Suzanne Vega (the A-Side)
Suzanne Vega discuss her platinum-selling Solitude Standing with John Wilson. From November 2012.
Suzanne Vega discuss her platinum-selling Solitude Standing.
Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.
Recorded in front of a live audience at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.
In this one (The A side), John Wilson asks Suzanne about the album in question, and then, in the accompanying B-side, the audience puts the questions.
Both editions feature exclusive live performances.
Suzanne explains that it was her manager who saw the potential of "Luka" and convinced her that a song with a social message could be a hit.
She recalls how the tune for "Tom's Diner" came to her while she was walking down Broadway after having been to the real Tom's restaurant.
And she discusses the way in which images and words were part of her life from a very early age and have influenced her work.
Producer: Emma Kingsley
First broadcast on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 in November 2012.
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The B-Side
Suzanne Vega answers audience questions about Solitude Standing, released 25 years ago.
Clips
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Suzanne Vega sings Tom's Diner
Duration: 02:20
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Suzanne Vega sings Luka
Duration: 03:46
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Suzanne Vega looks forward to her Mastertapes session
Duration: 03:33
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Suzanne Vega returns to Tom's Diner (aka Tom's Restaurant)
Duration: 02:06
More about Suzanne Vega
Broadcasts
Tue 6 Nov 2012 15:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4- Fri 23 Feb 2018 18:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 24 Feb 2018 00:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 28 Jul 2021 23:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Mon 27 Mar 2023 21:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
Live tracks
Watch and listen to exclusive live performances from the Mastertapes recordings.
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Mastertapes
John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album.
