Trainspotting soundtrack episode of Hot Press Classics out now - feat. Irvine Welsh

Hot Press Classics is back with its latest installement, focusing on the iconic soundtrack from the 1996 film Trainspotting.

In the episode, Paul Nolan examines the current state of the movie industry, observing its precarious landscape and the current lack of mid-budget projects.

In this context, Nolan also discusses the impact of films such as Danny Boyle's Trainspotting, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and the brilliance of its adaptation from Irvine Welsh's original gritty novel.

He also chats about the film's emsemble cast of characters, including the hard-bitten cynic Renton, the laddish schemer Sick Boy, the scrawny, harmless Spud, and Begbie, the group’s resident, Joe Pesci-style, ultra-violent psycho.

Additionally, Nolan offers an analysis of the film's iconic soundtrack, a masterclass in how to use pop, rock and dance as score, including tracks by Iggy Pop, Brian Eno, Lou Reed, and Underworld’s 'Born Slippy'.

To round off the interview, Nolan brings back an interview with Irvine Welsh from 2016, where the author discusses the character of Begbie, his years spent living in Ireland, and the debate surrounding the glamorisation of addiction in Trainspotting.

Hear about this and more in the new episode of Hot Press Classics, out now.

This episode was produced by Paul Nolan and edited by Flo Laurent.

Check it out below or on Apple Podcast: