Tonight went really well, the first Blam Jam show I'm happy with
as nothing went horrendously wrong.
Apart from the jokes of course.
Before the show there were two lovely girls presenting before
me, Emily and Helen with "That's So Random" which used to be
on Tuesdays between 6 and 7pm but they've now been given
a longer slot on Sunday afternoons.
At one point they chatted about Roger Fedderer always winning
tournaments and not giving anyone a chance, and I decided to pick
up on that at the start of my show by stealing a gag about
John Terry posted by Matty ID on Facebook.
I won't be surprised if he repeats that on his show
with Manish tomorrow.
I'm still missing you two.
I've been a gag magpie all night to be honest as my Facebook
status on event RSVPs was stolen from a comment
made by Steven last week.
During the show itself I managed to find out about the new
Barclaycard ad which I wouldn't say is better but is on the same level
as the flume.
This time it involves a rollercoaster and obviously, that would
have me turned on instantly.
And there's also a really good song to accompany it which in this
case I'd say is a lot better than "Let Your Love Flow".
Surely this is a good excuse to get Boston in the Top 10?
Number 1 would be a dream come true.
Good Night.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
"GOOOAAAL!"
This video has been a source of hilarity for myself
and a few like minded individuals since Matty Deller posted
it on Manish's Facebook profile.
From "The Day Today" Alan Partridge's Countdown To World Cup '94 which is hilarious end of.
An example of "How not to commentate"
I personally find it funny because of the music used as it's typical
of what you'd hear on goal montages on Grandstand or Match Of The Day
back then, and it's just symbolic of what TV was like in the early 90s.
And of course the swearing for the sake of it as the clip builds up.
I always remember there being a massive hype around the 1994 World Cup
despite the England team not qualifying. I reckon quite a few people
were backing Ireland although it will be more memorable for Denis Cadogan's
I mean, John Aldridge's outburst.
And for any new readers, Denis was a fellow Uni student also from Ireland
who bears a striking resemblance.
I'm certain a lot of you will have seen this already, but it's also worth
posting the highlight of last Tuesday's Newswipe where Charlie Brooker
sends up the concept of lazily edited news reports.
It's made me worry to an extent that my music review podcasts
are following a similar structure.
But then again I'd be more than happy if someone had the guts
to rip the piss out of them.
If anyone one knows of a better way for me to proceed my Number 1 album
of the Year rather than using the rocket sting from The ITV Chart Show,
I'd be more than happy for suggestions.
and a few like minded individuals since Matty Deller posted
it on Manish's Facebook profile.
From "The Day Today" Alan Partridge's Countdown To World Cup '94 which is hilarious end of.
An example of "How not to commentate"
I personally find it funny because of the music used as it's typical
of what you'd hear on goal montages on Grandstand or Match Of The Day
back then, and it's just symbolic of what TV was like in the early 90s.
And of course the swearing for the sake of it as the clip builds up.
I always remember there being a massive hype around the 1994 World Cup
despite the England team not qualifying. I reckon quite a few people
were backing Ireland although it will be more memorable for Denis Cadogan's
I mean, John Aldridge's outburst.
And for any new readers, Denis was a fellow Uni student also from Ireland
who bears a striking resemblance.
I'm certain a lot of you will have seen this already, but it's also worth
posting the highlight of last Tuesday's Newswipe where Charlie Brooker
sends up the concept of lazily edited news reports.
It's made me worry to an extent that my music review podcasts
are following a similar structure.
But then again I'd be more than happy if someone had the guts
to rip the piss out of them.
If anyone one knows of a better way for me to proceed my Number 1 album
of the Year rather than using the rocket sting from The ITV Chart Show,
I'd be more than happy for suggestions.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
One Line=Unlimited Laughs
I was pretty much back and forth in Canterbury buying various supplies to
keep me going this weekend whilst Mum and Dad are still away.
One of which being a bottle of VS Tropical, no idea what the "S"
stands for.
I'm going to have to cut down in February.
I say this every month and normally end up failing, but if it involves
travelling to London for potential work related stuff it's worth the money
for just trying.
Only one gig in the city in 02/10, that being Richard Herring's Hitler Moustache
this coming Tuesday.
Hopefully after the show I'll be able to get another photo with Rich,
this time with the tache but overall it's just an excuse to crack up
and forget about everything.
I've got to book the hotel for that.
Bugger.
Done now, a pretty cheap room at a hotel near Hyde Park at £32.
On the subject of photos, I forgot to bring my camera with me
to the Sunburst Band gig and only just realised on arriving in
Camden itself.
I wasn't too fussed, as despite his credentials, a photo of me
with Holly Willoughby means a lot more than that of being stood
with Dave Lee.
As planned, tonight consisted of a really nice offering from Dominos
and watching Jimmy Carr's "Telling Jokes" DVD as recorded in Bloomsbury.
My favourite gag was one about running over a child with a cymbal.
I'll let you guess the punchline.
As well as that were jokes based on the usual taboo subjects and
quite a lot of jokes ripping the piss out of McDonalds which nailed
another thing I miss about London.
The fact that McDonalds is the first port of call when I need the
loo in public.
As is always the case, the plan for tomorrow is to make something
a lot more comforting tomorrow lunchtime, that being an "unprocessed"
chicken stew, again with stock cubes and herbs I haven't used before
as it worked brilliantly last time round.
That being to the point where I actually want to eat every single
grain of rice that's left on my plate.
As Robbie Vincent's on tomorrow morning, and due to a lack of DABs
in the house, I probably won't start cooking until 1pm.
The good news however (that's an ironic statement) is that the
radio show's sorted for tomorrow where I plan to include one from
the most recent album by The Bird and The Bee, a hilarious moog cover
of a Green Day classic, and one of Incognito's tracks from the "Eleven"
album "Will I Ever Learn".
An excuse for another song which definitely matches my current situation
Jiva and "I Realised".
You'll work it out instantly.
Good Night.
keep me going this weekend whilst Mum and Dad are still away.
One of which being a bottle of VS Tropical, no idea what the "S"
stands for.
I'm going to have to cut down in February.
I say this every month and normally end up failing, but if it involves
travelling to London for potential work related stuff it's worth the money
for just trying.
Only one gig in the city in 02/10, that being Richard Herring's Hitler Moustache
this coming Tuesday.
Hopefully after the show I'll be able to get another photo with Rich,
this time with the tache but overall it's just an excuse to crack up
and forget about everything.
I've got to book the hotel for that.
Bugger.
Done now, a pretty cheap room at a hotel near Hyde Park at £32.
On the subject of photos, I forgot to bring my camera with me
to the Sunburst Band gig and only just realised on arriving in
Camden itself.
I wasn't too fussed, as despite his credentials, a photo of me
with Holly Willoughby means a lot more than that of being stood
with Dave Lee.
As planned, tonight consisted of a really nice offering from Dominos
and watching Jimmy Carr's "Telling Jokes" DVD as recorded in Bloomsbury.
My favourite gag was one about running over a child with a cymbal.
I'll let you guess the punchline.
As well as that were jokes based on the usual taboo subjects and
quite a lot of jokes ripping the piss out of McDonalds which nailed
another thing I miss about London.
The fact that McDonalds is the first port of call when I need the
loo in public.
As is always the case, the plan for tomorrow is to make something
a lot more comforting tomorrow lunchtime, that being an "unprocessed"
chicken stew, again with stock cubes and herbs I haven't used before
as it worked brilliantly last time round.
That being to the point where I actually want to eat every single
grain of rice that's left on my plate.
As Robbie Vincent's on tomorrow morning, and due to a lack of DABs
in the house, I probably won't start cooking until 1pm.
The good news however (that's an ironic statement) is that the
radio show's sorted for tomorrow where I plan to include one from
the most recent album by The Bird and The Bee, a hilarious moog cover
of a Green Day classic, and one of Incognito's tracks from the "Eleven"
album "Will I Ever Learn".
An excuse for another song which definitely matches my current situation
Jiva and "I Realised".
You'll work it out instantly.
Good Night.
"Ain't Nothing Left In This Whole World I Care About"
Last night was full proof that it is possible to forget about everything
that isn't too good in my current conditions, and let my hair down
(and put out my throat).
Angsts, concerns, crushes, they just didn't appear present at all, as myself
and Stephen enjoyed the impressive performance by The Sunburst Band
which was a stellar line up including Julian Crampton on bass and Tony Remy
and his talking guitar.
Proof that Joey Negro knows where to go to get the best musicians as
both Julian and Tony have performed (and still do) with acts such as
Incognito and Matt Bianco.
On vocals were the gorgeous Donna Gardier, and Pete Simpson who
I had no idea actually hailed from Yorkshire.
The man himself explained that it was the reason for keeping a quiet
presence on stage in between the songs.
The set itself was amazing with favourites including "Fly Away", "Rough Times"
"Sitting On Top Of The World" and the cover of David Bowie's "Fashion"
which got one girl stood near me really excited to the point of screaming.
Straight afterwards was the anticipated DJ set from J-N himself and Yam Who
where they span some absolute gems.
One of them being the title of this post, a specially edited version of
"Use It Up and Wear It Out" by Odyssey which actually worked really well
partly because they'd taken out the slide whistles and silly noises out
of the song.
Other, (I'm not sure what you can call them, "bangers" wouldn't really be appropriate) stunners included Mario Biondi's "This Is What You Are" which as expected went really well with the punters, and Kid Creole's
"I'm A Wonderful Thing Baby" proving he was the Lou Bega of his day.
Although we were both in awe, Stephen was rather weary that no EWF tracks had been played, but in the last half hour of the set, both us us went crazy
when Joey started spinning what has to be my favourite Earth Wind and Fire record "Runnin".
We also met a few nice women who were boogieing including a rather flirty one
in a red and black striped dress who's name I misheard when asking.
All I do know is that she's a Wolverhampton Wanderers fan and when she
revealed so, it lead to me exclaiming "Beverley Knight!"
It was the girl who brought up the subject first as I wouldn't
normally go into asking people's favourite teams in fear of rejection.
That's to the point of if you told me you supported Arsenal or
Liverpool you would get jeered, but in a jokey manner.
The last record played was "Oh Lori" by The Alessi Brothers which despite
it's sugar coated style fitted in with the "house lights being switched on"
mood of proceedings and proof that it was worth sticking around for
the whole hog.
We must do it again later in the year.
Getting to the hotel wasn't a problem as I ended up walking from Camden
to Kings Cross.
It was when I approached the Koko Club near Mornington Crescent tube
that I knew exactly where I was going having been to the club
for Emma Picton's birthday last August.
It's given more motivation for a personal preference, that should
I move to London I'd really be at home living in North London
in terms of gig venues.
And not just gig venues, it's so easy to get to places such as Domino's
and KFC at short notice and indulge in "booze food" without
feeling guilty doing so.
And according to fellow resident Jonathan Ross, North London is
also really good when it comes to fish and chips, which from my
perspective is all down to because it's in "North" London.
I'd be spoilt for fucking choice although I'm sort of covered tonight
as I plan to order a Domino's pepperoni passion.
I only really order takeway meals (well just Domino's on it's own) when
the house is my own as I get self concious about being anti-social.
Especially with the idiots who insist on taking their brown paper bag
vulgarities onto trains that instead of me thinking
"I want what they're having" bring to mind "I want to fucking retch"
Overall, last night was another insight in to why I've
"Got to keep on striving".
that isn't too good in my current conditions, and let my hair down
(and put out my throat).
Angsts, concerns, crushes, they just didn't appear present at all, as myself
and Stephen enjoyed the impressive performance by The Sunburst Band
which was a stellar line up including Julian Crampton on bass and Tony Remy
and his talking guitar.
Proof that Joey Negro knows where to go to get the best musicians as
both Julian and Tony have performed (and still do) with acts such as
Incognito and Matt Bianco.
On vocals were the gorgeous Donna Gardier, and Pete Simpson who
I had no idea actually hailed from Yorkshire.
The man himself explained that it was the reason for keeping a quiet
presence on stage in between the songs.
The set itself was amazing with favourites including "Fly Away", "Rough Times"
"Sitting On Top Of The World" and the cover of David Bowie's "Fashion"
which got one girl stood near me really excited to the point of screaming.
Straight afterwards was the anticipated DJ set from J-N himself and Yam Who
where they span some absolute gems.
One of them being the title of this post, a specially edited version of
"Use It Up and Wear It Out" by Odyssey which actually worked really well
partly because they'd taken out the slide whistles and silly noises out
of the song.
Other, (I'm not sure what you can call them, "bangers" wouldn't really be appropriate) stunners included Mario Biondi's "This Is What You Are" which as expected went really well with the punters, and Kid Creole's
"I'm A Wonderful Thing Baby" proving he was the Lou Bega of his day.
Although we were both in awe, Stephen was rather weary that no EWF tracks had been played, but in the last half hour of the set, both us us went crazy
when Joey started spinning what has to be my favourite Earth Wind and Fire record "Runnin".
We also met a few nice women who were boogieing including a rather flirty one
in a red and black striped dress who's name I misheard when asking.
All I do know is that she's a Wolverhampton Wanderers fan and when she
revealed so, it lead to me exclaiming "Beverley Knight!"
It was the girl who brought up the subject first as I wouldn't
normally go into asking people's favourite teams in fear of rejection.
That's to the point of if you told me you supported Arsenal or
Liverpool you would get jeered, but in a jokey manner.
The last record played was "Oh Lori" by The Alessi Brothers which despite
it's sugar coated style fitted in with the "house lights being switched on"
mood of proceedings and proof that it was worth sticking around for
the whole hog.
We must do it again later in the year.
Getting to the hotel wasn't a problem as I ended up walking from Camden
to Kings Cross.
It was when I approached the Koko Club near Mornington Crescent tube
that I knew exactly where I was going having been to the club
for Emma Picton's birthday last August.
It's given more motivation for a personal preference, that should
I move to London I'd really be at home living in North London
in terms of gig venues.
And not just gig venues, it's so easy to get to places such as Domino's
and KFC at short notice and indulge in "booze food" without
feeling guilty doing so.
And according to fellow resident Jonathan Ross, North London is
also really good when it comes to fish and chips, which from my
perspective is all down to because it's in "North" London.
I'd be spoilt for fucking choice although I'm sort of covered tonight
as I plan to order a Domino's pepperoni passion.
I only really order takeway meals (well just Domino's on it's own) when
the house is my own as I get self concious about being anti-social.
Especially with the idiots who insist on taking their brown paper bag
vulgarities onto trains that instead of me thinking
"I want what they're having" bring to mind "I want to fucking retch"
Overall, last night was another insight in to why I've
"Got to keep on striving".
Friday, January 29, 2010
"#Don't Think About It, Just Do It"
I had quite a late one yesterday.
A lot of it spent re-viewing the 2009 Big Fat Quiz which had me trying
hard not to wake the rest of the house with my laughter.
When watching a video on my laptop, it's easy to be distracted and
at one point I noticed contestant Claudia Winkelman going "Ay-Ay-Ay-Ay!".
If it reminded me of anyone it was the robot Alpha 5 from the
Power Rangers, and after a Youtube search for him I started
to realise that villain Rita Repulsa actually looked rather attractive.
So what's the plan for today pre-London?
Nothing specific, although I may finally get round to listening to an
LP I've been meaning to play for a few years now "Strings Of Life"
by Cheiko Kinbara.
What you could call soulful house with violins.
Between 3 and 5pm it's Grooveline on Blast with Stephen who I hope
to be meeting up with before heading to the Jazz Cafe tonight.
I imagine it will be the usual premise of booze at the Oxford Arms
before heading straight over and oh my, they've sold out tonight
so we'd best get there in good timing.
Dave Lee AKA Joey Negro will be doing a DJ set afterwards so
I may stick around for that although I may need to get some
extra bob out in hope of getting a cab to Argyle Square
where my hotel is.
I'll probably end up getting up early as whenever I stay overnight
in London on a Saturday, I have to get back before 11am
so I can listen to that morning's Fighting Talk on 5 Live.
And I know it's on iPlayer/podcast but the show just
fits in well with that time of the morning.
Mum and Dad are away this weekend so the plan for tomorrow evening
will be a lie down in the front room enjoying a Domino's Pepperoni Passion
and a few glasses of tropical rum in front of Jimmy Carr's latest DVD.
I can't get enough of him it seems, although I reckon the stand up
itself for obvious reasons won't include Carr's infamous laugh.
Collapsing in hysterics is the only way of escaping from
the downsides of living in Canterbury as you forget about everything.
There's so many songs or even whole albums I find it hard to
listen to because they remind me too much of London and people
I know from London, which can be effective on an emotional level.
Especially any obscure soul/disco stuff from the late 70s early 80s
which I reckon Joey will be spinning tonight.
Slowly but surely, there will be a way out. That's the way to go about it.
A lot of it spent re-viewing the 2009 Big Fat Quiz which had me trying
hard not to wake the rest of the house with my laughter.
When watching a video on my laptop, it's easy to be distracted and
at one point I noticed contestant Claudia Winkelman going "Ay-Ay-Ay-Ay!".
If it reminded me of anyone it was the robot Alpha 5 from the
Power Rangers, and after a Youtube search for him I started
to realise that villain Rita Repulsa actually looked rather attractive.
So what's the plan for today pre-London?
Nothing specific, although I may finally get round to listening to an
LP I've been meaning to play for a few years now "Strings Of Life"
by Cheiko Kinbara.
What you could call soulful house with violins.
Between 3 and 5pm it's Grooveline on Blast with Stephen who I hope
to be meeting up with before heading to the Jazz Cafe tonight.
I imagine it will be the usual premise of booze at the Oxford Arms
before heading straight over and oh my, they've sold out tonight
so we'd best get there in good timing.
Dave Lee AKA Joey Negro will be doing a DJ set afterwards so
I may stick around for that although I may need to get some
extra bob out in hope of getting a cab to Argyle Square
where my hotel is.
I'll probably end up getting up early as whenever I stay overnight
in London on a Saturday, I have to get back before 11am
so I can listen to that morning's Fighting Talk on 5 Live.
And I know it's on iPlayer/podcast but the show just
fits in well with that time of the morning.
Mum and Dad are away this weekend so the plan for tomorrow evening
will be a lie down in the front room enjoying a Domino's Pepperoni Passion
and a few glasses of tropical rum in front of Jimmy Carr's latest DVD.
I can't get enough of him it seems, although I reckon the stand up
itself for obvious reasons won't include Carr's infamous laugh.
Collapsing in hysterics is the only way of escaping from
the downsides of living in Canterbury as you forget about everything.
There's so many songs or even whole albums I find it hard to
listen to because they remind me too much of London and people
I know from London, which can be effective on an emotional level.
Especially any obscure soul/disco stuff from the late 70s early 80s
which I reckon Joey will be spinning tonight.
Slowly but surely, there will be a way out. That's the way to go about it.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Mocking Birds Return To Roost
I'm pretty much set for London tomorrow evening.
Tonight's Mock The Week managed to provide the perfect
warm up by allowing me to forget all angsts and have
a good laugh, and a bit of a cry in places for hysterical reasons.
Personal highlights were Dara's Jolly Green Giant gag during a
chat about the Cadbury takeover, and Andy Parson's suggestion
for "Things You Wouldn't Hear At An Awards Ceremony";
"And now onto the award for Best Suicide Bomber.
I'm afraid the winner can't be here tonight..."
Following my earlier comments Sarah Millican proved that
she really is Caroline Opacic with glasses and a South Shields accent.
I'll spare Caroline the embarrassment by displaying an image double
but also because I'm rubbish at using Photoshop.
However to stick to my "strengths", one thing I've noticed
is the show's theme tune AKA "News Of The World" by The Jam
and how the end of the song has four beats and guitar stabs
in time with each other to give it a hard ending.
I find it impossible not to tap along with it when watching it on
television and it immediately brought to mind the similarities
it has with that of Blockbusters.
For further proof listen to this example, putting two and two together.
Obviously The Jam were first, as "News Of The World" was written
5 years before Bob Holness became a stalwart of teatime viewing.
That could be a potential title for when they do the
Stand Up Round on the show; "MockBusters"
As if the ones they come up with on the television show
aren't bad enough.
I may have a lie in tomorrow as nothing's really happening prior
to my set off time of 5pm.
I'm really hoping it won't be pissing it down like last time
in November at the Tortured Soul gig.
Well outside the Jazz Cafe, it wasn't an open air gig.
Come to think of it the Regents Park open air theatre could have
a bit of life added to it now and again with similar acts.
As for tonight, I'll see in the small hours with Soundscapes on CSR
with Andrew and have a further rummage in search of more laughs.
Here's hoping I don't wake anyone up.
Good Night.
Tonight's Mock The Week managed to provide the perfect
warm up by allowing me to forget all angsts and have
a good laugh, and a bit of a cry in places for hysterical reasons.
Personal highlights were Dara's Jolly Green Giant gag during a
chat about the Cadbury takeover, and Andy Parson's suggestion
for "Things You Wouldn't Hear At An Awards Ceremony";
"And now onto the award for Best Suicide Bomber.
I'm afraid the winner can't be here tonight..."
Following my earlier comments Sarah Millican proved that
she really is Caroline Opacic with glasses and a South Shields accent.
I'll spare Caroline the embarrassment by displaying an image double
but also because I'm rubbish at using Photoshop.
However to stick to my "strengths", one thing I've noticed
is the show's theme tune AKA "News Of The World" by The Jam
and how the end of the song has four beats and guitar stabs
in time with each other to give it a hard ending.
I find it impossible not to tap along with it when watching it on
television and it immediately brought to mind the similarities
it has with that of Blockbusters.
For further proof listen to this example, putting two and two together.
Obviously The Jam were first, as "News Of The World" was written
5 years before Bob Holness became a stalwart of teatime viewing.
That could be a potential title for when they do the
Stand Up Round on the show; "MockBusters"
As if the ones they come up with on the television show
aren't bad enough.
I may have a lie in tomorrow as nothing's really happening prior
to my set off time of 5pm.
I'm really hoping it won't be pissing it down like last time
in November at the Tortured Soul gig.
Well outside the Jazz Cafe, it wasn't an open air gig.
Come to think of it the Regents Park open air theatre could have
a bit of life added to it now and again with similar acts.
As for tonight, I'll see in the small hours with Soundscapes on CSR
with Andrew and have a further rummage in search of more laughs.
Here's hoping I don't wake anyone up.
Good Night.
Why Did I Leave?
I've wondered whether to publish this at a later date after the
Sunburst Band gig tomorrow evening but I tend to have second thoughts
so I decided it would be best to write it down now in hope that
things may become more steadily stable by tomorrow.
The recurring status from any social networking site has prompted
the question "Why Didn't I Stay In London?"
There's many answers to that question.
Part of the reason is because I've always felt that Mum and Dad
haven't really given me the supportive advice into making the right way
into doing so.
I've argued about this many times with them and they've stated
that I've refused to take their advice.
The only problem is that they always want to end it on a down point
as to discourage me from fulfilling my ambition.
I am fully aware that in order to live in the city I need a stable job
and as mentioned ever yesterday or Tuesday, I am extremely stubborn
at going for easy earners.
And when I say easy earners, I mean retail based jobs or even worse
bar jobs or fast food jobs of a serving capacity.
In fact I will remove the last example out of the question altogether
I won't discuss it again because it has me feeling even worse.
My main reasons for not wanting to go for those sorts of jobs
are that they take too much time from a potential social life
at evenings and weekends, and leave you feeling so exhausted
you can't think of anything else.
As well as discouraging from attempting to apply for
jobs that I would prefer to be working in.
It also distracts you from what's really happening outside and in
the real world as to get a job in my preferred choice of career i.e.
broadcasting they want me to be on top of things and know
exactly what's happening.
I spent three years in a part time role at ASDA before University
and even two days there felt like a fucking week.
Hell knows what five days outside office hours on a shop floor
would do to me, and if I'm being honest it would make me
feel a lot worse than I am now come to think of it.
I would spend every night in tears constantly because of others
in better positions than me, and the fact that I may never see them
again.
My whole life would end up becoming Tesco, BHS, M&S wherever
and it would be an absolute pain.
I fully understand that jobs have perks.
Yes it would keep money at a more steady position and earn
me more than I'm earning now, and yes it could improve my abilities
in working as a team.
But let's face it, there are a lot of idiots who work in such places
of employment, more so in retail than in data entry, which is the only
other area of employement I feel I would be capable of getting work in.
In all fairness I should have spent a lot more time 12 months ago planning
ahead rather than finding it hard to let go of angsts caused by people
who had left Uni months ago.
It took time for me to get over them and I imagine it's taking
time now for me to rebuild myself but I'm still trying.
Already an interview has been arranged in the third week of February
for a possible 6 month position at The Kent County Council
and I'm also looking into an admin/typist role at the offices of
Charlton Athletic football club that was recommended to me this morning
at the Job Centre.
I keep going on about there being no one in Canterbury to keep me
assured but I guess the main problem is that I went to secondary
school in Faversham, the pupils there (and I won't use asterisks because I think it's perfectly justified) were utter cunts, and the classroom assistants
were the only people I could talk to properly.
In some cases they became crushes to the same extent
that I'm going through now.
But I know that I can get over them as I did and if I was to meet
up with any of them now, there wouldn't be any envy whatsoever.
And as for those at College, a lot of them who I was close to
have also done the right thing and have moved to London.
Only that they've got steady jobs in post-production or wherever
to keep them going.
I even prefer watching television on my own in London,
as this time last year I seemed to be transfixed on shows such
as Dancing On Ice, The X Factor, Live At The Apollo, whereas
this year viewing such shows in the confines of Canterbury
seems to lack that buzz.
Possibly because such shows were shot within London itself
and it gives you more of a feeling of being involved.
I would more than happily give up my radio show on CSR if
the opportunity arose to return to London with a stable job and
social time to balance it out.
And I would be more willing to establish new bonds with people
in London because there is a hell of a lot more out there
of interest that's different, when compared to Canterbury.
It's weird to think that I have probably three different circles of friends
in London, whereas in Canterbury there's absolutely fuck all.
I imagine the only way to make them last is to carry on talking
to them, and be honest about things because empty holes
may emerge when least expected.
I was born in London, my happiest times have been spent there,
and I've more than realised that I have to work as
hard as I can in order to "go back where I fucking came from".
Sunburst Band gig tomorrow evening but I tend to have second thoughts
so I decided it would be best to write it down now in hope that
things may become more steadily stable by tomorrow.
The recurring status from any social networking site has prompted
the question "Why Didn't I Stay In London?"
There's many answers to that question.
Part of the reason is because I've always felt that Mum and Dad
haven't really given me the supportive advice into making the right way
into doing so.
I've argued about this many times with them and they've stated
that I've refused to take their advice.
The only problem is that they always want to end it on a down point
as to discourage me from fulfilling my ambition.
I am fully aware that in order to live in the city I need a stable job
and as mentioned ever yesterday or Tuesday, I am extremely stubborn
at going for easy earners.
And when I say easy earners, I mean retail based jobs or even worse
bar jobs or fast food jobs of a serving capacity.
In fact I will remove the last example out of the question altogether
I won't discuss it again because it has me feeling even worse.
My main reasons for not wanting to go for those sorts of jobs
are that they take too much time from a potential social life
at evenings and weekends, and leave you feeling so exhausted
you can't think of anything else.
As well as discouraging from attempting to apply for
jobs that I would prefer to be working in.
It also distracts you from what's really happening outside and in
the real world as to get a job in my preferred choice of career i.e.
broadcasting they want me to be on top of things and know
exactly what's happening.
I spent three years in a part time role at ASDA before University
and even two days there felt like a fucking week.
Hell knows what five days outside office hours on a shop floor
would do to me, and if I'm being honest it would make me
feel a lot worse than I am now come to think of it.
I would spend every night in tears constantly because of others
in better positions than me, and the fact that I may never see them
again.
My whole life would end up becoming Tesco, BHS, M&S wherever
and it would be an absolute pain.
I fully understand that jobs have perks.
Yes it would keep money at a more steady position and earn
me more than I'm earning now, and yes it could improve my abilities
in working as a team.
But let's face it, there are a lot of idiots who work in such places
of employment, more so in retail than in data entry, which is the only
other area of employement I feel I would be capable of getting work in.
In all fairness I should have spent a lot more time 12 months ago planning
ahead rather than finding it hard to let go of angsts caused by people
who had left Uni months ago.
It took time for me to get over them and I imagine it's taking
time now for me to rebuild myself but I'm still trying.
Already an interview has been arranged in the third week of February
for a possible 6 month position at The Kent County Council
and I'm also looking into an admin/typist role at the offices of
Charlton Athletic football club that was recommended to me this morning
at the Job Centre.
I keep going on about there being no one in Canterbury to keep me
assured but I guess the main problem is that I went to secondary
school in Faversham, the pupils there (and I won't use asterisks because I think it's perfectly justified) were utter cunts, and the classroom assistants
were the only people I could talk to properly.
In some cases they became crushes to the same extent
that I'm going through now.
But I know that I can get over them as I did and if I was to meet
up with any of them now, there wouldn't be any envy whatsoever.
And as for those at College, a lot of them who I was close to
have also done the right thing and have moved to London.
Only that they've got steady jobs in post-production or wherever
to keep them going.
I even prefer watching television on my own in London,
as this time last year I seemed to be transfixed on shows such
as Dancing On Ice, The X Factor, Live At The Apollo, whereas
this year viewing such shows in the confines of Canterbury
seems to lack that buzz.
Possibly because such shows were shot within London itself
and it gives you more of a feeling of being involved.
I would more than happily give up my radio show on CSR if
the opportunity arose to return to London with a stable job and
social time to balance it out.
And I would be more willing to establish new bonds with people
in London because there is a hell of a lot more out there
of interest that's different, when compared to Canterbury.
It's weird to think that I have probably three different circles of friends
in London, whereas in Canterbury there's absolutely fuck all.
I imagine the only way to make them last is to carry on talking
to them, and be honest about things because empty holes
may emerge when least expected.
I was born in London, my happiest times have been spent there,
and I've more than realised that I have to work as
hard as I can in order to "go back where I fucking came from".
Clucked Up
Again, I didn't get up at the planned time, but on pushing myself
I made my way over to the Eliot College via the Unibus at 8:30am.
Taking one of my spare external hard drives really helped this time round,
meaning that I didn't have to go through all the nonsense of uploading
the show.
The final Celebrity Big Brother has passed me by this year, but I couldn't
avoid watching Davina entering the house herself in her chicken outfit
last night.
That really was worth viewing but from my point of view, in the possiblity
of getting rumbled I was expecting JK and Joel to burst out and reveal
to the other celebrities that CBB was a cover show for their new
series of "Hider In The House".
Anyone who doesn't have children currently aged 12 or under will have
no idea what that refers to.
The highlight of tonight's viewing will be Mock The Week where one of this
week's guests is Geordie comic Sarah Millican.
I swear that she's a long lost relative of fellow alumni Caroline
as Caz shares some of her mannerisms, has a similar voice bar her
Newcastle accent, and has recently dyed her hair an even darker shade
than last week.
Sarah has quite a sweet laugh as well although that doesn't mean she can't provide the laughs herself as this gem from her last appearance proved;
Answer: "175 Billion"
Sarah: "Is the question 'If you include bitches, how many problems
does Jay-Z actually have?"
(BBC 2, 17.09.2009)
Best to get on with other stuff, including more spice and powder purchasing.
I made my way over to the Eliot College via the Unibus at 8:30am.
Taking one of my spare external hard drives really helped this time round,
meaning that I didn't have to go through all the nonsense of uploading
the show.
The final Celebrity Big Brother has passed me by this year, but I couldn't
avoid watching Davina entering the house herself in her chicken outfit
last night.
That really was worth viewing but from my point of view, in the possiblity
of getting rumbled I was expecting JK and Joel to burst out and reveal
to the other celebrities that CBB was a cover show for their new
series of "Hider In The House".
Anyone who doesn't have children currently aged 12 or under will have
no idea what that refers to.
The highlight of tonight's viewing will be Mock The Week where one of this
week's guests is Geordie comic Sarah Millican.
I swear that she's a long lost relative of fellow alumni Caroline
as Caz shares some of her mannerisms, has a similar voice bar her
Newcastle accent, and has recently dyed her hair an even darker shade
than last week.
Sarah has quite a sweet laugh as well although that doesn't mean she can't provide the laughs herself as this gem from her last appearance proved;
Answer: "175 Billion"
Sarah: "Is the question 'If you include bitches, how many problems
does Jay-Z actually have?"
(BBC 2, 17.09.2009)
Best to get on with other stuff, including more spice and powder purchasing.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Once To Camden
In an attempt to be as productive as possible, I aim to head over to
the University Campus pretty early tomorrow to have as best chance as
ever of getting the audio from last Sunday's show off the CSR log.
Then I plan to head over to Morrisons to get a few things for
tomorrow evening as I'm doing my own cooking once again.
Actually I almost forgot, I have an appointment with the disability officer
at the Job Centre as well so hopefully that will come in useful.
I was going to make an early visit to Camden to see standout
Uni band "I Am One" performing but judging by what's happened
over the last few weeks and worries of insecurity, I'll give it a miss.
It's for the best, nothing against Ollie and Jamie, but I'd rather
pace myself ahead of Friday.
And if I'm being honest, when an event is being constantly
plugged on Facebook claiming that "tickets are running out fast"
they're not.
But on the plus side I guess it would be an intimate sort of gig.
That aside Friday at 5pm will be my set off date for
JN and The Sunburst Band although I was also going to attend
Bar Girl Sarah's "moshing" do for her birthday not far off.
I haven't heard anything about that so again, it may be best to stick
to the long term plan, especially as StephenH is going
to the Sunburst Band gig.
I really wish I could get on as well with others as I do with Stephen
as we've had anything heated between us, and I never feel the need
to talk about my obsessive interests outside of soul and disco
music and TV/news stuff etc.
Then again Stephen does work for CNN in all fairness.
It should be a really good night, and there's still tomorrow
to get through too.
the University Campus pretty early tomorrow to have as best chance as
ever of getting the audio from last Sunday's show off the CSR log.
Then I plan to head over to Morrisons to get a few things for
tomorrow evening as I'm doing my own cooking once again.
Actually I almost forgot, I have an appointment with the disability officer
at the Job Centre as well so hopefully that will come in useful.
I was going to make an early visit to Camden to see standout
Uni band "I Am One" performing but judging by what's happened
over the last few weeks and worries of insecurity, I'll give it a miss.
It's for the best, nothing against Ollie and Jamie, but I'd rather
pace myself ahead of Friday.
And if I'm being honest, when an event is being constantly
plugged on Facebook claiming that "tickets are running out fast"
they're not.
But on the plus side I guess it would be an intimate sort of gig.
That aside Friday at 5pm will be my set off date for
JN and The Sunburst Band although I was also going to attend
Bar Girl Sarah's "moshing" do for her birthday not far off.
I haven't heard anything about that so again, it may be best to stick
to the long term plan, especially as StephenH is going
to the Sunburst Band gig.
I really wish I could get on as well with others as I do with Stephen
as we've had anything heated between us, and I never feel the need
to talk about my obsessive interests outside of soul and disco
music and TV/news stuff etc.
Then again Stephen does work for CNN in all fairness.
It should be a really good night, and there's still tomorrow
to get through too.
Without Instruments
Carefully structured acapella definitely appears to be what will take
the world by storm as twenty ten progresses.
A few covers of such tunes have found their way onto Youtube
and I've decided to give light to a few of my favourites
starting off with one I'm sure you'll all know, only it's
done in a different key.
Jason Derulo/Imogen Heap - "Watcha Say"
Sara Barielles - "Love Song"
That's just a tiny set of arrangements but I am fully certain we'll
be seeing more in a few months.
the world by storm as twenty ten progresses.
A few covers of such tunes have found their way onto Youtube
and I've decided to give light to a few of my favourites
starting off with one I'm sure you'll all know, only it's
done in a different key.
Jason Derulo/Imogen Heap - "Watcha Say"
Sara Barielles - "Love Song"
That's just a tiny set of arrangements but I am fully certain we'll
be seeing more in a few months.
"Down The Toon"
I can never get out of bed when I tell myself to.
But then again there are never any objectives to meet at this
time of the morning, no places to be going, that I need to be
present at or whatever.
One thing that's been sticking in my head for the last hour or
so was one of the callers playing Carpark Catchphrase on
The Chris Moyles Show, where her car horn sounded very similar
to the opening guitar riff from the Libertines' "Don't Look Back Into The Sun".
That's insanity in terms of me actually working that out.
Listen on iPlayer and you'll fully understand.
I'll head over to Tesco/M&S shortly, but the plan for today is to relive
a series which an 11 year old Declan Donelly failed to get the lead role for.
Geordie Racer, the Look and Read serial as broadcast on BBC 2
22 years ago has all the conventions of the well remembered schools
series with Wordy in between the story itself, the reading exercises,
and the synth lead theme tune as sung by the one and only Derek Griffiths.
I only found out about Declan's audition when reading him and Ant's
autobiography, but where's the fella who played
the lead role of Spuggy now?
The serial's also notable for an appearance by Kevin Whately who I'd
imagine around that time had only just started appearing as "Leewwwiiiiis!"
in Inspector Morse.
That sort of brings to mind John Nettles returning tonight in
Midsomer Murders, a series that as hard as I've tried I've ended up
falling asleep in front of.
It's weird getting it in my head that he's probably starred in that series
longer than Bergerac.
But then again there are never any objectives to meet at this
time of the morning, no places to be going, that I need to be
present at or whatever.
One thing that's been sticking in my head for the last hour or
so was one of the callers playing Carpark Catchphrase on
The Chris Moyles Show, where her car horn sounded very similar
to the opening guitar riff from the Libertines' "Don't Look Back Into The Sun".
That's insanity in terms of me actually working that out.
Listen on iPlayer and you'll fully understand.
I'll head over to Tesco/M&S shortly, but the plan for today is to relive
a series which an 11 year old Declan Donelly failed to get the lead role for.
Geordie Racer, the Look and Read serial as broadcast on BBC 2
22 years ago has all the conventions of the well remembered schools
series with Wordy in between the story itself, the reading exercises,
and the synth lead theme tune as sung by the one and only Derek Griffiths.
I only found out about Declan's audition when reading him and Ant's
autobiography, but where's the fella who played
the lead role of Spuggy now?
The serial's also notable for an appearance by Kevin Whately who I'd
imagine around that time had only just started appearing as "Leewwwiiiiis!"
in Inspector Morse.
That sort of brings to mind John Nettles returning tonight in
Midsomer Murders, a series that as hard as I've tried I've ended up
falling asleep in front of.
It's weird getting it in my head that he's probably starred in that series
longer than Bergerac.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
TV Tabloid Fodder
Newswipe this week looked mainly into the filler items
that make up a news programme on television with ITN once
again getting a large share of deserved ridicule.
Examples included an attempt to investigate "a real life Shameless"
within a Manchester town, and another covering a ban on butter.
The overall highlight had to be Charlie's dissection into how
a typical VT report within a news bulletin is put together
and edited which doesn't really work in me writing about it,
but when you see it, it's easy to understand how perfectly nailed it is.
On a more downtempo note, next week's programme will be looking
at the Haiti disaster and knowing how Newswipe manages to get the
balance right between sensitive items and dark humour,
it should be interesting.
I really am hoping that I don't end up lying down in the
middle of the day again tomorrow.
In order to avoid that I plan to head to the Tesco Metro in Canterbury
to buy the stuff I need to make a spag bol or whatever pasta
takes my fancy.
In fact, do you know what, I'll head into the M&S opposite and attempt
to buy a sort of even more expensive but experimental shaped pasta.
Not forgetting the stock cubes of course and no stir in powder
this time round.
I really reckon I'm getting the hand of cooking without getting two messy
with my measurements.
Two glass tumblers full of rice manage to do the job perfectly for four people
although I'm still not that clued up on measuring pasta.
I'll get there, and when I do finally move to London I'll be
able to share it with anyone else who may be willing to
lend their tongues.
And on that note, that's the nearest I'll get to pleasing people's tongues.
Good Night.
that make up a news programme on television with ITN once
again getting a large share of deserved ridicule.
Examples included an attempt to investigate "a real life Shameless"
within a Manchester town, and another covering a ban on butter.
The overall highlight had to be Charlie's dissection into how
a typical VT report within a news bulletin is put together
and edited which doesn't really work in me writing about it,
but when you see it, it's easy to understand how perfectly nailed it is.
On a more downtempo note, next week's programme will be looking
at the Haiti disaster and knowing how Newswipe manages to get the
balance right between sensitive items and dark humour,
it should be interesting.
I really am hoping that I don't end up lying down in the
middle of the day again tomorrow.
In order to avoid that I plan to head to the Tesco Metro in Canterbury
to buy the stuff I need to make a spag bol or whatever pasta
takes my fancy.
In fact, do you know what, I'll head into the M&S opposite and attempt
to buy a sort of even more expensive but experimental shaped pasta.
Not forgetting the stock cubes of course and no stir in powder
this time round.
I really reckon I'm getting the hand of cooking without getting two messy
with my measurements.
Two glass tumblers full of rice manage to do the job perfectly for four people
although I'm still not that clued up on measuring pasta.
I'll get there, and when I do finally move to London I'll be
able to share it with anyone else who may be willing to
lend their tongues.
And on that note, that's the nearest I'll get to pleasing people's tongues.
Good Night.
"He Does Nothing"
The visit to the mood clinic went OK this morning.
Minor changes were made to my medication but if anything
needs sorting, it's my sleeping habits.
As soon as I got back from Laurel House I was asleep in bed
for two and a half hours which is further proof that things need changing.
In short I need to be out there doing things.
And I said "out there" not in a warehouse or shop floor
working for so little for too fucking long.
I've always been a stubborn so and so.
I had another rummage through my UKNova downloads
that have been burnt to disc since Autumn but have gone unnoticed.
One being Fearne Cotton's interview with Alesha Dixon which
has it's faux pas but nowhere near as many as Peaches Geldof.
A particular moment that raised my eyebrow was when Cotton
was stood in rehearsals for Alesha's V Festival routine
and was invited to "strut her stuff" with the boys.
In a behind the scenes shot Fearne mouthed "I think I've failed
the audition for the V Festival!"
I'd imagine many would question why she was successful from
her audition for presenting The Disney Club 12 years ago.
In spite of all the stick she gets, Fearne can still be included
in my league of children's/Saturday morning presenters
who I can look up to as those who live for live television.
As opposed to Sam & Mark who got it because they couldn't
sustain a pop career.
And before anyone mentions Ant & Dec, the Geordie Boys
had 3 successful top 20 albums and were never serious about it.
The rest of tonight will involve the usual offerings from Sarah and Stephen
on XStream East, followed by a bit of radio and TV comedy with respective offerings from Simon Mayo's "Act Your Age" on Radio 4,
and Newswipe with Charlie Brooker on BBC Four.
To paraphrase an old BBC 2 slogan from a few years ago,
Tuesdays are funny.
Minor changes were made to my medication but if anything
needs sorting, it's my sleeping habits.
As soon as I got back from Laurel House I was asleep in bed
for two and a half hours which is further proof that things need changing.
In short I need to be out there doing things.
And I said "out there" not in a warehouse or shop floor
working for so little for too fucking long.
I've always been a stubborn so and so.
I had another rummage through my UKNova downloads
that have been burnt to disc since Autumn but have gone unnoticed.
One being Fearne Cotton's interview with Alesha Dixon which
has it's faux pas but nowhere near as many as Peaches Geldof.
A particular moment that raised my eyebrow was when Cotton
was stood in rehearsals for Alesha's V Festival routine
and was invited to "strut her stuff" with the boys.
In a behind the scenes shot Fearne mouthed "I think I've failed
the audition for the V Festival!"
I'd imagine many would question why she was successful from
her audition for presenting The Disney Club 12 years ago.
In spite of all the stick she gets, Fearne can still be included
in my league of children's/Saturday morning presenters
who I can look up to as those who live for live television.
As opposed to Sam & Mark who got it because they couldn't
sustain a pop career.
And before anyone mentions Ant & Dec, the Geordie Boys
had 3 successful top 20 albums and were never serious about it.
The rest of tonight will involve the usual offerings from Sarah and Stephen
on XStream East, followed by a bit of radio and TV comedy with respective offerings from Simon Mayo's "Act Your Age" on Radio 4,
and Newswipe with Charlie Brooker on BBC Four.
To paraphrase an old BBC 2 slogan from a few years ago,
Tuesdays are funny.
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Potential Helping Hand?
An otherwise run of the mill day, to the point that I ended up falling asleep
for an hour at around 5pm.
I really need to be more productive and in order to help counteract that,
I applied online for a voluntary scheme to become a mentor
for people who need to get to grips with the basics of using computers.
I.E. those who find it hard to understand the functions of Windows
and using the start menu.
I'm hoping to hear more about it later this week having registered,
and at least it will show that I'm actually doing something with
myself that's useful.
Glee was OK tonight, not fantastic, but not dull to the point of
the hour dragging on.
I've started giving the characters nicknames such as Mercedes
who is now known to me as "Maysa" because she bears
a striking resemblance to the Incognito vocalist and solo soul performer.
However this week involved Kurt AKA "Helium" joining the football team
and implementing the routine from Beyonce's "Single Ladies" into the game.
I'll carry on watching, especially as from next week The Cleveland Show
is scheduled immediately after, and it will be interesting to see
how the Family Guy spin off comes across.
Tomorrow sees my long awaited mood clinic appointment where I am
dreading the fact that because Mum and Dad are with me, any
hopes of optimism and moving forward will be thrown out of the window.
Yes it's tricky times but I'd rather be digging myself out of my hole,
as opposed to even deeper.
Best to enjoy the rest of the night with the GRP New Magic Digital Sampler
playing as I type.
Good Night.
for an hour at around 5pm.
I really need to be more productive and in order to help counteract that,
I applied online for a voluntary scheme to become a mentor
for people who need to get to grips with the basics of using computers.
I.E. those who find it hard to understand the functions of Windows
and using the start menu.
I'm hoping to hear more about it later this week having registered,
and at least it will show that I'm actually doing something with
myself that's useful.
Glee was OK tonight, not fantastic, but not dull to the point of
the hour dragging on.
I've started giving the characters nicknames such as Mercedes
who is now known to me as "Maysa" because she bears
a striking resemblance to the Incognito vocalist and solo soul performer.
However this week involved Kurt AKA "Helium" joining the football team
and implementing the routine from Beyonce's "Single Ladies" into the game.
I'll carry on watching, especially as from next week The Cleveland Show
is scheduled immediately after, and it will be interesting to see
how the Family Guy spin off comes across.
Tomorrow sees my long awaited mood clinic appointment where I am
dreading the fact that because Mum and Dad are with me, any
hopes of optimism and moving forward will be thrown out of the window.
Yes it's tricky times but I'd rather be digging myself out of my hole,
as opposed to even deeper.
Best to enjoy the rest of the night with the GRP New Magic Digital Sampler
playing as I type.
Good Night.
"Supposed To Get Up Now But I Was Refusing, Cause In Dreamy Dream Land, I Was Cruisin..."
Morning.
And if anyone knows were the title of the blog post comes
from I really will be surprised.
Despite the alarm set for 6:25am as normal, I didn't actually get up
for two hours.
In spite of that I've got my competence form filled in to a semi-amateurish
level in hope that either Mum or Dad will re-write certain sentences that
may not make sense.
It's not looking half miserable outside is it? I've only just noticed,
so caught up with other things that looking out of the window is
at the back of my mind.
That aside there's quite a bit of entertainment on offer tonight,
including including Just A Minute on BBC Radio 4 where David Mitchell
will be one of the guests attempting to speak on whatever subject is
thrown at him without umming or erring.
As last night went down well I may indulge in another vintage Fantasy
Football from 1995, and of course at 9pm I'll brace myself for
episode 4 of "The G-Word" on E4.
Nah it should be good fun, provided I do what I did last week and follow it
with another GRP "Digital Sampler" compilation this time from 1987.
And don't worry, I won't be tweeting throughout the episode,
and certainly no hash tags.
And if anyone knows were the title of the blog post comes
from I really will be surprised.
Despite the alarm set for 6:25am as normal, I didn't actually get up
for two hours.
In spite of that I've got my competence form filled in to a semi-amateurish
level in hope that either Mum or Dad will re-write certain sentences that
may not make sense.
It's not looking half miserable outside is it? I've only just noticed,
so caught up with other things that looking out of the window is
at the back of my mind.
That aside there's quite a bit of entertainment on offer tonight,
including including Just A Minute on BBC Radio 4 where David Mitchell
will be one of the guests attempting to speak on whatever subject is
thrown at him without umming or erring.
As last night went down well I may indulge in another vintage Fantasy
Football from 1995, and of course at 9pm I'll brace myself for
episode 4 of "The G-Word" on E4.
Nah it should be good fun, provided I do what I did last week and follow it
with another GRP "Digital Sampler" compilation this time from 1987.
And don't worry, I won't be tweeting throughout the episode,
and certainly no hash tags.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
"They'll Be Thinking About Us When We Are Far Away"
Tonight's first "prime time" Blam Jam went well, still with one or two
technical errors due to the Myriad schedule but otherwise
it wasn't too bad.
It was nice to get home before 9pm as well.
One thing I would love in the CSR studios would be for the mics
to have pop shields as I can never determine what distance I need
to be to avoid distorting.
It's quite possibly a physical habit I have of moving from side
to side as I'm doing a link which I've never noticed until tonight.
The live show pilot took place afterwards but I decided to stay
out of it as only on person turned up, and he seemed to know
what he was doing so I didn't want to interfere.
There will be other opportunities that will emerge hopefully
what with Lounge approaching in July.
If I'm still about in Canterbury I will be more than willing to lend
a hand, although I'm still getting it round my head that it's not
a free instant access pass to the festival itself.
It's a lot of work into making sure the saving grace of Canterbury's
"entertainment scene", gets broadcast on the airwaves.
I've just finished viewing a vintage episode from series 2
of Fantasy Football League which in terms of television defines
the mid 90s perfectly and was pretty much something that belonged
to that time period if the later World Cup revivals were anything to go by.
The episode I viewed had Jo Brand and Elvis Costello as the guests
introduced by having their names sung repeatedly over the show's
theme tune.
A technique "borrowed" by Sam and Mark on the recent series of TMi.
The FFL theme tune was essentially a CASIO version of "Back Home"
although it brings to mind a feature they did called "Old Football Was Rubbish"
sung in the same way as introducing the guests.
They once got into an argument with a veteran player over the feature
in one of the sketches who thought that Manchester United's Andy Cole
was even worse so they compromised the feature by changing the intro to
"#Old-foooot-ball-was-rubbish-but-not-as-rub-bish as-An-dy-Coohhhle!"
I may adapt the same technique for my show, possibly around the time
of the World Cup so I'd get a couple of yobs to sing for example;
"Sil-veeeer, Soul-Plus-Ten-Sil-ver-Soul, Plus-Ten-Sil-Ver-Soul-Plus-Teeehhhn!
Nah, I'll shun the thought.
The aim for tomorrow is to get my draft competence form done,
and for Mum or Dad to have a look at it to make it more "enticing".
This needs to be as good as it can positively get but
with more visits just around the corner, the determination
to get back to the nearest "concrete jungle" just keeps getting
bigger and bigger.
Good Night.
technical errors due to the Myriad schedule but otherwise
it wasn't too bad.
It was nice to get home before 9pm as well.
One thing I would love in the CSR studios would be for the mics
to have pop shields as I can never determine what distance I need
to be to avoid distorting.
It's quite possibly a physical habit I have of moving from side
to side as I'm doing a link which I've never noticed until tonight.
The live show pilot took place afterwards but I decided to stay
out of it as only on person turned up, and he seemed to know
what he was doing so I didn't want to interfere.
There will be other opportunities that will emerge hopefully
what with Lounge approaching in July.
If I'm still about in Canterbury I will be more than willing to lend
a hand, although I'm still getting it round my head that it's not
a free instant access pass to the festival itself.
It's a lot of work into making sure the saving grace of Canterbury's
"entertainment scene", gets broadcast on the airwaves.
I've just finished viewing a vintage episode from series 2
of Fantasy Football League which in terms of television defines
the mid 90s perfectly and was pretty much something that belonged
to that time period if the later World Cup revivals were anything to go by.
The episode I viewed had Jo Brand and Elvis Costello as the guests
introduced by having their names sung repeatedly over the show's
theme tune.
A technique "borrowed" by Sam and Mark on the recent series of TMi.
The FFL theme tune was essentially a CASIO version of "Back Home"
although it brings to mind a feature they did called "Old Football Was Rubbish"
sung in the same way as introducing the guests.
They once got into an argument with a veteran player over the feature
in one of the sketches who thought that Manchester United's Andy Cole
was even worse so they compromised the feature by changing the intro to
"#Old-foooot-ball-was-rubbish-but-not-as-rub-bish as-An-dy-Coohhhle!"
I may adapt the same technique for my show, possibly around the time
of the World Cup so I'd get a couple of yobs to sing for example;
"Sil-veeeer, Soul-Plus-Ten-Sil-ver-Soul, Plus-Ten-Sil-Ver-Soul-Plus-Teeehhhn!
Nah, I'll shun the thought.
The aim for tomorrow is to get my draft competence form done,
and for Mum or Dad to have a look at it to make it more "enticing".
This needs to be as good as it can positively get but
with more visits just around the corner, the determination
to get back to the nearest "concrete jungle" just keeps getting
bigger and bigger.
Good Night.
"There's Gonna Be Some Rain, Gonna Be Some Pain"
Morning, another Sunday and another reluctant getting out of bed regime.
Things to sort out for tonight, and job ads to print out so I can show them
to people who know better than I do about writing covering letters.
The show's pretty much sorted for tonight, although I'll
probably have to work extra harder in terms of multi-tasking as
due to a show being on before me, it may be a bit more difficult
to put my records onto the computer playout before the show.
That's not really a problem mind as it takes a hell of a lot
less time to import songs onto Myriad than it does
on RCS Selector.
It's become more than evident that every show is likely to include
a tune or remix by Joey Negro.
One of the most prolific producers around happens to be Jonathan Rotem
known as "J.R." who's produced many records including the current number
one by Iyaz.
It's easy to identify anything he's produced if at the beginning it goes
"J-J-J-J-J-R" which is pretty much the same as Rodney Jerkin's
"Darkchild" phenomenom 10 years ago.
And because I'm a magpie, I ended up coming up with this,
which will probably be played on the show, over the beginning
of every upbeat record that Joey Negro has worked on.
If the live music pilot's going ahead, I may stick around for that
but the plan for the rest of tonight is to catch up
on Friday's 8OO10C sports special that I didn't see on Friday.
I'd imagine even that will be funnier than the Only Fools and Horses
prequel that's airing tonight, although according to Radio Times
"The Curious Orange" AKA Paul Putner makes an appearance.
Apart from the chubby geezer in the Marjorie Dawes Little Britain
sketches, I don't think Paul has ever had a higher profile
role than the orange which is further proof of the many
unsung comedy talents in the UK.
At least they're on TV more often whilst at the same time
not getting too overexposed.
The plan for before the show is to pop over to Concha's for lunch,
and catch up on the iPlayer including this week's Radio 1 Review Show
with Nihal, and Alicia Keys being interviewed on Jonathan Ross.
It's best to carry on enjoying things at this time rather than
carry on moping over the worst fear of being stuck in
this uninspiring place.
Things to sort out for tonight, and job ads to print out so I can show them
to people who know better than I do about writing covering letters.
The show's pretty much sorted for tonight, although I'll
probably have to work extra harder in terms of multi-tasking as
due to a show being on before me, it may be a bit more difficult
to put my records onto the computer playout before the show.
That's not really a problem mind as it takes a hell of a lot
less time to import songs onto Myriad than it does
on RCS Selector.
It's become more than evident that every show is likely to include
a tune or remix by Joey Negro.
One of the most prolific producers around happens to be Jonathan Rotem
known as "J.R." who's produced many records including the current number
one by Iyaz.
It's easy to identify anything he's produced if at the beginning it goes
"J-J-J-J-J-R" which is pretty much the same as Rodney Jerkin's
"Darkchild" phenomenom 10 years ago.
And because I'm a magpie, I ended up coming up with this,
which will probably be played on the show, over the beginning
of every upbeat record that Joey Negro has worked on.
If the live music pilot's going ahead, I may stick around for that
but the plan for the rest of tonight is to catch up
on Friday's 8OO10C sports special that I didn't see on Friday.
I'd imagine even that will be funnier than the Only Fools and Horses
prequel that's airing tonight, although according to Radio Times
"The Curious Orange" AKA Paul Putner makes an appearance.
Apart from the chubby geezer in the Marjorie Dawes Little Britain
sketches, I don't think Paul has ever had a higher profile
role than the orange which is further proof of the many
unsung comedy talents in the UK.
At least they're on TV more often whilst at the same time
not getting too overexposed.
The plan for before the show is to pop over to Concha's for lunch,
and catch up on the iPlayer including this week's Radio 1 Review Show
with Nihal, and Alicia Keys being interviewed on Jonathan Ross.
It's best to carry on enjoying things at this time rather than
carry on moping over the worst fear of being stuck in
this uninspiring place.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
An Island of Idiots
I was rather physically come down after my early start but I tried
to hold that off during the Chelsea V Preston match this lunchtime.
I managed to do so up to 75 minutes and gave in, but it wasn't too
big a deal as the goals had been scored and the Blues went through.
Spurs and Leeds United meanwhile drew 2 all which prevented
me from completely ripping the piss out of Landers on Facebook
although he saw the draw as a cause for further celebration.
Mum and Dad are out at a quiz night in Canterbury so
I spent the first part of tonight listening to a superb live session
by Alicia Keys on Trevor Nelson's BBC Radio 1/1Xtra show, which included
"Empire State Of Mind" with it changed to "London" near the end.
There were also some really good interview vox pops from listeners,
just a shame that they were ruined because of very audible earth hum.
And the studios have been going for over 75 years and all.
I followed that by enjoying a delicious rice and chicken stew in front
of Andy Parsons' DVD "Britain's Got Idiots" and it has to be one
of the funniest stand up DVDs I've seen in terms of then number
of times I've had to push the pause button.
Whilst most people may not like his voice, I just love his
delivery and comic timing to the point that even him walking
up to the microphone on Mock The Week has me laughing.
Come to think of it mind, he does sound very similar
to Catherine Tate's Nanna Joanie Taylor.
That aside, Andy's got something other political comedians haven't got
when it comes to getting the laughs, in terms of being able
to dissect the ridiculous decisions made by the people in power.
There also observations towards the habits of Britons in general
such as the increase in comfort eating.
It's so true in my case as readers of the blog will be aware of,
and I'm certain my habits are increasing.
On getting off at Victoria station on Thursday, the first thing I did was
buy a mushroom slice at one of the many pastry stands.
That's destined to become a regular habit, when you take the stand
selling steak slices in Tesco into account.
Whilst at home I tend to buy a lot of doughnuts from Morrisons,
especially the delicious apple filled ones, absolutely gorge.
I spare myself from making meals with chips or anything similar
at home, that's more of a social situation food and it certainly
showed last night at Spoons.
"La riz" and "parsta" will still be top of my list, oh yes.
The extra features on Andy's DVD include his 2008 appearance on
Live At The Apollo, and an out take from his set involving a slight stutter
resulting in a variation of a retort previously uttered by Dara O'Briain;
"Anne Robinson's a fucking idiot!"
With the TV geek emerging from me again,
that's definitely become this century's "Merry Christmas VT!"
uttered in late 70s/early 80s by BBC performers if they fluffed,
hoping they would get onto the staff Christmas tape.
Mum and Dad are away again tomorrow, visiting my Aunt and Uncle
in Croydon, whilst it's just another Sunday really, Robbie Vincent's
Essential Rhythms, then sorting out my own show, commencing
in it's new timeslot which I'm looking forward to.
Quite a lot of covers tomorrow, including the latest one from Wiley
giving a unique take on the White Town one hit wonder "Your Woman".
Very intriguing to say the least.
to hold that off during the Chelsea V Preston match this lunchtime.
I managed to do so up to 75 minutes and gave in, but it wasn't too
big a deal as the goals had been scored and the Blues went through.
Spurs and Leeds United meanwhile drew 2 all which prevented
me from completely ripping the piss out of Landers on Facebook
although he saw the draw as a cause for further celebration.
Mum and Dad are out at a quiz night in Canterbury so
I spent the first part of tonight listening to a superb live session
by Alicia Keys on Trevor Nelson's BBC Radio 1/1Xtra show, which included
"Empire State Of Mind" with it changed to "London" near the end.
There were also some really good interview vox pops from listeners,
just a shame that they were ruined because of very audible earth hum.
And the studios have been going for over 75 years and all.
I followed that by enjoying a delicious rice and chicken stew in front
of Andy Parsons' DVD "Britain's Got Idiots" and it has to be one
of the funniest stand up DVDs I've seen in terms of then number
of times I've had to push the pause button.
Whilst most people may not like his voice, I just love his
delivery and comic timing to the point that even him walking
up to the microphone on Mock The Week has me laughing.
Come to think of it mind, he does sound very similar
to Catherine Tate's Nanna Joanie Taylor.
That aside, Andy's got something other political comedians haven't got
when it comes to getting the laughs, in terms of being able
to dissect the ridiculous decisions made by the people in power.
There also observations towards the habits of Britons in general
such as the increase in comfort eating.
It's so true in my case as readers of the blog will be aware of,
and I'm certain my habits are increasing.
On getting off at Victoria station on Thursday, the first thing I did was
buy a mushroom slice at one of the many pastry stands.
That's destined to become a regular habit, when you take the stand
selling steak slices in Tesco into account.
Whilst at home I tend to buy a lot of doughnuts from Morrisons,
especially the delicious apple filled ones, absolutely gorge.
I spare myself from making meals with chips or anything similar
at home, that's more of a social situation food and it certainly
showed last night at Spoons.
"La riz" and "parsta" will still be top of my list, oh yes.
The extra features on Andy's DVD include his 2008 appearance on
Live At The Apollo, and an out take from his set involving a slight stutter
resulting in a variation of a retort previously uttered by Dara O'Briain;
"Anne Robinson's a fucking idiot!"
With the TV geek emerging from me again,
that's definitely become this century's "Merry Christmas VT!"
uttered in late 70s/early 80s by BBC performers if they fluffed,
hoping they would get onto the staff Christmas tape.
Mum and Dad are away again tomorrow, visiting my Aunt and Uncle
in Croydon, whilst it's just another Sunday really, Robbie Vincent's
Essential Rhythms, then sorting out my own show, commencing
in it's new timeslot which I'm looking forward to.
Quite a lot of covers tomorrow, including the latest one from Wiley
giving a unique take on the White Town one hit wonder "Your Woman".
Very intriguing to say the least.
Much Needed Birthday Recovery
Heading back over to London for the second day in a row was definitely
the right idea.
I arrived in Ealing at around 4pm where Aoife shortly arrived and showed
me to the rather nice apartment right in the town centre
near a few coffee shops.
Chris and Pete arrived shortly after for many a round of Guitar Hero
and after Stewart made it from Cambridge we all headed down to Holborn.
I was initially dismissive over spending the evening at a Spoons
especially when we stopped off in a couple of very crowded bars
hoping to find Steven and Caroline.
We did however manage to find Tudor in the first place we went to
although it turned out that Steven and Caroline had nabbed us
a table at a Spoons in Chancery Lane and it was lovely.
The meal I had was a delicious creamy chicken and pasta dish
but Caroline was nice enough to share some of her chips
which looked amazing and tasted "sensational".
The only thing that was missing were slices of bread and
marge for the perfect butty.
Absolute gorge.
Phil Harris showed up shortly after who's done well finaly getting
a paid job with Somethin' Else producing Richard Bacon on 6Music
on Saturdays, whilst Aoife has got a job at Ealing Studios which
is also quite an achievement.
I can't remember too much of what we chatted about, apart from
Caroline saying that she wanted to see the stage version of
The Lion King prompting me to do my joke about the Arsenal manager
being mentioned right at the beginning of "Circle Of Life".
As for Arsenal overall, five words; It's tough at the top.
At around midnight, myself, Chris, Pete, Stewart, Aoife, Pete's
newly engaged partner Siobahn, and Chris's mate from Lynn "Bog"
headed over to the Zoo bar in Leicester Square where they were
spinning some modern day gems ranging from Snoop Dogg and Sean
Paul, to Sidney Samson, Pitbull, and what's still the song of the moment
Jay Z and Alicia Keys with "Empire State Of Mind".
Which lead me to constantly singing "#In Londooon"
for the rest of the night.
A few of the photos I took;
Aoife nails Megadeath.
Stoobs shows up.
An almost tight squeeze.
Not so tight, more cringey.
One of many failed attempts at getting
the Smith and Jones shot.
"One bottle of WKD and he's anyone's"
Booze banter.
Chris and Bog get down in the Zoo bar.
This is where it got a bit pear shaped, nothing horrendous
but if a very raucous nightbus journey wasn't bad enough with the
usual set of yobbo's behind us, I kept getting woken up
by a fucking burglar alarm from a building in Ealing which when
you're half asleep can start making your thoughts go round
in a circle repetitively.
I decided to hot foot it despite leaving two hours earlier than planned
and felt rather bad about knocking into things whilst leaving due to the
complicated way that the front door is locked in Chris and Aoife's flat.
All the stress made the journey back to Canterbury
not so emotionally awkward as normal, but the night overall was "mezzin"
plenty of encouragement from everyone else to return to London
which I'm grateful for, and best of all I've finally found a Spoons
that provides really nice "deep fried potatoes".
I'll be back there on a more permanent basis sooner than you
think I'll have you know.
the right idea.
I arrived in Ealing at around 4pm where Aoife shortly arrived and showed
me to the rather nice apartment right in the town centre
near a few coffee shops.
Chris and Pete arrived shortly after for many a round of Guitar Hero
and after Stewart made it from Cambridge we all headed down to Holborn.
I was initially dismissive over spending the evening at a Spoons
especially when we stopped off in a couple of very crowded bars
hoping to find Steven and Caroline.
We did however manage to find Tudor in the first place we went to
although it turned out that Steven and Caroline had nabbed us
a table at a Spoons in Chancery Lane and it was lovely.
The meal I had was a delicious creamy chicken and pasta dish
but Caroline was nice enough to share some of her chips
which looked amazing and tasted "sensational".
The only thing that was missing were slices of bread and
marge for the perfect butty.
Absolute gorge.
Phil Harris showed up shortly after who's done well finaly getting
a paid job with Somethin' Else producing Richard Bacon on 6Music
on Saturdays, whilst Aoife has got a job at Ealing Studios which
is also quite an achievement.
I can't remember too much of what we chatted about, apart from
Caroline saying that she wanted to see the stage version of
The Lion King prompting me to do my joke about the Arsenal manager
being mentioned right at the beginning of "Circle Of Life".
As for Arsenal overall, five words; It's tough at the top.
At around midnight, myself, Chris, Pete, Stewart, Aoife, Pete's
newly engaged partner Siobahn, and Chris's mate from Lynn "Bog"
headed over to the Zoo bar in Leicester Square where they were
spinning some modern day gems ranging from Snoop Dogg and Sean
Paul, to Sidney Samson, Pitbull, and what's still the song of the moment
Jay Z and Alicia Keys with "Empire State Of Mind".
Which lead me to constantly singing "#In Londooon"
for the rest of the night.
A few of the photos I took;
Aoife nails Megadeath.
Stoobs shows up.
An almost tight squeeze.
Not so tight, more cringey.
One of many failed attempts at getting
the Smith and Jones shot.
"One bottle of WKD and he's anyone's"
Booze banter.
Chris and Bog get down in the Zoo bar.
This is where it got a bit pear shaped, nothing horrendous
but if a very raucous nightbus journey wasn't bad enough with the
usual set of yobbo's behind us, I kept getting woken up
by a fucking burglar alarm from a building in Ealing which when
you're half asleep can start making your thoughts go round
in a circle repetitively.
I decided to hot foot it despite leaving two hours earlier than planned
and felt rather bad about knocking into things whilst leaving due to the
complicated way that the front door is locked in Chris and Aoife's flat.
All the stress made the journey back to Canterbury
not so emotionally awkward as normal, but the night overall was "mezzin"
plenty of encouragement from everyone else to return to London
which I'm grateful for, and best of all I've finally found a Spoons
that provides really nice "deep fried potatoes".
I'll be back there on a more permanent basis sooner than you
think I'll have you know.
Friday, January 22, 2010
22 In Central London
I'm having a short space of lying back before heading over to London
at around 2pm where I'm stopping off at Chris's house in
Ealing Broadway which is probably the furthest West of London
I will have been to.
I've never gone past White City on the Central line before for
obvious reasons.
Already I've had my haircut and gone into Canterbury to
buy a new t-shirt and hopefully I'll get a few photos
of the goings on.
Our main stop off point is the Spoons in Holborn,
a pub most notable from my point of view for the "invisible door incident"
a couple of years ago where Chris was well and truly humiliated
in front of myself, Potty, Dean, Tudor and Sammy C.
We'll see what happens from then onwards but I'm hoping it goes
well.
If successful, then it's only going to give me more drive and
determination to do anything I can to search more frenetically
for jobs in London.
I'm very tempted to provide my own rendition of "Empire State Of Mind"
with the lyrics changed, as I would refuse point blank to do
one that went "#In Canters..." and so on.
Unless it was out of it's favour of course in a jokey manner.
It's going to be a fun visit.
at around 2pm where I'm stopping off at Chris's house in
Ealing Broadway which is probably the furthest West of London
I will have been to.
I've never gone past White City on the Central line before for
obvious reasons.
Already I've had my haircut and gone into Canterbury to
buy a new t-shirt and hopefully I'll get a few photos
of the goings on.
Our main stop off point is the Spoons in Holborn,
a pub most notable from my point of view for the "invisible door incident"
a couple of years ago where Chris was well and truly humiliated
in front of myself, Potty, Dean, Tudor and Sammy C.
We'll see what happens from then onwards but I'm hoping it goes
well.
If successful, then it's only going to give me more drive and
determination to do anything I can to search more frenetically
for jobs in London.
I'm very tempted to provide my own rendition of "Empire State Of Mind"
with the lyrics changed, as I would refuse point blank to do
one that went "#In Canters..." and so on.
Unless it was out of it's favour of course in a jokey manner.
It's going to be a fun visit.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
"Low Wherever We Go" (Outside London)
I have to be up pretty early tomorrow as I have a hairdresser's
appointment at 9am.
That shouldn't be a problem mind, I normally have my alarm
set for 6:25am to allow myself to switch Moyles on to prevent me
from falling back to sleep.
Not many people on the radio can do that.
I'm not sure I'll listen to the whole show, Davina's guesting tomorrow
and it gets a bit too licky for my liking when she's on.
She maybe the most prolific female presenter on television,
but if anyone managed to reimburse her overall genuine and down
to earth manner, Cat Deeley came up on tops when Richard Bacon
interviewed her on 5 Live last week.
Even if her Saturday night dance show on BBC 1 is rather hideous
(not to mention her dresses), she's still one of the best and
always adaptable.
That aside, Mock The Week got off to a good start with a pretty
good set of guests with Mark Watson on Russel and Andy's team,
and Patrick Kielty and Milton Jones with Hugh Dennis.
Patrick Kielty was weak as expected, but Milton Jones
was on fire.
And that was just his shirt.
I'd prefer it if they cut down on the references to Frankie Boyle
as it will look as if they're really suffering without him when
it's not that bad overall.
Especially with some superb suggestions in tonight's SWLTS round
including "Things You Wouldn't Hear On Crimewatch" and
"Unlikely Things To Hear In An Election Debate".
I won't repeat any for the usual reasons so don't
worry about spoilers.
As I type I'm listening to Andrew Venning's Soundscapes
in its new timeslot on CSR and it really works well at this
time of night.
It's a hell of a lot more relevant to Canterbury in terms of music
compared to my show with a mixture of folk and blues and
a touch of traditional jazz.
This week however I plan to include a tune from Canterbury
mainstay Robert Wyatt, from 1993 when he performed uncredited
vocals on a new age track by Ultramarine called "Kingdom".
That tune brings back many memories of when Andy Kershaw
played it on Radio 1 in the summer of that year,
and many a car journey through France.
I can't see myself being fully converted to "The Canterbury Scene"
in the long term.
I'd rather live in 1990 than the 19th century or whenever.
Good Night.
appointment at 9am.
That shouldn't be a problem mind, I normally have my alarm
set for 6:25am to allow myself to switch Moyles on to prevent me
from falling back to sleep.
Not many people on the radio can do that.
I'm not sure I'll listen to the whole show, Davina's guesting tomorrow
and it gets a bit too licky for my liking when she's on.
She maybe the most prolific female presenter on television,
but if anyone managed to reimburse her overall genuine and down
to earth manner, Cat Deeley came up on tops when Richard Bacon
interviewed her on 5 Live last week.
Even if her Saturday night dance show on BBC 1 is rather hideous
(not to mention her dresses), she's still one of the best and
always adaptable.
That aside, Mock The Week got off to a good start with a pretty
good set of guests with Mark Watson on Russel and Andy's team,
and Patrick Kielty and Milton Jones with Hugh Dennis.
Patrick Kielty was weak as expected, but Milton Jones
was on fire.
And that was just his shirt.
I'd prefer it if they cut down on the references to Frankie Boyle
as it will look as if they're really suffering without him when
it's not that bad overall.
Especially with some superb suggestions in tonight's SWLTS round
including "Things You Wouldn't Hear On Crimewatch" and
"Unlikely Things To Hear In An Election Debate".
I won't repeat any for the usual reasons so don't
worry about spoilers.
As I type I'm listening to Andrew Venning's Soundscapes
in its new timeslot on CSR and it really works well at this
time of night.
It's a hell of a lot more relevant to Canterbury in terms of music
compared to my show with a mixture of folk and blues and
a touch of traditional jazz.
This week however I plan to include a tune from Canterbury
mainstay Robert Wyatt, from 1993 when he performed uncredited
vocals on a new age track by Ultramarine called "Kingdom".
That tune brings back many memories of when Andy Kershaw
played it on Radio 1 in the summer of that year,
and many a car journey through France.
I can't see myself being fully converted to "The Canterbury Scene"
in the long term.
I'd rather live in 1990 than the 19th century or whenever.
Good Night.
Guilty Pleasures And Dying "Artforms"
Leaving Victoria Station is always a down-heartening experience when
you're unsure of when you're coming back to London.
Well I know I'm back again tomorrow but that's just for the night
and you know what I mean with regards to long term.
This afternoon was interesting, a seminar giving an insight
into two admin jobs for the Department of Work and Pensions
with one based in Trafalgar Square, and the other based in
Westminster.
The Westminster office job is a less formal working atmosphere
than the Adelphi job but it looks pretty interesting and the thirty
or so of us in the room were given a competence question sheet
which we have to send by Wednesday coming and if successful
I'll be invited to a speed dating style exercise about the job prospects.
Early days yet.
My woes of returning to Canterbury soon vanished after I started
reading a book that I've been meaning to buy for months;
"Shouting At The Telly" which is a selection of anecdotes
about well known and not so known television shows
and familiarities.
One section that interested me unexpectedly
was that on US teen dramas and it made me realise how
popular tunes play such an important part in grabbing my interest
in such a genre I tend to overlook.
It worked in the past for The Wonder Years and Dawson's Creek,
and it's brought to mind that Mum got the DVD
of Dennis Potter's "Pennies From Heaven" for Christmas.
Having indulged in "The Singing Detective" last year at Uni
I may give this a go as that writer really knew how to use
the familiar song within his dramatisations.
I imagine that it goes for Glee in the present day.
And I said I wouldn't go on about it on my blog...
That leads on nicely to another section in the book by
Monica Long about the guilty pleasures of television
where one of her's happens to be Catchphrase,
which got me excited.
She describes it as the television equivalent of bubble wrap
it's simply just good fun to watch, and in my case
play along with.
Another quote in that chapter sort of turned my eyebrows
when describing guilty pleasures as like hiding a CD single
of Hue and Cry's "Labour Of Love" at the bottom of the pile
with Led Zeppelin and Neil Young at the top.
I think you can guess what I would rather listen to.
And I'd imagine the rest of the UK would feel the same,
albeit with more contemporary acts as this article from
Newsbeat about "the death of indie".
I must admit, I've never really seen the hype over guitar bands
to that extent, although I still have a liking for acts such as
Vampire Weekend and Hot Club De Paris as they're a fuck of
a lot more livelier than Oasis, etc could ever have been.
Then again Vampire Weekend seem to be stretching their
bow if their new album's anything to go by.
Overall with acts such as La Roux, Dizzee Rascal, and Florence,
there's no denying the charts are crammed with colour.
Meanwhile, tonight's viewing sees the slightly premature
but much needed return of Mock The Week although it will be interesting
to see how it fares for a whole series minus Frankie Boyle.
Again, another bold statement but for me Frankie's departure
has to be the worst thing to happen to the line up of a comedy
panel show since the death of Willie Rushton from Radio 4's
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
I thought it would be more than apt to post what
has to be my favourite line uttered by Frankie on the show
although bizarrely it's not a Scene We'd Like To See.
In fact this particular "scene" wasn't shown on television at all,
where Frankie tells it straight about David Cameron
in the Headliners round, not for the easily offended.
Ironically David happens to be a viewer of the show according
to Dara.
It shouldn't be too bad as one of the guests this week is Milton Jones
who came out with some brilliant one liners on his last appearance.
What you could call the perfect warm up for tomorrow evening's
booze fuelled birthday goings on.
you're unsure of when you're coming back to London.
Well I know I'm back again tomorrow but that's just for the night
and you know what I mean with regards to long term.
This afternoon was interesting, a seminar giving an insight
into two admin jobs for the Department of Work and Pensions
with one based in Trafalgar Square, and the other based in
Westminster.
The Westminster office job is a less formal working atmosphere
than the Adelphi job but it looks pretty interesting and the thirty
or so of us in the room were given a competence question sheet
which we have to send by Wednesday coming and if successful
I'll be invited to a speed dating style exercise about the job prospects.
Early days yet.
My woes of returning to Canterbury soon vanished after I started
reading a book that I've been meaning to buy for months;
"Shouting At The Telly" which is a selection of anecdotes
about well known and not so known television shows
and familiarities.
One section that interested me unexpectedly
was that on US teen dramas and it made me realise how
popular tunes play such an important part in grabbing my interest
in such a genre I tend to overlook.
It worked in the past for The Wonder Years and Dawson's Creek,
and it's brought to mind that Mum got the DVD
of Dennis Potter's "Pennies From Heaven" for Christmas.
Having indulged in "The Singing Detective" last year at Uni
I may give this a go as that writer really knew how to use
the familiar song within his dramatisations.
I imagine that it goes for Glee in the present day.
And I said I wouldn't go on about it on my blog...
That leads on nicely to another section in the book by
Monica Long about the guilty pleasures of television
where one of her's happens to be Catchphrase,
which got me excited.
She describes it as the television equivalent of bubble wrap
it's simply just good fun to watch, and in my case
play along with.
Another quote in that chapter sort of turned my eyebrows
when describing guilty pleasures as like hiding a CD single
of Hue and Cry's "Labour Of Love" at the bottom of the pile
with Led Zeppelin and Neil Young at the top.
I think you can guess what I would rather listen to.
And I'd imagine the rest of the UK would feel the same,
albeit with more contemporary acts as this article from
Newsbeat about "the death of indie".
I must admit, I've never really seen the hype over guitar bands
to that extent, although I still have a liking for acts such as
Vampire Weekend and Hot Club De Paris as they're a fuck of
a lot more livelier than Oasis, etc could ever have been.
Then again Vampire Weekend seem to be stretching their
bow if their new album's anything to go by.
Overall with acts such as La Roux, Dizzee Rascal, and Florence,
there's no denying the charts are crammed with colour.
Meanwhile, tonight's viewing sees the slightly premature
but much needed return of Mock The Week although it will be interesting
to see how it fares for a whole series minus Frankie Boyle.
Again, another bold statement but for me Frankie's departure
has to be the worst thing to happen to the line up of a comedy
panel show since the death of Willie Rushton from Radio 4's
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
I thought it would be more than apt to post what
has to be my favourite line uttered by Frankie on the show
although bizarrely it's not a Scene We'd Like To See.
In fact this particular "scene" wasn't shown on television at all,
where Frankie tells it straight about David Cameron
in the Headliners round, not for the easily offended.
Ironically David happens to be a viewer of the show according
to Dara.
It shouldn't be too bad as one of the guests this week is Milton Jones
who came out with some brilliant one liners on his last appearance.
What you could call the perfect warm up for tomorrow evening's
booze fuelled birthday goings on.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The 2010 NTAs/X Factor Knees Up
The blog post title more or less says it all.
Joe McElderly started it off with his poor rendition of "Don't Stop Believing"
which had me longing for the Glee version for obvious reasons.
And as for John and Edward, you know they've gained credibility
when they enlist Vanilla Ice to join in with them.
The two highlights of the night were Stephen Fry getting
his well deserved Special Recognition Prize, and even better
was Piers Morgan's reaction after losing out to Fry in the
"Celebrity Travel" category.
I'll try and get some shut eye ahead of tomorrow where I will
be making the first of this week's two visits to London.
I'm hoping it will lead to something but whatever happens
I'll continue taking Journey's NOT Joe's advice.
Joe McElderly started it off with his poor rendition of "Don't Stop Believing"
which had me longing for the Glee version for obvious reasons.
And as for John and Edward, you know they've gained credibility
when they enlist Vanilla Ice to join in with them.
The two highlights of the night were Stephen Fry getting
his well deserved Special Recognition Prize, and even better
was Piers Morgan's reaction after losing out to Fry in the
"Celebrity Travel" category.
I'll try and get some shut eye ahead of tomorrow where I will
be making the first of this week's two visits to London.
I'm hoping it will lead to something but whatever happens
I'll continue taking Journey's NOT Joe's advice.
An Early Train Journey
It's amazing how so many things can change within
a short space of time.
Tomorrow morning I will be heading over to London, suited and booted
as the Job Centre Plus in Central London have arranged a meeting
of some sorts about a possible opportunity of working within London in some
sort of paid employment scheme for people with learning disabilities.
I'll need to speak to Mum to see if she's got my birth certificate
as that's the only part I'm unsure of the whereabouts of.
How this will work out in the long run, I'm not too sure,
but I'm trying to be realistic, and think of other solutions if
this doesn't pull through.
However it's more or less established the golden rule of when
a position of your liking comes into being, go for it immediately.
Otherwise you'll feel bad about not doing so later on.
Having spent the whole morning and part of the afternoon making
multiple changes to the website (and certainly not the last)
I decided to treat myself to a vintage episode of Smith And Jones
from 1992.
They were incredibly underrated as a comedy duo with a brilliant
blend of expensive physical slapstick stunts such as buses running
into market stalls, as well as send ups of popular culture such as
"The Drug Olympics".
The production team on the credits had a few familiar names
including Griff's stunt double Andy Parsons and partner Henry Naylor
on writing duties, as well as other writing pair Richard Preddy and
Gary Howe.
The latter aren't too well known but they later went on to write
for the Fast Show, and on Ant & Dec's SM:tv Live where they
developed the legendary item "Wonkey Donkey".
Again it sums up the old analogy that the best work with the best.
Something I could learn from, and it works in both ways....
I've dug myself well deep now.
a short space of time.
Tomorrow morning I will be heading over to London, suited and booted
as the Job Centre Plus in Central London have arranged a meeting
of some sorts about a possible opportunity of working within London in some
sort of paid employment scheme for people with learning disabilities.
I'll need to speak to Mum to see if she's got my birth certificate
as that's the only part I'm unsure of the whereabouts of.
How this will work out in the long run, I'm not too sure,
but I'm trying to be realistic, and think of other solutions if
this doesn't pull through.
However it's more or less established the golden rule of when
a position of your liking comes into being, go for it immediately.
Otherwise you'll feel bad about not doing so later on.
Having spent the whole morning and part of the afternoon making
multiple changes to the website (and certainly not the last)
I decided to treat myself to a vintage episode of Smith And Jones
from 1992.
They were incredibly underrated as a comedy duo with a brilliant
blend of expensive physical slapstick stunts such as buses running
into market stalls, as well as send ups of popular culture such as
"The Drug Olympics".
The production team on the credits had a few familiar names
including Griff's stunt double Andy Parsons and partner Henry Naylor
on writing duties, as well as other writing pair Richard Preddy and
Gary Howe.
The latter aren't too well known but they later went on to write
for the Fast Show, and on Ant & Dec's SM:tv Live where they
developed the legendary item "Wonkey Donkey".
Again it sums up the old analogy that the best work with the best.
Something I could learn from, and it works in both ways....
I've dug myself well deep now.
My "Online Shrine"
The last couple of days have pretty much been prioritised over this
and I can finally reveal my new website;
http://www.robinblamires.co.uk/
It's not the most exciting design but I hope that it manages
to provide a good insight into what I think I'm capable of
and the wide amount of audio and radio I have done in the last
five years.
I'm feeling rather bad about not attempting such a thing
years earlier, but it's all uploaded and it's just the beginning really.
I'm sure I'll be able to add more audio to the site over time
and make changes to the layout if needs be.
Asides that the rest of the day is rather empty, so I may have a gander
through my DVD-Rs and maybe attempt to give something a go
that I wouldn't have thought of viewing before.
One such example being the film "Blow Up" the soundtrack
of which was composed by Herbie Hancock and it's about time
I actually have a view of the film from the 1960s set in the best
city in the world.
and I can finally reveal my new website;
http://www.robinblamires.co.uk/
It's not the most exciting design but I hope that it manages
to provide a good insight into what I think I'm capable of
and the wide amount of audio and radio I have done in the last
five years.
I'm feeling rather bad about not attempting such a thing
years earlier, but it's all uploaded and it's just the beginning really.
I'm sure I'll be able to add more audio to the site over time
and make changes to the layout if needs be.
Asides that the rest of the day is rather empty, so I may have a gander
through my DVD-Rs and maybe attempt to give something a go
that I wouldn't have thought of viewing before.
One such example being the film "Blow Up" the soundtrack
of which was composed by Herbie Hancock and it's about time
I actually have a view of the film from the 1960s set in the best
city in the world.
"Riverside- Oh No!"
Good morning.
Pretty dark outside and with more rumours of snowfall,
things could get more and more awkward.
Chris Moyles switched on as always, although a bigger story
in the world of radio is Helen Blaby leaving her long established
post of reading the traffic on 5 Live breakfast.
She's moving to a drivetime slot on BBC Northampton in
February which definitely sounds promising.
I've been bloody thirsty all night, and have to head downstairs
every 5 minutes to get a glass of fizzy orange.
I'm fully certain I'll have put on a lot of weight by the end of the week.
To finish with, whilst it's revolutionary, you have to admit
that Spotify has quite a long way to go in being consistent,
especially when instead of the actual songs they have inferior
sounding covers instead.
One such example being this "elevator" version of "Riverside".
You could say that to those extents, Spotify is the modern
day equivalent of the Top Of The Pops compilation
albums from the 1970s which were revered for their poor sounding
soundalikes.
Still quite a bit to be getting on with today, I'm hoping to be
done by 7:30pm when the 2010 NTAs with Dermot O'Leary
commence tonight on ITV1.
It may not be significant as the Golden Globes but that's
my television side coming out again, and us home shores
do have quite a lot to offer.
They normally do the best soap opera at the end however,
so I'll have probably switched off by then.
Pretty dark outside and with more rumours of snowfall,
things could get more and more awkward.
Chris Moyles switched on as always, although a bigger story
in the world of radio is Helen Blaby leaving her long established
post of reading the traffic on 5 Live breakfast.
She's moving to a drivetime slot on BBC Northampton in
February which definitely sounds promising.
I've been bloody thirsty all night, and have to head downstairs
every 5 minutes to get a glass of fizzy orange.
I'm fully certain I'll have put on a lot of weight by the end of the week.
To finish with, whilst it's revolutionary, you have to admit
that Spotify has quite a long way to go in being consistent,
especially when instead of the actual songs they have inferior
sounding covers instead.
One such example being this "elevator" version of "Riverside".
You could say that to those extents, Spotify is the modern
day equivalent of the Top Of The Pops compilation
albums from the 1970s which were revered for their poor sounding
soundalikes.
Still quite a bit to be getting on with today, I'm hoping to be
done by 7:30pm when the 2010 NTAs with Dermot O'Leary
commence tonight on ITV1.
It may not be significant as the Golden Globes but that's
my television side coming out again, and us home shores
do have quite a lot to offer.
They normally do the best soap opera at the end however,
so I'll have probably switched off by then.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
"The Sh*t Yourself Parade"
Today's been very tiring and a long way off from how things were at least
three days ago.
I won't say exactly what I've been doing but you'll know soon enough.
The last hour however has been very well spent in terms of
entertainment and more importantly laughs.
First of all was the return of the comedy generations panel game
Act You Age on BBC Radio 4 hosted by Simon Mayo.
I listened on iPlayer which was probably the right idea after
hearing Scottish stand up Kevin Bridges' gag about a police wanted sign;
"I saw a sign that said 'Have You Seen This Man?'
so I phoned up and said no"
Another guest on the show was Irish comic Jason Byrne and because
I loved his set on Apollo last month, I've booked tickets to his
Gulbenkian gig on Tuesday the 9th of February.
That's one week after Richard Herrring in London so I'll need to sort
out somewhere to stay for that.
Straight after Act Your Age was the return of quite possibly
the funniest and most honest show currently on television.
Newswipe with Charlie Brooker managed to look into how
how news broadcasters have tried to implement the concept of fear
into their reporting over the years with it being beyond belief
in the present day as you'd expect.
Especially with the snowfalls and how we could all die if we ran
out of grit.
ITN as always got their fair share of deserved ribbing when
Brooker looked into how they turned their coverage of the snow showers
into an episode of You've Been Framed.
My personal highlight though, was the use of the BBC
One O'Clock News titles in the mid 80s during one of the inserts
which is further proof that the television obsessive
will never leave me.
It's always been there.
More stuff to get done tomorrow, and a 6:25 start as always.
Good night.
three days ago.
I won't say exactly what I've been doing but you'll know soon enough.
The last hour however has been very well spent in terms of
entertainment and more importantly laughs.
First of all was the return of the comedy generations panel game
Act You Age on BBC Radio 4 hosted by Simon Mayo.
I listened on iPlayer which was probably the right idea after
hearing Scottish stand up Kevin Bridges' gag about a police wanted sign;
"I saw a sign that said 'Have You Seen This Man?'
so I phoned up and said no"
Another guest on the show was Irish comic Jason Byrne and because
I loved his set on Apollo last month, I've booked tickets to his
Gulbenkian gig on Tuesday the 9th of February.
That's one week after Richard Herrring in London so I'll need to sort
out somewhere to stay for that.
Straight after Act Your Age was the return of quite possibly
the funniest and most honest show currently on television.
Newswipe with Charlie Brooker managed to look into how
how news broadcasters have tried to implement the concept of fear
into their reporting over the years with it being beyond belief
in the present day as you'd expect.
Especially with the snowfalls and how we could all die if we ran
out of grit.
ITN as always got their fair share of deserved ribbing when
Brooker looked into how they turned their coverage of the snow showers
into an episode of You've Been Framed.
My personal highlight though, was the use of the BBC
One O'Clock News titles in the mid 80s during one of the inserts
which is further proof that the television obsessive
will never leave me.
It's always been there.
More stuff to get done tomorrow, and a 6:25 start as always.
Good night.
Sky Plus=Sky "High"
Morning.
Despite the news that alcopops may be taxed things aren't too bad.
I actually got a few things I planned to have done this morning
done last night which I won't say exactly what they are but it will all fall into place by this coming Friday.
A late start at 6:32 for The Chris Moyles Show has seen a whole
40 minutes without music broadcast on BBC Radio 1, which
I'm not complaining about.
Then again when there is music played on Moyles, you
can always guarantee it will be a proper solid tune such as
Cavin Harris or Lady Gaga for instance.
They've just been talking about Sky Plus and the fact
that Chris has had the last episode of Lost on their since May
and only watched it last night.
Newsreader Dom on the other hand has set the box to record
every episode of Peppa Pig, Home and Away, Eastenders.
The first one's fine considering he's a dad, but the latter two
for his wife I'd say is overkill considering they're two weeks unwatched.
This is exactly what I was talking to a fellow Uni student on the
phone a few nights ago and how they subscribed to a whole
series of a US sitcom and got rather "jet lagged" shall we say
after watching 11 of 22 episodes back to back.
I can relate to that perfectly as despite being a fan of
the series, I only own the box set of the 2005 series of
Doctor Who and still haven't got round to buying the following 3 series
and 4 episodes with David Tennant.
It's best to go through things steadily doing different things at
different times and letting things go by, like Glee for instance.
I know it's huge but I'd just see it as one of many things
on offer this week as telly wise it's looking good.
Tonight sees the anticipated return of Newswipe on BBC Four,
Wednesday's the 2010 National Television Awards, and
Thursday sees the first episode of Mock The Week series 8
which despite the absence of Frankie Boyle, I'm looking forward to.
Friday has 8 Out Of 10 Cats although I'm away in London
that night so one for UK Nova I guess.
As I mentioned on Facebook yesterday, it appears that broadcasters
are now putting all their best programmes on during the week
rather than at the weekend.
Then again it's not worth moaning about the rubbish.
But there's nothing wrong with laughing at it if
Charlie Brooker's G2 column's anything to go by.
Despite the news that alcopops may be taxed things aren't too bad.
I actually got a few things I planned to have done this morning
done last night which I won't say exactly what they are but it will all fall into place by this coming Friday.
A late start at 6:32 for The Chris Moyles Show has seen a whole
40 minutes without music broadcast on BBC Radio 1, which
I'm not complaining about.
Then again when there is music played on Moyles, you
can always guarantee it will be a proper solid tune such as
Cavin Harris or Lady Gaga for instance.
They've just been talking about Sky Plus and the fact
that Chris has had the last episode of Lost on their since May
and only watched it last night.
Newsreader Dom on the other hand has set the box to record
every episode of Peppa Pig, Home and Away, Eastenders.
The first one's fine considering he's a dad, but the latter two
for his wife I'd say is overkill considering they're two weeks unwatched.
This is exactly what I was talking to a fellow Uni student on the
phone a few nights ago and how they subscribed to a whole
series of a US sitcom and got rather "jet lagged" shall we say
after watching 11 of 22 episodes back to back.
I can relate to that perfectly as despite being a fan of
the series, I only own the box set of the 2005 series of
Doctor Who and still haven't got round to buying the following 3 series
and 4 episodes with David Tennant.
It's best to go through things steadily doing different things at
different times and letting things go by, like Glee for instance.
I know it's huge but I'd just see it as one of many things
on offer this week as telly wise it's looking good.
Tonight sees the anticipated return of Newswipe on BBC Four,
Wednesday's the 2010 National Television Awards, and
Thursday sees the first episode of Mock The Week series 8
which despite the absence of Frankie Boyle, I'm looking forward to.
Friday has 8 Out Of 10 Cats although I'm away in London
that night so one for UK Nova I guess.
As I mentioned on Facebook yesterday, it appears that broadcasters
are now putting all their best programmes on during the week
rather than at the weekend.
Then again it's not worth moaning about the rubbish.
But there's nothing wrong with laughing at it if
Charlie Brooker's G2 column's anything to go by.
Monday, January 18, 2010
From The Smell Of Failure To The Keys Of Bliss
I managed it.
And I rather enjoyed it actually, Glee wasn't that bad at all, especially
with quite a few early 90s hip hop tunes given the acapella treatment.
I've decided to reward myself by allowing a spin of Joey Negro's
"Love Situation" that I exclaimed rather enthusiastically about
a few weeks ago but had embargoed until that "special day".
When that will happen, I've no idea but if in extreme circumstances
it's worth a listen.
As I type I have the song playing and am in tears of silent joy
as it's reached the piano bit at 5.25.
So simple but heart tugging.
I am definitely going to feature that song when I reach 1993
on my "Silver Soul" feature on the radio show.
On another note a tune remixed by the same artist but of a more honest
nature lyrically as to what I believe Uni alumni are really thinking of me.
"Missing You" by Kimmie Horne happens to be another tune
I initially thought it was from a sympathy perspective, but oh no.
When the vocals kick in about 1.00 in it turns out that the vocalist
certainly isn't missing the individual who the song's addressed to.
However despite that I'm finding it incredibly catchy and hard to avoid
listening to and it helps that it has a catchy synth riff in the refrain.
It's definitely up there with "Barely Breaking Even",
"Everyday", and even "Riverside" in terms of being able to sing to it.
I should be able to sleep although there's a lot to get done tomorrow.
Good Night.
And I rather enjoyed it actually, Glee wasn't that bad at all, especially
with quite a few early 90s hip hop tunes given the acapella treatment.
I've decided to reward myself by allowing a spin of Joey Negro's
"Love Situation" that I exclaimed rather enthusiastically about
a few weeks ago but had embargoed until that "special day".
When that will happen, I've no idea but if in extreme circumstances
it's worth a listen.
As I type I have the song playing and am in tears of silent joy
as it's reached the piano bit at 5.25.
So simple but heart tugging.
I am definitely going to feature that song when I reach 1993
on my "Silver Soul" feature on the radio show.
On another note a tune remixed by the same artist but of a more honest
nature lyrically as to what I believe Uni alumni are really thinking of me.
"Missing You" by Kimmie Horne happens to be another tune
I initially thought it was from a sympathy perspective, but oh no.
When the vocals kick in about 1.00 in it turns out that the vocalist
certainly isn't missing the individual who the song's addressed to.
However despite that I'm finding it incredibly catchy and hard to avoid
listening to and it helps that it has a catchy synth riff in the refrain.
It's definitely up there with "Barely Breaking Even",
"Everyday", and even "Riverside" in terms of being able to sing to it.
I should be able to sleep although there's a lot to get done tomorrow.
Good Night.
90 Second Escapism (And Moving Onwards)
One of the things I've tried to do when circumstances get too hard
to handle is to put together everything that lightens me up
and make productive use of them.
Others would indulge in doodling or cutting pictures from magazines
to form a (oh, I hate this word) "collage" of some sorts.
I attempted to do exactly that in the last week, by using a dated
late 80s library track as a canvas and putting various soundclips over it.
And this is my end result: (and my first attempt at embedding)
Initially I just wanted to hear what they sounded like over each other
but I later thought to make something useful of it and the result
is a way of putting various catchphrases, sound effects and so on
into 90 seconds.
Whilst at the same time attempting to make something meaningful
and relating to what I wrote about in the last blog post.
There's a few obvious influences (This Is England, Lemon Jelly)
but I've done my best to avoid using any Incognito tracks
or the gunge siren.
You'll recognise a lot of the stuff and I've tried to give a
fair share of past and present but the whole idea is to put it all into
90 seconds rather than go on about such obsessions in my blog posts.
It will help me understand there's a lot else out there.
It will take time, but I'm hoping there's a lighter side to things
in the long term.
to handle is to put together everything that lightens me up
and make productive use of them.
Others would indulge in doodling or cutting pictures from magazines
to form a (oh, I hate this word) "collage" of some sorts.
I attempted to do exactly that in the last week, by using a dated
late 80s library track as a canvas and putting various soundclips over it.
And this is my end result: (and my first attempt at embedding)
Initially I just wanted to hear what they sounded like over each other
but I later thought to make something useful of it and the result
is a way of putting various catchphrases, sound effects and so on
into 90 seconds.
Whilst at the same time attempting to make something meaningful
and relating to what I wrote about in the last blog post.
There's a few obvious influences (This Is England, Lemon Jelly)
but I've done my best to avoid using any Incognito tracks
or the gunge siren.
You'll recognise a lot of the stuff and I've tried to give a
fair share of past and present but the whole idea is to put it all into
90 seconds rather than go on about such obsessions in my blog posts.
It will help me understand there's a lot else out there.
It will take time, but I'm hoping there's a lighter side to things
in the long term.
Clambering Out Of My Basket
Hello.
I hope you weren't too worried about my whereabouts or why
I haven't been posting here, or online on Facebook or Twitter.
There has been an awful lot getting to me over the last month or so
and on Monday night it reached a point where things were too hard for me
to handle.
I decided that the one solution was to remove myself from any online
social sites and try to start afresh even though things still aren't 100%
now.
It's probably best if I go through each of my concerns and angsts in seperate
stages.
Why I "Disappeared Online"
Last Monday there was a lot of talk on Facebook and Twitter about
a new musical drama series from the States called "Glee" that has just
arrived on British shores and has lead to insanity.
People either love it or hate which is understandable but the whole hype around it combined with negative comments was partly what drew me logging off my Facebook, Twitter, MSN messenger and so on.
There's two sides to this.
On one half there's those who you know that really like it, but you're not
so keen but want to try and blend in.
Only your miles apart.
The other half is those who despise it to the point of wanting to support
a "Rage" style campaign to get acts like Soundgarden, Nirvana etc
into the charts yah yah yah.
Everything was too much to handle and I ended up "deserting" or so to say
without trace.
My reason for doing so was because before University I never used such
social networking sites whatsoever, I didn't write a blog, and I didn't
even use MSN Messenger.
All those things became part of living during University and now that I'm
back in Canterbury it can be intimidating when I see people still in London, especially after they've graduated having a good time if their photos and statuses are anything to go by.
The best solution was to disconnect myself completely and try to enjoy
things I liked without being intimidated by others.
A lot of my time was spent listening to music, mainly early 90s melodic
dance albums compliations, or smooth jazz albums from the same time period.
A lot of tracks had melodic chord structures and vocals that have had me
in tears as they represent being hugged by people I know from University
I have grown close to.
The sort of music that has a very emotional effect on me personally
that can't be found in contemporary examples
I'll put a Spotify/Youtube list on a later blog post.
But my main worry was adapting with others and trying to share interests
and develop new ones and fit in better and being away from London has
made things difficult.
I am reluctant to develop bonds at CSR because no one really seems
that outgoing, it's a long way to walk to get to the studios, and I'll end
up becoming too attached to student life which I don't want to happen
as it will ruin me.
I've found short term solutions by trying to read self-help books and
a really good one I found was one called "You Can Be As Young As You Think"
which looks into the differences between "Old Brains" and "New Brains".
I feel as if I've been trapped in the former for a long time but the
book has sort of helped me to realise that I can adapt gradually.
An example that sprang to mind in terms of not letting obsessions take over
your life is not giving them up completely, but learning to be balanced
with them.
I know that others aren't so keen on him, but Jonathan Ross is one such
example as he has an interest in old and rare comics, but doesn't
go off in tangents about them to the guests on his Friday Night chat show.
I may look into similar books in the next few days.
However I feel as if I'm slowly getting back into using the social sites.
And with regards to Glee, it looks like the sort of thing I could actually
enjoy to the same length as the X Factor or Britain's Got Talent.
I.E just watching an episode and afterwards treating myself
to a GRP jazz album from the late 80s afterwards.
In fact, I'm going to do just that tomorrow night,
with a colourful drink in hand.
And don't worry, I'll try not to blog about the show to a large extent.
I don't want to become my own victim, and know that the covers
of songs aren't exactly "life changing" or "amazing" as others suggest.
But there is actually another side to my Facebook departure.
I was getting fed up with being involved in chats with individuals as
all we ever spoke about was radio, and spreading negative opinions
about popular culture, the crap that people write on anorak forums etc
Rather than consistently whinge about how bad singers, TV shows are,
it makes more sense to develop interests elsewhere and music
plays a big part, especially with Spotify on the go.
My suggestion for a solution would be to take into account an album or
song from many years ago that has stood the test of time i.e. Nirvana's
"Nevermind" for example or Guns N' Roses "Appetite For Destruction".
If you've already rummaged through their back catalogue
it's good to try and spread out into looking into other artists from the same
genre who recorded that era and may not have been as successful but
that's not the point.
They may have done songs that could strike a chord with you
for whichever reason from that era with bands such as Helloween
or Skid Row for example.
It has been really beneficial with regards to old disco, dance and soul tunes
in my side of things and it's not being stuck in the past, as most
of the stuff I have discovered has been music I've never heard before.
So there's the first issue temporarily resolved.
Living In Canterbury and Longing For London
This has pretty much been a recurring subject and one that I want
to draw away from.
A main concern is that there's a birthday do taking place this coming Friday
and that I may end up being left out of things because of where we plan to visit.
It seems the only time I get to see people from University are in noisy places
such as pubs and clubs and I really want to speak to them properly as people.
There's little opportunity to do so because of long distances and
working commitments and online chats on MSN or Facebook don't
seem to work in the same way.
Ideally I want to get into a job in which in reality, communication plays
a big part and I am finding it easier to speak to people on my mobile as
it gives me good practise and attempts to build confidence.
However I've never been in a close circle with anyone in Canterbury
and I believe the only solution to this would be (don't laugh) to find
a soulmate or along those lines.
Again this would be off my own doing but I think that this would
be the right way to deal with my angsts and build confidence
into dealing with other peoples whilst at the same time
enjoying ourselves in simple situations.
Board games, doodling, going for walks...
It may also help me to get away from worries about London.
I may be in a position to want to visit London this Friday if things
get better which I'm hoping they do.
A Potential Radio Opportunity
Some of you may be aware of this, on Media UK there has been a job ad posted for a prestigious role at a station near to me.
I won't say what it is, but because of this and that it means a lot to me
I really don't want to discuss anything related to music radio or "geeky stuff"
as it will make me feel worse and I want to put all I can into sending
my covering letter.
That way it won't make me feel as bad if I don't get the job
as I really want to put my all into this, and don't want any negative
opinions from others about the state of radio in the present day
from personal experience or whatever to get me down.
We've entered a new decade, and I spent practically the majority
of the last obsessing about things rather than being productive
about them and trying to be adaptable to other things.
Negative opinions get you nowhere and if the episode with
Dappy from N-Dubz is anything to go by it can sometimes lead to
scary situations.
Although in his case, the recipient may have the last laugh in the end
as his text message was the equivalent of pointing a gun
to your own head.
Anyway, far from the point, I know it's lengthy but I hope this has given
you a bigger understanding as why I wanted to shut myself out.
Although as is always the case, music plays and immense part
so I may as well post a Spotify/Youtube list here with tunes with lyrics
that relate perfectly to what I have tried to explain about.
Lulu - "Independence"
Yes, it's early 90s house sung by a homegrown "diva"
but lyrically I can relate to it completely and gets identical points across.
It also has a fab key change at just under 3 minutes in!
Zero 7 - "Home"
A chilled offering from the band's second album.
Webster Lewis - "Babara Ann"
Ignore the title. It's not a cover don't worry.
A late 70s mellow jazz funker that despite it being a woman singing
is all about still having that one (or more) person on your mind constantly
in awkward times.
Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush - "Don't Give Up"
I've never thought about the lyrical content of the song until now
and it's very meaningful.
Incognito - "Reach Out"
Says it all. The idea of stretching yourself and trying out new things
to make everyday life a lot easier to go through.
If you have read to this part I'm sure the length of this post will make
up for why I haven't been posting in the last week.
There have been other things I want to talk about or publish
including that wouldn't have fitted in here, but I'll steadily
do so over the next few days or so.
I'll try and get back into using Facebook on a more consistent basis, but would
because of long distances would feel more comfortable speaking to others
on my mobile.
It may be the case I send a text to anyone reading asking if it would
be possible to do so, just to make it more easier and less alienating.
Thank you for reading. xxx
I hope you weren't too worried about my whereabouts or why
I haven't been posting here, or online on Facebook or Twitter.
There has been an awful lot getting to me over the last month or so
and on Monday night it reached a point where things were too hard for me
to handle.
I decided that the one solution was to remove myself from any online
social sites and try to start afresh even though things still aren't 100%
now.
It's probably best if I go through each of my concerns and angsts in seperate
stages.
Why I "Disappeared Online"
Last Monday there was a lot of talk on Facebook and Twitter about
a new musical drama series from the States called "Glee" that has just
arrived on British shores and has lead to insanity.
People either love it or hate which is understandable but the whole hype around it combined with negative comments was partly what drew me logging off my Facebook, Twitter, MSN messenger and so on.
There's two sides to this.
On one half there's those who you know that really like it, but you're not
so keen but want to try and blend in.
Only your miles apart.
The other half is those who despise it to the point of wanting to support
a "Rage" style campaign to get acts like Soundgarden, Nirvana etc
into the charts yah yah yah.
Everything was too much to handle and I ended up "deserting" or so to say
without trace.
My reason for doing so was because before University I never used such
social networking sites whatsoever, I didn't write a blog, and I didn't
even use MSN Messenger.
All those things became part of living during University and now that I'm
back in Canterbury it can be intimidating when I see people still in London, especially after they've graduated having a good time if their photos and statuses are anything to go by.
The best solution was to disconnect myself completely and try to enjoy
things I liked without being intimidated by others.
A lot of my time was spent listening to music, mainly early 90s melodic
dance albums compliations, or smooth jazz albums from the same time period.
A lot of tracks had melodic chord structures and vocals that have had me
in tears as they represent being hugged by people I know from University
I have grown close to.
The sort of music that has a very emotional effect on me personally
that can't be found in contemporary examples
I'll put a Spotify/Youtube list on a later blog post.
But my main worry was adapting with others and trying to share interests
and develop new ones and fit in better and being away from London has
made things difficult.
I am reluctant to develop bonds at CSR because no one really seems
that outgoing, it's a long way to walk to get to the studios, and I'll end
up becoming too attached to student life which I don't want to happen
as it will ruin me.
I've found short term solutions by trying to read self-help books and
a really good one I found was one called "You Can Be As Young As You Think"
which looks into the differences between "Old Brains" and "New Brains".
I feel as if I've been trapped in the former for a long time but the
book has sort of helped me to realise that I can adapt gradually.
An example that sprang to mind in terms of not letting obsessions take over
your life is not giving them up completely, but learning to be balanced
with them.
I know that others aren't so keen on him, but Jonathan Ross is one such
example as he has an interest in old and rare comics, but doesn't
go off in tangents about them to the guests on his Friday Night chat show.
I may look into similar books in the next few days.
However I feel as if I'm slowly getting back into using the social sites.
And with regards to Glee, it looks like the sort of thing I could actually
enjoy to the same length as the X Factor or Britain's Got Talent.
I.E just watching an episode and afterwards treating myself
to a GRP jazz album from the late 80s afterwards.
In fact, I'm going to do just that tomorrow night,
with a colourful drink in hand.
And don't worry, I'll try not to blog about the show to a large extent.
I don't want to become my own victim, and know that the covers
of songs aren't exactly "life changing" or "amazing" as others suggest.
But there is actually another side to my Facebook departure.
I was getting fed up with being involved in chats with individuals as
all we ever spoke about was radio, and spreading negative opinions
about popular culture, the crap that people write on anorak forums etc
Rather than consistently whinge about how bad singers, TV shows are,
it makes more sense to develop interests elsewhere and music
plays a big part, especially with Spotify on the go.
My suggestion for a solution would be to take into account an album or
song from many years ago that has stood the test of time i.e. Nirvana's
"Nevermind" for example or Guns N' Roses "Appetite For Destruction".
If you've already rummaged through their back catalogue
it's good to try and spread out into looking into other artists from the same
genre who recorded that era and may not have been as successful but
that's not the point.
They may have done songs that could strike a chord with you
for whichever reason from that era with bands such as Helloween
or Skid Row for example.
It has been really beneficial with regards to old disco, dance and soul tunes
in my side of things and it's not being stuck in the past, as most
of the stuff I have discovered has been music I've never heard before.
So there's the first issue temporarily resolved.
Living In Canterbury and Longing For London
This has pretty much been a recurring subject and one that I want
to draw away from.
A main concern is that there's a birthday do taking place this coming Friday
and that I may end up being left out of things because of where we plan to visit.
It seems the only time I get to see people from University are in noisy places
such as pubs and clubs and I really want to speak to them properly as people.
There's little opportunity to do so because of long distances and
working commitments and online chats on MSN or Facebook don't
seem to work in the same way.
Ideally I want to get into a job in which in reality, communication plays
a big part and I am finding it easier to speak to people on my mobile as
it gives me good practise and attempts to build confidence.
However I've never been in a close circle with anyone in Canterbury
and I believe the only solution to this would be (don't laugh) to find
a soulmate or along those lines.
Again this would be off my own doing but I think that this would
be the right way to deal with my angsts and build confidence
into dealing with other peoples whilst at the same time
enjoying ourselves in simple situations.
Board games, doodling, going for walks...
It may also help me to get away from worries about London.
I may be in a position to want to visit London this Friday if things
get better which I'm hoping they do.
A Potential Radio Opportunity
Some of you may be aware of this, on Media UK there has been a job ad posted for a prestigious role at a station near to me.
I won't say what it is, but because of this and that it means a lot to me
I really don't want to discuss anything related to music radio or "geeky stuff"
as it will make me feel worse and I want to put all I can into sending
my covering letter.
That way it won't make me feel as bad if I don't get the job
as I really want to put my all into this, and don't want any negative
opinions from others about the state of radio in the present day
from personal experience or whatever to get me down.
We've entered a new decade, and I spent practically the majority
of the last obsessing about things rather than being productive
about them and trying to be adaptable to other things.
Negative opinions get you nowhere and if the episode with
Dappy from N-Dubz is anything to go by it can sometimes lead to
scary situations.
Although in his case, the recipient may have the last laugh in the end
as his text message was the equivalent of pointing a gun
to your own head.
Anyway, far from the point, I know it's lengthy but I hope this has given
you a bigger understanding as why I wanted to shut myself out.
Although as is always the case, music plays and immense part
so I may as well post a Spotify/Youtube list here with tunes with lyrics
that relate perfectly to what I have tried to explain about.
Lulu - "Independence"
Yes, it's early 90s house sung by a homegrown "diva"
but lyrically I can relate to it completely and gets identical points across.
It also has a fab key change at just under 3 minutes in!
Zero 7 - "Home"
A chilled offering from the band's second album.
Webster Lewis - "Babara Ann"
Ignore the title. It's not a cover don't worry.
A late 70s mellow jazz funker that despite it being a woman singing
is all about still having that one (or more) person on your mind constantly
in awkward times.
Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush - "Don't Give Up"
I've never thought about the lyrical content of the song until now
and it's very meaningful.
Incognito - "Reach Out"
Says it all. The idea of stretching yourself and trying out new things
to make everyday life a lot easier to go through.
If you have read to this part I'm sure the length of this post will make
up for why I haven't been posting in the last week.
There have been other things I want to talk about or publish
including that wouldn't have fitted in here, but I'll steadily
do so over the next few days or so.
I'll try and get back into using Facebook on a more consistent basis, but would
because of long distances would feel more comfortable speaking to others
on my mobile.
It may be the case I send a text to anyone reading asking if it would
be possible to do so, just to make it more easier and less alienating.
Thank you for reading. xxx
Monday, January 11, 2010
Spaced. And Almost Split
This is still the toughest of struggles I'm facing and it doesn't appear to
be looking positive at all.
In an attempt to move away from angsts diverted all distractions from
the git box by watching something I've been meaning to view for at least
a year.
Even longer in fact from when I bought the actual DVD boxset.
I'm halfway through series 1 of Spaced which is living up to expectations
and it's evident to see how Pegg and Wright wanted to take
what was so good about that into the success of their recent big screen
releases.
This setting is really representative of the living conditions I'd love to be
living in (preferrably without the weirdness) although a lot of the characters
bear shocking identical resmeblances to those I've known from University.
I won't say who, it will only alienate non Westminster students,
and those who are from Westminster and have seen the series
will know instantly.
Quite a few cameo appearances too including one from Bill Bailey as
a comic shop owner in episode one, and another from David Walliams
pre-Little Britain as flamboyant drag artist Vulva who performs
at a contemporary theatre performance that Daisy and Tim get
dragged into seeing.
I'll hopefully finish Series 1 by tomorrow but may want to pace myself
before viewing the second series.
Although I maybe downhearted, the only temporary cure seems to be
having the radio switched on and if it's a decent programme or presenter
then things aren't so bad at all.
It was certainly the case with Simon Mayo this afternoon who at the
start of his show played the Prince Buster and Jools Holland version
of "Enjoy Yourself" and I was instantly lifted, even if it just lasted an
hour or so.
Maybe it will be worth setting the alarm for Moyles at 6:25am tomorrow.
Hopefully it will make the difference, normally does.
On a social level though I want to move away from radio.
If I spend too much time thinking about it, it makes things bad, reduces lack of inspiring ideas for when I'm actually on there, and more productive things
can be done.
But I feel as if I was cursed because my Asperger's makes it hard for me
to blend in with others on a long term social basis, and the same with
my hypomania leading to things getting worse and inevitably
damaging me for life, save for an additional year at University.
That's a true definition of "living on borrowed time" as that's
how I feel everything between 2008 and 2009 was.
Because of my medication and illness, apparently I'm not allowed
to develop large ideas anymore according to doctors and psychiatrists,
because they think it will lead to hypomania or bad signs of bipolar.
Yes, that's helpful.
Is that trying to suggest, that I shouldn't be hoping to achieve
a career in radio at all?
Go stuff yourselves why don't you.
Good night.
be looking positive at all.
In an attempt to move away from angsts diverted all distractions from
the git box by watching something I've been meaning to view for at least
a year.
Even longer in fact from when I bought the actual DVD boxset.
I'm halfway through series 1 of Spaced which is living up to expectations
and it's evident to see how Pegg and Wright wanted to take
what was so good about that into the success of their recent big screen
releases.
This setting is really representative of the living conditions I'd love to be
living in (preferrably without the weirdness) although a lot of the characters
bear shocking identical resmeblances to those I've known from University.
I won't say who, it will only alienate non Westminster students,
and those who are from Westminster and have seen the series
will know instantly.
Quite a few cameo appearances too including one from Bill Bailey as
a comic shop owner in episode one, and another from David Walliams
pre-Little Britain as flamboyant drag artist Vulva who performs
at a contemporary theatre performance that Daisy and Tim get
dragged into seeing.
I'll hopefully finish Series 1 by tomorrow but may want to pace myself
before viewing the second series.
Although I maybe downhearted, the only temporary cure seems to be
having the radio switched on and if it's a decent programme or presenter
then things aren't so bad at all.
It was certainly the case with Simon Mayo this afternoon who at the
start of his show played the Prince Buster and Jools Holland version
of "Enjoy Yourself" and I was instantly lifted, even if it just lasted an
hour or so.
Maybe it will be worth setting the alarm for Moyles at 6:25am tomorrow.
Hopefully it will make the difference, normally does.
On a social level though I want to move away from radio.
If I spend too much time thinking about it, it makes things bad, reduces lack of inspiring ideas for when I'm actually on there, and more productive things
can be done.
But I feel as if I was cursed because my Asperger's makes it hard for me
to blend in with others on a long term social basis, and the same with
my hypomania leading to things getting worse and inevitably
damaging me for life, save for an additional year at University.
That's a true definition of "living on borrowed time" as that's
how I feel everything between 2008 and 2009 was.
Because of my medication and illness, apparently I'm not allowed
to develop large ideas anymore according to doctors and psychiatrists,
because they think it will lead to hypomania or bad signs of bipolar.
Yes, that's helpful.
Is that trying to suggest, that I shouldn't be hoping to achieve
a career in radio at all?
Go stuff yourselves why don't you.
Good night.
The Worthy Wake Up Call. Potentially
OK then, you've waited long enough.
The alarm was set for 6:55am but because the DAB near my bedside
is still buggered, I had to lift my laptop onto my bedside table and
open up the live iPlayer to hear Chris Evans' first Breakfast Show.
Sarah Kennedy being the amateur she really is, crashed the pips at 7am
into Moira Stuart's first news bulletin which went pretty well and
really good to hear hear back doing what she does best.
My only worry is that she isn't really involved much during the show
and I very much doubt she actually writes the bulletins as
that's what partly cost her job on television three years ago.
Evans himself sounded lively and it fitted in well to proceedings
which is essentially the style of the drivetime crossing over
to breakfast.
Jonny Saunders from sport has been promoted, although Lynn Bowles
is staying put in mornings to read the travel.
Let's get to the nitty gritty then.
Whilst the show was lively, it wasn't really that creative and seemed
like a throwback to the 90s, especially with phone calls about
"What Have You Got On" and the "competition" (if the BBC allows them to call them that) "Either Or".
They're doing their best and it will take time to fully establish itself
which it will, but it's not for me.
Well not to the point I want to be a long term listener.
On the plus side Chris Moyles is back, and has an amazing set of new jingles
from Music 4 reverting back to the C-D key structure and with
a whole orchestra recorded at Abbey Road.
The best certainly come to the best with the Beatles of course,
Pink Floyd, the Harry Potter soundtrack, and the heart tugging strings
for Incognito's 1995 album "100 Degrees and Rising"
which included "Everyday".
My favourite ident has to be the up to the news one which has a donut
(technical term) for the pips to be inserted which I haven't heard
on a Radio 1 jingle since the JAM ones in the late 80s/early 90s.
They sound, how shall I put this, rather elegant, maybe a bit too "epic"
alongside the records played but it's probably better that they
sound different, as wasn't that what jingles were meant for originally?
I'll definitely be sticking with the show especially as the speech content
takes more of a priority but although there's one or two records
that sound pretty good including the latest one by Wiley and "Take That".
Nothing to do with the band of course but still a good one.
And Moyles and the team are still willing to rip the piss out of the records
played including the new number 1 from Iyaz, I.E. overuse of the word
"Shorty".
That goes back longer than I'd initally assumed with the first tune
I took notice of being Pink's "Most Girls" from her first album in 2000
when she was marketed as a white hip-hop performer.
Basically it means someone "short" of money.
Other signs of popular culture within urban records seem to be
the overuse of the "JJJ-JR" sample and the "reggae air horn" noise
which I'm sort of used to I guess but can easily be attached to parody.
Which reminds me with regards to one of the positive points of Evans' show
is that one of the items involving the "Mystery Guest" makes use
of the legendary Edmonds Gunge Siren to end the interview.
To have that noise as an alarm clock ringtone for my mobile would
be the ideal birthday or Christmas present whatever the living
circumstances.
It would make getting out of bed in the morning hell of a lot easier
I can tell you that.
Overall, Evans has it more or less in the bag and with a bit of work
the show could go on to be very popular, not immediately but in the long term.
However I'll be sticking with Chris Moyles for the time being, continuing
to live up to his name as "The Saviour Of Radio 1" and saying how things
really are in an otherwise deluded country.
Especially in terms of other radio shows and presenters trying to
follow current trends.
The alarm was set for 6:55am but because the DAB near my bedside
is still buggered, I had to lift my laptop onto my bedside table and
open up the live iPlayer to hear Chris Evans' first Breakfast Show.
Sarah Kennedy being the amateur she really is, crashed the pips at 7am
into Moira Stuart's first news bulletin which went pretty well and
really good to hear hear back doing what she does best.
My only worry is that she isn't really involved much during the show
and I very much doubt she actually writes the bulletins as
that's what partly cost her job on television three years ago.
Evans himself sounded lively and it fitted in well to proceedings
which is essentially the style of the drivetime crossing over
to breakfast.
Jonny Saunders from sport has been promoted, although Lynn Bowles
is staying put in mornings to read the travel.
Let's get to the nitty gritty then.
Whilst the show was lively, it wasn't really that creative and seemed
like a throwback to the 90s, especially with phone calls about
"What Have You Got On" and the "competition" (if the BBC allows them to call them that) "Either Or".
They're doing their best and it will take time to fully establish itself
which it will, but it's not for me.
Well not to the point I want to be a long term listener.
On the plus side Chris Moyles is back, and has an amazing set of new jingles
from Music 4 reverting back to the C-D key structure and with
a whole orchestra recorded at Abbey Road.
The best certainly come to the best with the Beatles of course,
Pink Floyd, the Harry Potter soundtrack, and the heart tugging strings
for Incognito's 1995 album "100 Degrees and Rising"
which included "Everyday".
My favourite ident has to be the up to the news one which has a donut
(technical term) for the pips to be inserted which I haven't heard
on a Radio 1 jingle since the JAM ones in the late 80s/early 90s.
They sound, how shall I put this, rather elegant, maybe a bit too "epic"
alongside the records played but it's probably better that they
sound different, as wasn't that what jingles were meant for originally?
I'll definitely be sticking with the show especially as the speech content
takes more of a priority but although there's one or two records
that sound pretty good including the latest one by Wiley and "Take That".
Nothing to do with the band of course but still a good one.
And Moyles and the team are still willing to rip the piss out of the records
played including the new number 1 from Iyaz, I.E. overuse of the word
"Shorty".
That goes back longer than I'd initally assumed with the first tune
I took notice of being Pink's "Most Girls" from her first album in 2000
when she was marketed as a white hip-hop performer.
Basically it means someone "short" of money.
Other signs of popular culture within urban records seem to be
the overuse of the "JJJ-JR" sample and the "reggae air horn" noise
which I'm sort of used to I guess but can easily be attached to parody.
Which reminds me with regards to one of the positive points of Evans' show
is that one of the items involving the "Mystery Guest" makes use
of the legendary Edmonds Gunge Siren to end the interview.
To have that noise as an alarm clock ringtone for my mobile would
be the ideal birthday or Christmas present whatever the living
circumstances.
It would make getting out of bed in the morning hell of a lot easier
I can tell you that.
Overall, Evans has it more or less in the bag and with a bit of work
the show could go on to be very popular, not immediately but in the long term.
However I'll be sticking with Chris Moyles for the time being, continuing
to live up to his name as "The Saviour Of Radio 1" and saying how things
really are in an otherwise deluded country.
Especially in terms of other radio shows and presenters trying to
follow current trends.
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