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The Wonders of Weston-super-Mare

Kirsty Lang meets Karl Marlantes, whose Vietnam war novel is based on his own experiences in the US Marine Corps. Arcade Fire's new album reviewed.

With Kirsty Lang.

The Vietnam veteran Karl Marlantes discusses his novel Matterhorn which took 35 years in the making. He explains why he was determined to put his experiences on paper and how that helped him deal with his post-traumatic stress.

Arcade Fire's new album has been cited as the return of the saviours of rock. The Canadian septet's third album, The Suburbs, looks set to become number one in the album charts this week, having made a top 5 entry. So have the band created a 16 track masterpiece? Krissi Murison of NME reviews.

Front Row travels to Weston-super-Mare for the last in our series on seaside towns currently undergoing cultural regeneration. We find out about the forthcoming project Wonders of Weston which will see six permanent public artworks placed throughout the town, and hear about the re-opening of Weston's Grand Pier.
And author Travis Elborough, who grew up in Worthing on the Sussex coast and has written about the social history of the English seaside town, talks to Kirsty about our love affair with the seaside.

Producer Philippa Ritchie.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Fri 6 Aug 2010 19:15

Chapters

  • Karl Marlantes

    The Vietnam veteran Karl Marlantes discusses his novel.

    Duration: 11:17

  • Arcade Fire

    Krissi Murison of NME reviews the band's new album.

    Duration: 05:02

  • Regenerating British seaside towns - Weston-super-Mare

    A report on the cultural regeneration of Weston-super-Mare. And a round-up of the series from author Travis Elborough.

    Duration: 11:16

Broadcast

  • Fri 6 Aug 2010 19:15

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