Episode 7 of Alternative Colchester is a slightly longer and particularly special edition, as Steve Green and Tim Young are joined by Dr Anthony Roberts, Director of Colchester Arts Centre and committed Watford fan. Anthony brings not only a wealth of knowledge and passion for the arts but also an extremely eclectic record collection, and it's his choices that help shape one of the most musically adventurous episodes of the series so far. The episode runs a little longer than usual but when the conversation is this good and the music this interesting, why would you want it to end?

As Director of one of the country's most respected independent arts venues, Anthony has spent his career championing creativity and individuality with values that sit perfectly alongside everything this show stands for. His passion for music runs deep and broad, and his record selections take the show to some genuinely exciting and unexpected places, sitting beautifully alongside the punk touchstones that Steve and Tim bring to proceedings.

The football chat remains a cornerstone of the show, and with Anthony in the room there is plenty to get stuck into. Colchester United's latest exploits are examined with the usual mixture of passion, frustration, dark humour and undying loyalty, while Ipswich Town receive their customary thorough and entirely one way optimistic assessment. The Watford allegiance adds an entertaining extra dimension to the footballing banter, and the extended running time gives the conversation room to breathe and wander in the most enjoyable fashion.

The music is simply outstanding. Anthony's influence is felt immediately, as the selection stretches the boundaries of what Alternative Colchester listeners might expect while never losing the raw spirit that defines the show. The Yachts bring razor-sharp melodic new wave, while Pere Ubu represent the darker, avant-garde edge of the late seventies underground, a bold choice that speaks to Anthony's adventurous taste. The Cortinas represent the grittier, street-level end of the spectrum, Tom Robinson Band arrive sounding as urgent and vital as ever, and the wonderful Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers provides one of the episode's most joyful moments. The Clash need no introduction, and obviously Stiff Little Fingers are here too, because some things are simply non-negotiable. You'll need to listen in full to hear what else makes the playlist this time around.

Episode 7 is Alternative Colchester at its most expansive and culturally rich. The chemistry between Steve, Tim and Anthony is warm and natural throughout, and this is an episode that will delight long-time listeners and win plenty of new ones.

www.alternativecolchester.co.uk