Radio review: Evan Loves Tax

I do hope that Evan Loves Tax (Radio 4) is just the first in a new wave of revealing shows fronted by Today programme presenters. John Loves Kittens. James Loves Sausages. Justin Loves Hollyoaks. Sarah Loves Wrestling. Evan (pictured) – and when did he take on national-treasure single-name status? – is back doing what he does best, explaining complicated fiscal matters to us. In yesterday's programme he asked: "Are taxes too low to pay for the things we want to them to provide?" The answer (yes) was well constructed to include a very relevant bit of recent history from the 1992 election. Labour then made the mistake of holding a shadow budget and showing their plans to raise tax. It was, said Chris Patten, who was running the Conservative campaign, a "hats in the air moment". Labour lost and politicians ever since have dodged talking tax at election time. There were a couple of annoying interjections of music, used to mark sections of the programme. A bout of weird jazz drumming occluded one point entirely for me as all I could think about was where the drumming was coming from and why; and we had stirring piano-playing when 1992 was mentioned. I enjoyed Davis's trademark clear, bright way with the information, but that was an aural embellishment too far.