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Mike Scott and Frank Cottrell Boyce

Simon Mayo talks to Mike Scott of the Waterboys about new album Modern Blues, and author Frank Cottrell Boyce discusses the launch of 500 Words 2015.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys chats to Simon about new album 'Modern Blues', which is released today.
Recorded in Nashville, Mike Scott and Steve Wickham were joined by American musicians, including Muscle Shoals legend David Hood on bass. Their first single 'November Tale' is a firm favourite on the current Radio 2 playlist.

Formed in 1983, on their first three albums The Waterboys sculpted a layered post-punk sound, culminating in 1985's sky-scraping This is the Sea. Since then the music has never ceased to evolve, from the hugely influential mix of Celtic folk, gospel, country and rock on the classic Fisherman's Blues, to the New York guitar sounds of Dream Harder.

Having emerged from what Mike Scott called a "rootless" period, the band returned to their potent, poetic best on An Appointment with Mr Yeats, an album of fourteen W.B. Yeats poems set to rapturous rock music. Released in 2011, the record and tour were widely acclaimed as a career peak.

In 2013 Ellie Goulding scored a top 3 UK hit with The Waterboys' "How Long Will I Love You" and in 2014 Prince performed "The Whole of the Moon" solo at the piano during his Hit + Run show at Ronnie Scott's in London. The new album has been described as 'an electric, eclectic, soulful, bold and gloriously freewheeling rock'n'roll record', a bit like Mike Scott himself!

Plus Simon chats to author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce about the return of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show's short story competition for kids - 500 WORDS. Frank's been a judge since 2013, and this year's competition promises to be bigger and better than ever!

Of course there'll also be a new confession, and the latest travel, sport and business news.

1 hour, 55 minutes

Last on

Mon 19 Jan 2015 17:05
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2

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Clip

Music Played

  • Madonna

    Vogue

    • Finally Enough Love (Deluxe Edition).
    • Rhino.

  • Mark Ronson

    Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars)

    • (CD Single).
    • Columbia.
    • 001.

  • Wah!

    The Story Of The Blues (Part 1)

    • Once In A Lifetime (Various Artists).
    • Telstar.

  • The Waterboys

    How Long Will I Love You?

    • The Waterboys - Room To Roam.
    • Ensign.

  • Howlin’ Wolf

    Smokestack Lightnin'

    • THE HIT LABEL LTD.

  • Carrie Underwood

    Something in the Water

    • Greatest Hits: Decade #1.
    • Sony BMG.

  • Nick Heyward

    Blue Hat For A Blue Day

    • The Best Of.
    • Arista.

  • Bruce Springsteen

    Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out

    • Born To Run.
    • CBS.

  • The Waterboys

    November Tale

    • Modern Blues.
    • Harlequin And Clown.
    • 001.

  • Muddy Waters

    I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man

    • Electric Mud & More.
    • Charly.

  • Elton John

    I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

    • Diamonds.
    • Virgin EMI Records.

  • Queen

    Love Kills

    • (CD Single).
    • Virgin EMI Records.

  • Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band

    Nuff Said And Yes I Do

Broadcast

  • Mon 19 Jan 2015 17:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2