The Giddy Carousel of Pop
Welcome aboard The Giddy Carousel of Pop! We are a Smash Hits appreciation podcast dedicated to the swingorilliant British pop magazine which ran from 1978 to 2006. In each episode, we take an old issue of Ver Hits (usually from the 1980s but may slip a year or two either side of that) and discuss what’s on its pages, looking at who’s riding high on the carousel and who’s heading down the dumper. We always have a guest to help us along the way, so we’ll be talking to the readers, the writers, and who knows, maybe even the odd pop star who appeared in its pages. A proud part of the We Made This podcast network.
Episodes
June 29, 2022 • 109 min
Welcome back to The Giddy Carousel of Pop, a podcast about the 'so called' pop mag Smash Hits.
In this episode we are joined by voiceover, writer, composer and podcaster Emma Clarke, as we spin back to May 1982 for the confessions of a pre-teen pop fan.
Artists discussed include Associates, Toyah, Adam Ant, Echo & The Bunnymen and many more.
Read along with us.
Like Punk Never Happened: https://likepunkneverhappened.blogspo...
In this episode we are joined by voiceover, writer, composer and podcaster Emma Clarke, as we spin back to May 1982 for the confessions of a pre-teen pop fan.
Artists discussed include Associates, Toyah, Adam Ant, Echo & The Bunnymen and many more.
Read along with us.
Like Punk Never Happened: https://likepunkneverhappened.blogspo...
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April 29, 2022 • 118 min
Welcome back to The Giddy Carousel of Pop, a podcast about the 'so called' pop mag Smash Hits.
In this episode we are joined by PR guru and musician Julian Henry joins us on the carousel as we spin back to January 1989.
Julian gives us a little peep behind the pop curtain as we discuss Holly Johnson, Then Jericho, Brother Beyond, Milli Vanilli, Climie Fisher, Neneh Cherry and a whole lot more.
Read along with us.
Like Punk Neve...
In this episode we are joined by PR guru and musician Julian Henry joins us on the carousel as we spin back to January 1989.
Julian gives us a little peep behind the pop curtain as we discuss Holly Johnson, Then Jericho, Brother Beyond, Milli Vanilli, Climie Fisher, Neneh Cherry and a whole lot more.
Read along with us.
Like Punk Neve...
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February 25, 2022 • 104 min
Welcome back to The Giddy Carousel of Pop! Hang on tight for a top pop ride.
In this episode we are joined by author/illustrator and former Smash Hits staffer Nadia Shireen on the carousel as we spin back to September 1988.
Under discussion are Pet Shop Boys, Glenn Medeiros, the Smash Hits Readers' Poll, The Pasadenas, Bros and a whole lot more.
Read along with us.
Like Punk Never Happened: https://likepunkneverhappened.blogspot.co...
In this episode we are joined by author/illustrator and former Smash Hits staffer Nadia Shireen on the carousel as we spin back to September 1988.
Under discussion are Pet Shop Boys, Glenn Medeiros, the Smash Hits Readers' Poll, The Pasadenas, Bros and a whole lot more.
Read along with us.
Like Punk Never Happened: https://likepunkneverhappened.blogspot.co...
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December 7, 2021 • 103 min
Welcome back to The Giddy Carousel of Pop! Hang on tight for a top pop ride.
In this episode we are joined by Australian writer and columnist Sarina Rowell [http://imaginedslights.com/] to talk about her Smash Hits memories as an 80s pop kid in a land down under, looking at the bumper December 1983 issue of Ver Hits.
Discussed are Duran Duran, Nik Kershaw, Paul Young, Tina Turner, Status Quo, Robert Smith and a whole lot more.
Read al...
In this episode we are joined by Australian writer and columnist Sarina Rowell [http://imaginedslights.com/] to talk about her Smash Hits memories as an 80s pop kid in a land down under, looking at the bumper December 1983 issue of Ver Hits.
Discussed are Duran Duran, Nik Kershaw, Paul Young, Tina Turner, Status Quo, Robert Smith and a whole lot more.
Read al...
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October 26, 2021 • 30 min
Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Giddy Carousel of Pop. If you heard our last episode with Mark Ellen, you'll know that we spoke to Adam & The Ants' guitarist Marco Pirroni about his memories of Smash Hits. But we talked about so much more and thought that you might like to hear it. So here it is!
The Giddy Carousel of Pop is part of the We Made This network of podcasts.
HOSTS: Simon Galloway and Gavin Hogg
GUEST...
The Giddy Carousel of Pop is part of the We Made This network of podcasts.
HOSTS: Simon Galloway and Gavin Hogg
GUEST...
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October 12, 2021 • 116 min
Welcome back to The Giddy Carousel of Pop! Hang on tight for a top pop ride.
In this episode we are joined by music mag legend and former Smash Hits editor Mark Ellen, as the carousel spins back to June 1981. There's also a second guest on the carousel - Adam & The Ants guitarist Marc Pirroni, who shares his memories of the cover story, Smash Hits and a whole lot more (look out for a bonus episode coming soon).
Read along wit...
In this episode we are joined by music mag legend and former Smash Hits editor Mark Ellen, as the carousel spins back to June 1981. There's also a second guest on the carousel - Adam & The Ants guitarist Marc Pirroni, who shares his memories of the cover story, Smash Hits and a whole lot more (look out for a bonus episode coming soon).
Read along wit...
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July 22, 2021 • 95 min
Welcome back to The Giddy Carousel of Pop! Hang on tight for a top pop ride.
In this episode we are joined by pop kid and deputy chair of the Philip Larkin Society, Lyn Lockwood to look at the Smash Hits of 3-16 July 1985. Along the way we encounter Howard Jones, Humpe Humpe, Madonna, Duran Duran, The Style Council, Elton John, The Damned, Russ Abott, The Grumbleweeds, Max Headroom and Simply Red among others, plus the usual Bitz, R...
In this episode we are joined by pop kid and deputy chair of the Philip Larkin Society, Lyn Lockwood to look at the Smash Hits of 3-16 July 1985. Along the way we encounter Howard Jones, Humpe Humpe, Madonna, Duran Duran, The Style Council, Elton John, The Damned, Russ Abott, The Grumbleweeds, Max Headroom and Simply Red among others, plus the usual Bitz, R...
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May 29, 2021 • 104 min
Welcome back to The Giddy Carousel of Pop! Hang on tight for a top pop ride.
In this episode writer, podcaster and former drummer with The Fall (1980-85) Paul Hanley joins us to peruse a 'double A side' issue of Smash Hits from 1981 and a whole lot more. Along the way we encounter Adam & The Ants, Stray Cats, Kim Wilde, Prince, Kraftwerk, Sparks, Stars On 45, Landscape, The Jam and Spandau Ballet among others, plus the ...
In this episode writer, podcaster and former drummer with The Fall (1980-85) Paul Hanley joins us to peruse a 'double A side' issue of Smash Hits from 1981 and a whole lot more. Along the way we encounter Adam & The Ants, Stray Cats, Kim Wilde, Prince, Kraftwerk, Sparks, Stars On 45, Landscape, The Jam and Spandau Ballet among others, plus the ...
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April 8, 2021 • 98 min
Welcome back to The Giddy Carousel of Pop! Hang on tight for a top pop ride.
In this episode, writer Jude Rogers (The Guardian, The Quietus, Mojo and more) takes us back to her days as a day 10 year-old pop kid in August 1988 and the very first Smash Hits she ever bought. Along the way we discuss Kylie Minogue, Pat Benatar, Tanita Tikaram, Yazz, Bomb The Bass, Bros, Nik Kershaw, Billy Idol, R.E.M., Brother Beyond, band t-shirts, Pr...
In this episode, writer Jude Rogers (The Guardian, The Quietus, Mojo and more) takes us back to her days as a day 10 year-old pop kid in August 1988 and the very first Smash Hits she ever bought. Along the way we discuss Kylie Minogue, Pat Benatar, Tanita Tikaram, Yazz, Bomb The Bass, Bros, Nik Kershaw, Billy Idol, R.E.M., Brother Beyond, band t-shirts, Pr...
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March 3, 2021 • 113 min
Welcome back to The Giddy Carousel of Pop! Hang on tight for a top pop ride.
In the this bumper episode, TV and film production designer and (most importantly) pop kid Richard Drew joins us on the carousel as it spins back to the Smash Hits of late February 1983. OMD are on the front cover and inside we find Musical Youth, Spandau Ballet, Thompson Twins, The Belle Stars, David Bowie, Marillion, Toto, Level 42, China Crisis, The Gap...
In the this bumper episode, TV and film production designer and (most importantly) pop kid Richard Drew joins us on the carousel as it spins back to the Smash Hits of late February 1983. OMD are on the front cover and inside we find Musical Youth, Spandau Ballet, Thompson Twins, The Belle Stars, David Bowie, Marillion, Toto, Level 42, China Crisis, The Gap...
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December 23, 2020 • 49 min
Grab some paper and a pen and prepare yourselves for The Giddy Carousel of Pop's Quizorilliant Christmas Quiz!
10 rounds. 50 questions. And all taken from the pages of Smash Hits (so if any of the answers are wrong, blame them!). There are no prizes, it's just a bit of fun. But do let us know how you get on.
Are you ready?
Don't forget, you're in control, so use pause and rewind if you must, but no cheating.
The Giddy ...
10 rounds. 50 questions. And all taken from the pages of Smash Hits (so if any of the answers are wrong, blame them!). There are no prizes, it's just a bit of fun. But do let us know how you get on.
Are you ready?
Don't forget, you're in control, so use pause and rewind if you must, but no cheating.
The Giddy ...
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October 27, 2020 • 96 min
In our first foray into the 1990s, journalist and podcaster Laura Kelly from The Big Issue joins us on the carousel and takes us back to the Smash Hits of 1-14 April 1992.
And it's a very different Smash Hits from what we've covered so far on the podcast, with TV and film stars getting as much attention as pop stars. We're also introduced to a raft of new features including 'No! Not The Biscuit Tin!' and Sylvia ...
And it's a very different Smash Hits from what we've covered so far on the podcast, with TV and film stars getting as much attention as pop stars. We're also introduced to a raft of new features including 'No! Not The Biscuit Tin!' and Sylvia ...
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September 8, 2020 • 94 min
Andrew Harrison, former editor of Select, Q and Mixmag and co-host of Bigmouth podcast (among many other things) joins us on the carousel to look at the Smash Hits of 29 May - 11 June 1980.
In a wide-ranging conversation, artists discussed include Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, The Specials, Hot Chocolate and many more. Andrew also tells us about his own involvement in Smash Hits and reflects on a career in music mags and some ...
In a wide-ranging conversation, artists discussed include Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, The Specials, Hot Chocolate and many more. Andrew also tells us about his own involvement in Smash Hits and reflects on a career in music mags and some ...
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August 7, 2020 • 68 min
Welcome to The Giddy Carousel of Pop's swingorilliant summer special!
Simon and Gavin snip out their favourite bits from the ten issues of Smash Hits they've covered so far on the podcast, and stick them in their audio scrapbook to share with you. It'll brighten up your summer!
The Giddy Carousel of Pop is part of the We Made This network of podcasts.
HOSTS: Simon Galloway and Gavin Hogg
GUESTS: Julie Hamill, David Hepw...
Simon and Gavin snip out their favourite bits from the ten issues of Smash Hits they've covered so far on the podcast, and stick them in their audio scrapbook to share with you. It'll brighten up your summer!
The Giddy Carousel of Pop is part of the We Made This network of podcasts.
HOSTS: Simon Galloway and Gavin Hogg
GUESTS: Julie Hamill, David Hepw...
Share
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July 17, 2020 • 54 min
Welcome aboard The Giddy Carousel of Pop. Hold tight for a top pop ride!
We continue our look back at the Smash Hits of 17-30 July 1985 with the help of Tim Robinson from DJ/production duo Nightdubbing. Having dealt with all the Live Aid content in our last episode, we turn our attention to the rest of the mag which includes features on Phil Oakey, Bucks Fizz, Belouis Some and The Redskins, along with the usual lyrics, Bitz, Single...
We continue our look back at the Smash Hits of 17-30 July 1985 with the help of Tim Robinson from DJ/production duo Nightdubbing. Having dealt with all the Live Aid content in our last episode, we turn our attention to the rest of the mag which includes features on Phil Oakey, Bucks Fizz, Belouis Some and The Redskins, along with the usual lyrics, Bitz, Single...
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July 10, 2020 • 118 min
Welcome aboard The Giddy Carousel of Pop. Hold tight for a top pop ride!
To mark the 35th anniversary of Live Aid, we go back to the Smash Hits of 17-30 July 1985 with the help of Tim Robinson from DJ/production duo Nightdubbing. We look at Ver Hits coverage of the historic concerts and hear from people who were there or watched from home. We also speak to three former Smash Hits editors - David Hepworth, Mark Ellen and Barry McIlhe...
To mark the 35th anniversary of Live Aid, we go back to the Smash Hits of 17-30 July 1985 with the help of Tim Robinson from DJ/production duo Nightdubbing. We look at Ver Hits coverage of the historic concerts and hear from people who were there or watched from home. We also speak to three former Smash Hits editors - David Hepworth, Mark Ellen and Barry McIlhe...
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June 5, 2020 • 83 min
Welcome aboard The Giddy Carousel of Pop. Hold tight for a top pop ride!
In this episode we go back to the Smash Hits of 9-22 October 1985 with broadcaster, writer and pop geek Julie Hamill. Pete Burns and Morrissey grace the cover and other artists discussed include Simon Le Bon, The Cure, Five Star, Lloyd Cole, Depeche Mode, Billy Idol and many more.
Read along with us! Thanks to Like Punk Never Happened and Smash Hits Remembered...
In this episode we go back to the Smash Hits of 9-22 October 1985 with broadcaster, writer and pop geek Julie Hamill. Pete Burns and Morrissey grace the cover and other artists discussed include Simon Le Bon, The Cure, Five Star, Lloyd Cole, Depeche Mode, Billy Idol and many more.
Read along with us! Thanks to Like Punk Never Happened and Smash Hits Remembered...
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May 12, 2020 • 70 min
Welcome back to The Giddy Carousel of Pop. Hold tight for a top pop ride!
In part two of our chat with former Smash Hits editor Barry McIlheney about his time at Ver Hits (October 1986 to January 1989) we continue out look at the issue of 25 March - 7 April 1987. If you missed part one, go and listen to it now!
In just three years, Barry went from being a library assistant living with his mum in Belfast to editor of Britain's br...
In part two of our chat with former Smash Hits editor Barry McIlheney about his time at Ver Hits (October 1986 to January 1989) we continue out look at the issue of 25 March - 7 April 1987. If you missed part one, go and listen to it now!
In just three years, Barry went from being a library assistant living with his mum in Belfast to editor of Britain's br...
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May 5, 2020 • 75 min
Welcome aboard The Giddy Carousel of Pop. Hold tight for a top pop ride!
In the first of two parts, Simon and Gavin chat to former Smash Hits editor Barry McIlheney about his time at Ver Hits (October 1986 to January 1989) and the 25 March - 7 April 1987 issue in particular.
In just three years, Barry went from being a library assistant living with his mum in Belfast to editor of Britain's brightest pop mag, via spells at Hot P...
In the first of two parts, Simon and Gavin chat to former Smash Hits editor Barry McIlheney about his time at Ver Hits (October 1986 to January 1989) and the 25 March - 7 April 1987 issue in particular.
In just three years, Barry went from being a library assistant living with his mum in Belfast to editor of Britain's brightest pop mag, via spells at Hot P...
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April 8, 2020 • 84 min
Welcome aboard The Giddy Carousel of Pop. Hold tight for a top pop ride!
In this episode we go back to the Smash Hits of 4-17 November 1987 with pop kid Catherine Sked. U2 grace the cover and other artists featured include T'Pau, Marillion, Communards, Blue Mercedes, Pet Shop Boys (again!), Heartbeat, Sting and Wet Wet Wet, not to mention Billy Idol's 'perv breeks' and Rick Astley's ruddy big pig.
Find scans of ...
In this episode we go back to the Smash Hits of 4-17 November 1987 with pop kid Catherine Sked. U2 grace the cover and other artists featured include T'Pau, Marillion, Communards, Blue Mercedes, Pet Shop Boys (again!), Heartbeat, Sting and Wet Wet Wet, not to mention Billy Idol's 'perv breeks' and Rick Astley's ruddy big pig.
Find scans of ...
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