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Episode details

World Service,17 Mar 2013,55 mins

Available for over a year

The best of the world's arts, film, music and literature brought to you every day. Presented by Mark Coles. David Bowie His first album (or public appearance of any kind) in 10 years has been met by almost universal praise. We ask Dylan Jones, man obsessed as a young boy in the 70's by Bowie whether it's great, good or just so so. Look Who's Back Look Who's Back by Timur Vermes, is a work of fiction set in 2011. Narrated by Hitler. It has topped the bestseller lists in Germany for weeks. Is this clever satire or simple bad taste? Alien Revolution A new exhibition in London looks at humanity's long held fascination with visitors from outer space. How universal is it and what does it say about civilisation? Meklit Hadero The Ethiopian-American singer talks about her roots, her musical inspirations and how she came to create an Ethiopian hip hop space opera. Man Asian Booker Prize Maya Jaggi, chair of the judges, reveals the name of the winner of the Man Asian Prize, one of the most prestigious literary awards in Asia. Violin Makers The BBC's John Laurenson visits the Risoud Forest in the Jura Mountains and meets the French-Swiss men who can look at a tree and tell you if there's a violin inside. Sadik Alfraji The Iraqi artist discusses the problems of existence and explains why he's created a visual alter ego for himself called Kodo, a solitary figure who haunts his work. Dark Music Days Festival Fiona Talkington goes to Iceland to the Dark Music Days Festival and finds out what's going on in the music scene in the country. African Rock There seems to be a trend for western rock producers to work with prominent African musicians; is it a fad that helps both sides or a muddy unsatisfactory collaboration? Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images.

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