The Old Grey Whistle Test

This collection of performances from the 70's to the 90's includes some classic songs by everyone from Randy Newman to the Damned. Classic footage of the New York Dolls, Captain Beefheart, Iggy Pop, the Ramones and others make this a must have for any music fan. It's monaural but the quality is still very good and most performances are live.

They played two songs, "All I want is your love" and "Echoes "

Famous, and rightly so, as the only music programme of its generation to give airtime to obscure, unsigned and alternative bands/artists.

Many a now-famous face were given their first 15 minutes of fame on the "Old Grey Whistle Test" and we have it to thank for introducing vast quantities of quality music to the record buying public.

If you can, get your hands on the special DVD releases celebrating the programme. While the first issue concentrates mainly on famous artists (Meat Loaf, Blondie, Simply Red, Talking Heads) it is the more obscure acts on DVD 2 that are really of interest (Kevin Ayers, Be Bop Deluxe).

So if you can remember Bob Harris, Annie Nightingale, Mark Ellen and David Hepworth first time round then give OGWT another blast. Whereas, if you know nothing about the programme give it a watch any way and ask yourself why we don't have music shows like this anymore!