The Old Grey Whistle Test (2001)

The Old Grey Whistle Test was the UKs seminal live music show. Launched in September 1971, it hosted performances from the most legendary bands and performers- including Elton John, Bob Marley, Lou Reed, The Ramones and many more. For better and for worse, The Old Grey Whistle Test was probably the most resolutely serious music program ever broadcast on television. During its 16-year run it showcased only the most earnest exponents of whichever musical style was currently popular, and given that the program's heyday coincided with the early 70s, some of the footage included here will provide mirth as exquisite as only unintentional comedy can. The absurd prog noodlings of The Edgar Winter Group and the belief-beggaringly awful Focus now seem as unfathomable in retrospect as trench warfare or child labor. However, the good stuff collected here is very good, both in terms of performance (Tom Petty snarling 'American Girl', a pre-irony U2 whooping up 'I Will Follow') and historical interest, notably a shockingly youthful Elton John crooning 'Tiny Dancer' and reminding us, in the process, of a time when he was regarded as a cool and hip singer-songwriter, rather than understudy to the Queen Mother. PAL / REGION 0. BBC. 2002. Album Description