I went to the Specsavers in Harrow to book an eye test for Monday afternoon, provided I don't get held up in another exciting Media Technology lecture. I'm hoping they'll let me use my NUS card to get a 25% discount as advertised.
Progression on the Music Radio assignment seems to be in full flow as the other group have decided to set up a group on Facebook of all things! Luckily my group have a meeting tomorrow to decide what roles we'll be taking and overall this whole assignment should not be viewed as a contest. A few people in the opposing group during the magazine module got a bit big headed about their show to the extent that the plan of action is still on the whiteboard in RP2!
Luckily I've not worked with many of the people in my group before and it will be interesting to see how they perform with certain tasks and jobs on offer. I was rather non-plused to find an e-mail from Lamby yesterday when she referred to one of the acts that should be played on the show as "whoever sings Dance, Boogie Wonderlaaand".
A couple of years ago BBC 2 did a series called "Soul Deep" tracing the history of Soul Music from Sam Cooke to Mary J Blige which was well put together but completely skipped the late 70s and 80s disco jazz funk. Stephen Howie at the Incognito gig last week told me that Earth Wind and Fire didn't even get a mention which I didn't notice at the time of transmission but it was certainly a disservice to the band considering their contribution to the genre.
Just about got everything for tonight's show sorted out including a rather lengthy version of "Saturday Love" by Cherelle and Alexander O'Neal as sampled on the Junior Jack club anthem "My Feeling" back in December 2000. I always thought the remix sounded like a fragment of the Hill Street Blues theme on a continuous loop.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
"Wriggling Out Of The Shadow Like A Grey Snake"
My wheeziness is slowly deteriorating although I'd thought it gone after I'd spent an hour in bed at lunchtime. Wasn't exactly the case in my Media Events lecture but Maria was kind enough to give me one of her cherry flavoured Tunes.
Media Events this week looked at how broadcasts put fear and panic into the listeners with the radio version of "War Of The Worlds" being one of the main examples. The radio adapation of the HG Wells novel caused a lot of panic when orginally broadcast in the late 30s as it was done in the style of a genuine news broadcast and those listening believed everything that was happening. This was despite disclaimers at the start and the end of the programme that it was a drama, as the majority of those who complained switched on around halfway through. The concept of spoof in the 1930s wasn't one to be taken lightly.
I'm rather surprised that I don't own Jeff Wayne's musical version despite hearing it in all sorts of places. Not least a techno remix done back in 1989 which appeared to lead the way for the likes of Thunderbirds, Trumpton and Sesame Street to jump the bandwagon. Nobody could have put it better at that time than Lenny Henry.
I may watch the Bewilderness DVD from Bill Bailey tonight, which I'm certain will contain similar humour along with ramblings about weasles.
Media Events this week looked at how broadcasts put fear and panic into the listeners with the radio version of "War Of The Worlds" being one of the main examples. The radio adapation of the HG Wells novel caused a lot of panic when orginally broadcast in the late 30s as it was done in the style of a genuine news broadcast and those listening believed everything that was happening. This was despite disclaimers at the start and the end of the programme that it was a drama, as the majority of those who complained switched on around halfway through. The concept of spoof in the 1930s wasn't one to be taken lightly.
I'm rather surprised that I don't own Jeff Wayne's musical version despite hearing it in all sorts of places. Not least a techno remix done back in 1989 which appeared to lead the way for the likes of Thunderbirds, Trumpton and Sesame Street to jump the bandwagon. Nobody could have put it better at that time than Lenny Henry.
I may watch the Bewilderness DVD from Bill Bailey tonight, which I'm certain will contain similar humour along with ramblings about weasles.
Orange Intoxication
Pound a Pint was less busy than normal when I arrived there last night but a few of the usual attendees were there including Chris, Pete, Stewart and both the Phils. I didn't drink any booze last night as my throat was still poorly and managed to survive the night on orange Fantas. First years Kat and Charlotte were trying to get Pete to actually talk to fellow resedential assistant Jason as there appears to be some sort of aggro between them although in most of these cases it appeared to be done in a playful manner. I on the the other hand was distracted by their pen tattoos including one saying "I Love Cardies!"
I left at around midnight so as to avoid wheezing but it turns out I wasn't the only one. A couple of familiar faces were being thrown out by the bouncers and I managed to spot a very tipsy Charlotte making a move as well. It took quite a while to get her back as she ended up twisting her ankle just outside Area which meant she walked rather jerkily between there and halls. Another reason for first years to make the most out of halls as one or two people in the second and third years have forgotten the way back to their own houses after large amounts of drink!
I left at around midnight so as to avoid wheezing but it turns out I wasn't the only one. A couple of familiar faces were being thrown out by the bouncers and I managed to spot a very tipsy Charlotte making a move as well. It took quite a while to get her back as she ended up twisting her ankle just outside Area which meant she walked rather jerkily between there and halls. Another reason for first years to make the most out of halls as one or two people in the second and third years have forgotten the way back to their own houses after large amounts of drink!
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Annual Plague
Who would have thought that Duncan Goodhew was a serial killer? I know it's snide but I'm sure I'm not the only one making that joke in response to the story about the ex-gulf war soldier.
A bit of light relief after what seems to have been another poorly day, and once again it all seems to be spreading round the University. I feel I may be responsible for fellow radio student Ross Powell catching flu which has resulted in co-presenter Paul flying solo on their show tonight. I'm guessing tonight's pound a pint will be pretty sparse as a result of all this, and there's no better time of year for these sorts of illnesses to creep up.
I'm still pondering on whether to have rice or pasta with the remains of my mince from last night. I may go with the rice as the sauce I used in the mince was chilli con carne resulting in a rather strong taste. There's heaps of stuff in my fridge that I still haven't eaten because of my illness and the freezer's always rammed. Although I still have another chilli in there that mum and dad gave to me after Christmas which may come in useful.
If I'm a bit better tomorrow I'll head down to the opticians to see if I can arrange an eye test as for quite a while now nothing has made sense from long distances. The big problem is finding frames that won't lead to a possible ribbing.
A bit of light relief after what seems to have been another poorly day, and once again it all seems to be spreading round the University. I feel I may be responsible for fellow radio student Ross Powell catching flu which has resulted in co-presenter Paul flying solo on their show tonight. I'm guessing tonight's pound a pint will be pretty sparse as a result of all this, and there's no better time of year for these sorts of illnesses to creep up.
I'm still pondering on whether to have rice or pasta with the remains of my mince from last night. I may go with the rice as the sauce I used in the mince was chilli con carne resulting in a rather strong taste. There's heaps of stuff in my fridge that I still haven't eaten because of my illness and the freezer's always rammed. Although I still have another chilli in there that mum and dad gave to me after Christmas which may come in useful.
If I'm a bit better tomorrow I'll head down to the opticians to see if I can arrange an eye test as for quite a while now nothing has made sense from long distances. The big problem is finding frames that won't lead to a possible ribbing.
Too Much Information
I really shouldn't have got up this morning. I ended up sitting through a Media Technology lecture that went on longer than it should have done and a seminar that barely had any interaction within it at all. I was still very wheezy and drowsy throughout both and I'm certain that when the lecturer was explaining about inventions that paved the way for modern day technology, he referred to one of them as a "twat-writer".
If they were to publish cut down versions of books on the reading list and just gave general explanations on the theories that are present then I'm sure a lot of us would benefit. And why can't things be explained in a way in which we'd be able to understand rather than using long words and detailed theories. I've tried very hard not to use the word "poncey" in that last sentence.
For me it's no good to hear the theories behind methods and areas of media, I have to see (or hear) them in a physical form. That's probably why the only things that I thought were useful from the Introduction To Broadcasting module right at the beginning of the course were the audio clips of "Josh's Diary" and the Kodacolour radio advert that we heard plenty of times last week. If a physical example of a theory was shown beforehand then the explanation would be a more interesting listen.
Then again I don't appear to be having any problems with the Media Events module although it's partly because of Maria Way's irreverent take on certain issues.
If I was taking the Technology module in the third year alongside my dissertation I'd be in agony.
If they were to publish cut down versions of books on the reading list and just gave general explanations on the theories that are present then I'm sure a lot of us would benefit. And why can't things be explained in a way in which we'd be able to understand rather than using long words and detailed theories. I've tried very hard not to use the word "poncey" in that last sentence.
For me it's no good to hear the theories behind methods and areas of media, I have to see (or hear) them in a physical form. That's probably why the only things that I thought were useful from the Introduction To Broadcasting module right at the beginning of the course were the audio clips of "Josh's Diary" and the Kodacolour radio advert that we heard plenty of times last week. If a physical example of a theory was shown beforehand then the explanation would be a more interesting listen.
Then again I don't appear to be having any problems with the Media Events module although it's partly because of Maria Way's irreverent take on certain issues.
If I was taking the Technology module in the third year alongside my dissertation I'd be in agony.
Memory Lapses
Much better night this time round, still have a bit of a cold but I'm sure it will disapear sooner or later. May need to buy some more soothers as I have gone through the entire lot that I've had since the beginning of last semester! I knew they'd come in useful sometime within the year.
One of the rounds on the Krypton Factor was to identify the continuity errors within a short film, and I believe that FTN's showing of the series is an elongated variation of that round. This is because they're showing all the group finals back to back along with the series final rather than after the individual heats and it's evident that they're in the wrong order as Gordon Burns is often heard saying "join us next Monday at 7 for the first heat in Group C...". I've no problem with date or time references but it's a rather peculiar order to show the series.
It was also interesting to see Derek Jameson in the Observation round of last night's show in a spoof edition of "What The Papers Say". The failed newspaper editor seemed to be everywhere in the mid-late 80s including presenting Radio 2's breakfast show. I haven't seen him on television since he foiled a Noel Edmonds gotcha, saying to him "you've gotta get up early in the morning to catch me mate!", so Noel and his team did exactly that at an expensive hotel!
One of the rounds on the Krypton Factor was to identify the continuity errors within a short film, and I believe that FTN's showing of the series is an elongated variation of that round. This is because they're showing all the group finals back to back along with the series final rather than after the individual heats and it's evident that they're in the wrong order as Gordon Burns is often heard saying "join us next Monday at 7 for the first heat in Group C...". I've no problem with date or time references but it's a rather peculiar order to show the series.
It was also interesting to see Derek Jameson in the Observation round of last night's show in a spoof edition of "What The Papers Say". The failed newspaper editor seemed to be everywhere in the mid-late 80s including presenting Radio 2's breakfast show. I haven't seen him on television since he foiled a Noel Edmonds gotcha, saying to him "you've gotta get up early in the morning to catch me mate!", so Noel and his team did exactly that at an expensive hotel!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Unplanned Exhaustion
I was back and forth non stop between my flat and RP1 today, mainly because I kept forgetting my mobile everytime I left. Funnily enough however I can't remember ever forgetting my wallet on leaving the flat which contains my Uni pass. Just as I was about to leave after 3pm, Pheobe and Emma the Dry Ice girls arrived to record their show so I stuck around for a bit longer to enjoy their musical offerings. Not to mention their constant photo taking including a rather unpleasant one of me half asleep on the studio floor. I'm starting to feel tired more often in the last couple of days and that certainly doesn't help with me waking up constantly in the middle of the night. I really hope my cold doesn't lead to anything worse although I'd probably recover more quicker in my bed at home rather than my lame excuse for one in halls.
Tonight though I've come up with a temporary cure by divulging in mince and pasta bows and enjoying the delights of FTN with Bullseye and The Krypton Factor. It may be a bright idea to stay up until 12 midnight to make sure that I end up waking up lesser amount of times than last night!
Tonight though I've come up with a temporary cure by divulging in mince and pasta bows and enjoying the delights of FTN with Bullseye and The Krypton Factor. It may be a bright idea to stay up until 12 midnight to make sure that I end up waking up lesser amount of times than last night!
"The Sugar And Soul Show"
Another rotten night in bed again, this time it was because of my flu. This kept on waking me up every hour and I kept thinking I was in weird scenarios once again as if someone I knew from Uni had forced this upon me. No names mentioned of course.
After finally getting some shut eye I was craving for my regular helping of Citizen Soul on Solar Radio with Sandra C and I found out that todays show was to be the last Citizen's Soul Show after three years. This is due to Solar moving to new studios and it appears that they're too far for Sandra.
I had a chat to her on the phone and found out that her husband Kev also went to see Incognito at the Jazz Cafe last week. I also told her that I'd finally be able to get a lie in on Sunday! I'm certainly not the only listener who would be saying the same.
I'm now up in RP1 where everything is rather hectic and not working as they should be working.
Luckily we've solved our little problem with RCS running out of storage space by making sure pre-recorded programmes get deleted as soon as they've gone out. If they could sort out the PCs with Burli and Audition so that they actually play out I'd be more than happy.
After finally getting some shut eye I was craving for my regular helping of Citizen Soul on Solar Radio with Sandra C and I found out that todays show was to be the last Citizen's Soul Show after three years. This is due to Solar moving to new studios and it appears that they're too far for Sandra.
I had a chat to her on the phone and found out that her husband Kev also went to see Incognito at the Jazz Cafe last week. I also told her that I'd finally be able to get a lie in on Sunday! I'm certainly not the only listener who would be saying the same.
I'm now up in RP1 where everything is rather hectic and not working as they should be working.
Luckily we've solved our little problem with RCS running out of storage space by making sure pre-recorded programmes get deleted as soon as they've gone out. If they could sort out the PCs with Burli and Audition so that they actually play out I'd be more than happy.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
"If An Ant Has The Strength Of A Horse..."
I've just finished watching Bill Bailey's "Cosmic Jam" which was recorded back in 1996 and doesn't look at all dated. Some of my favourite jokes included Bill's take on the News At Ten theme by saying it was sinister and he's not wrong. The closing theme as illustrated here (apologies for the dodgy start) must have frightened a generation of younger children around the time as the music seems to signify "Go to bed! Now!" Not the sort of thing I'd want to hear in the middle of the night when least expecting it.
Other highlights of the stand up act included Bill telling the audience about when he used to be in a Jazz band and the organ player tried to adlib on his solo by incorporating Bach's "Tocatta and Fugue" but ended up sounding like the Ski Sunday theme! Funnily enough the name of the theme to that programme is "Pop Goes Bach". There were also tangents about insects and how classical and rock music was inspired by Cockney culture. There's no better comedian who can do nonsense as part of his act and get a good response.
Unfortunately the DVD hasn't really helped me with my cold as my nose is completley snotty and blocked up. I guess I've become a late victim of the Refresher's flu.
Other highlights of the stand up act included Bill telling the audience about when he used to be in a Jazz band and the organ player tried to adlib on his solo by incorporating Bach's "Tocatta and Fugue" but ended up sounding like the Ski Sunday theme! Funnily enough the name of the theme to that programme is "Pop Goes Bach". There were also tangents about insects and how classical and rock music was inspired by Cockney culture. There's no better comedian who can do nonsense as part of his act and get a good response.
Unfortunately the DVD hasn't really helped me with my cold as my nose is completley snotty and blocked up. I guess I've become a late victim of the Refresher's flu.
Multiple Illnesses
Still recovering although now in place of my sore throat I've now got an annoying cold. I also seem to be having trouble alleviating the taste of the Throatie I had earlier, why cant they use less strong flavours to deal with the pain?
I went into Sainsbury's as planned to get my wares and I also bought a DVD of Bill Bailey's "Cosmic Jam" which I'm hoping will provide light relief for tonight at least. It also contains the director's cut of "Bewilderness" which is certainly enough to keep me occupied for the rest of the weekend. This performer has the ability to turn well known musical compositions on their heads and is definitely someone I'd love to see live. Well I did see him when I went to Buzzcocks but I would loved to be immersed in his random ramblings.
Hopefully I'll be in a better state by tomorrow although I need to buy more Ibuprofen tablets. I'm never prepared to deal with illnesses when needed.
I went into Sainsbury's as planned to get my wares and I also bought a DVD of Bill Bailey's "Cosmic Jam" which I'm hoping will provide light relief for tonight at least. It also contains the director's cut of "Bewilderness" which is certainly enough to keep me occupied for the rest of the weekend. This performer has the ability to turn well known musical compositions on their heads and is definitely someone I'd love to see live. Well I did see him when I went to Buzzcocks but I would loved to be immersed in his random ramblings.
Hopefully I'll be in a better state by tomorrow although I need to buy more Ibuprofen tablets. I'm never prepared to deal with illnesses when needed.
Oral Agony
Last night was beyond terrible. My dodgy throat kept on getting the better of me which kept waking me up just about every hour. I kept on having a recurring dream about having to learn how to help those who were less fortunate and learning how to rebuild a city. Completely twisted I'm sure you'll agree. My voice isn't as raspy as it was yesterday but I can't drink anything fizzy as it will make me feel poorly again and start wheezing.
I haven't eaten anything for the last couple of days either although as I type the Throatie that I'm chewing seems to be clearing the pain despite the sweet itself tasting really rotten. A bit like licorice or sambucca. I'd imagine you have to go through hell to alleviate it in almost the words of an ex British prime minister.
I may head over to Sainsbury's to get some more wares although I may break the bank again and go into Harrow to see if there are any DVDs that take my fancy. Anything to stop me feeling like I want to shoot myself.
I haven't eaten anything for the last couple of days either although as I type the Throatie that I'm chewing seems to be clearing the pain despite the sweet itself tasting really rotten. A bit like licorice or sambucca. I'd imagine you have to go through hell to alleviate it in almost the words of an ex British prime minister.
I may head over to Sainsbury's to get some more wares although I may break the bank again and go into Harrow to see if there are any DVDs that take my fancy. Anything to stop me feeling like I want to shoot myself.
Friday, January 26, 2007
The Exploded Mouth
My throat didn't get any better today during the visit to Central to go behind the scenes at GCap. The Halls soothers didn't help at all as they made me feel more drowsier and colder than I should do although my overall temperature seems to react to whatever the room or location temperature is.
As for the GCap visit itself we were given a presentation by Classic FM's Jamie Crick where we found out about the different aims of each station in terms of listeners. For example XFM assumes it's listeners know about the music it plays but Classic FM tends to focus more on the emotional effects of the music on the listener. It was rather embarrasing to find out that Jamie's producer who was also present had looked at this blog whilst researching about the future uses of radio!
After the presentation and Q&A we went for a tour round the many offices and studios around the big building where we popped into the Hit 40 UK studios and found out how you can adapt the desk setting to suit the style of the presenter from anywhere in the building. Something we could heavilly do with on Smoke considering the amount of fiddling about it takes to get Audition to work properly. Our guide was also full of behind the scenes stories such as Planet Rock presenter and radio veteran Nicky Horne, who doesn't like having the mic fader on the far left as opposed to the far right of the desk.
We also saw a few familar (well to me) faces around including Rob Birnie in the Planet Rock studio and Jonathan Miles ex Invicta FM. Not forgetting fellow radio student Lizzie who's now working in the sales department for Planet Rock.
The afternoon was spent going through the brief of our assignment for the Music Radio module where we have to produce a two hour music show from a genre of our choice. I ended up in the "Castle" group having spent the first semester as an "Elephant" and I'm really happy with the people I'm working with. After much deliberation we decided to go with the 60s 70s and 80s format which I'm fine about although the Elephant's rather shockingly went for the soul and funk genre! I'm not too gutted however and the genre we've got isn't too challenging.
For now I may have a quiet weekend in as my throat is absolutely dreadful. It may sound enigmatic but it feels as if I've swallowed a stick of dynamite.
As for the GCap visit itself we were given a presentation by Classic FM's Jamie Crick where we found out about the different aims of each station in terms of listeners. For example XFM assumes it's listeners know about the music it plays but Classic FM tends to focus more on the emotional effects of the music on the listener. It was rather embarrasing to find out that Jamie's producer who was also present had looked at this blog whilst researching about the future uses of radio!
After the presentation and Q&A we went for a tour round the many offices and studios around the big building where we popped into the Hit 40 UK studios and found out how you can adapt the desk setting to suit the style of the presenter from anywhere in the building. Something we could heavilly do with on Smoke considering the amount of fiddling about it takes to get Audition to work properly. Our guide was also full of behind the scenes stories such as Planet Rock presenter and radio veteran Nicky Horne, who doesn't like having the mic fader on the far left as opposed to the far right of the desk.
We also saw a few familar (well to me) faces around including Rob Birnie in the Planet Rock studio and Jonathan Miles ex Invicta FM. Not forgetting fellow radio student Lizzie who's now working in the sales department for Planet Rock.
The afternoon was spent going through the brief of our assignment for the Music Radio module where we have to produce a two hour music show from a genre of our choice. I ended up in the "Castle" group having spent the first semester as an "Elephant" and I'm really happy with the people I'm working with. After much deliberation we decided to go with the 60s 70s and 80s format which I'm fine about although the Elephant's rather shockingly went for the soul and funk genre! I'm not too gutted however and the genre we've got isn't too challenging.
For now I may have a quiet weekend in as my throat is absolutely dreadful. It may sound enigmatic but it feels as if I've swallowed a stick of dynamite.
"Pretty Bubbles In The Air"
I know now that it probably wasn't the best idea to head down to the foam party at Area in the condition I'm in. It was certainly vibrant and full of people dressed up not in Speedos but Hawaian shirts and feather boas.
I made sure I only drank soft stuff and my only intoxication of liquid was a half pint of lemonade. By midnight there were enough people dancing for them to switch on the foam machines and oh my, it was just utter chaos.
I managed to surivive two drenchings before accidentally swallowing some of the bubbles which made me start wheezing and I really needed to get out of there. To raise a point from an earlier post I had to be unwell on this of all nights! Hopefully it won't be the last we see of Area getting covered, which tonight I reckon managed to re-decorate the club in a better way than last semester's refurbishment!
I made sure I only drank soft stuff and my only intoxication of liquid was a half pint of lemonade. By midnight there were enough people dancing for them to switch on the foam machines and oh my, it was just utter chaos.
I managed to surivive two drenchings before accidentally swallowing some of the bubbles which made me start wheezing and I really needed to get out of there. To raise a point from an earlier post I had to be unwell on this of all nights! Hopefully it won't be the last we see of Area getting covered, which tonight I reckon managed to re-decorate the club in a better way than last semester's refurbishment!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Really Poorly
I thought I was getting better about 10 minutes ago. I went over to the radio studios to see the Shuffle Boys do their show in their new Thursday slot and those guys have a great ability to sound knowledgable about the music they play without sounding smug. They even managed to get compliments from the boss along the way! Adam was kind enough to lend me his CD of "The Sound Gallery Vol.1" which they started the show off with and whilst I've probably got most of the tracks already it's definitely a must have for fans of 60s lounge. Similar to in style to the music which acompanied the girl playing noughts and crosses on the BBC all those years ago.
I really felt as if I would be able to go to the foam party, but after walking into my kitchen which is below zero I feel a hell of a lot worse. I'm safe and warm in my bedroom now but if I do go in the end it will probably only be for half an hour as I want to be bright and breezy for the GCap visit tomorrow. I doubt the bubbles will be
the best remedy for my illness.
I really felt as if I would be able to go to the foam party, but after walking into my kitchen which is below zero I feel a hell of a lot worse. I'm safe and warm in my bedroom now but if I do go in the end it will probably only be for half an hour as I want to be bright and breezy for the GCap visit tomorrow. I doubt the bubbles will be
the best remedy for my illness.
Terms And Conditions Apply
I'm bloody throaty, I don't know exactly why but I'm also pretty chilly as well as I was so knackered after the radio lecture today which was on the subject of Radio Commercials.
We had a guest called Simon Blaxland who used to work for the COI and in local radio who now runs his own company which specialises in radio commercials, one of the only companies which caters entirely for that medium.
Some of the examples of critically acclamied radio commercials included and ad for Kodacolour cameras featuring the inspired choice of Jimmy Nail as the voiceover and a series of ads for the TA making very good use of the audio-only medium. If they wanted they could use my cough in between "Army" "Be The Best" instead of that gun loading sound effect as I could not stop doing so today even after about a packet full of Halls Soothers. At least I made the room we were in be decorated with a blackcurrent odour.
In the afternoon we were split into groups where we had to devlop an idea for an MFI commercial from a professional client brief. Some groups even recorded their finished pieces, the funniest one being a dig at IKEA featuring a charater called Bjorn coming over to the UK after his business was not going to plan.
Very funny stuff bearing in mind it was thought up within 45 minutes.
I was starting to feel rather poorly towards the end of today and have just woken up from a early evening doze where I've had a gander through the GCap dial in preparation for our visit to there tomorrow. The first one I listened to obviously was Chill which was ideal for my current state although I switched over as soon as Jack Johnson came on. I also gave a few minutes for Classic FM where after today I felt the need to analyse all the ads in my head which is rather worrying. I'm really looking forward to what questions the rest of my group will have in store for the guys at GCap tomorrow, I particuarly want to know what sort of visions the guys have on "theJazz" and whether the public will be turned on to it in the way they hope.
Hopefully for now I'll be in a better enough state for tonights foam party which sounds as if it will have a good turnout. I just hope no one will be wearing Speedos!
We had a guest called Simon Blaxland who used to work for the COI and in local radio who now runs his own company which specialises in radio commercials, one of the only companies which caters entirely for that medium.
Some of the examples of critically acclamied radio commercials included and ad for Kodacolour cameras featuring the inspired choice of Jimmy Nail as the voiceover and a series of ads for the TA making very good use of the audio-only medium. If they wanted they could use my cough in between "Army" "Be The Best" instead of that gun loading sound effect as I could not stop doing so today even after about a packet full of Halls Soothers. At least I made the room we were in be decorated with a blackcurrent odour.
In the afternoon we were split into groups where we had to devlop an idea for an MFI commercial from a professional client brief. Some groups even recorded their finished pieces, the funniest one being a dig at IKEA featuring a charater called Bjorn coming over to the UK after his business was not going to plan.
Very funny stuff bearing in mind it was thought up within 45 minutes.
I was starting to feel rather poorly towards the end of today and have just woken up from a early evening doze where I've had a gander through the GCap dial in preparation for our visit to there tomorrow. The first one I listened to obviously was Chill which was ideal for my current state although I switched over as soon as Jack Johnson came on. I also gave a few minutes for Classic FM where after today I felt the need to analyse all the ads in my head which is rather worrying. I'm really looking forward to what questions the rest of my group will have in store for the guys at GCap tomorrow, I particuarly want to know what sort of visions the guys have on "theJazz" and whether the public will be turned on to it in the way they hope.
Hopefully for now I'll be in a better enough state for tonights foam party which sounds as if it will have a good turnout. I just hope no one will be wearing Speedos!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Exhaustion (Or The Most Annoying Web Pop-Up)
Very hectic today, I ended up lending my hard drive to Chris and Phil to help them compile their set for the foam party at Area tomorrow. Luckily it was in safe hands and came in very handy for sorting the music on my show tonight as one of the CD players only works out of one speaker for some peculiar reason. As always listening back to it makes things feel so much better than they were in the studio.
Luckily for me Ricky's sent out an e-mail asking people to record their own shows rather than having me do it all the time as it will allow me to have a bit more relaxation and actually put some much needed preparation into my own show rather than worrying about other peoples.
I'm a really bad perfectionist and want everything that's on the station to fulfill their potential. If I was webwise I would certainly make a few changes to the website including that ridiculous gimmick of the audio player going round the screen before you've even had a chance to click on it! I hope Stewart the new web monkey's reading this! If you don't know what I'm talking about click here.
It looks like party central again this weekend as Natasha's having a pyjama party at her place on Friday and there's a gangster party on the Saturday in Flat 42. I doubt I'll be making an effort on the costume side but on providing drinks, no probs. Provided you like Blueberry Breezers.
Luckily for me Ricky's sent out an e-mail asking people to record their own shows rather than having me do it all the time as it will allow me to have a bit more relaxation and actually put some much needed preparation into my own show rather than worrying about other peoples.
I'm a really bad perfectionist and want everything that's on the station to fulfill their potential. If I was webwise I would certainly make a few changes to the website including that ridiculous gimmick of the audio player going round the screen before you've even had a chance to click on it! I hope Stewart the new web monkey's reading this! If you don't know what I'm talking about click here.
It looks like party central again this weekend as Natasha's having a pyjama party at her place on Friday and there's a gangster party on the Saturday in Flat 42. I doubt I'll be making an effort on the costume side but on providing drinks, no probs. Provided you like Blueberry Breezers.
"White Stuff"
An ideal reason to wrap up warm this morning as it's been snowing overnight. Whilst it's not completely covered it's a very different sight and complements the rather chilly temperatures that we've been having.
I've been having a look at some of the reviews on last nights (and the other two) Incognito performance in the band's official forum and have to agree with what's been written down. I'd love to go again on Friday but I reckon one visit to Central that day will be enough and I don't want to break the bank even further.
I guess now it's back to the trials and tribulations of planning tonight's show and removing the obstacles that are causing problems for the station such as our low storage space on Selector!
I've been having a look at some of the reviews on last nights (and the other two) Incognito performance in the band's official forum and have to agree with what's been written down. I'd love to go again on Friday but I reckon one visit to Central that day will be enough and I don't want to break the bank even further.
I guess now it's back to the trials and tribulations of planning tonight's show and removing the obstacles that are causing problems for the station such as our low storage space on Selector!
The United Nations Of Incognito
A fantastic gig, even without a horn section Bluey and the guys could do no wrong. I met up with Stephen in a nearby pub in Camden where I got to meet his girlfriend Elle say hello to Claire once again who has her sights set on Blues and Soul after her succesful review on the last Cog gig at the Jazz Cafe. It was also good to meet David, one of Stephen's regular listeners who had some interesting stories to tell about Light Of The World performing at a local youth club before they achieved their fame on the Brit Funk scene.
After we'd settled in at the front of the Jazz Cafe stage, Bluey and the band came on and performed "Summer's Ended" from the debut album "Jazz Funk" in respect for the late Paul 'Tubbs' Williams, one of the bands founder members. I liked how Bluey introduced the gig by saying that "up there they wanted to have a jamming session" and how James Brown, Alice Coltrane and Paul 'Tubbs' Williams formed their own act, or along those lines.
Vocalists included Imaani who was on top form on 'Everyday' and the brilliant "As Long As It's You" which always tugs at the heart. Tony Momrelle did justice to "Tin Man" and Joy Rose got the crowd going towards the end of the gig.
This was complemented by the musicians including Matt Cooper the man of a thousand synth voices, Tony Remy on guitar, Francis Hylton on bass and it wasn't a completley brass free set as Trevor Myers came down to perform on trombone in "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing".
And you can't leave out Adam Glasser on the harmonica who added that extra sparkle to the performances.
This certainly wasn't a completely chilled out affair and although I wouldn't want to see them go overall it proves that the band don't need brass all the time in order to sound stunning.
After we'd settled in at the front of the Jazz Cafe stage, Bluey and the band came on and performed "Summer's Ended" from the debut album "Jazz Funk" in respect for the late Paul 'Tubbs' Williams, one of the bands founder members. I liked how Bluey introduced the gig by saying that "up there they wanted to have a jamming session" and how James Brown, Alice Coltrane and Paul 'Tubbs' Williams formed their own act, or along those lines.
Vocalists included Imaani who was on top form on 'Everyday' and the brilliant "As Long As It's You" which always tugs at the heart. Tony Momrelle did justice to "Tin Man" and Joy Rose got the crowd going towards the end of the gig.
This was complemented by the musicians including Matt Cooper the man of a thousand synth voices, Tony Remy on guitar, Francis Hylton on bass and it wasn't a completley brass free set as Trevor Myers came down to perform on trombone in "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing".
And you can't leave out Adam Glasser on the harmonica who added that extra sparkle to the performances.
This certainly wasn't a completely chilled out affair and although I wouldn't want to see them go overall it proves that the band don't need brass all the time in order to sound stunning.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
"Such A Good Feeling"
Halfway through a Media Events lecture as I type, the seminar's just after 4 and immediately afterwards I'll be on my way to Camden Town to meet Stephen, Claire and all the others who will be attending tonight's Incognito gig.
The lecture this afternoon was rather interesting, it basically looked about how audiences respond to media events using an early example of the spaghetti trees item from Panorama from April Fool's day 1957. The audience obviously believed the story at the time as it was broadcast on a respectable programme but also because of the way the item was staged and read in a very serious manner from presenter Richard Dimbleby. Whilst the lecture was interesting I felt very guilty thorughout as I'd forgotten to bring my pen with me to make notes!
It will be interesting to see how Bluey and the guys will sound minus a brass section and I'm hoping that this gig won't be too much of a mellow affair. Unfortunately for me it appears that the majority of Incognito's fans seem to prefer the mellower material to the dancey stuff which I what I have always associated the band with ever since seeing them perform "Always There" on Top Of The Pops 16 years ago. This leads to a clip I found on youtube from their Jazz Cafe set last October where I can just about be seen dancing on the bottom left to "Everyday". Luckily I can't be heard singing!
The lecture this afternoon was rather interesting, it basically looked about how audiences respond to media events using an early example of the spaghetti trees item from Panorama from April Fool's day 1957. The audience obviously believed the story at the time as it was broadcast on a respectable programme but also because of the way the item was staged and read in a very serious manner from presenter Richard Dimbleby. Whilst the lecture was interesting I felt very guilty thorughout as I'd forgotten to bring my pen with me to make notes!
It will be interesting to see how Bluey and the guys will sound minus a brass section and I'm hoping that this gig won't be too much of a mellow affair. Unfortunately for me it appears that the majority of Incognito's fans seem to prefer the mellower material to the dancey stuff which I what I have always associated the band with ever since seeing them perform "Always There" on Top Of The Pops 16 years ago. This leads to a clip I found on youtube from their Jazz Cafe set last October where I can just about be seen dancing on the bottom left to "Everyday". Luckily I can't be heard singing!
Temporary Escapism
There's nothing better than putting all your bugbears to one side and letting your hair down at Pound a Pint night every Monday. This week it was very crowded and the DJs were spinning quite a few cheesy tracks such as 2 Unlimited, Eiffel 65 and even the Scatman got played. They were quite keen to get us into a frenzy; "any first year students here? (first years cheer) any second years about? (second years cheer) and are there any third years? (third years cheer), go home and do your f****ng dissertations!" Really good stuff.
It all went a bit crazy towards the end as there were a few boy racers near the halls who we tried to avoid before heading up to Pete's flat in premium towers. It was there I started to vent my spleen about certain things which have been irritating me that I can't post on this site but it certainly made me feel better. Unfortunately I seem to have strained my throat again after hollering along to "We Are The Champions" by Queen along with over such delights at the undies so whoever's going to the Cog gig tomorrow won't have to endure me joining in. Without the brass section it will be very difficult to join in with the catchy riffs synomous with tracks such as "Always There" and "Everyday".
It all went a bit crazy towards the end as there were a few boy racers near the halls who we tried to avoid before heading up to Pete's flat in premium towers. It was there I started to vent my spleen about certain things which have been irritating me that I can't post on this site but it certainly made me feel better. Unfortunately I seem to have strained my throat again after hollering along to "We Are The Champions" by Queen along with over such delights at the undies so whoever's going to the Cog gig tomorrow won't have to endure me joining in. Without the brass section it will be very difficult to join in with the catchy riffs synomous with tracks such as "Always There" and "Everyday".
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