Tim Burgess on the latest season of Tim’s Listening Party and his Christmas Day plans

Plus, find out how to listen to the new season

Author: Sasha MurrayPublished 12th Dec 2024

The new season of Tim’s Listening Party - our podcast with The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess - has just dropped. If you haven’t listened to the previous seasons, the show brings Tim’s world-famous Listening Party to Absolute Radio. It’s exactly what it sounds like - one big listening party, chatting about records and special stories from some of Tim’s favourite artists.

To celebrate the podcast's return, we spoke to Tim about his highlights from last season and everything he’s got planned for Christmas...

What have been the highlights of this season of Tim’s Listening Party?

Robert Smith sitting in front of me telling me about his band The Cure’s new album - and many people’s favourite album of the year - ‘Songs of a Lost World.’

What albums or artists are you keen to chat about next?

I would love Siouxsie Sioux to come in. I’d love Boy George to come in. And My Bloody Valentine.

I’m not going to say what I’m really hoping for, but a listening party with every member of The Charlatans would be great.

What have been your favourite albums of the year?

MGMT put out a really good album called Loss of Life. It’s a big subject, but still so uplifting.

Christmas is around the corner, what have you got planned for the festivities?

I’m taking my 11 year old to New York. And his mum knows, don’t worry! We’re actually going on boxing day and that’s going to be fantastic, I want him to see the Empire State Building.

What will you be cooking for Christmas lunch/dinner?

I want to keep it simple because I don't really want to be cleaning up before I go on my flight to New York the next day. I might look into getting some Christmas dinner delivered.

And what will you be listening to?

I’m obsessed with a record called ‘Diamond Jubilee’ by Cindy Lee. It’s a new record by quite a new artist. Lots of it sounds like Shangri Las or The Beach Boys; it's kind of got that sleigh bell kind of sound that reminds me of a classic Christmas song.

I also like the Vince Giraldi, Charlie Brown, sort of festive albums, and I love the Beach Boys’ Christmas album, too.

How can I listen to Tim's Listening Party?

The best way to listen is through Rayo, either via the app, online or your smart speaker. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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