Classic Albums
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.
Season 1
6 episodes
Premiered Apr 14, 1997
Season 2
5 episodes
Premiered Oct 27, 1999
Season 3
6 episodes
Premiered Nov 1, 2001
Season 4
4 episodes
Premiered Jan 6, 2003
Season 5
3 episodes
Premiered Jan 7, 2005
Season 6
3 episodes
Premiered May 17, 2006
Season 7
2 episodes
Premiered May 1, 2007
Season 8
3 episodes
Premiered Apr 14, 2008
Season 9
5 episodes
Premiered May 1, 2010
Season 10
14 episodes
Premiered May 6, 2011
Ep 1Paul Simon: Graceland
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 2Grateful Dead: Anthem to Beauty
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 3Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life
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 4The Band: The Band
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 5The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland
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 6Fleetwood Mac: Rumours
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.
VH1
US
Sky Arts
GB
BBC One
GB
BBC Four
GB
