Classic Albums

E1 Episode 1: Primal Scream: Screamadelica

• Now playing
• 50m
• May 6, 2011

Primal Scream's seminal album Screamadelica was released in 1991, and synthesized the band's rock 'n' roll roots with the dance culture of that time; for many, the album's sound and imagery came to be regarded as quintessential symbols of the acid house era, perfectly catching the spirit and mood of the early 90s. Using rare archive footage and special performances, this film tells the story of Screamadelica and its hit singles and dance anthems Loaded, Movin' On Up, Come Together and Don't Fight It, Feel It. From the formation of the band in Glasgow to winning the first-ever Mercury prize, the band members explain the record's inception with insights from main producer Andrew Weatherall, Creation Records founder Alan McGee and many others involved with or inspired by this joyful record. Screamadelica both defines a generation and transcends its time, and is a true Classic Album.

E2 Episode 2: Peter Gabriel: So

• 50m
• Mar 23, 2012

So stands as one of the greatest records of the 1980s, helping define its time to become a true classic album. The film features interviews with Gabriel himself, co-producer Daniel Lanois, bass players Tony Levin and Larry Klein, performer Laurie Anderson, drummer Manu Katché and Rolling Stone editor David Fricke amongst others.

E3 Episode 3: The Who: Tommy

• 50m
• Nov 9, 2013

1968 was a time of soul-searching for the Who - with three badly performing singles behind them, they needed a big new idea to put them back at the top and, crucially, to hold them together as a band. Inspired by Indian spiritual master Meher Baba, Pete Townshend created the character of Tommy, the 'deaf, dumb and blind boy'. Broke and fragmenting when they started recording, the album went on to sell over 20 million copies. In this film, the Who speak for the first time about the making of the iconic album and how its success changed their lives.

E4 Episode 4: Carly Simon: No Secrets

• 50m
• May 5, 2017

Carly Simon reveals the challenges behind No Secrets - the classic album that made her a global star and included the enigmatic song You're So Vain.

E5 Episode 5: Don McLean: American Pie

• 50m
• Dec 8, 2017

Series focusing on the albums that have influenced the course of music. This edition looks at Don McLean's album American Pie, crowned by its titular overture and the song Vincent.

E6 Episode 6: Amy Winehouse: Back to Black

• 50m
• Sep 14, 2018

The true story of how Amy Winehouse’s best known and most celebrated body of work came into being. Featuring previously unseen footage of Amy, new interviews with producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, and the musicians who worked with Amy on the album, offering fresh insights into Amy’s remarkable gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician and performer.

E7 Episode 7: The Crickets: The Chirping Crickets

• 50m
• Jul 12, 2019

The story of the first album by The Crickets, crowned by four of their best-loved songs: That’ll Be the Day, Not Fade Away, Maybe Baby and Oh, Boy!

E8 Episode 8: Tears for Fears: Songs from the Big Chair

• 50m
• Feb 14, 2020

Documentary that explores Songs from the Big Chair, Tears for Fears second, seminal album, which saw the band's music transform from synth-pop into arena-ready anthems.

E9 Episode 9: The Who Sell Out

• Apr 23, 2021

E10 Episode 10: Soul II Soul: Club Classics Vol. 1

• Apr 30, 2021

E11 Episode 11: Suede: Coming Up

• May 7, 2021

E12 Episode 12: Gil Scott-Heron: Pieces Of A Man

• Sep 24, 2021

E13 Episode 13: The Doors: Morrison Hotel

• 50m
• Oct 1, 2021

A look at the American rockers' fifth studio album. It saw them return to their blues-rock style and earned them their highest charting album in the UK.

E14 Episode 14: Freak Out!

• 50m
• Oct 8, 2021

The Mothers of Invention's 1966 cult classic debut "Freak Out!" is analyzed, with insights from Frank Zappa's band members, family and fans.