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.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Taylor Swift’s Wedding, Madonna Album Review, and a Music Master Class with James Ellis Ford
4d ago00:54:45Tap to summarizeIn a monumental week for music news, Annie and Nick sit down to discuss their thoughts on Madonna’s long-awaited Confessions II – after months of worrying it might be anticlimactic, what do they think about the album? And Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce had one of the most musically relevant weddings of all time but what should we learn from their rumoured choice of first dance song? And are there any rules we should stick to for wedding playlists? Plus, Wonderwall is having a moment in the 2026 World Cup, could Oasis get involved if England make the Final? Annie and Nick also speak to the incredible producer and musician, James Ellis Ford, about his upcoming album. James has produced albums for Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Florence and the Machine, Jessie Ware, Fontaines D.C., Carly Rae Jepsen, the Pet Shop Boys, and so many more. He talks to Annie and Nick about how he works with artists to create truly brilliant music, and how it was to make this latest solo album in a completely isolated and daunting environment – a hospital room. Plus, is James worried about how AI will change the way music producers have to work? Lost in Another World is out on 14th August (Nick’s birthday) 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. SONGS Oasis – Wonderwall Tina Turner - Simply the Best Madonna – Danceteria Madonna - One Step Away Madonna – L.E.S Girl Lil Louis - French Kiss Candi Staton - Young Hearts Run Free Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved Womack & Womack – Teardrops Janet Jackson - That's the Way Love Goes ALBUMS Madonna - Confessions II Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor James Ellis Ford - Lost in Another World War Child Records- Help(2) Charli XCX - brat
Transcribe →Bad Bunny’s Life Affirming Show, Charli XCX’s Lies, and Nappies at Gigs
2w ago00:51:19Tap to summarizeBad Bunny came to London and Nick may never be the same again. What is it about Benito that makes his music and live performances so impactful? Nick tells Annie why the show made him cry – and confesses to one embarrassing detail.Elsewhere, Charli XCX came on the 6 Music Breakfast Show and Sidetracked investigates whether she told a big fat lie. Plus, why is Noah Kahan talking about poo at gigs? This - on top of Olivia Rodrigo’s previous comments about people wearing nappies to her shows - prompts Annie and Nick to give a stern talking-to to front row fans. 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.SONGSLuther Vandross - Never Too MuchFugees - Killing Me Softly With His SongCharli XCX – Wink WinkMadonna - HollywoodNoah Kahan - Stick Season Lauryn Hill – Ex-FactorFugees – Ready or NotDaft Punk - VoyagerPJ Harvey - Voyagerearthsignchels - Daddy Died [we recommend you watch the video]Robyn – Call Your GirlfriendALBUMSCharli XCX – Music, Fashion, FilmBad Bunny - DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToSAlewya - ZeroBeth Orton – The Ground Above
Transcribe →New Adele Album Anticipation, World Cup Analysis, and Madonna’s Survival
3w ago00:49:37Tap to summarizeAnnie and Nick discuss rumours of Adele returning to music, after she was seen attending one of Lola Young’s London shows. What might a new Adele album sound like? And what is it about her that means any record is guaranteed to be brilliant?Elsewhere, Madonna has revealed why the planned biopic of her life was canned, James Blake has called out the growing fakery of the music industry, and Bad Bunny is coming to London.Plus, why can’t Annie and Nick remember if they’ve met Solange?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 InstagramSONGSSimon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled WaterAdele - Hometown GloryAdele – Daydreamer SZA - SaturnCher - BelieveALBUMSMadonna - Veronica ElectronicaMadonna – Confessions IIAdele - 19Olivia Rodrigo - Guts
Transcribe →Olivia Rodrigo, Concern for Harry Styles, and Should We Give in to the AI Takeover?
4w ago00:49:57Tap to summarizeAnnie and Nick dissect Olivia Rodrigo’s new album and analyse the online theories that Taylor Swift might be jealous. What is it about Olivia that speaks to such a vast and diverse audience? And what does she have to do with the England football team?Elsewhere, Annie has conflicting feelings about embracing AI; it’s never been easier to make music with it but at what cost? And Phoebe Bridgers is planning for her next tour to be a phones free experience – does the backlash that ensued prove how problematic our relationships to our phones are? And why Nick thinks the UK government should extend the social media ban to all under-45s.Plus, Nick’s mum is worried about Harry Styles, a Primavera round up, and Jeff Goldblum weighs in on the bird song debate. 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. SONGS Olivia Rodrigo & Robert Smith – what's wrong with me Olivia Rodrigo – vampireMadonna – Ray of LightMadonna – Don’t Tell MeMadonna - MusicALBUMS Olivia Rodrigo – you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love Kamasi Washington - Fearless MovementMadonna – Confessions IIMadonna – Ray of LightMadonna – MusicJeff Goldblum – Night Blooms
Transcribe →The xx, Shyness is Nice, and the Sugababes Strategy
Jun 1100:29:31Tap 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
Jun 400:45:37Tap 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
May 2800:51:04Tap 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
May 2100:45:57Tap 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.ukAnd 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.ukAnd 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.ukAnd 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
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