The Listening List - 30.06.12

Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast - Stewart Lee

This series of podcasts as a whole has been mixed in terms
of consistency, but at the same time it's providing the listener
with something different each week.

What's great about it is that someone who may not be into
the career and anecdotes of Nick Frost, will be attracted to those of
Armando Iannucci.

Though to be fair, there's no real set structure to the interviews
themselves, and you could argue that the listener learns a bit too
much about the guests than we'd like to.

This podcast guest-stars Richard Herring's long-term 90s comedy partner
Stewart Lee is an entertaining re-union as such but thankfully not an
over-indulgent nostalgia fest.

Save for a few old catchphrases such as "The Moon On A Stick"
and "Who's the real sick man?"

It manages to avoid being too much of a reunion, in exchange
for Stewart Lee's explanations on subjects such as why he doesn't use Twitter, later evolving into discussion over inappropriate acts with
ventriloquists dummies.

It's quite a long podcast, and only really for the die-hard fans,
but if you're familiar with the material of both comics either
from the 90s TV series, or their own respective stand-up careers
it's a great way to kill time on a long slog.

An aural comedy treat.

A Point Of View - What To Do About A Bad Review - BBC Radio 4 22.06.12

The ten-minute length was attraction on its own as I have a
really bad attention span when it comes to listening
to a radio programme, especially at night when my mind state
is running out of energy.

However, it's the subject matter that grabbed me the most
where author Adam Gopnik examines ways of dealing with out-of-favour
reviews, in today's online age when anyone can write a review
of what they've seen or heard, in whatever way they feel necessary.

I understand the irony of me including the above programme in this blog post.

What had me thinking was the suggestion that the reading public
won't look at reviews as a "fair repraisal of art" as Gopnik describes it, otherwise using that section of a newspaper or a magazine
as a comedy section to laugh at jealousy or bitterness.

Most inspiring of all is when Gopnik discusses the better way to
deal with a reviewer no matter how big their stature.

That being to look at what they are doing in four months since
writing the offending article, and if they are doing well send them
a complementary letter.

Thus exposing the paranoid nature of the critic and possibly
opening and closing doors.

Overall, the programme covers a fair number of areas I've written
about on my blog in the last few months, but in a more civilised style.

"Is It Worth It?" - BBC Radio 2, 25.06.12

I think I may have just listened to the best radio documentary of 2012.

A fantastic dissection into a song illustrating how the ordinary man
could become a victim of a pointless war.

Anyone wanting to learn more about the Robert Wyatt performed track commenting on the Falklands war, will find this offering narrated by
Annie Nightingale a more than enlightening and at times emotional listen.

The structure of the programme is unusually for radio clearly defined
with the first part looking into the story behind the song itself,
the second giving more depth into the Falklands and their effects
of the war, and towards the end a brief look into the version
sung by Elvis Costello.

Most of all, it described the harrowing mood of the song really well
and it was good to hear emphasis on the line "Diving for dear life,
when we could be diving for pearls".

My above paragraphs cannot justify how well made the programme is.

Listen to it while you can.

Punk And Plosives

With a large number attending the desperate Mancunian reunion
of The Stone Roses last night, I chose to visit a gig
a bit more close to home with a performance by the Half Wits
at Canterbury's Penny Theatre.

They were first on the bill of a night of local punk acts and
got the venue off to a raucous start. In fact the most chaotic
I have known a gig of that sort to be like of recent.

Song highlights included their interpretation of "A Message To You Rudy"
and "I'm A Waster" which with the rather distorted sound quality lead
to more than a few mis-interpretations which the crowd were only
too keen to pick up on.

Here's a few snapshots of what took place;

I also managed to get an interview recorded with lead singer Tahd
which I may upload later on.

It was a dummy run of sorts but the one thing I have gathered is
that no matter how far away the audio recorder is from my mouth
I have problems with the two dreaded P's in audio recording, 
popping and plosives. Whereas whoever I am interviewing
has no problems whatsoever with distortion.

It may be a good idea the next time I go to a gig or interview
to prepare a script beforehand that allows the interviewee
to guide the listener in the edit, which is the method used
for a fair number of radio documentaries.

It's just one of the lessons I am gradually learning, and a good
practise for Lounge On The Farm next week when I'll hopefully be
up to more of the same, with regards to location based audio.

More Stupid Stigmas

If there's anything I am thankful for, it is those who will be on hand
to help if things get too much to handle.

Them being all of those who were helpful this afternoon on Facebook
and via e-mail, because of my dealings with a narrow-minded charity.

After an awkward visit this morning to the Harmbrook Marsh as part of a social activity group, caused by intense heat and intoxication of the remainder of yesterday's KX energy drink, I resorted to my bed at midday and had another
twisted dream of things going crazy beyond hopes and expectation.

On waking up I found an e-mail from the charity office I went to yesterday
telling me that they wouldn't be taking me further as an IT assistant
because of "serious misgivings about my suitability".

I won't mention any names, just to be safe.

I understand why it wouldn't be good circumstances, but to use emotional language like the above, just isn't acceptable.

Further proof that even with campaigns such as Time To Change,
stigma still prevails, and in certain situations rather than try to make
peace, they're just not worth the hassle.

There are far more important and prosperous things to focus on.

I chose to have another read of a book I got sent in the mail
yesterday from Karen P, the founder of Folded Wing and the very
story that inspired the name of her company, Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

Given to Karen as a ten year old growing up in Southend, it's
the story of a seagull, outcast from his flock for wanting to learn
to fly further rather than spend day-to-day life foraging for food,
with flying just as means as transportation.

It's really easy to identify with for anyone who has dreams,
and that they can achieve them.

But with the Southend connection, and birds in general it reminded
me of a highlight of my "radio holiday" in the town 12 years ago
and Martin Day at the then "Hotter And Fresher" Essex FM with his parody
of "The Real Slim Shady" called "The Real Big Birdie".

Essentially an identical plotline to the above book,
but with added gunfire.

Hopefully tomorrow will be free of frustration and things can continue
to slowly improve.

The Caffeine Conundrum

A mealtime chat with Mum and Dad has managed to uncover the
main possible reason as to why I have been having sleeping struggles
infrequently.


It's because of many glasses of this;




















And other caffeine-heavy drinks I have been intoxicating as a substitute
for alcohol, in hope of removing hangovers.

Instead, it's been the trigger of my racing mindset, working at the
wrong time with the sugars and caffeines turning into energy, energy
into inspiration, and the inspiration gradually turning into anxiety.

It disappears eventually but it's made me more worried that
maybe I'm just not destined to have long-term good fortune bestowed on me. 

Luckily there is a cheaper liquid substitute from Tesco where you can by
sparkling fizzy drinks made up of summer fruits for under £1 which
I may stick to in the long run.

As I've had a few drinks of the above stuff already, another of
those nights may prevail but luckily I will be helping with a voluntary
gardening morning at the marshes near Westgate Gardens.

I need to be there at 9:30am for that, so hopefully that will lighten
up my Thursday.

This week feels like I am living a completely different life altogether
with changing circumstances and my changing way of thinking but I know
that if I carry on going it will lead to something pleasant in the end.

"Fighting With Lost Confidence"

One of my lifelong obsessions has been the Warner Brothers cartoons,
and the one that seems to resemble my life at the moment is 
"Good Night Elmer".

Yes, it may not be one of the best from the Merrie Melodies stable
but this early Disney-esque short directed by Chuck Jones is reminiscent
of my struggles to sleep I've been having every other night over the
last month.

Only that instead of trying to extinguish a candle flame, I'm having problems
getting rid of racing thoughts inside my head over issues that others may not
think anything of at all, even if they are involved.

It normally ends up with me resorting to use the TuneIn Radio app
on my smartphone to find a chilled electronica or soul station to
distract me from such thoughts.

Only that by the time I've finally got close to falling asleep I end up seeing this sight from my bed which at 5am in the morning has me welling up for
the sake of it.

 

I think it's a sweet image as a whole.

Things perked up a bit later this morning when I went over to an elderly charity in Canterbury where hopefully in July, I'll be helping them out as one
of their I.T. assistants.

The meet-up seemed to go well, and it will keep me busy once a
week and hopefully more if other helpers are unavailable.

I've managed to turn negatives into positives elsewhere as now
that the "Tuppence And The Gang" Canterbury gig for July has
been cancelled, it means I can attend Swing Out Sister who
are performing at the Islington Assembly Halls on the same night.

I haven't seen Corrine and the musicians since 2005, and it
is guaranteed to be a very special night as SOS don't make
many visits to the big city.
So in the long term, it's a pretty stable July.

Switching Life's Ups And Downs For Walking Ups And Downs

The Canterbury Innovation Centre was my main destination today. 
A new building just outside the grounds of the University of Kent.

It was the ideal sort of weather to get a few photos such as this one below 
from the nearby St Dunstan's Church;
 














And the ascending road uphill that follows.

The visit itself was my first in the new All Seasons offices where
the people there help me to, well better shape my life I guess.

I'm hoping that I make more visits to them in the next month or so
and that they're on hand whenever things in general aren't exactly
100%.

You could describe my journey as a modern day Hovis ad, only
without the cobbles and bicycle, and the bread for that matter.

The one thing that the trip did have in common was that the walk
back down to Canterbury was far more lively and energetic, within the more
suburban surroundings of the University Of Kent Campus.





I'm not sure what's lined up the rest of the week. Kate's coming back tomorrow for an interview at the very campus I visited today,
for a possible Master's degree.

And on Friday there's quite a big event at the Penny Theatre where
a few live bands will be playing including old favourites "The Half Wits".
I hope to get some of the crazy action captured and uploaded here
from the night itself.

Time For A New Approach To Blogging?

Almost this time five years ago I came to the conclusion that I didn't
need to write a blog anymore because I had found the real meaning
of life.

Which I thought was "passion".

I chose to put my Blogger blog on hold, but in the manic state I was
in proceeded to write even crazier posts on Facebook, which lead
to a lot of confusion and misunderstandings.

Then after I entered the depressive side of my bipolar episode the
blogs became further and fewer, until a few months later when I
tried to get everything back to how things were before my manic
episode.

I have been through a lot of tiny episodes since and with
many of them blogged about in the past, I have come to the conclusion
that it doesn't do me any good to re-visit them by writing about the
experiences.

Moreso, I doubt you'd even want to read about them on a day to day basis.

Even the list of blogs I subscribe is becoming shallow in terms
of updates, and I guess now is a good time to take a natural
break, attempting to do other things with day-to-day life
as opposed to staring at screens hours on end.

With things going the way they are, I have decided that the best thing
is not to abandon my blog altogether, but only post on here
if I have done something in a day that's worth reflecting and sharing.

Not to mention the endless stream of unconstructive negativity 
found on other social networking websites, which for my faults I have played a part in for far too long, and need to gradually get to grips with the
idea that there are better things to be using up time with.

Today for example I have gone through a fair few personal setbacks
which may be minor to other readers, but drag me down for no good
reason.

My solution to which is to lay back in front of the Hackney Weekender
coverage on television, whilst enjoying a Domino's pizza takeaway,
and whatever Tesco's low-budget WKD drink is.

With my exploits becoming more and more trivial, my blog has been
regurgitating for far too long both sad and happy experiences of
a similar nature to each other in their own respects.

I'm hoping that with updates reduced to either once or twice a
week, it will make the reading experience more varied, which
is possible knowing that most, no, all of my favourite blogs
are a treat to have a gander at when updated occasionally with
great content.

Thanks for being understanding, and I hope you'll carry on reading.
xx

The Listening List - 23.06.12

Gaggle - From The Mouth Of The Cave (WorkIt Media)

It doesn't come often, not often enough anyway, where it's possible
to enjoy a band or musician(s) for being individual and groundbreaking
and Gaggle finally get the chance to prove their abilities
to a greater audience.

From the gloomy procession of "The Cave", the ethereal sounding
"Lullaby", and the poppier influenced "Hello Spider" the unique
vocal sound remains throughout whilst surprising the listener at 
the same time not knowing what to expect.

The cynical amongst listeners may dismiss the outfit as a novelty
act, which is fair enough. At least they stand out amongst a crowd
where you have to look that extra harder to find memorable and exciting
music.

And when it's found, the end results are very rewarding.

How Sweet The Sound - The Amazing Grace Story (BBC Radio 2,
May 2012)

A bit late on to this one, but worth the wait.

Soul and gospel singer Candi Stayton (just to remind myself the correct
way of pronouncing her surname) guides the listener through a history
of the religious song and it's evolution over the last 200 years.

Very well researched, brilliant interviews, and an engaging listen as a
whole providing a well thought chronological insight to the song
or hymn depending on how you perceive it.

The stories in the programme include those not just of the evolution
itself, but the different interpretations ranging from the well-arranged accapella rendition by Judy Collins, to the early gospel version by Sam Cooke
and the soul-stirrers.

Best of all, the programme goes deeper into the verses and explains
their importance to the song as a whole in a way that's far more
effective in audio than if this documentary was to be shown on BBC Four
for example.
I'd say it's worth listening to it for the Blind Boys Of Alabama version
towards the end.

Hyped Up In Hackney

The anticipated visit to Hackney finally arrived this morning and a lengthy
but inspiring day of talks from those inside and soon-to-break in to the noise
box dominated proceedings at Hackney's Picture House.

First up was the big cheese himself, Ben Cooper who gave a good insight
into his early days in BBC Local Radio, working his way up to the much 
treasured position running BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra.

Cooper's talk was followed by those from Hackney Weekend
event organisers, the team from Newsbeat, and the fantastic 
production team behind Gemma Cairney's Weekend Breakfast Show
on Radio 1.

Most inspiring of all however was the final presentation from 4 of
the Radio Academy's 30 Under 30 for 2011 who offered their
very useful advice about breaking inside the industry from a wide
range of perspectives.

Whether it's assisting the Street Team of a local radio station,
or submitting ideas for a BBC pitching session, I broadened
my mind as to the many different ways of making myself known.

Now it's a case of getting out and doing it, searching for ideas
that can easily be adapted for objects you can hear but not see out of.

Best of all, my outing has left me with an appetite which I have
been absent from in the last few days.

It may not be perfect, but last night's bol with expensive M&S pasta
should have me covered.

Tubing It To Hackney

Two words can only describe how I felt last night after turning it in.

Dreadfully rotten.

It was impossible for me to get any proper shut eye, or even stay still
in bed because of racing thoughts of anxiety yet again.

Circumstances are constantly changing and whilst they may not really
be worth worrying about on a day-to-day basis, for me it's difficult
to get through a whole day without being frightened and scared for
no good reason.

I attempted to escape from it all by presenting on CSR this morning
to cover for an absent presenter, that went fairly well and tomorrow
I'm off to London again.

I'm opting to take an earlier train over as while it may be a bit more
expensive to travel, goodness knows what the tubes are going to be like
with the buses on strike all day tomorrow.

There's a good chance I shall bump into a fair familiar faces at 
the event itself, The Radio Academy Hackney Masterclass organised by
BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra organised to co-incide with the weekender starting
tomorrow.

I'm also looking forward to seeing new people as well, those who also
have a burning ambition to make it inside the box of noise, and all being well
it should flow nicely.

Non-Stop Lyric Spouting

More editing took place today, this time working on a package looking
behind the scenes of an attempt for the longest continuous rap event
that took place recently in South West London.

10 hours non-stop at that.

More radio exploits will be taking place tomorrow morning, as
James Waters has asked me to step in on his Thursday show.

Normally with James it's a voice-tracked state of affairs, but due to problems
beyond control, I'll be doing it live from the confines of Studio Blue.

It's something to keep me occupied as a whole and at a time
when personal circumstances are getting more and more
crazy, it should help me to relax.

As long as I carry on taking the right meds, then nothing
should spiral too crazily.

In Cognitive

As planned I made my way over to Laurel House for my appointment
regarding my recent anxieties over the last week or so and was
given some useful advice about not giving up your goals when you are
in such a rotten state.

The nurse I was booked into see pointed me in the direction of this
website, based around Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but looks
very likely to offer me very good advice to take on.

I may have a look through it tomorrow when I'm at a loose end
as that's when I am at my worse and most anxious, worried
about circumstances that really aren't worth worrying about.

That said, I'm spoilt for choice in terms of comedy panel shows 
tomorrow evening as it's the last in the series of Charlie Brooker's
So Wrong It's Right on BBC Radio 4, and the second episode
of the new Griff-Rhys Jones vehicle A Short History Of Everything Else.

The latter got a bit of stick after it's debut last week, but when
you're in one of those moods when you're fed up with day to day 
life and just want a laugh for the sake of laughing, Griff comes up
with the goods.

Both shows feature Susan Calman as a guest, so either way
I'll be entertained.

Sea Air Recovery

It was another difficult start waking up this morning, so much so I
ended up moving my planned appointment at the mood clinic from
the beginning of July to tomorrow.

This maybe just a phase I'm going through where I'm undergoing
a spell of depression, and it has to be said that I've been through
a lot more of them, than I have of major highs.

In fact I don't think I have ever got anywhere near as manic
and elevated to how I was in August 2007.

I seemed to get through my interview at Homebase with no
major issues and should I be successful it looks as if they will
be flexible with arrangements, should any crop up over the work
period.

I'll see what happens and if I don't hear anything by next week
I'll enquire after that.

Escapism was provided by the firs episode of last night's new
drama to BBC 1, True Love, where the impressive cast ensemble
and location of Margate was enough to draw me in.

Whilst it may not be the most ground breaking drama series
I've seen of recent, I felt warmed by it and enjoyed the plotline
where David Tennant's character Nick, happily married with children,
re-acquainted with an old flame as played by Vicky Mclure.

I'm gathering that the plotline's going to be the same theme throughout
the series, but as it's shown nightly this week, with each episode
half an hour in length, I doubt I'll get fed up with it.

When it comes to a good television drama, the one thing
that normally grabs me resembles the name of an over-exposed
television programme, Location, Location, Location.

And Margate's not a bad one at that.

Lifting Myself Further

Another 4am against-my-will wake-up started off my Sunday eventually

resulting in me going to CSR's Studio Blue on the Christ Church

campus to make a few more alterations to tonight's running order.

Thankfully the studio itself was back up and running.

I then opted for some more shut eye, whilst listening to Sandra C's

show on Stomp Radio, where her blend of Citizen's Soul provided

a hallucinogenic experience with me being half-asleep but it sounded

more than amazing.

The Sunburst Band's Brenda Russell cover being one such highlight.

My own radio show went OK save for a few instances of the
tounge being tied.

I laughed it off, but there have been weeks recently where I've

been better.

I've been through quite a lot this week, what with racing thoughts

and paranoid concerns and I just want to start Monday off

afresh, hoping that the Homebase interview goes well.

Depositing The Weight

A lot better day than most this week. Not amazing, but on the way to progression.

I managed to pay off £400 from my credit card bill, and hopefully when I get paid my next JSA I'll be able to dispose of the remaining other hundred.

It's also been announced that CSR FM will be the official radio station to broadcast live from Lounge On The Farm in three weeks, 
which I'm really excited about.

I'm hoping I get to work with James Waters again, as we did
not too badly last time, and there needs to be someone to 
keep him from going too crazy.

I also managed to get a mention live on Gilles Peterson's
6Music show this afternoon after tweeting my appreciation
for the Brazilian tracks that got played.

The man himself may have pronounced my surname phonetically,
but you know what, I may adapt it as a stage name if I was to make
a mint out of disk spinning.

It can happen.

As for tomorrow, an extra leg stretch may be in order after 
Studio Blue buggered up this morning. 

I'm hoping nothing too dreadful happens at the University of Kent
Studios for this week's Blam Jam show.

The Listening List - 16.06.12

Made In Britain - BBC Radio 2 12.06.12

If you've ever wondered what early 90s rave music sounds like when played by a brass band then wonder no longer.
 
The Hackney Colliery Band who released a rather sterling album last year
are first under the microscope in a documentary where Charles Hazlewood
looks into the music that defines Britain and it's major cities, and the 
importance a location plays in the writing of a successful song.

I really like how the documentary is individual in explaining how
the surroundings of where bands and musicians grew up influenced
their music, mainly through feelings of disillusion in the case of
Judas Priest who's unsettled experiences of life in the West Midlands
inspired tunes such as "Breaking The Law".

That could spur off into another documentary into how performers have
escaped from their hometown, moving to places they feel more comfortable 
for inspiration, such as Will Holland AKA Quantic who swapped the humdrum
life of Herefordshire to make a creative living in Colombia.

Sorry, I'm straying.

Anyway, Made In Britain manages to give the  listener a great perspective
of how locales influence lyrical content, creating a mental image
of the places themselves for those who have visited them.

Who The Wild Things Are - BBC Radio 4 14.06.12

And if you've ever wondered what a Jewish Klezmer rendition
of the Tetris theme sounds like, then look no further than this
offering.

Nah seriously, following the passing of Maurice Sendak, Radio 4 provides another chance to hear a celebration of the author, recorded at the time
of the author's 80th birthday.

The brassy Jewish music was enough to draw me in from the beginning,
giving a fantastic mental illustration of Sendak's cuddly creations
capturing the essence of the well-loved children's book.

Best of all, it's worth listening to hear how Sendak could still recall
the feeling of childhood, and how he used it to come up with
the character of Max, breaking the barriers of the cutesy-poo
world of children's books, and adding rebel figures for young readers
to look up to.

A fun and informative dissection.

Structure Kills Stress

Save for getting a few editing jobs done for the Podium podcast,
it's been another day of frustration and anxiety where there need be
no such thing.

Part of the reason is worrying about my interview at Homebase
on Monday, but if more relaxed about it, then it should go without
any major problems, and I've got a good reference from Dunelm
to bring with me.

What I should try and remember is that in any job I get,
it will add structure to everyday life and make things easier
to handle and provide fewer situations of stress and being
upset for the sake of it.

And nothing should get in the way of wanting to reach any
radio related goals that I may still have in sight, as long as
I don't give up at the utterances of any short-minded doubters.

It's just a case of avoiding them, and looking towards
those who only look for the positive in everyone they come across.

There's too few people who are like that in the present day.

A Brief History Of Nonsense

What started off as another potentially distressing day, has turned into
one of hope as after a visit to Shaw Trust, I've managed to sort out
an informal interview at the Canterbury Homebase store on Monday
regarding a possible four week work placement.

I've been told not to worry about working arrangements getting in
the way of radio related commitments and engagements, so with
that in mind I have booked my ticket for the Radio Production Awards
in July, of which the nominations were announced earlier today.

One of them being Heather Davies for the Multi-Platform category
which I'm guessing is for the fantastic Twitter response to 
BBC Radio 2's Sounds Of The 20th Century.

I'll try and go easy on the wine this time as whenever we're in
the same place together, I end up making an idiot of myself
under the influence of said drink.

As for tonight, the laughs will be back as Mock The Week returns for

it's 11th series on the road to the 100th episode. A potentially good line-up tonight including Greg Davies
and Nathan Caton who was pretty good when appearing last series.

On equally trivial note, another panel show made it's debut last night
on Channel 4 in the form of Griff-Rhys Jones A Brief History
Of Everything Else which I must be the only fan of.

Most of the newspapers have slated it in their review columns,
but a format based on topical gags from years ago and crass humour
is always bound to go down well from my perspective.

Then again, in about five years I'll probably look back on the show
itself as rubbish.

Laughing At The Trolls

This has to be not just the funniest, but thought provoking viral as 
of recent times, a specially written song by Isabel Fay and Clever Pie
targeting the ever increasing intrusion of internet bullies.

Thank You Hater! - Isabel Fay

A burlesque/music-hall inspired ditty made to ridicule those who
have too much time on their hands, with additional contributions
from some of the finest comedians and purveyors of art.

But it had me thinking afterwards that I've been one of those
"haters" that the song is targeting for far too long.

Further than the days of Youtube in fact, when I used to post
petty negative comments on radio discussion forums when
I was upset with a station being taken over by a bigger group.

It still prevails today but I've learned that the best thing
is not to go looking for negativity in the first place.

As well as finally realising that using Twitter or any social networking sites
to attack anyone, whether they're on television, on radio, in stand-up,
or personal acquaintance, cannot go on.

They're only human too, they have feelings, and I'll inevitably end up being more hurt and paranoid about it all than them in the long run.

I'm actually very tempted to play the song itself on my radio show
although some of the words may have to be bleeped.
Simply superb.

Disposing The Dummies?

Another superb documentary caught my eye last night, Nina Conti - A Ventriloquist's Story as transmitted on BBC Four on Sunday.

It followed the journey of Nina and her many puppets to a
ventriloquists convention in Venthaven, Kentucky back in 2009,
and pondering on whether to give up the art form following the passing of 
her biggest influence Ken Campbell.

I found it very affectionate and melancholy in the way it was shot
and put together with Nina's monkey puppet asking her the questions
at regular intervals with the tongue firmly in it's cheek.

Though physically that's not how ventriloquism works but anyway...

If you have a spare hour on you up until the 20th of June when
it gets taken off iPlayer, it's definitely worth having a gander at this
witty and poignant journey through what is considered throughout
the documentary to be a dying art form.

And with the account done through Nina's voice (or should that
be many voices) it makes it even more easier to warm to.

Just Getting Started

The England Vs France game had me feeling less pessimistic than I
thought I'd be. 

Not the greatest result, but it felt more consistent and less frustrating
than any of the games at the South Africa World Cup two years ago,
and besides, there aren't many memorable first games in a tournament
that can be remembered for years to come.

Olly's jetting off to America tomorrow with his friend from New York
who has stayed over on British shores for a few days, and has
been enjoying what the country has to offer.

Notably the roast that Mum and Dad made tonight.

No idea what I'm doing tomorrow, save from the usual regime
of buying the Radio Times.

Though if I opt to view Louis Theroux's documentary late this evening
I may catch up on David Rodigan's Radio 2 show on iPlayer.

Or the other way round of course.

A Gradual Recovery?

As I felt really down last night I ended up in bed at 9:45pm.

Again I woke up at an ungodly hour but this time I managed to settle
back down and was awake by 7:30am.

Not a great deal going on today, well I guess there's the first England
game in Euro 2012 but I'm not too excited over that.

Sean Lock had it nailed on Saturday's Eight Out Of Ten Cats where in
response to Chris Kamara's comments about optimism for the team,
came back stating there was a difference between being optimistic
and being deluded.

Too true, although having edited my Twitter and Facebook news feed
since the 2010 World Cup, thankfully there aren't too many statuses
of that nature clogging things up.

In the unlikely chance that we do get through to the semi-finals
there may be the chance that I'll take all that's written above back,
and jump on the bandwagon of what will be genuine optimism.

It's what many others did during the 1990 World Cup, and
admittedly I never really got too excited about England's
progress at Euro 96 until they got to the quarter finals.

I shouldn't worry about how other people will respond,
or end up getting paranoid over such things because at the end of the day
the people I look up to aren't worried about what my failings are.

And those who want to attack me, well, I simply don't have
time for them.

There comes I time where I have to get out of that frame of mind
thinking too much about people's perceptions, that they're not even
giving one minute of their day to.

They've got their own lives, and I badly need one too.

Another Attack Of Anixiety

Angel Anxiety chose today to impose her unwelcome magic upon me
again, as I ended up waking up at 3:45 in the morning bursting into tears.

I think that my visit into London earlier this week has had an effect
on me and I'll admit that I am missing Karen and Sandie after they
were really nice to me on my visit over to the Folded Wing offices
on Wednesday.

I have been left under the impression that if I end up feeling mellow
or in a teary mood for the sake of it, then that's the consequence
of taking pride in something beforehand.

Actually, having thought about it properly on the basis
that it's not the first anxiety attack I have had in two weeks,
they're just going to come at any time and if it causes problems
for others, then they just have to deal with them.

Not that they have been any problems as of recent, and I must
say that anyone unfortunate enough to have had to deal with me breaking
down, has been really good about it.

Even if I end up in a position where I am content with day to day life,
it's not going to disappear.

Summer Setbacks

The difference that a day makes isn't always a difference
that brings good news.

In this case, the planned Radio Academy JingleFest as mentioned in
yesterday's blog post has been postponed, to a date yet to be confirmed.

I'm disappointed, but glad I've managed to get a train refund meaning
I may be able to pay off my credit card debt quicker.

I should have paid it off a month ago, but I end up asking myself
do I want to live a little, or end up going insane by being stuck in the
same four yellow walls of my bedroom?

I think I've been doing the right thing so far.

Once I've got the credit card bill out of the way, I plan to save
up for a new laptop as I'm growing tired of the piece of shit that
I have been using for four years.

Invisible files taking up my C Drive, slow behaviour of Windows,
I'm getting more than fed up with it all.

Hopefully, by the end of the summer I will have entered the current decade.

The Listening List - 09.06.12

The Truth Podcast - "In Good Hands"

It's a welcome return of the podcast that promotes itself as
"movies for the ears" and if there's one recommendation,
do not listen if you're driving.

Normally a warning of that sort would be reserved for a radio
comedy programme or podcast, but the brilliantly positioned
dialogue and background ambience is enough to give even the
bravest of listeners the chills in this aural horror story involving 
two explorers.

The second part cannot come soon enough, as part 
of a very unique set of podcasts to have been emerged 
in the last few months.

Pump Up The Volume - BBC Radio 4, 07.06.12

Nowadays an amazing achievement is normally accompanied 
by an amazing soundtrack.

This documentary focuses on the combination of music and sport
and the role it plays on athletes as motivation fuel during training.

What the blurb for the documentary describes as "a legal drug".

Most importantly, the difference it can make to a player's enthusiasm
and nerves before a game, which has you wondering if the England football team even listen to music at all during an international tournament
if recent performances are anything to go by.

If it works for Brazil, then maybe Hodgson could take a hint.

Some good interviewees in this, and good interchanging between
each one ensuring a good flow, although this being a Radio 4
documentary it's worth noting we don't hear an actual song
being played until about 5 minutes in.

That said, it's still a really fitting and topical subject
designed for audio.

A Return To The Red

Mum and Dad have arrived home from their stay in Jersey and Olly
should be joining us pretty soon for a few days before jetting off
to America again to help out at the summer camp.

Much of the morning was spent in CSR's Studio Red, a haunt I don't
often visit nowadays, but as I had sod else to be doing I thought
I'd make the long journey up there and get Sunday night's show sorted.

I've also managed to sort out my hotel for the JingleFest event
in two weeks, that being the Preston Premier Inn not too far from
the train station, and the Rock FM/Magic 999 AM studios where
the event itself is taking place.

With a panel to include Academy chief John Myers himself, 
and established jingle producer Steve England, I'm certain that this
won't be as disastrous as the venture in Nottingham this time
three years ago.

Telly wise, tonight saw the final episode in the first half of
All New Blockbusters on Challenge, with the remaining 20 
to be screened in the Autumn.

It's probably for the best, as I wouldn't want to get bored of
the series as a result of a compulsive habit.
Not to mention the prospect of the pre-Christmas rush
being more bearable.

Talk About The Passion... On The CBBC Channel

So glad it wasn't today that my London visit took place as I would be spending a lot of it getting in the centre of the big city.

So instead I opted for getting wet in the confines of Canterbury on
having to make multiple visits to certain places due to forgetting
either my phone or my wallet when needed.

Luckily relief has come courtesy of the iPlayer and the remaining episodes
of CBBC's 12 Again series where familiar faces from pop music and television
revisit what they were doing, listening to and watching when they were 12.

None more exciting than Muck Muck stalwarts Dick & Dom where at 7:40
self-confessed TV and Radio geek Dick gives a rendition of one of the JAM Radio 1 jingles of that era, and at 21:48 proves why I would have killed to have a mate of his ilk at school.

Anyone who shares that sort of enthusiasm for the Going Live!
theme tune automatically gains my appreciation.

It was enthusiasm for that sort of entertainment and inspiration
that was frowned upon by those at school, both teachers and pupils
and it's been brought to mind after reading this passage by Seth Godin
about Brainwashing.

You could argue that I'd already been brainwashed by a desire
of wanting to work in television/radio, crushed by a large number
of bastards I had to deal with for 12 years.

The only exceptions on the senior end being a Drama teacher
who left because he was too good, a Media teacher who was like
a female Chris Cowey (former Top Of The Pops/Tube producer),
and an English teacher who was larger than life.

Literally.

So what we can sum up from that is Dick & Dom when growing
up developed an obsession for broadcasting and now they've done so
themselves for 15 years.

I developed a similar obsession, and my enthusiasm got me locked
up in a psychiatric hospital for three weeks.

Maybe the teachers and fellow pupils had a point?

No. Absolutely fucking not.

Beyond "Normal" In London

On arrival in London, the nerves were kicking in as I expected.

They became even more evident as I was walking across the Grays Inn Road en route to Holborn as it's an area of London that reminds me of the really awkward period I went through last May, after the Folkestone frustrations.

However they were out of the mind altogether as I arrived at Clerkenwell
and the Folded Wing offices where the delightful Sandie, office manager
and Karen P's mum welcomed me back in to the offices of the 
cosy production company where Karen herself was in an equally
delightful mood.

I also met two new arrivals Paul and Andrea who had joined the team
since my work placements last year, although Jim and Eliza were absent
as they've taken the week off.

Either that, or they're still basking in their success from winning 
the pitching contest at Radio Fast Train Day earlier in the year.

Nah I'm just joking.

I went with Karen to a nearby coffee shop where I had a delicious
chocolate brownie and a jug of tap water.

Yes I'm still lightweight.

I used the opportunity wisely to play Karen some of the audio
I've been working on since we last met, one of them being
a "soundscape" (or should that be "scarescape"?) of what it's
like to have a manic episode, being diagnosed with hypomania.

It's something I've been working on for months and up to today
I felt it was stuck in a rut of sorts.

However I'm more than keen to take it further and make more
additions and changes, part of that was inspired by Francesca
Martinez's live stand up at the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn
later on that evening.

Kate was kind enough to book tickets for the show a few weeks
ago and even bought me a meal in the theatre's restaurant based
inside a gallery.

The show itself started off with stand-up from Richard Herring
made up of various bits and pieces from What Is Love Anyway?,
Someone Likes Yoghurt, and this year's show Talking Cock, on 
reprieve for 2012. 

Then came Ms Martinez herself giving an amusing but very honest
account of her upbringing and career and without wanting to give
too much away the title "What The F**k Is Normal" more or less sums
it up, focusing on the stigma surrounding disabled people in society.

The underlying message was that those who struggle to fit in,
shouldn't hold such a thing against them.

So overall, what started off as a possible anxiety filled morning ended
up being a really positive motivating and inspiring day in the big city.

I really hope that there's more of the same to come.

A Visit To The Yellow Room

No improvement from yesterday outside, still rather murky and damp.

That makes no difference however to today's outing however,
I'm still going over to London and if I'm being honest I sometimes
prefer it if it's raining in the big city.

I have been anticipating my meet up with Karen for months and really hope
that my it goes well. I've just got to let things flow and not stir anything up that doesn't need to be stirred in the first place

I don't even know why I'm making a drama out of it all, I had no problems
at all when I did the work placement at Folded Wing last year so
why on Earth am I getting myself in a twist about it now?

I'm sure it will go OK, and only if there's a last minute change to
plans when I arrive at midday, then I can start worrying.

Luckily I'm meeting up with Kate later on as we'll be going to a live
performance from Francesca Martinez in Kilburn.

It will be the first time I've seen her do proper stand-up, so this
could be an experience of sorts.

And with Richard Herring as the support act, it looks set to be
a really strong line up.

20 More Songs

Another list of tunes to follow up from a blog I wrote in February this year.

20 songs clearly wasn't enough...

New Radicals - "You Get What You Give"

Why this song wasn't included in my last rundown, I've no idea.

Well thought lyrics and an amazing melody throughout make
this one of if not the best pop record to have hit the charts
within the last 15 years.

Lines such as "Frienemies who when you're down ain't you're friend"
tell things straight whilst the chorus provides encouragement
for those thinking their aims are dead and done with.

It even earned the good word of top songwriter Joni Mitchell
describing it as "rising from the swamp of 'McMusic' like a flower of hope".

"You Get What You Give" will always remain as a song that inspires,
lifts the mood, and provides a good laugh as well towards the end.

Julie Dexter And Khari Simmons - "The Dove" (Jiva Remix)

Anything by Khari Simmons is a timely reminder of happier times

on the Harrow Campus but this blend of old school fusion

and soulful vocals was one that never seemed to be off my

MP3 player in the Autumn of 2006.

Hue And Cry - "Labour Of Love"

This belter from the late 80s shares a fair bit in common with
with the Proclaimers who were also popular around the same time.

I.E it's impossible not to sing along to this in a Scottish accent
no matter how hard you resist.

Overall it's one of many radio favourites from an early age
that instantly transports me back to Ilford.

Brothers Johnson - "Streetwave"

Another tune that sounds amazing when travelling through

the city streets in the small hours. A favourite of Robbie Vincent
and still popular with the more "mature" movers.

I've always thought the bassline sounds identical to
the Sonics' "Have Love, Will Travel".

The perfect night time groover.

The Smiths - "This Charming Man"

Say what you like about Morrissey, this song will have me
up and moving from the very first seconds, or have me singing
to every word.

It was hard deciding between either this or "Panic" but
this one does it solely for the scream before the line about
the "jumped up pantry boy".

Ed Solo And The Skool Of Thought - "We Play The Music"

A modern day hip hop favourite and a long-standing CSR favourite.

This initially caught my attention as it makes very good use
of a sample from an old KPM library recording called "Man Friday"
made famous by Chris Tarrant who used it as the theme to his
series on weird television.

It's all about appreciation for music and festivals,
based around similar sentiments as sung by ABBA,
but in a far more credible style.

Mr Hermano - "Free As The Morning Sun" (Scumfrog Mix)

Memories of Venice in late summer 2002 are automatically
triggered when listening to this track, which was one of
a fair few good summer house grooves I took with me
to the city's film festival on a college visit.

Based on a cover of an old Santana tune, the latin infused
percussion and piano make it the perfect accompaniment
to lying on a beach in the high temperatures, or having a sip
in a beach bar. 

Webster Lewis - "Barbara Ann"

Don't be fooled by the title.

An old jazz-funker that I've had on loop at times when there's
been that very someone "on my mind, all the time" as the lyrics
suggest.

Really good arrangement and Rhodes piano in there.

Marcos Valle - "Parabens"

The catchiest and finest Brazilian tune to have emerged in the
last 10 years.

Even better when performed live, as shown in this performance
in Paris a couple of years ago.

4hero - "Hold It Down"

The theme within this offering from 4hero's 2001 LP matches
the situation I was in five years ago in the midst of a crazy summer.

I was in a high mood to the point of not taking any notice of
the dreadful weather outside, and was trying to force my ecstatic
mood on everyone else I knew on Facebook, when they knew
I was getting too big for my boots. 

I bet they were all thinking the same as Lady Alma is singing;

                  "please don't try and force that shit on me"

The Quantic Soul Orchestra did a pretty good cover of this too.
 
Sting - "Englishman In New York"

The lead single from the "Nothing Like The Sun" LP,
this was one that I listened to a fair bit whilst recovering
from my manic episode in 2007, some twenty years after
it's original release.

Part of that was due to this rather amusing send-up by
comedian and fellow Chelsea supporter Omid Djalili
used to promote his then forthcoming BBC 1 sketch show.

It's also worth mentioning the Ben Liebrand remix, which
makes very good use of that fantastic drum solo.

Arguably the best air-drumming moment in a record.

Donald Peers - "Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think)"

A tune that's had a resurgence in the last few years due to
The Specials version used as the theme for BBC Radio 4's
I've Never Seen Star Wars and the Prince Buster/Jools Holland
version used to introduce Simon Mayo's Drivetime show on Radio 2.

This version manages to capture the warmth of the era it was written,
and the lyrics in this are possibly better than in the
reggae-ska version?

I'll leave it to you to decide.

Specials - "Ghost Town"

I had to include something by The Specials however, and their
1981 number 1 has never been more apt in present day
circumstances.

For me it's the downtempo, moody equivalent of Incognito's
"Everyday" as it also has an infectious brass riff, and a brief
change in mood and tempo as Terry Hall reminisces about
"the good old days before the Ghost Town".

A fine example of clever melodic staging in what Jerry Dammers
recently stated was the composition he was most proud of.

Although I will admit that the real reason for including
this song is because of it's use in "Think Fast Father Ted"
as the "Spin Master's only record to play to the punters
of Craggy Island.

Rick James - "Taste"

Regarding established artists, here's one that goes to show that 
sometimes, the later material is even better than the
well-known stuff.

Originally released on the 2004 "Soul Togetherness" compilation
this track recorded shortly before the singer's untimely death
gives an honest account of his life within a superb groove
and killer bassline.

It was one I was unable to stop playing during summer 2005,
and the perfect testimony to a misunderstood performer
which comes across convincingly in the song itself.

Splodgenessabounds - "Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet of Crisps"

A tune that instantly reminds me of the Maiden's Head
in Canterbury as it sets the mood of the many punk events
that have taken place.

Well, until they stopped having bands perform there which
is almost turning the subject back to the Specials.

Seriously, whilst it may have been playing on the jukebox at one time or other, I don't think I've ever been involved in the same sort of situation
as in the song itself.

Amira - "My Desire" (Blaze Klubbhead Vocal)

Whereas this track instantly transports me to the back of
a car travelling through London on a Friday night in the late 90s
hearing it being played on the then credible Kiss 100. 

It was the best way of getting to know new tunes, which seemed
to disappear after moving into Canterbury.

Don E - "Love Makes The World Go Round"

"There ain't enough love in the world today" sings the cousin
of Beverley Knight in what at the time of release was one of my
obsessions, after seeing Don E being interviewed on ITV's 
Saturday morning show Gimme 5, with Nobby The Sheep.

I didn't actually manage to buy the track until over a decade later
and the guy's such an underrated British vocalist, still making
music to this day on the Dome label.

A true British soul gem.

Al Jarreau - "(Sittin' On) The Dock On The Bay"

Gradually fading in and out, the singer's 1978 interpretation
of the Otis Redding favourite transports the listener into thinking
they're peering into a room of ongoing bliss, letting all frustrations
disappear.

Amazing piano chords and overall arrangement assure this
has a place in my favourite soul covers, and it appears I'm not
the only one with a soft spot for this version as Jazz FM listeners
voted it as one of their top 10 jazz tracks in a poll last December.

One of those within my "slow jam" set to play at the end of the night.

Zero 7 - "Morning Song"

Most of the tunes on this list are a result of hearing them
on many a car journey travelling through London.

This one on the other hand transports me to a plane journey
en route to New York around the time of release in early 2004,
where it was one of Gilles Peterson's picks for his in-flight
radio show for British Airways.

Like all the best tunes, it starts off mellow, building to a confident
sounding finish, from what many would argue was the outfits
last good album.

Jessie J - "Who You Are"

This didn't really grab my attention until I heard it being performed
acoustic, by another vocalist at a live event in Canterbury's
Dane John Gardens.

If ever in an awkward or uncertain position, this would be the first
thing I would listen to, and Jessie manages to nail it perfectly
with the line "It's OK not to be OK".

From my perspective, it goes to show how the live stage is
the best platform for getting the inside message of a song across
as unlike a broadcast platform, there are no distractions and a
greater sense of intimacy.

"Who You Are" manages to showcase that to its strengths and
here's hoping the Romford vocalist continues to write more material
to match.