He’s been a mainstay on BBC radio for many years, played in legendary bands such as The Shirehorses and The Family Mahone (your mileage may vary on the use of the word ‘legendary’) and even had something to eat in the kitchen of Kate Bush (literally, that’s not some kind of euphemism). Now in, a strange crossbreed between memoir and encyclopedia, Mark Radcliffe takes a song from each year of his life and uses it as springboard for an entertaining collection of anecdotes
He begins with the 1958 Cliff Richard song ‘Move It’ which Radcliffe considers the first rock and roll ever produced in the UK. The fact that it was also produced in the year of his birth would seem somehow appropriate. Radcliffe goes on to look at an eclectic selection of songs such as the ‘House Of The Rising Sun’, ‘Puff The Magic Dragon’ and ‘I’m a Believer’ and mixes tales of growing up with pertinent – and often impertinent – information on the bands and tunes he’s chosen. As we move onto his glittering career in the radio (which includes the genius that was Mark and Lard’s Graveyard Slot and a Radio 1 Breakfast Show, which despite all the naysayers, I still consider one of the best early morning radio shows ever) he includes such songs Shiny Happy People (where he recounts presenting his first ever Radio 1 show), Firestarter (where he reveals he has met four out of five Spice Girls, an impressive statistic) and 1999 (in which he likens Prince to a beekeeper).
Those who’ve read Radcliffe’s previous books such as Thank You For The Days and Showbusiness know that he’s an engaging writer and this is no exception, being an entertaining ragbag of stories. Like his on-air personality, Radcliffe mixes tales of a star studded life alongside a healthy dollop of self-deprecation and a dour Northern wit. And whilst the anecdotes initially seem rather random, it soon becomes apparent that’s there is some poignant stuff about growing older (though not necessarily wiser) and how music becomes an important marker point for the passing of our lives.
Whilst those who aren’t fans of Radcliffe won’t be won over Reelin’ In The Years is an enjoyable and entertaining turn from one of the UK’s most beloved broadcasters, musicians and consumers of Cheese Pie over at Kate Bush’s house.
Laurence Boyce is a journalist and regular contributor to The Culture Vulture and an ex-Morley lad. Frustrated by the fact people are holding a great event such as the Morley Literature Festival in his home town when he’s out of the country, he’s reviewing some of the books by some of the authors involved to show that books can truly be an international language
Mark Radcliffe appears at Morley Town Hall, Morley at 8pm on Wednesday 12th October as part of the Morley Literature Festival. Visit the website for tickets
MARRY ME YOU TALENTED MAN