Sunday 27 October 2013

Transmission Information

You can also visit the Mixcloud website to listen again to each transmission.

On that page is some synopsis information of the overall set of transmissions and a synopsis for each individual one -

Overall Description

Broadcast on NTS, shows from www.RadioStraka.com – an Homage to a towering figure of early 20th Century literature and culture.

Remote broadcasts on poignant themes from the 17th Century Atlantic trade between Bermuda and the Azores, the Tolpuddle Martyrs, Labour strikes in the early 20th Century, the life and work of photographer Herbert List, the trickster gods of classical myths, legends, and folk tales from around the world, a random potted history of Sao Paolo in 1959, conspiracy theories about the World Cup, the plight of indigenous peoples, fashion trends in footwear, and the War on Terror.

A unique, informative, and often baffling sojourn filled with rare and peculiar insights into the alternate history of the early 20th century.

Drenched in music curated by Jonny Trunk and Sean McAuliffe, from the earliest wax cylinder recordings to modern times, from all corners of the globe, the sea, space and beyond....


Transmission 1

Dancing about architecture, and radio about a photograph. Today we use the music of Canteloube, Gurdieff and traditional sea shanties to discuss the photographic work of Herbert List and its relevance to the depths of the ocean and the heights of VM Straka’s prose.

What are the tides that pull on the soul of man? How do they sound?

Soon you will know.

Transmission 2

"An introduction to Propaganda of the Deed, followed by a history of the Labour Movement and stories of the 1912 strikes in Britain, America, Australia, and France.

Music related to and influenced by Industry, Labour Movement, Miner's strikes and struggle: featuring 1930s and 1940s field recordings, Worker's Song by Dick Gaughan, and a 1942 Gracie Fields recording of The Thing-ummy-bob (That’s Gonna Win The War), Vintage European Electronica, 80s Avant-Garde Pop Jazz, Traditional Aboriginal Music, Gonwanaland, and French Library Synthersizer compositions. "

Transmission 3

A journey into Brazil in the late 1950s. Including stories about Cacareco the rhinoceros, the Sao Paolo Bienale, and various theories on the Brazilian associations of V.M. Straka, including UFO abductions, the World Cup, plight of Indigenous Amerindian peoples, and trends in contemporary fashion.

Music related to and influenced by Brazil, Africa, Birds, Football, UFO's and Fashion: Bossa, Samba, Brazilian Soul, Tribal Drumming, Jazz, Funk, Country and Blues.

Transmission 4

Our presenter weaves a quixotic narrative from myths, legends, and folk tales of tricksters from around the world: Hermes, Theseus, Anansi, Brae Rabbit, Aesop’s Fables, Sun Wukong, and Hanuman.

A musical score including movements of classical Greek, Chinese, and Indian music, interspersed with African Electronic Jazz, Afro-Blues, German experimental, and Hawaiian Classics.

Transmission 5

A considered historical view of terrorism throughout the last century with questions about State Terrorism, life on board ships in the 17th Century, and a passionate closing homage to V.M. Straka.

Music related to and influenced by War, the struggle against the capital, the IRA, British military conflict and the Sea: 50 years of music, ranging from early wax cylinder recordings, sea shanties, classical compositions, Traditional Irish/Afgahan folk, contemporary British Folk, 40's Jazz, 60's Soundtracks, and Anti-oppression African and American Soul.




We will update this post when the other transmissions are completed, but listening live to Radio Straka is definitely an experience not to be missed !