Podcast
Sidetracked with Annie and Nick
Hosted by BBC Sounds · EN
For music and pop culture lovers looking for an authentic and light-hearted take on the week in music... with broadcasters and music fanatics Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The xx, Shyness is Nice, and the Sugababes Strategy
1w ago00:29:31Tap to summarizeFor this instalment of the Sidetracked Album Club, Annie and Nick venture back to 2009 and revisit the debut album from the xx. Why did this record stand out so much at the time, and does it hold up 17 years later? And why did the band make Annie and Nick so nervous?Plus, how the BBC handled the death of Michael Jackson, La Roux nostalgia, and one listener grapples with cringe GCSE Drama memories.And what if the Rolling Stones had been managed like the Sugababes were in the noughties?Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.ukAnd you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.SONGSThe xx - CrystallisedThe xx - IntroThe xx - InfinityPaolo Nutini - New ShoesLady Gaga - Poker FaceBeyoncé - Single LadiesALBUMSThe xx – xxMichael Jackson – The Collection Beyoncé - I Am... Sasha FierceBlack Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.Paolo Nutini - Sunny Side UpThe Stone Roses - The Stone RosesFlorence + The Machine - LungsLa Roux - La RouxLady Gaga - The FameNoisettes - Wild Young HeartsKasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic AsylumLCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem
Transcribe →horsegiirL is the Mane Event, CMAT is Gorgeous, and Martin Scorcese’s Moment
2w ago00:45:37Tap to summarizeAnnie and Nick welcome one of their dream guests to the studio to talk all things nature and music. horsegiirL is the world’s first half horse, half human singer-songwriter, DJ, and producer, and she’s about to release her debut album. In this episode, she gets sidetracked by birdsong, mushrooms...and birth stories.Elsewhere, Annie and Nick need to discuss CMAT speaking out about horrible online trolls, and why she truly is a gorgeous genius. And Charli XCX has revealed the details and artwork for her new album but how did she book Martin Scorsese? Plus, electrolytes for trees, Jane McDonald, and Arsenal.Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.ukAnd you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.SONGSCharli XCX - SS26Charli XCX - Vroom VroomCharli XCX - Rock MusicCMAT - Take a Sexy Picture of MeWhitney Houston - Queen of the NighthorsegiirL - rivers run freehorsegiirL - an apple a dayhorsegiirL - nature is healingALBUMSCharli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Charli XCX - brathorsegiirL - NATURE IS HEALINGThe xx - xx
Transcribe →iPod Nostalgia, the Truth about Music Streaming, and Dido's Cultural Relevance
3w ago00:51:04Tap to summarizeAnnie and Nick try their very best not to get sidetracked, as they focus on just one topic - streaming, and how it’s shaped the musical landscape in 2026. From iPod mania to agentic AI, the world of music has changed a lot since the early 2000s. Have these changes made things better or worse for artists and music fans? And what does the future have in store for streaming and music consumption? With special thanks to our contributors: The Guardian’s Deputy Music Editor, Laura Snapes; and The New York Times critic, Jon Caramanica, and New York Times culture reporter, Joe Coscarelli. Jon and Joe host the NYT’s Popcast, which you can find wherever you get your podcasts. And thanks to The Grove, whose self-titled EP is out now. Their most recent single is Amongst the Noise. SONGS Dido – White Flag Dido – Thank You Rosalía - Divinize Frankie Valli – Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You ALBUMS Dido – Life for Rent Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving
Transcribe →Harry Styles: Small or Far Away?, The Drake Ick, and Godless W****s
4w ago00:45:57Tap to summarizeAnnie and Nick discuss one of the busiest weeks in music ever with Drake dropping 3 albums at the same time, Lauryn Hill getting candid about her lack of albums, and Harry Styles starting his much-anticipated world residencies. Plus, Jack Antonoff has made his thoughts about AI in music extremely clear – does he have a point? And Madonna has finally done something that’s truly shocked Nick. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. SONGS Dry Cleaning - Sliced by a Fingernail Harry Styles - As It Was Madonna - I Feel So Free (Peggy Gou Energy Mix) ALBUMS Drake – Iceman Drake - Habibti Drake - Maid of Honor Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Lauryn Hill - MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 Fugees - The Score Jill Scott – To Whom This May Concern Amy Winehouse – Frank Amy Winehouse – Back to Black Madonna - Confessions II Kendrick Lamar – GNX Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.The xx - xx
Transcribe →Sidetracked with Chaka Khan
May 1400:54:50Tap to summarizeChaka Khan joins Annie and Nick to discuss her life, legacy and new music. She reveals the very personal reason behind her strong work ethic, her feelings about awards, and why she continues to grow as a musician. What does Chaka’s life look like when she’s not on stage? She tells Annie and Nick about breathing fresh air for the first time in years, not telling people her address, and feeding her free-range chickens. And it’s been a decade since her close friend, Prince, died; Chaka reminisces about working with him - and the unusual way in which he paid her. Plus, why the Queen of Funk isn’t a fair title, the dangers of not following your dreams, and stage fright solutions from Carlos Santana. Chaka’s new song ‘Chakzilla’ is out now. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. SONGS Chaka Khan – Chakzilla Chaka Khan – I Feel For You Chaka Khan – Tell Me Something Good
Transcribe →Rosalía Gig Review(s), Shakira in Rio, and Having Faith in Madonna
May 700:44:00Tap to summarizeIt’s the moment they’ve been waiting for since November 2025: Rosalía bringing LUX to London’s O2 Arena. Annie and Nick report back on what might be the best live show they’ve ever experienced. Elsewhere, Madonna’s released a new single with Sabrina Carpenter and it hasn’t totally lived up to their expectations of Confessions II; but will everything make sense when the album comes out? Plus, the Pussycat Dolls have cancelled their North American tour dates and instead of making up an excuse, they’ve chosen honesty – should more artists take note? Also discussed in the episode: Kid Cudi has fired M.I.A from his tour after fans’ complaints, Zara Larsson is having a moment, and Annie and Nick reminisce about their chat with Rod Stewart after Shakira’s concert on Copacabana Beach. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. HOMEWORK: Listen to the end of this episode to find out the next pick for the Sidetracked Album Club. SONGS Shy One and George Riley – I Can Tell TYSON – CHAOS Rosalía – Magnolia Rosalía - Mio Cristo Pigeon – Miami Pigeon – Black James Dean Genesis Owusu – Life Keeps Going Genesis Owusu – Stampede Tara Clerkin Trio – Somewhere Good Nia Archives – Boys in Blue GENER8ION – STORM Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter – Bring Your Love Madonna – Hung Up Madonna and Britney Spears – Me Against the Music The Pussycat Dolls – Club Song The Pussycat Dolls – Don’t Cha M.I.A. – Illygal ALBUMS Rosalía – Motomami Rosalía – Lux Shy One – Mali Pigeon – OUTTANATIONAL Robyn – Sexistential Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun: Girls Trip Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor Madonna – Ray of Light Madonna – Confessions II LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist PJ Harvey – Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea CMAT – If My Wife New I’d Be Dead Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not Jeff Buckley – Grace Frank Ocean – Blonde The Strokes – Is This It Sinéad O’Connor – The Lion and the Cobra Laura Marling – Once I Was an Eagle Various Artists – Mamma Mia! (The Movie Soundtrack) The Streets – A Grand Don’t Come for Free The xx – xx
Transcribe →Sidetracked with Kacey Musgraves
Apr 3000:50:21Tap to summarizeKacey Musgraves is one of the best-known Country singers in the world, having won 8 Grammy Awards for her consistently stand out records. On the eve of releasing her 6th studio album, she joins Annie and Nick to discuss the making of the record, and how her approach to writing music has evolved since her debut album. Country is the fastest growing genre in the UK; Kacey has some thoughts on why and some more vital Country intel for Sidetracked listeners. Plus, secrets the Middle of Nowhere tour, Kacey delivers an ode to Ireland, and she reveals how artists like Dashboard Confessional, NSYNC and the Spice Girls influenced her as an artist.Kacey’s album Middle of Nowhere will be available from 1st May 2026. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. SONGS Kacey Musgraves – Merry Go ‘Round Kacey Musgraves – Dry Spell Loretta Lynn – You Ain’t Woman Enough Kacey Musgraves – Oh, What a World Kacey Musgraves – Slow Burn Kacey Musgraves & Miranda Lambert – Horses and Divorces Kacey Musgraves – Mexico Honey ALBUMS Kacey Musgraves – Same Trailer Different Park Kacey Musgraves – Pageant Material Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour Kacey Musgraves – Star‑Crossed Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well Kacey Musgraves – Middle of Nowhere
Transcribe →Madonna’s Week in Music, Charli Declares the Dancefloor Dead, and Olivia Rodrigo
Apr 2300:35:55Tap to summarizeAnnie and Nick discuss the most Madonna week in music – the album announcement, the new song, the Coachella performance, and the theft. Sidetracked fans will know how much Madonna means to Nick...so why does he have beef with her this week? Elsewhere, Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish showed us what they’re worth at Coachella Weekend 2, Olivia Rodrigo has a brilliant new song, and Annie has some thoughts on the link between bad fathers and great music artists. Plus, Charli XCX has declared the dancefloor dead, but was she being serious? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. SONGS Lil Louis – French Kiss Madonna – Vogue Madonna – Like a Prayer Madonna – I Feel So Free Madonna – Justify My Love Madonna – Hung Up Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream Olivia Rodrigo – Drop Dead ALBUMS Peaches – Teacher of Peaches Madonna – Confessions II Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor Madonna – Ray of Light Madonna – Music Madonna – Madame X Madonna – Hard Candy Charli XCX – brat Warchild Records – Help(2) Olivia Rodrigo – You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love
Transcribe →Bieber Fever, Coachella Dreams, and the Kanye Question
Apr 1600:51:02Tap to summarizeAnnie is back after a fortnight away and there’s a lot to catch up on. First on the agenda, Annie and Nick discuss the fallout from Wireless booking Kanye West as a headliner, and the subsequent cancellation of the entire festival. Plus, in other live music news, LIDO festival has had to cancel their planned June weekend due to environmental concerns, and CMAT fans are devastated. And of course, after the first weekend of Coachella 2026, everyone is analysing the Justin Bieber set – and Annie and Nick hear from someone who was actually there in the field. Were the critical headlines about his YouTube use fair? Or has he just made history for one of the most special live shows in the festival’s history? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. With thanks to Sam Murphy (@popsamcam), who provided much needed intel from Coachella. SONGS Justin Bieber – Baby Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj – Beauty and a Beat Ne-Yo – So Sick ALBUMS Arlo Parks – Ambiguous Desire Elmiene – sounds for someone Justin Bieber – Swag Justin Bieber – Swag II
Transcribe →Sidetracked with Arlo Parks
Apr 900:42:17Tap to summarizeThis week Nick is joined by a very special co-host, Arlo Parks, following the release of her third album, Ambiguous Desire. They discuss how songs come to her, being a sensitive child, accepting a Mercury prize from Annie, trusting yourself as an artist, and how LA inspires her music. Plus, what does an ideal night out look like for Arlo and which does she prefer: Coachella or Glastonbury? Elsewhere, Slayyyter gets a lot of love, Mitski settles into a residency in a hyper-intimate venue where “you can cry,” and the band Angine de Poitrine do something never been done in music before. We’re still open to our next Album Club recommendation, with Arlo suggesting a few in this week’s episode. Send your thoughts in to Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. HOMEWORK: Listen to Arlo Park’s new album, Ambiguous Desire. SONGS The Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams Elmiene - Golden ALBUMS The xx - xx Angine de Poitrine - Vol.II Charli XCX - Brat Slayyyter - WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA Massive Attack - debut album Mazzy Star - debut album Sexistential - Robyn The King of Limbs remix album – Radiohead CLUBS + DANCE FLOORS Nowadays - New York Midnight Lovers - LA Corsica - London Venue MOT/Unit 18 Palais - Peckham
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