Show Notes
In this long-form conversation, producer and musician Bill Laswell reflects on the making of Album, the 1986 record by Public Image Ltd.
Laswell discusses how the project came together in New York, recording early tracks with legendary drummer Tony Williams, and later bringing in musicians including Ginger Baker, Steve Vai, Bernie Worrell, and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
He describes the recording process, the use of first takes, and the production philosophy behind the album’s distinctive sound. The conversation also explores how the music was constructed, the role of improvisation in the studio, and how different musicians helped shape the final record.
Laswell also addresses a long-circulating story that Miles Davis once appeared at the sessions. In the interview he explains that the visitor was actually Ornette Coleman, who briefly stopped by the studio but did not record. The anecdote has circulated in different forms over the years, and John Lydon also revisits the story in his memoir Anger Is an Energy: My Life Uncensored, where he reflects on the same period from his own perspective.
The result is a detailed look at one of the most unusual recording sessions of the 1980s and the creative decisions that shaped the album. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The Ireland Podcast
What happens when a young singer walks into a recording studio to work with Philip Glass, having never met the composer, heard the music or even seen the lyrics? In 1986, Bernard Fowler was invited to record Changing Opinion for Philip Glass's landmark album Songs from Liquid Days, with lyrics written by Paul Simon. Fowler recalls arriving at the studio terrified, repeating a rather colourful mantra to calm his nerves. After just a handful of takes, Glass appeared delighted with the performance.
After 292 days on the road, Jonathan Kemp reaches Galway, bringing his extraordinary Finding Peace of Mind Walk to an end.
In Part 2 of this extended conversation, former Irish Minister for Justice Alan Shatter continues his discussion with Fender Jackson about Israel, Gaza, antisemitism and Ireland's relationship with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On Sunday, 11 October 2026, Fender Jackson visited Garvaghy Road following the end of the latest Drumcree standoff.
What is the difference between feeling low and clinical depression? When does an inner critic become destructive? How do psychologists arrive at a diagnosis? And what does good mental health treatment actually look like?