This episode Tim is joined by Ricky Ross & Lorraine McIntosh to talk through Deacon Blue’s second album, When the World Knows Your Name. It was a number 1 album in the UK going double platinum and contained the band’s first top 10 hit, and 4 subsequent singles reaching the top 30.

 Together they discuss the album, offer their unusual ways of remembering song ideas, talk about playing Deacon Blue songs at their daughter’s wedding and pay tribute to the band’s original guitarist, Graeme Kelling.

When the World Knows Your Name was released on 6th April 1989 on Columbia.

Cerys Matthews joins Tim Burgess for this episode of his Listening Party. One of the most recognisable, unique and best voices of the 90s, Cerys talks Tim through Catatonia’s triple platinum, number 1 album, International Velvet, on its 25th anniversary.

They discuss finding their singing styles, finding strength from writing lyrics in order out get out of a tough personal places, and Cerys’s place as a Welsh national treasure.

International Velvet was released on 2nd February 1998 on Blanco y Negro.

This episode Tim is joined by the legendary Simple Minds. Jim Kerr & Charlie Burchill go through 1982’s New Gold Dream, an album they credit as taking them to the next level as a band. They discuss writing their first commercial hits (some in the bath), staying in hotels with other 80s stars and manifesting their own success.

New Gold Dream was released on 17th September 1982 on Virgin.

Tim’s Listening Party returns with one of the biggest bands to come out of the 1980s, with one of the biggest and lasting albums of that decade. Tears For Fears’ debut album, the Hurting, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, having reached number 1 in the UK charts and spawning 3 top 5 hit singles.

Curt Smith & Roland Orzabal join Tim to discuss Mad World covers, contrasting the influences of Duran Duran & Joy Division on 80s music, as well as comparing their vocal styles.

The Hurting was released on 7th March 1983 on Mercury & Phonogram.

So far, Tim Burgess has had listening parties with the likes of Sparks, The The, U2, New Order, Texas, The Bangles, the Kinks and Def Leppard just to name a few, so we are delighted to announce that Tim's Listening Party will return on 29th October with brand new episodes. Tune in to Absolute Radio from 10pm to hear the full show.