It started with ‘Jolene.' Someone uploaded a slowed-down version to YouTube – and the reaction was extraordinary. “The best thing on the internet.” “It just sounds… right.” Even Dolly Parton herself said, “I might have made a better male singer than a female singer”.

But ‘Jolene’ was just the beginning. Search for “slowed down to 33” (or similar), and you’ll find hundreds more examples of old 7-inch singles playing at 33rpm, rather than 45rpm. Some work well… some less so. Why? Does music of a particular era or genre produce the best results? Does it help if the songs are already familiar? Does the listener’s age make a difference?

As he turns 40 – perhaps he’s preoccupied with the idea of “slowing down time”? – radio producer Steve Urquhart tries to find out... and discovers some unexpected gems along the way.

Steve Urquhart has been producing radio for around twenty years. He’s created short-form and long-form features for BBC Radio 4 (where he’s also a continuity announcer) as well as BBC Radio 3, KCRW’s Unfictional, and In The Dark (UK). He’s won several awards for his pioneering work with National Prison Radio in the UK, and he teaches radio production skills. Steve is a composer, a pianist, and an occasional DJ. Find him on twitter @listentosteve.