Classic Albums

Season 101997

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.

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6 Episodes

E01 Paul 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.

April 14, 1997

E02 Grateful Dead: American Beauty

This 1970 release was 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.

April 15, 1997

E03 Stevie 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.

April 16, 1997

E04 The 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.

April 17, 1997

E05 The 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.

April 18, 1997

E06 Fleetwood 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.

July 22, 1997

Classic Albums

E01 Paul Simon: Graceland

E02 Grateful Dead: American Beauty

E03 Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life

E04 The Band: The Band

E05 The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland

E06 Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

Zombie House Flipping

Moonbeam City

Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays

Big Wolf on Campus

Air Crash Investigation: Special Report

The Fairy Tales

I Will Never Let You Go

Fish Police

Forever Yours

Squawk on the Street

The Katering Show

Love in Contract

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Six Sisters

Back to My Roots

Portugal e CR7

About Galaxy

You Would Do It Too

Ultimo

E01 Paul Simon: Graceland

E02 Grateful Dead: American Beauty

E03 Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life

E04 The Band: The Band

E05 The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland

E06 Fleetwood Mac: Rumours