BBC Archive Voices: Shirley Bassey - Interviews 1963 - 2009 is part of the BBC Archive Voices series from AudioGO, which presents interviews with key figures in the fields of entertainment, sport, politics and literature. Selected from the archives of BBC radio and television broadcasting, they offer a chance to hear compelling conversations from years ago. Some of the most lively, entertaining and informative encounters in BBC broadcasting, many of these interviews have not been heard since their original transmission...

In interviews ranging from 1963 to 2009, Shirley Bassey talks about her childhood in Tiger Bay; being a tomboy, and how she began her singing career. As well as clothes, concerts and controversially performing in Sun City (South Africa) she also talks in detail about her long career in showbusiness.

I have to admit to not really being a huge fan of Bassey's. I'm slightly too young to remember her being a popular entertainer. In fact if it wasn't for the points in her career when she was employed to sing Bond themes the name would probably mean very little to me.

Sadly I learned very little from listening to this audio recording - well, nothing of any real interest. I suspect Bassey fans will know everything she imparts here, so I'm not really sure who this release is aimed at.

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Nick Smithson