Classic Albums (1997)

Name: Classic Albums
Rating: 7.7

Rating: 7.7

Synopsis

A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive of a well-known band or musician or that exemplify a stage in the history of music.

First Air Date: 1997-04-14

Last Air Date: 2021-10-08

Number of Seasons: 10

Number of Episodes: 51

Created By: Nick De Grunwald

Networks: VH1, Sky Arts, BBC One, BBC Four

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

David Fricke as Self
Robert Sandall as Self - Journalist and broadcaster
Phil Alexander as Self - Editor-in-chief (Mojo, Kerrang!)
Bruce Botnick as Self - audio engineer
Joe Travers as Self
Jac Holzman as Self - Founder, Elektra Records
Ahmet Ertegün as Self
Martin Birch as Self - Producer
Chris Welch as Self
Mick Wall as Self - Editor, Classic Rock Magazine

Seasons

Select a Season

None

None (1997)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Paul Simon: Graceland (1997-04-14)

This premiere episode spotlights Paul's 1986 Grammy-winning 'comeback' album. Introduced by Ringo Starr, each song is examined from the studio perspective. Paul considers the title track to be "The best I ever did". He describes how he came up with the musical and lyrical ideas, and we hear comments from the engineers and from prominent critics, and some of the South African musicians who contributed.
Ep. 2: Grateful Dead: Anthem to Beauty (1997-04-15)

The chronicles of the making of the Grateful Dead albums Anthem of the Sun (1969) and American Beauty (1970). These releases were an important step in the rise of the Grateful Dead to legend status. Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, along with some interviews with Jerry Garcia, discuss what went into the writing and recording.
Ep. 3: Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life (1997-04-16)

Stevie's 1976 double album is looked at here. Stevie had already released the smash album, Innervisions, but as Berry Gordy explains, he took the experimentation to a new level. Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock are in the studio with Stevie, along with some other top musicians who contributed, as we examine the creation and recording process, of what many consider Stevie Wonder's finest hour.
Ep. 4: The Band: The Band (1997-04-17)

Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Garth Hudson discuss the making of their classic 1969 release. Each member explains how they achieved their distinct sound, with all of them often switching instruments. We hear from Eric Clapton and George Harrison on the influence the record had. Also included is a tribute to suicide victim Richard Manuel.
Ep. 5: The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland (1997-04-18)

Jimi is recalled here with archival footage, and current interviews with Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, and engineer Eddie Kramer, explain the creative processes that went into the 1968 album. Jimi's manager, Chas Chandler, contributes some details, in what was to be his final interview.
Ep. 6: Fleetwood Mac: Rumours (1997-07-22)

The band's Grammy-winning 1977 album is given the Classic Albums treatment. We hear from all the band members, and technicians who worked on the project. Each track is examined and the master tapes are analysed. Included is some archival performance footage, along with some home movies.