Iain Banks' 1987 rock roll novel 'Espedair Street' was adapted for the radio with more input than usual for such a project from the original author. All the songs that Frozen Gold play, (performed in the series by Nigel Clark, Brian Celleck, Nick Clark, Gordon Wilson. and Monica Queens), are by Banksie himself. This allows a dimension not present in the book.

     The radio series is presented as a fake Radio 1 documentary, down to the '275-285' jingle and having Paul Gamberccini provide the presentation/narration. Episode 1 covers Wierd, played admirably by the suitably tall John Gordon Sinclair, joining the early-seventies college prog-rockers Frozen Gold. It continues through to recording their first album and the tour promoting their first single. Episode 2 starts with them getting ready for Top of the Pops, has Wierd falling for Innez and ends with Crazy Davey giving Wierd a flute. Episode 3 features the death of Davey, the fracturing of the group and Wierd's reclusive life as (apparently) his own caretaker. Episode 4 ends the story with Wierd at the end of his tether and reviewing his life.

     Unfortunately, the format of radio did not allow the keeping of the original structure of the book. Also, some of the stronger parts of the novel had to be lost, even though it was broadcast at 11pm. Perhaps you can't have blow-jobs on Radio 4.

     The music was well in keeping with the period, reminding me of Curved Air. I've no doubt that a C.D. will be released of the approximately twenty tracks. Full credit to Iain for writing them, and to Nigel Clark, who also arranged them.

Reviewed by Cardinal Cox.

Back to Radio Reviews TOC