the Pogues, and the large number of celebrities that have left us this year, and trails the brand new Kirsty MacColl box set. Have I Got News For You endures, there's a new T Shirt of the Week, and we're not at all sure what to think about Spotify Wrapped, or the price of Coldplay tickets.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/krafty-work/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Some people might say it's time we started making sense! We've both been to see the remastered Talking Heads concert movie - hear the verdict - and we've also been impressed by the new album from Paul Cook and the Chronicles.ElTele has completed an untypical rock biography and we talk about the life of the musician who wrote it. We wrestle with the Morrissey conundrum once again, and wonder if University Challenge is getting easier.T Shirt of the Week begins (should we be even wearing T shirts at our age?), The Captain has opinions on Squid Game The Challenge, and we are staggered by the price of tickets to see an American comedy legend. How much?!Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-51-stop-making-sense/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Is it really the end? Did we like the final Beatles product?And what's more, did we ever think Monty Python was funny? Is comedy in some cases more about a sense of unity with like-minded fans, rather than actual laughs? We try to put these thorny issues to bed.In other news, we trail All The Light We Cannot See, the dramatisation of Anthony Doerr's acclaimed novel, and the police procedural Shetland, now  up to season 8.Tommy Emmanuel will tour NZ and ElTele will be there.We're both slightly baffled by TikTok train spotter Francis Bourgeois.And will New Zealanders appreciate Mortimer and Whitehouse going fishing on primetime TV?Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-50-the-beatles-the-end/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Lots of things beginning with B in this episode, and some not!Will the upcoming release be the last "new" Beatles tune? The Captain is deep into a time shifting whodunnit on Netflix called Bodies, whilst ElTele checks out the Beckham documentary.The Captain reviews English costume drama Wicked Little Letters well in advance of next year's release, and welcomes the return of the cinema interval. Johnny Marr has a new book out, and talks about his pedals for the guitar nerds among us. Footballing legend Eric Cantona has released some new music (bien sûr!) and we rate the Soccer Sensation that is Jude Bellingham.And by the way, we don't believe in ghosts. Or do we?Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-49-covered-in-bs/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

We talk about our couch potato go-to TV programmes. Guilty pleasures? We're not guilty! ElTele checks out the Jay Blades documentary, and we both review an uncomfortable watch in The Reckoning, the four-part drama about Jimmy Savile, starring Steve Coogan.The Captain is reading a really good novel that inspired a slightly less good film, and checks out the new Rolling Stones studio album, 18 years after the last one. ElTele pops out to throw a few darts and scores a 140, and we talk about some notable anniversaries.And we try to explain just what it is about social media that annoys us (but please like, subscribe and share all our podcasts!).Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-48-stones-blades-and-bullet-train/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

A titan of electronic music goes acoustic after 40 years? How can this be?Once again we talk about the impact of Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss, and going further into the new series of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, which this week stars Lee Mack, off the substitute's bench, and interesting to both of us. The Captain rushes through Oh Brother, the excellent biography from John Niven, and ElTele introduces us to new band Coppola.We finish up by discussing always funny but often absurd names for covers bands (do you have a favourite?), and a brief dip into sport.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-47-are-friends-acoustic/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

What does the drummer do when one of the biggest bands ever breaks up? Find out in this episode. The Office's Rainn Wilson is looking for happiness in strange places? Does he find it? ElTele finishes The Traitors UK, and trails the new series of Sex Education, once we decide which number series it is.We decide just how much we like Radio New Zealand National, and the broadcasters and programmes that feature on it. Following on from last week, we talk about a number of online sources that feature Māori artists and musicians.And what can we say about the return of the Rolling Stones?Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-46-rainns-world-and-ringos-furniture/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

We may not be the best at Māori Language Week but we are enthusiastic about it, and discuss it!We talk about the responses to last episode's question "Do musicians listen to music differently to non-musicians?" The Captain appreciates good translations of novels that are not originally written in English, referring to the crime novels of Fred Vargas. Taskmaster NZ Series 4 is complete - bring on Season 16 of the UK one! ElTele is racing ahead with The Traitors UK and is solidly into the new Alan Partridge podcast.And if you're a WordPad user, we have bad news.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-45-te-wa-tuku-reo-maori/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Moving swiftly on from our Mercury Prize predictions, The Captain plugs low budget comedy drama Scrapper, and Pasifika rugby documentary Family Faith Footy. He's also baffled by the stocking policy of a local record store. ElTele is impressed by a 9/11 stage play, keeps it in the family when going to a gig, and relaxes with the British version of The Traitors. He wonders if musicians listen to music in a different way to non-musicians.We also welcome the return of Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing. A belated happy birthday to Ted the dog!Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-44-chub-on-the-wye-and-scrapper/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

In between brief rants about dentists, deodorant and lottery tickets, we get on with it. The Captain plugs the upcoming cinema reissue of one of the greatest concert films of all time. On TV, the NZ comedy drama Far North is proving to be a winner. ElTele is astonished to find an additional hidden character in a classic comedy series. We talk about a track-by-track guide to the music of The Smiths, and lyrics references in general. The Captain tries to explain his attraction to Taskmaster, the NZ version specifically, and Tina from Turners!We'd also like to know if listeners have any TV memory from their childhood that has never left them?Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-43-once-in-a-every-lifetime/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

In this episode we review the final four contenders from the Mercury Prize list: Loyle Carner, Olivia Dean, Jockstrap, and Young Fathers. Which do we think will win? The Captain plugs series two of an Alexei Sayle podcast, and listens to an informative interview with Scottish writer David KeenanElTele is stunned by the best joke from the Edinburgh Fringe, and impressed by football vlogger Nieve Petruzziello, aka Stunt Pegg.We end with a rant about gig ticket purchase (again!).Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-42-the-funniest-joke-of-the-year/ https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

We put four more Mercury Prize contenders to the test: Jessie Ware, Arctic Monkeys, Shygirl, and RAYE. The Women's World Cup is a tremendous success - it must be if it can get New Zealanders to discuss "soccer". We talk about the Lionesses chances - is it finally coming home?ElTele is very pleased about the return of Only Murders in the Building, and reveals a new team to support. During some toaster banter, we introduce the rest of the world to Briscoe's.. there's a sale on! We end by saying goodbye to Jamie Reid, Robbie Robertson of the Band and Sir Michael Parkinson.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-41-lionesses-and-more-mercury/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

In which we commence our review of the Mercury Music Prize contenders, with comments about four albums from that list, plus more musings on how musicians actually make money, and a review of a gig by Jen Cloher. ElTele has reckons about the new Blur album, and listens to Damon Albarn on the Sodajerker podcast.Sport: we talk about the Women's Football World Cup, a very open competition which has lost some big teams, and the Mark Cavendish documentary is out on Netflix. Two book reviews in this episode, a sci-fi classic, and a book on maths.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-40-mercury-prize-pt-1-and-other-stuff/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

It's Mercury Prize time again! It doesn't seem ten minutes since we talked about the last competition. We review two documentaries (on Wham, and the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior) and we polish off a book each. Tune in to find out about our good reads. We recommend a couple of Instagram channels, and ElTele spends some time with the early recordings of Pulp.And to finish we explain our dislike of social media, while relying upon you to spread the word on social media, and starting a Threads account. Dilemma!https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Advisory: we are here to warn you of the grave danger to health posed by crumpets! The Tour de France has begun and we are cycling converts. Buying gig tickets: why is it so difficult? In the first of our Complete Works series, we look at the life and career of crime writer Derek Raymond. The Captain watches the BBC historical drama The Gallows Pole, with which he has more than one connection. Did he like it? Listen in to find out. ElTele blows the whistle on refereeing, and we both look forward to a new music documentary featuring Wham.New music from Acantha Lang rounds out this episode.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-38-crumpet-throat-laceration/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

We're covered in B's this episode, as ElTele discovers the health benefits of breathing properly, and puts a bunch of books on his reading list. We say goodbye to a TV sports show from our (relative) youth, Soccer AM. We kick off a new feature and discuss the High Water Mark of REM and Blur. The Captain is drawn in by the amazing drama of Tour de France: Unchained, the story of last year's race, and has the new album from soul singing legend Bettye LaVette on repeat play. We end it all with a chat about the strange beverages to be found in your grandparents' drinks cabinet.What exactly is Babycham? Who drinks Benedictine? Is it all a load of Bols? Tune in to find out!Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-37-books-breathing-blood-pressure-blur-bettye-and-bikes/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

It's an unusual week here at Podcast Towers as ALL our football teams won something. We try not to gloat for too long, and quickly move on to review the best of the past couple of weeks of culture consumption.We talk about new albums from Everything But The Girl, Sparks, Jessie Ware and Super 8. The new Blur album has animated vinyl! The Captain gives a hat tip to Wally Salem of The Beautiful Music for kindly sending in samples from that label. The Captain reads Bob Stanley's book on the birth of popular music, Let's Do It. El Tele casts an eye over a new book on mental health, Sort Your Head Out, by Sam Delaney.We have another Downsizing episode, and we sadly say goodbye to Cynthia Weil, and Tony McPhee of the Groundhogs.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-36-some-people-are-on-the-pitch/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Why is it that well-off famous people want to appear normal? The Captain has had enough of it! He revisits a classic album from 2006, Howe Gelb's Sno Angel Like You. We listen to friend of the podcast Katie's new music show, and discuss how two more listeners would Downsize.El Tele finishes off lots of TV series, and touts the new album by Lottery Winners, featuring many special guests, and completes John Cooper Clarke's autobiography. We talk briefly (geddit) about men's pants and regrettably say goodbye to some giants : Smiths bassist Andy Rourke, Martin Amis and Tina Turner.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-35-we-are-normal-and-we-want-our-freedom/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

In a packed episode, El Tele plugs two books, and alarmingly changes the way he's breathing by taping his mouth shut! We both comment on Lana Del Rey, and trail the Kill Boksoon film and Schmigadoon series. The Captain finds all of Rich Hall's BBC documentaries on YouTube. We say goodbye to Barry Humphries and Jerry Springer.The main course for this episode is our Downsizing - selecting the DVD box set, movie, album and book we'd take to our mythical tiny house. Find out what we (and a couple of listeners) have selected. We hope all our listeners with suggestions will come on the show to talk about them, because our memory is terrible!Stay tuned also for the cross-cultural food-based rant! And bay leaves - what's up with them?Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-34-indian-pizza-or-italian-curry/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

El Tele carries on catching up with culture, and the Jazz Odyssey continues. We discuss the re-release of a classic film trilogy that isn't Star Wars, The Captain reviews three books from the New Zealand book Awards shortlist, and a couple of recent cinema releases. We give you several ways to join in with Only a Podcast by telling us about your favourites. Watch out for us demonstrating the format next time around. There's a fascinating fact about Star Wars, and darts!Full show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-33-time-to-downsize/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

In a packed programme tonight, we explore some anniversaries - was one of them the most important day in music history? A new animated series re-imagines Elvis as a secret agent, but could it have actually happened? Some random facts popped up since the last episode, casting a bit of light on the band Joboxers, the TV series Happy Valley, and a strange thing seen on an advert.  Finally, we visit one of the best rock and pop channels on YouTube and continue the jazz odyssey. Nice.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-32-musics-most-important-day/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Rip It Up And Start Again? No, we're Moving On Up. It's finally time to kick off 2023 here at Only a Podcast with this new-fangled thing called (checks notes) video.This one's a quick catch up on what we've done over the summer (yes, folks, it's summer here in the Upside Down), highlighting one or two cultural highlights and setting ourselves up for the year. Facial expressions, holding stuff up to the camera (you can see how that goes), describing stuff we hold up to the camera (for podcast devotees) and maybe a guest or two in future. Don't be strange, troll in!https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Once again we say goodbye to some legends of the world of music. ElTele is bored by the first Avatar film, and the Captain finds Andrew Marr's History of Modern Britain in the charity shop.But the main theme for this end of year episode is: we list our best film, TV series, documentary, book, theatre production, gig, album and podcast of the year (spoiler: we don't choose our own and we do review a recent film). If we'd like anything for Christmas, it's that you like, subscribe, favourite, rate or share our podcast. Oh, and world peace too.Merry Christmas to all our listeners!Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-30-our-best-things-of-2022/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Sometimes when we don't plan, an episode completes with all sorts of chat. Hertz Van Rental is not a Dutch footballer! We talk about our health checks and regimes. Find out why El Tele is sentenced to read Ian MacDonald's Beatles book five times.El Tele goes to the theatre twice (a pantomime and pop-scientist Brian Cox's latest show) and gets back into Arrested Development. The Captain reviews family-oriented Addams Family spinoff Wednesday, commenting on the viral spread of another old pop song, and the Scott Walker documentary 30 Century Man.We speculate on the musical direction Jimi Hendrix would have moved in, and we say goodbye to Christine McVie, Wilko Johnson, Hamish Kilgour and Kirstie Alley. And we'd like to know examples of music you dismissed at the time it came out, but came to love in later years.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-29-christine-wilko-hamish-kirstie-scott-brian-and-wednesday/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Welcome to all our new listeners in the Pitcairn Islands! In a packed episode, ElTele rejects tea bags, and continues on his jazz guitar odyssey. Nice! The Captain reviews the debut crime novel by Scottish comedian and raconteur Frankie Boyle.In our main feature, we examine The Guardian's list of the 70 greatest singles which reached number two in the UK charts. Are these records better than the number ones which beat them to the top spot? How often did novelty records get to number one, and why? ElTele digs into the six part Story of Only Fools and Horses documentary, talks about the career of series writer John Sullivan, and the 'spinoff film and TV series' phenomenon.We round off the episode with comments on the controversy at the football World Cup.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-28-is-second-place-better-than-first/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

We've spent some time with the Beatles' Revolver. Does it sound good? Do we solve the mystery of which Beatle counts in at the start of Taxman? We give you a bit of Beatles history, and comment on the Super Deluxe version of the album.Pictures of our favourite cookbooks were very popular, so we talk about why they're so good. Has the art of the music video been lost in the streaming age? We comment on the rise of Mastodon and possible demise of Twitter, and we say farewell to actor Leslie Phillips. The Captain watches a good documentary about the Thailand cave rescue, and is surprised there are more, even on the same streaming platform!Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-27-revolver-cookbooks-videos-msk/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

Did we predict the result of the Mercury Music Prize? Did we predict what would happen to Liz Truss (to be fair that was easier)? Tune in to this episode to find out. In a packed programme, we present a news update on the siren battlers of Episode 10, we mourn the passing of Robbie Coltrane, and review a radio-friendly rock album from Penny Fleck, a band with which we have a personal connection. Hello, Jo!Is the upcoming remaster of the Beatles' classic Revolver really worth all the fuss? Discover the colossal pun in the title of Ian McNabb's new album! El Tele rants about modern cookbook "changes" to classic recipes, and we go Channel Surfing. And why are there so many good vintage cars here in NZ?An extended riff on Arctic Monkeys, and bands with the definite article, completes the show.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-26-winners-losers-legends-and-listenings/https://linktr.ee/onlyapodcast

It's a year since our first episode! We discover some other October 3rd anniversaries. Once again, we have contenders for songs that bring a tear to your eye - what would yours be? Sci-fi, film, music and book nerds should be at home with our Culture Catchup, which includes an album by a famous son of a famous father, more notes on the Taylor Hawkins tribute (LA version), another candidate for England's finest living electric guitarist and much more.We discuss also whether true crime TV sometimes goes too far, with particular reference to the content of recent Netflix series.Our new regular feature Channel Surfing recommends some YouTube and Instagram favourites.  Let us know the ones you watch out for each week! The episode rounds out with anecdotes on some of the stars we've lost recently, including Coolio and Loretta Lynn, and a mention of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest TV Programmes, to which we will return in future.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-25-the-anniversary-episode/

Which ageing rockers have still got it? Find out who we still rate now they've reached a certain age. How come certain band names are mispronounced, even by fans? Don't add the "THE" if it's not needed! Why does this happen?We talk about bands which feature Pretenders guitarist James Walbourne. El Tele resumes his affair with the works of PG Wodehouse, in chronological order, and we discuss why some books don't "stick".. it's not always failing memory! The Captain digs into Bob Mortimer's biography, which coincided with the resumption of Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing.YouTube "must sees" include Beatles recreators The Analogues, Rita Ora and a Kate Bush classic, and Joshua Lee Turner. El Tele checks out Stuff by Mark on Instagram.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-24-the-definite-article/

We dive deeply into the list of Mercury Music Prize contenders in this episode, which was a great opportunity to hear some music that we might not usually play. We listen to the twelve albums, choose a favourite, and pick a winner. We'll find out soon if we are correct! Tune in, we reckon there will be something that you like on the list.To complete the episode, ElTele talks about a unique theatre production he saw recently, and the time he met Bob Mortimer and failed to impress.The Captain recommends a podcast he completed whilst somewhat under the weather.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-23-we-listen-to-the-mercury-prize-contenders/

We've learned a lot since the last episode! We learned all about government and police oppression directed towards people from the Pacific in New Zealand in the 70s. We learned that psychedelic drugs have great benefit in medicine. We learned that Robert Lloyd of The Nightingales nearly made it big so many times, and that Birmingham in the 70s didn't like its King Kong statue. We also learned that Woodstock 99 was a complete and utter disaster. Tune in to this episode to find out where you can see the documentaries and productions that taught us these things!We also learned an amazing thing about double vinyl albums. The Captain can't quite work out how he didn't already know it. Plus comments on the self-referential Bo Diddley, the Paris Texas soundtrack, and more.Notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-22-we-can-handle-the-truth-documentaries-and-more/

Big thanks to our podcast listeners in this episode, who made suggestions for the best film soundtrack albums ever, and helped us with the question “Is the second-last track on an album the weakest?” No spoilers here: for the answer, and to see if you got a mention, you'll have to listen in! You'll also discover ElTele's “campest film theme of all time”.Popular culture lost so many stars this month: we say goodbye to Olivia Newton John, Bernard Cribbins, Raymond Briggs, David Warner, Nichelle Nichols, Darryl Hunt of the Pogues and ace Motown tunesmith Lamont Dozier (see a playlist of his tunes below).The Captain finishes off the final Inspector Montalbano novel, tells the odd tale of its publication, and also gives a positive mention to British crime drama Sherwood, chock full of acting talent. ElTele has discovered Along for the Ride, with comedian David O'Doherty.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-21-soundtracks-and-second-last-tracks/

We reveal answers from the OAP community on pop stars who changed genre, and have more comments on the best film soundtracks of all time. Keep them coming, folks! El Tele is still going strong with Only Murders in the Building, and Rod Stewart's biography. The Captain reviews two biographical films: Benediction, about poet, WW1 soldier and pacifist Siegfried Sassoon, and Whina, the story of Maori activist and icon Whina Cooper.We say farewell to artist Claes Oldenburg, who made "big art stuff", and we learn that New Zealand has quite enough of that sort of thing already!Prompted by The Captain's mild obsession in YouTube maker channels, we talk about our successful renovation and repair jobs. How often can you do that these days? When was the last time you fixed something? Let us know. Also, we'd like you to investigate something: is the second-last track on an album the worst one?To end, we explore the speed at which time passes in popular culture.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-20-can-we-fix-it-yes-we-can-sometimes/

We fought valiantly against bad network connections and awful weather to bring you our thoughts! A Bob Dylan jukebox musical theatre show.. it's an unlikely idea. Did the cast of Girl From the North Country impress The Captain? El Tele has a problem - eating with chopsticks? What's all that about? The Captain knows what he prefers to eat with too.El Tele has found another series to slump onto the sofa and watch, and listens to a new podcast starring Jim Moir and Morgana Robinson. Prompted by El Tele's viewing of How To Build A Girl, we delve into a discussion of film adaptations of books. Do they disappoint or delight? Let us know. Another question that's bugging us.. can you think of any pop stars who went on to be well respected in other music genres?We say farewell to James Caan and Monty Norman (mentioned in our James Bond Special), and ask you for a favour, dear listeners.Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-19-chopstick-chat-and-films-of-books/

Episode 18 - Taking Care of Business - The Elvis SpecialIn this episode, El Tele gets some weird earworms, and trails a new book by Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker. He looks forward to a new film starring Vic Reeves, and a new season of Only Murders in the Building. He follows it up with comments on Obi Wan Kenobi, The Lazarus Heist podcast, and New Zealand comedy Nude Tuesday.Tom Hanks, Austin Butler and cast wowed us both in 'Elvis'. We digest and dig into the exhibitionism and playfulness of Baz Luhrmann's cinematic extravaganza. This episode also features The Captain's 'Elvis 101' - the best books, films and albums from the Presley canon, a summary of the essential stuff you really must see and hear. And to close, an original song about Elvis, written by Justine, a former bandmate of El Tele's.It's Alright Presley - © Justine Long, performed by JJ and the Swordfish, 2013.Full show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-18-taking-care-of-business-the-elvis-special/

We deliver our final verdict on Pistol, and spot the likely cultural references in the new series of Stranger Things. Do modern special effects make that kind of thing more or less scary? El Tele trails upcoming memoirs from Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, and Libertines main man Pete Doherty, and is really looking forward to the New Zealand comedy film Nude Tuesday, starring Jackie van Beek and Jemaine Clement. He appreciates the YouTube channel Soft White Underbelly, which has interviews and portraits of the human condition by photographer Mark Laita.The Captain will be off to see Chumbawamba documentary I Get Knocked Down at the weekend, and talks about two recent album releases by Pale Fountains and Shack frontman Michael Head.We've got a question for you.. if there's one celebrity you'd like to have a drink with and get to know, who would it be? And what questions would you ask? Let us know in the comments or on social media!Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-17-stranger-things-than-nude-tuesday/

Episode 16 - Never Mind The Pistols....here's the new Only a Podcast theme tune, made by us!In this episode: what's good about biopics? Should they educate or entertain? Do you prefer the factual or the fanciful?El Tele has made a start on Danny Boyle's 'Pistol' series, based on the memoirs of Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, and we discuss biopics we have enjoyed (or not!). Slade, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Doors, Freddie Mercury and Elton John all feature. What will Baz Luhrmann's Elvis and Ethan Coen's Jerry Lee Lewis films show us? Get in touch to let us know your likes and dislikes.The Captain has albums by xPropaganda and Mavis Staples & Levon Helm on his playlist, and is earwormed by a chill out club track that samples Mick Hucknall. TV reviews include Obi-Wan Kenobi, a documentary on Rolling Stone journalist Ben Fong-Torres and we discuss the staggering expense and technology behind Abba's visual Voyage experience.Full show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-16-never-mind-the-pistols/

In this episode we address a thorny issue: if you're an ageing rock and roller, is it time to quit? If your powers are waning, to be fair to the fans, should you stay or should you go? We can think of one or two who might be happier in retirement, and discuss the late careers of Jon Bon Jovi, BB King and Bob Dylan.In Culture Catch Up this time around: The Captain reports on the mind-bending cinematic experience that is Everything Everywhere All At Once, and a remastered soundtrack album from Richard Thompson. El Tele has finished Eckhart Tolle's book The Power of Now, the Killing Eve series, and reports on new music recommendations from the OAP family, and the new Doctor Who. We lost Dennis Waterman a short while ago, and we talk about his starring roles in classic British TV.El Tele rounds it all off with two jokes for the price of one!Full show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-15-should-they-stay-or-should-they-go/

Much culture to be caught up on in this episode, after ailments in the team.  We talk about new music from Wet Leg, The Waeve and Unsanitary Napkin, and viral sensation Funky Geezer. Inspired by Iceman Wim Hof, ElTele explains the benefits of a cold shower. On the box, we've goggled at TV drama Our House, and completed series one of Slow Horses. With a couple of old school cinema visits, The Captain ticks off The Duke, and Operation Mincemeat. On our bookshelves we now have Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now, a tale of the 60s fictional rock band Utopia Avenue and a new biography of the young Nick Cave.And we're now both on social platform Mastodon.. might see you there?P.S. Spot the not so deliberate mistake for five OAP points!Full show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-14-couch-surfing-more-music-film-and-books/

Is the number 13 lucky or unlucky? Do we care? The Captain falls down the YouTube wormhole of Justin Hawkins, appreciates hard rockers The Darkness, and discovers “18th century aristocratic” metal band The Upper Crust. Also on the Captain's stereogram this week is country-pop singer Maren Morris. He doesn't quite remember the UK government-mandated evening switch-off of TV in the 50s, but it did happen.We are reminded that Gilbert O'Sullivan has one of the saddest songs of all time. El Tele slumps in front of the television after moving house and watches Married at First Sight Australia (!?), introduces his kids to Kath & Kim, and lines up a possible future episode on being a vegan.And why is Bradley Walsh always on the television, amongst a cavalcade of crap?Full show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-013-you-lucky-people/

This episode we mull over happenings from the news: Taylor Hawkins RIP, Will Smith slapping Chris Rock, and Bruce Willis' decision to retire. If you want to protest Putin's invasion of Ukraine, is it a good idea to play Russian compositions? Pop archaeology series Time Team is back, in really good shape, and free to watch, as is the Milked documentary about the dairy industry. We recommend music by Emily Capell, and the upcoming Slow Horses spy series on the telly.We need to know the kind of music that moves you, and we also need a name for our new podcasting dog mascot! Get in touch with us with your suggestions. We also tell you the best way to sell a watch!Full show notes at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-12-oscars-slap-new-dog-digging-archaeology/

In this feature-packed half hour, we find out about the lives of four young Aucklanders as they grow up in their parents' takeaway shops. We listen to music from old stagers Tears for Fears and some electronic pop with a multicultural edge. @ElTele completes nine series of Scottish comedy Still Game, and @RiverboatCapt rants about a bad advert for.. Motorbread?! As the years go by, Glastonbury headliners are getting older - what's all that about? And do we still want to go to a festival at our age?We find out who played football for Scotland and cricket for England.. the answer may surprise you! A gentle plug for our friends at music recommendation web site Toppermost completes this episode.Full show notes at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-11-still-game-glastonbury-new-music/

We keep it short but go deep in this episode. What would it really be like to hear music for the first time? Should you attempt to influence your children's taste in music? They should only listen to GOOD music, right? Where do they find their music these days? If you were a time traveller, would you experience things anew?We name some classic albums that have less than satisfactory production by today's standards. Recommendations this episode are the new second series of Rose Matafeo's comedy drama Starstruck, and British singer Lola Young (with a sidestep into the rise of female artists in general over the last few years). We introduce you to the strange and baffling world of siren battles, and the peculiar taste in music of those youth culture warriors.And if you click the first link on a Wikipedia article, and keep doing that on the pages it takes you to, where do you end up?Show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-10-everything-is-philosophy/

A cornucopia of Culture Catch Up this week, with news and reviews of films we have seen in the cinema - Dune, The Power of the Dog, The French Dispatch, Mothers of the Revolution and (Beatles klaxon) the Get Back rooftop concert IMAX presentation. What have we learned since we watched it? We discuss a new book by Christine Leunens dramatising New Zealand in a time of activism. We talk about music from Rolo Tomassi, Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder, (what kind of music would you play to get rid of protesters?) and vintage comedy (and one extra joke in this episode!) from Barry Cryer and the 70s shows he was involved with. After Life and The Unlikely Murderer TV series and the multi-talented Hannah Grace Deller complete this episode.  Full show notes at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/film-film-film-music-music-music-books-books-books/

In which we discuss the rise and fall and rise of vinyl, or records, as we used to call them. Can you stand all that snap, crackle and pop? Are CDs and streams "better"? What is good sound? Is vinyl really "analogue"? Buying records without a turntable - what's all that about? HOW MUCH do records cost these days? Record Store Day: the British do like to queue! Subtle and not so subtle digs at the extreme hi-fi community and record company marketers abound. Tune in!Plus our regular Culture Catch Up. We say farewell to Meat Loaf (RIP), and feature music from Hamish Hawk, Agnes, Elvis Costello and St. Vincent, the Summer of Soul documentary, Dopesick, Toast of Tinseltown, and the I Am The Eggpod podcast.Full notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-8-the-vinyl-examination/

In which we explore the world of James Bond, from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig and all points in between. Who has played James Bond more than anyone else? The answer may surprise you. Are the best Bond villains called Chris? Who is the best James Bond, and the best Bond Girl? Aston Martins and autogyros, Dr. Evil and Donald Pleasance.. there is much to discuss, including Bond's credentials in the Me Too era. We should make a quiz of the terrible female protagonist names.. do they feature in Austin Powers, Carry On, or James Bond?There are NO spoilers for No Time To Die. There are however many spoilers for the older movies!Full show notes at  https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-007-the-james-bond-special/

**Contains spoilers**In which we talk about The Beatles Get Back documentary, wax lyrical about our favourite moments (Billy Preston, Mal Evans, Maureen Starkey and more!), and give a bit of context to it with a chat about how the Fab Four came to be in that situation, and what happened afterwards. The clothes! The arguments! The small matter of some of the greatest music ever made!https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-6-the-beatles-get-back-special/

In Culture Catch Up this episode: the songs of Scottish singer/songwriter Jackie Leven, a tip for the Christmas number one (it's not Adele), recommendations for The Dig, and TV series Ted Lasso and Criminal: UK, plus a brief review of American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins. The Hidden Life of Trees, Cloud Atlas, Catch 22 and The Luminaries are just some of the books we've given up on. Find out which ones our readers abandoned and why!Talfryn Thomas, Harry Andrews, Imogen Hassall, Brian Glover and more: we tell some stories of character actors in film, theatre and advertisements. Their names you might not know, their faces may be much more familiar.And one factual error.. five OAP bonus points if you spot it!Full show notes at http://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-5-character-actors-and-abandoned-books/

We review rock climbing documentaries The Dawn Wall and Free Solo, Icelandic noir series Trapped, books on the Beatles, a Paul McCartney podcast,  the Last Night in Soho film, and trail a book and a film about Pogues singer Shane MacGowan. We talk about our favourite special guest appearances, and those of our listeners.Scarlett Johansson was pretty special. Were Van Morrison's special guests actually special? Is Dave Grohl the new Ronnie Wood? Who DIDN'T join Stevie Wonder on stage for his birthday? Old school rockers Jimmy Page and Dave Gilmour butt in with Aerosmith and Bombay Bicycle Club. Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook sing harmonies from heaven. And more!Listen now with show notes and links to some of the items discussed in the episode:http://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-4-special-guest-appearances/

Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse.. all superstars, all members of the 27 Club.  Are talented musicians really more likely to die aged 27? We examine this thorny subject, and put forward some more names for consideration. What were we like at that age? What were YOU like? What was topping the charts when we were 27?Also in the show, our recent Culture Catch-Up of things that caught our eye and ears since Episode 2. A new blog on the songs of The Teardrop Explodes. Pete Doherty, Chris Eubank, and is Ironic really ironic? And more!Full show notes and links at https://www.onlyapodcast.com/episode-3-the-27-club-and-beyond/