[BBC Radio 4] - '...But Still They Come'

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'...But Still They Come' explores the enormous impact and influence of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The World's, telling the story of the recording of the original album, the various incarnations produced in the 35 years since its release and the 2012 version, re-recorded for a new generation.

This programme explains how and why Jeff Wayne began working on a concept album based on H.G. Wells' science fiction masterpiece and the years of hard work it took to realise his vision.

In the summer of 1978, the UK album charts were dominated by Disco and Punk, with the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack firmly entrenched at number one. It was an audacious move and a huge gamble to release a double concept album based on a Victorian science fiction novel. But the compelling blend of progressive rock, classical music, Richard Burton's narration and the fascinating story struck a chord with music fans all over the world and the album became a massive hit, supported by the singles Forever Autumn and Eve of the War.

Guests contributing recollections of the part they played in Jeff's creation include David Essex who voiced The Artilleryman and Justin Hayward who sang Forever Autumn. The programme also contains never-before-heard studio interaction with Richard Burton, David Essex and Jeff Wayne during the original recording sessions.

In the years since its release The War Of The Worlds has morphed in to live stage shows, computer games and apps. Now Jeff has re-interpreted the record for a 21st century audience with a new recording featuring Liam Neeson and Gary Barlow (who both contribute to this programme), and Joss Stone.

Produced by Des Shaw and Chris O'Shaughnessy 
A Ten Alps production for BBC Radio 4

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Jeff Wayne - The War Of The Worlds [Special Edition] - 1996 [MP3 @ 320]

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds is a 1978 concept album by Jeff Wayne, retelling the story of The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. 

Its format is progressive rock and string orchestra, using narration (by Richard freaking Burton!) and leitmotifs to carry the story via rhyming melodic lyrics that express the feelings of the various characters.


Enjoy!

A Canticle for Liebowitz

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A Canticle for Leibowitz is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel by American writer Walter M. Miller, Jr., first published in 1960. Based on three short stories Miller contributed to The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, it is the only novel published by the author during his lifetime. Considered one of the classics of science fiction, it has never been out of print and has seen over 25 reprints and editions. Appealing to mainstream and genre critics and readers alike, it won the 1961 Hugo Award for best science fiction novel.

Set in a Roman Catholic monastery in the desert of the southwestern United States after a devastating nuclear war, the story spans thousands of years as civilization rebuilds itself. The monks of the Albertian Order of Leibowitz take up the mission of preserving the surviving remnants of man's scientific knowledge until the day the outside world is again ready for it.

Inspired by the author's participation in the Allied bombing of the monastery at Monte Cassino during World War II, the novel is considered a masterpiece by literary critics. It has been compared favorably with the works of Evelyn Waugh, Graham Greene, and Walker Percy, and its themes of religion, recurrence, and church versus state have generated a significant body of scholarly research.

This 15 part serial is based on the novel by Walter M. Miller, Jr. published in 1959. The story had previously been published as a series of novellas in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science. The book won the Hugo award winner for best science fiction novels of all time.

The radio drama adaptation by John Reed, and produced at WHA by Carl Schmidt and Marv Nunn.
The play was directed by Karl Schmidt, engineered by Marv Nunn with special effects by Vic Marsh.
Narrator - Carol Collins and includes Fred Coffin, Bart Hayman, Herb Hartig and Russel Horton.
Music was by Greg Fish and Bob Budney and the Edgewood College Chant Group.

George Orwell - '1984'

WAR IS PEACE, 

FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, 

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH 

CELEBRATION

IS MANDATORY

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“1984” follows the life of Winston Smith as he struggles to conform. We get a first-hand look at the fear and distrust that rules his every thought and action. Reading “1984" will definitely help you to appreciate your own situation, no matter how bad it may seem. Big Brother is watching!

NARRATOR: Frank Muller is one of my very favorite audiobook narrators, and a perfect fit for “1984.” His grit and solemnity serve to augment the funerary feel of the audiobook.

Yeah whatever that dork said, now get back to your drab robotic lives spent watching Channel 4's Big Brother with four CCTV cameras installed in the corners of your living room while a giggling David Cameron watches you picking your nose.


In fact, I'm gonna go ahead and put this one down in the Archive as Factual...

As always, thanks for visiting, and spread the word!

Franz Kafka - The Metamorphosis

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Franza Kafka's surreal novel reenacted by BBC.
Gregor Samsa wakes one day to find himself transformed into a hideous insect.

Total length: 1 hour, 39 minutes
Read by Benedict Cumberbatch

H.G. Wells - The New Accelerator

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A BBC 7 commission read by Robert Bathurst.


The acclaimed physiologist, Professor Gibberne, is on the verge of a making a discovery that will revolutionise human life by creating a stimulant to speed up both the body and mind...


One episode of approximately 30 minutes.


First broadcast 21/1/2006 on BBC7.


oh also...this is the-

Better drink heavily on this momentous occasion!

Anthony Burgess: A Clockwork Orange (Unabridged)Anthony Burgess: A Clockwork Orange (Unabridged)

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After his youthful adventures of raping and pillaging, Alex finds himself in prison. When he volunteers for an experiment, his sentence is commuted to two weeks.

The experiment leaves him physically incapable of doing wrong and releases him back into the world. However, when he repeatedly runs into people he has wronged in the past, his real suffering begins.

Ray Bradbury - Fahrenheit 451

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Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury which was first published in 1953.

 The novel presents a future American society in which the masses are hedonistic and critical thought through reading is outlawed. The central character, Guy Montag, is employed as a "fireman" (which, in this future, means "bookburner"). 

The number "451" refers to the temperature at which book paper combusts. Although sources contemporary with the novel's writing gave the temperature as 450 °C (842 °F), 

Bradbury apparently thought "Fahrenheit" made for a better title.The "firemen" burn them "for the good of humanity". Written in the early years of the Cold War, the novel is a critique of what Bradbury saw as issues in American society of the era. Read by the author.

Kurt Vonnegut - Slaughterhouse Five

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Kurt Vonnegut's absurdist classic Slaughterhouse-Five introduces us to Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes unstuck in time after he is abducted by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore. In a plot-scrambling display of virtuosity, we follow Pilgrim simultaneously through all phases of his life, concentrating on his (and Vonnegut's) shattering experience as an American prisoner of war who witnesses the firebombing of Dresden.

Total length: 5 hours, 59 minutes

Bonus Kurt books included, Happy Kurtday! 

BOOKS:

Kurt Vonnegut - Slaughterhouse Five.pdf
Kurt Vonnegut - Breakfast of Champions.pdf
Kurt Vonnegut - Cats Cradle.pdf
Kurt Vonnegut - Mother Night.pdf
Kurt Vonnegut - Next Door.pdf
Kurt Vonnegut - Player Piano.pdf
Kurt Vonnegut - Slapstick (or Lonesome no More!).pdf
Kurt Vonnegut - The Sirens of Titan.pdf

Isaac Asimov - Nightfall

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Before Asimov embarked on his great Foundation novels, he had this gem to his claim. one of sci-fi's very best.

Isaac Asimov - Nemesis

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One of the last novels written by Asimov before he died. classic in every sense of the word if one is into sci-fi.

Philip K. Dick - Galactic Pot Healer

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Another quality unabridged gem from the masterful Philip K. Dick. comes complete with all the totalitarian futuristic paranoia one could want. despite the cover image, Cthulhu/ Ultros are not included.

H.G. Wells - Collected Science Fiction

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This is H.G. Wells at his best, delving into fantastic and strange worlds.

The Time Machine, perhaps Wells' best known work, tells the story of the first time traveler. In the distant future the human race has evolved into two beings: the gentle Eloi and their dreaded cousins, the Morlocks, masters of the underworld.

From Stories of the Unusual:
"The Country of the Blind" takes place in a hidden valley where it would seem that a man with sight would be king.

"The Diamond Maker" tells of a fortune that might have been.
"The Man Who Worked Miracles" recounts the problems of defying nature.
In "Aepyornis Island", a man has a special relationship with a prehistoric bird.


"The Strange Orchid" tells of the macabre appetite of an exotic plant.
"The Cone" is a shocking story of revenge.
"The Purple Pileus" deals with a life-altering fungus.
"The Truth About Pyecraft" is a classic that explains why an overbearing fat man wears lead underwear.
"The Door in the Wall" captures the pathos of lost youth.


Read by Ralph Cosham
Total Length: 7.5 hours

Mark Leyner - My Cousin, My Gastroenterologist

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Hands-down the funniest and most engaging cyberpunk listen i've ever come across. Blend up Burroughs and Gibson and you'll have an idea of where you are headed.

William Shatner - Up Till Now (2008)

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Autobiography by Shat which covers his entire career as an actor/renaissance man. Trek, TJ Hooker, Shakespeare, Yul Brenner, 911 and much more are all discussed hilariously here-in. read by William Shatner himself.

Philip K. Dick - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

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This is the book that the movie Blade Runner is based on. A sci-fi novel by famous author Philip K. Dick.

Total length: 2 hours, 52 minutes

William Shatner - Star Trek Memories

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Much like Nimoy's book, this account by Shat follows many production battles, stories and the like about the early days of Star Trek that he presents in his usual narrative grace. read by William Shatner.

Leonard Nimoy - I Am Spock

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Mr. Spock presents a audio affirmation that he is also a man named Leonard Nimoy. very funny book; lots of spock/nimoy banter and neat looks into olden Trek days. read by Leonard Nimoy.

Star Trek: TNG - Dark Mirror

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Excellent Mirror Universe story involving Picard coming to grips with his evil "twin". read by Q (John De Lancie).

Star Trek: TNG - Imzadi

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Time paradoxes and love triangles come to a head with this classic Trek tale about Deanna Troi. read by William Riker (Jonathan Frakes)

Star Trek: DS9 - Fallen Heroes

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Sisko and the crew of DS9 are invaded by a hostile force that threatens to destroy everything. read by Rene Auberjonois.