You can thank me later.

This is rather beautiful...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8565209.stm

Smokey Robinson on Sesame Street. Two good things, together.

I've just finished watching Bamber Gascoigne's magnificent series The Christians which was aired by Granada Television in 1977. It tells the story of Christians throughout the ages and across the world. I was so impressed by it; I really think it deserves the same degree of acclaim afforded to series like Civilisation, The Ascent of Man and Cosmos. His narration is clear and informative and accompanies absolutely wonderful images that were shot by cameramen with real artistic flair. But best of all he knew when to shut up; there is footage of a religious ceremony in Ethiopia with no subtitles or voiceover to explain things to the viewer. The programme makers were astute enough to realize that sometimes words simply aren't necessary.

If any of you have watched it, what did you think?

I thought some members of the Massive might like to know that the great photographer Don McCullin will be giving a talk at the Oxford Literary Festival on Saturday 27th March at 12pm, Christ Church college. The Box Office number is 0870 343 1001. Tickets are £10.

Geezer Butler has been a confirmed vegan since the age of 8.

That is all.

Radio records. They're great, aren't they? Those tunes sound impossibly fine when played over the airwaves by a man with a bad moustache and shocking pullover. I've long puzzled over what makes some songs fly out of the speakers in this way, so I thought I'd get ask the Massive: what makes a great radio record and what are your favourites?

This afternoon I did a good thing. The world is now a slightly better place, and I like to think it's all down to me. Let me explain...

I was in HMV with my Italian friend Clemens. In the specialist music department the latest Folk Awards CD was parping over the tannoy and I explained the English folk music tradition to him. He told me he liked the song that was playing. I then saw a copy of Fairport Convention's Liege and Lief on sale for £4 and went off on a lengthy spiel extolling its virtues, during which I may have used the word 'seminal'. Such was the effectiveness of my patter that Clemens decided to buy it. My heart rejoiced, for my friend's life would be enriched and I could take full credit. Marvellous.

Please share your musical missionary moments...

Despite having known about his exalted reputation for years, I've never listened to him before. But I am currently playing Bruised Orange on Spotify and absolutely loving it. Particularly 'Aw Heck', which is the kind of humorous, feel good song that doesn't seem to get written much anymore.

I've heard that his debut album is considered a classic, but which of his records would the Massive recommend most highly? I've no aversion to buying best ofs, so perhaps The John Prine Anthology would be a good place to start?

Loki posted a cartoon of the Smurfs on the site and I was momentarily transported back to the late 1970s and the brief period when the entire world was full of weird, blue freaks (apart from Smurfette, who was sweet). It's got me thinking about crazes. One I remember particularly fondly was 'Slime', a viscous, green... err... slime that came in a green pot. There was also, I seem to recall, 'Slime Worms', which was a viscous slime with worms. It was ace.

Do you have memories - fond or otherwise - of these fleeting fads?

Over the past few months I have found myself increasingly drawn to looking at paintings of Christ, and I'd like to discuss this with the Massive. I have always held 'spiritual' beliefs of a somewhat nebulous nature, but religion and religious imagery used to leave me completely cold, despite the fact that I have always taken great pleasure from looking at art. Now I am deeply moved by these images of suffering and compassion. So what has changed? Am I becoming a 'religious' person?

Maybe it's something to do with getting older; perhaps my increasing awareness that Mr G. Reaper Esq. knows where I live and will someday pay me a visit is making me more receptive to the emotional charge of these images. I really don't know.

Don't worry, I shan't be turning up on your doorsteps in the near future wearing a rictus grin and sandals, proffering copies of the good book. I don't think this change in me will lead quite that far...

Do any of you recognize in yourselves something of what I'm rabbiting on about here?

The Bobby Hutcherson record in the thread below this shows him enjoying a gasper. Now kids, we all know that smoking isn't cool. But as all sane adults know, it is where musicians are concerned. Even if it's not very good for them.

So what are the album covers with the best use of that stupid git Walter Raleigh's gift to the world?

It was ironing day today chez Crowther (I am so rock n' roll) and Paul Simon's Still Crazy After All These Years album was providing the musical accompaniment. It struck me, not for the first time, that it is one of the most beautiful sounding records I've ever heard.

Such care has been taken with regards the arrangements and production, but the songs don't come across as overly-laboured. Instead they sound light and airy with plenty of space for the wonderful instrumentation to shine through. There is a delicate balancing act required to achieve this kind of studied perfection; a producer who is willing to put in the many hours work to help realize the artist's vision, but is stood far enough back to see 'the big picture' and not let overwork spoil the results. So take a bow, Phil Ramone.

So I'd like your nominations for songs that leave the listener in no doubt as to the fact that record production is an art in itself...

This will be an ongoing series. Please go to the comments page for the first installment...

I've done this many times, but one that springs to mind is when I first saw Undercurrent by Bill Evans and Jim Hall. I felt certain that a record with such an extraordinary cover image had to be brilliant. And sure enough, it was...

What's your success rate been like doing this? Have you handed over your hard-earned on the strength of the cover and discovered a masterpiece, or landed yourself with a prize turkey?