Insomnia=Insania

Just finished watching the first of the new Sarah Jane Smith adventures on BBC1 where the overweight flatuists known as the Slitheen have made a return appearance.
And I rather much enjoyed it and am hoping that I won't have such a rough night so I'm going to attempt to stay up for as long as is physcially possible.

Right now I'm in my abode listening to Zero 7's 2001 album which is keeping me sane for the time being. I hope that this is a hint of things to come in the long term.

Missing Out!

Ooh, everyone's heading down the Undercroft now as I type for a meeting with regards to tomorrow. I really want to be back in London now!

Even if I have to lay off the booze. Still I'm looking forward to all of those free cans of orange Fanta that people owe me! Hehehehe!

Music of (or out of) The Mind

After stumbling on Dad listening to Miles Davis downstairs I've decided to dig out a more modern answer, Jamiroquai and the stunning "Emergency On Planet Earth" You can tell that there's a lot of influence put into this particular album which Jay Kay intially wrote to get his thoughts about the environment.

Overall it's timeless unlike some of the stuff a certain Ricky Marshall was asking me to provide, for what sounds like a series of spoof traffic reports for Goodlass and Marshall.
The bed we settled on sounds very similar to Bill Bailey's take on the Countdown theme so I'm hoping they'll make good use of that on air!

Overall it should be good fun and with Tudor taking control of the airwaves at 7pm it will be a great start to Freshers for this year.
Oh and I still need to send those new jingles over for the show! I've done quite a few over the summer. Although there's no beating "TV TUUDOR!

Missing Mags

So according to Stephen Howie on this afternoons Grooveline, Blues And Soul Magazine has kicked the bucket.
That's going to make things difficult for me when giving info on performances within London although hopefully it won't ruin my new "Club Circuit" feature that I've already made a jingle for.

I see this as an opportunity to add an extra voice for the show as I want to expand Soul Expression this year especially as during Fresher's Week it follows Stevie McIntosh and Melina Matthew's culture show which I hope will become regular during the semester.
Especially after they tried it out first time in our 24 hour broadcast back in March and I hope to get them involved with parts of my show.

As for now, a case of relaxing or trying to do so before Wednesday arrives.

Photo Finish

The photos were amazing, a lot of goings on at the summer camp and from various locations in the US.
These included a statue of the Jolly Green Giant in Minnesota, the stunning Niagra Falls complete with rainbows and the Empire State Building in New York City as well as Times Square.
What amazes me is that they drove from LA to NYC all that time.

I've also got my presents that Kate brought back including a red t-shirt from NYC and some Jelly Beans which I've stored safely ready for my visit back to London.
That's the same place where I've put my TV aerial and my copy of Essential Radio Skills which
I'm sure will come in useful this semester.

I'd love to go travelling sometime although in my money situation that would be impossible. I'll try to cut down on spending so much this year which hopefully will lead to rewarding results.

"Prodigal Sister"

One of Beverley Knight's album titles has been brought to life as Kate's got back from America.
She's been subjected to a few taunts about her visit and not getting anything for us in return but she's got a few photos to show us which I'm looking forward to seeing.

And from what I've heard Jim Davidson has been booted out of Hell's Kitchen, not by vote but told to leave. I went to bed before the show finished last night so I missed out on the moment itself.
Bedtimes are quite a problem for me as that's when my mind goes insane and I start dreaming about the worst possible scenarios and end up waking up at inappropriate times.

I may stay up a bit later tonight so I don't have much to worry about in the morning.
It's such a pain trying to stay active.

Elevated

I'm feeling a lot better now. I don't know exactly what it is but it makes me feel a bit more focused.
Hair apppointment tomorrow morning, and Mum's picking Kate up from her rather exhaustive visit to America.

I'm getting rather tired now to be honest. A bit of Jill Scott wouldn't go amiss.
"Golden", that's a nice little tune from her.

Still In A Muddle

Yes, my nerves are getting the better of me again.
I'm just unsure about what I what I want to be doing and I can't stick to them.

Everyone else is OK however, and according to Sam I'll be doing my Soul Show on Friday nights on returning. I hope that this will mean that things will run more smoothly and I'll get the urge to be positive again.

I know what will calm me down, a bit of EWF. Which album to choose though?...
Ooohh yes! Raise from 1981. Lady Sun is a cracker of a tune!

Indulgence: Is It That Bad?

I ended up letting nerves get the better of me this afternoon at Concha's. I don't know what it was but oh my it's dreadfully infectious.

It's not a good thing to admit but I'm relaxing by listening to my show from last Freshers with Pippa ST. It was a very relaxed affair considering we'd followed an interview with Dave Benson Phillips on Goodlass and Marshall's show beforehand.

Some weird elevator jazz tracks including "Get Away Jordan" by Take 6. These guys know harmony full stop. And Bebel Gilberto, "Bananeira" which apparently means "banana tree".

Goodness knows how I'm going to manage afterwards.

Chilled As Always

Bit 0f a quiet one today, as I type I've got Tony Blackburn on KMFM coming up wit the goods as always!
In just under an hour I'm popping over to see Concha, our Spanish family friend and I'm getting rather thirsty actually. Hopefully she'll have something sweet to cover that area.

Ahh, China Black, "Searching" haven't heard that one for a while. Expect my future blog posts to be very music biased! No change there then.
I'll head downstairs and get something to drink.

Cuddled Up

Ooh, everything's coming together now, I've got just about everything stacked and stored on my shelves and external hard drives.
And it's surprising what can be found in more than one place. Especially my large selection of stuff from Lee and Herring and Victor Lewis-Smith.

Anyway, tonight's X-Factor, a really mouthy type again from Brumland gives aggro to Simon Cowell, as well as a few very talented 14 year old contestants including one who gave a nice rendition of "Mack The Knife".
But what's the point of having Dermot as presenter? They could give him a bit more to do
as you barely see him consoling or congratulating the wannabe performers.

Ahh, this is nice and relaxing, Mr Hermano and their cover of Santana's
"Free As The Morning Sun".
A cover of a song that's actually better than the original.
And I love the Scumfrog remix as well, reminds me of Venice in 2002.
Sami even told me it reminded her of Ibiza when I had the track playing at our last
Smoke Radio Undercroft night in May.
I'll keep listening. Such a gorgeous piano riff.

"Even Time Ain't Got No....Tiiiiime!"

I've worked out what I need to be doing tomorrow. Buying some CD wallets and recordable DVDs. Still got a few spare CDs but I need to be fully loaded.
Other than that, hardly anything else has been happening, a rather hellish journey back in the traffic after the shopping at Morrisons. Ask Elvis kept things entertaining and we've managed to get a few things sorted with regards to shelving in my bedroom. It's looking good.

For now though, it's a case of fizzy orange, Light Of The World playing in the background with what gave me the idea of the the title of the blog post before heading downstairs to watch Hell's Kitchen in the front room. The nights are getting longer now....

"They're Just Like You And Meee..."

A reference to the the Crystal Waters hit "Gypsy Woman" which is rather relevant after watching tonight's episode of Hell's Kitchen.
I'm starting to get back into the swing of things although I'm less likely to react to noise or music when Mum's in the room with me. We had a nice little chat about the music played on KCFM's Night At The 80s although I feel like I'm playing a real life version of Finders Keepers without Neil Buchanan.

There are objects hidden everywhere in my room and I have no idea where to put them. But it may get me to London a bit quicker!

"How do I use this thing?....."

It's nice to be home again. My room is in a terrible state and things aren't where they're meant to be. Eve my typing has gone awry.
Still Hell's Kitchen is on again tonight which despite having Jim Davidson as a contestant should be a good watch.

Ah, a nice car ad on KCFM playing as I type. Yes, it's 80s night again!
I may write a few more posts if there are any good tunes on.

Whoooh!

Why I Love Radio Full Stop (Work In Progress!)

Don't expect things to happen right at the beginning.
It really does take time into making things.
Jonathan Wolfert's learnt this, Noel Edmonds has, as well as Phillip Schofield.

It's no good just making up songs about just anything because
you have to get to know them first.
This example has answered a lot of questions.

And I'm afraid I'm going to have to be subtle....

I always wondered why I loved the initials "FM"...
Here goes:
BBC Radio 1's First Top 40,
With Simon Bates

88-91 VHF
(Or why I possibly hate Sundays....)

You really don't have to listen if you don't want to.

http://www.smoke-radio.co.uk/s_bates_first_5pm_top40.mp3


But if you did...

Friendly Radio! What A Load Of Old Rubbish!

Literally.


That is what I believe to be known in the industry as "talking at the listener".
Or even worse, "talking down to the listener"
Something I've been guilty of for too long.
Because I've hated people doing it to me for too long and I know it doesn't get me anywhere neither.

Now you know why I do not want to hear that piece of audio EVER again.

Did that put you in a good mood for school on Monday?
Hell, no.

And I really can't listen back to that anymore I'm afraid.
Partly because it's why I hated working at ASDA on a Sunday.

But more importantly why I enjoyed my first attempt at a proper show on a Sunday last year at Smoke Radio.
And not just Sunday, whenever the time is right for what I like doing.
I'm not doing it for the money.
Radio, communication and music are my ways of relaxing.

Listening to it, presenting myself and the music to listeners AND speaking to them.
One to one.
But only more than one in a friendly social situation.
Because we'll all be happy!

And most importantly, putting my heart and soul into making things that would sound great for the listeners.
Because I've been listening for too long.
I want to start speaking to people in radio, beyond radio.
And find out what they like doing to keep the passion.

And here's the same presenter on Radio 1, on the 1st of October, 1987.

One day after Radio 1's 20th birthday.

Just before 5am...

and it's in AM quality for a very good reason.


This proves that radio can only be emotional and fun as 1, with the right balance between the 2!
It could be why I love my baby sister born a couple of months later in that same year.
And why I love my baby brother who was born on the 9th of July 1990.
Because I got to hear even more of Radio 1 as a solitary listener.

I'm guessing why I found Radio to be more interesting!

Because it talked to me a lot more, than anything else that I heard becuase it knew how to balance music and sound overall with talking to the listener.
It had passion, it was exciting, it was fresh.
But that was my problem!
Not theirs.

Both Kate and Olly have learnt to accept what I like and what I don't like.
And I can now accept that radio is not funny. It's very serious.
This explains why I don't eat the pips in apples.
I do it by accident.
Without noticing.

And this jingle below explains why I love the Greenwich Time Signal.
http://www.smoke-radio.co.uk/r1-87-track10.mp3


I've got to put my heart and soul into this.

One of the most fantastic and moving jingles ever, Full Stop.
This is why for many listeners, waking up early was never a problem.
I'm sure that particular jingle is on top of many people's JAM personal cut choices!
But my name wouldn't fit in.

I went with this one because I heard it for a station that had "FM" inside it.
http://www.smoke-radio.co.uk/rb-freshkiis09.mp3
Because that scans a lot nicer than Radio 1.
It flows "off of" the tounge.

But I could fulfill my dream at any time, and so can you!
http://www.smoke-radio.co.uk/r1-blamires-style!.mp3
(Thanks to Simon Hirst for giving me the idea!)

But I'm going to have to stop there.
The 1987 Radio 1 Jingle Package by JAM Creative Productions in Dallas,
is very special to a lot of people because it FINALLY, proved that the UK was capable of producing GREAT radio on a national scale in terms of music.
They just never got the "aural communication" bit right, did they?
But those in Dallas didn't know it either until Jon Wolfert decided to leave New York and stay in the city.

But I know where I belong and that's London.

And that's because Radio 1 is a national radio station which has to cater for many different people at different times.

I just want to do what feels right for me, just outside the busy city.

Because it will always be waiting for me when I want to go for a visit.

But I'll also have somewhere to enjoy myself and a proper job just wouldn't fit the bill for my social interests.

It's all "work, work, work".

But I'm not going to let that affect my decision.

And I don't want to tell other people how they "should be doing it".

It really isn't fair on them.


Those jingles were functional in many ways.

And it showed the way forward for Radio 1 under the caring eye of Johnny Beerling.

A man who had produced the first ever programme on the station.

I would really love to meet him, and Jonathan Wolfert.

Just to have a friendly chat and socialise, where they feel comfortable.

They know and love great radio and have done so for a long time.


And there's lots of other passionate people I'd like to meet to whenever they have the time.

Because I really do want to use my time the best way I can.


And with Jon Wolfert, they proved that that Radio 1 really was Britain's Favourite, with passion.

But we have to move with the times,

Or do we?

No we don't. We'll let radio move with the times the way we want to.

And that's a fact! (Thank you Steven Jones!)

I'm proud that I have such a great name. Because it was designed for broadcasting and I like doing it as a hobby. And will probably continue to do so for quite a bit....

Nah, Bollocks to it!

I'm going to balance both social and radio life together. Keeping the good things in mind.

That's why I love radio jingles.

Not just "jingles".

Radio Jingles

And I really do believe that I've NEVER been afraid of them.

But also understand why others might be.

Us British Broadcasters just didn't get the "No Nonsense" approach to radio and I believe the Americans found it very difficult as well.

I've learnt that the easy way which I'm fully grateful for.

And Kate if you're reading this, I hope you'll be really happy when you get back and head over to University to realise you dreams.

You did it the hard way because at times I can get scared to a point which I immediately forget all my other thoughts.

But being happy does that too!

And I focus more on what makes me happier in life!

And talking to people is about to be one of them.

Not because I've had a drink of alcohol!

Water will do just nicely.

At any time.

I'd best get on with the cooking downstairs.

But I'm ready to speak to you.

Whenever you are comfortable.

And most importantly,

Thank you for reading. x x x

An Animation Reccomendation!

Ooh, it's definitely worth having a look at this classic (for the right reasons) animation.
Daffy Duck and Porky Pig in "Rocket Squad" back in (John Wells (1FM) Voice) 1956!

This is an example of a cartoon showing you how NOT to do things in any circumstances!

And it's just a bit of fun really.

My First "Proper" Blog Post

Please don't take what I write too seriously!

I never took my mum and dad seriously and when I did, I really was going round in circles.
But they don't have to be big circles if you stay focused.

I'm tempted to write things but, well. Some things are better left unsaid.
Jonathan Ross says so because he cares.
I'm not a fan of him on the radio and that's a fact. It's too in-jokey!
But that's his style.

Radio 1 used to mean Bruno Brookes on the UK Top 40.
He knew bugger all about the music itself but bloody hell, he knew how to count them down!
Credit where due!

I do it because I enjoy it.

And you know what, I also enjoy cooking.
We haven't had rice for quite a while, so errrm.
That's what I'll be making with my curry tonight!

A proper one and all!
But I can adapt. It's the only way to do so and I can live with that.

I'll try not to do these too often.

But that really is what happens to me and I like to be honest.
I blog because I love radio. What you read on here is complete and utter rubbish.
Which I didn't really understand before (Ooh lovely Nouvelle Vague, "Blue Monday")
I've played that on the soul show and I have no problem with other people playing it on theirs.

But you don't say that on t'wireless, Ooooh no!

If I want to leave a station I will tell who I can trust. Maybe not ON the station itself, oooh no!
You'll get a fuck of a lot of stick if you do and I mean that.
This is my act, And I'm trying to keep the reader in mind.

If it gets you THAT physically, just carry on doing it!

No Light In Pinner!

Ooh, it's a bit weird being up at 2 in the morning in all honesty.
Things either go really quickly or slowly.

But luckily nothing's genuine. The font you see on screen isn't what I'm seeing I'm afraid.
But it has to be like that. And that's the way to go through it all really.
Bearing it all in mind!

Paragraph's just don't appear like that!
But they do...
I know that you must be really careful with meanings and music.

Which is why I make sure that the two are always matched together.
Otherwise your fucked.
Money DOESN'T grow on trees!

But it can be found on branches if you're lucky!
Sometimes you have to steal.
And adapt.

And I always like to end blog posts on a high even if it does sound like spiritual bollocks.
And I know where not to find it if rules aren't followed!
Hehhehehehe!

"Not A Chance!"

Ooh today's been a good one!
I'm going to savour in a few lovely things tonight, although tomorrow doesn't look so good.
I've also got to do the cooking again (but it's fun).
Seriously, I musn't give up, I must stay grounded because it could be a hell of a lot worse.
I'm just going to go with the flow.

Oooh yes....
I really don't want to give up writing this blog because it's my own personal home with my own choice of colours.
Secondary colours interesting enough.

And isn't Steve Lamacq fantastic!
With Harvey Cooke reading the news!
All the best broadcasters.

Jingles, overseen by the legend that is Mark Goodier!
And I will always be a listener.
I'm not a broadcaster.

And could never be I'm afraid.

But I want to give it my all this year, without anything getting me down.
I know where I want to be. Lovely London.
And I've treasured every minute there and here in Kent.

Because great memories keep me going.
And knowing where to stop is good as well.
and you know what, it's not just me.

The Last One, Honest!

You know what, I'm going to put the laptop down, next to my bed because as soon as something comes into mind. I have to write about it. Even the RSS feed can't keep up with these endless updates.

My likes and guilty pleasures are certainly not coincidental.
One of the videos I saw on the edition of The Chart Show from October '91 last night was "Change" by Lisa Stansfield.
Halfway through the video it revealed that one of Lisa's favourite delights was
"chips, with peas and gravy in a roll". Now in the rather relaxed mood I'm in now with the windows open, warm breeze, something similar would not go amiss.

But that doesn't mean I'd want to indulge in such a thing at any time!
Let me try it now,

Spaghetti, with mince, bacon and mushrooms with tomato puree!

Apple strudel with sultanas, currants and a very sweet sauce!

A lamb stew with rice, mushroooms, potatoes, and lovely green peas!

Delicious sultana and rye bread (Oh shit, I brought six of them in Morrisons this morning and have't eaten any of them!)

As Neil Buchanan would say "Try It Yourself!"

Anyway, balanced diets.
That's why Lisa's always looked so good and sounded great because I'm sure she's lead a balanced but passionate life.
It's probably also why she's always cracking up in interviews and never afraid for the mickey to be taken out of her.
If you've ever brought one of her albums you'll know exactly why. She's made it big "All Around The World" but she still clings on to her Rochdale roots and I can understand why that particular munchie is a favourite up North and it makes me glad that of half of my family are from the North Of England.

That's what's been bugging me. I'm afraid to let out more of my passions because not even my family can share them with me in the same way!
Passions can't be solitary. That's the overall reason why I started writing the blog and kept at it.
In order for me to fully understand why life is worth living I made a start on keeping my first proper attempt at a diary as I can't stand writing with a pen or pencil.

I adore doodling (there's another one!) but that's different. There's no skill involved in doodling and anyone can do it. That's what Christina, a really lovely nurse who I used to visit at George Turle house helped me to understand during the later parts of school and on my AVCE College Course. And I'm gutted, no furious, that I used her visits as an excuse for going on about what were my obsessions then, but have now become passions.

There is a difference between the two. Obsessions are areas you develop really big interests that dominate your life for months on end and then you grow out of them.
Passions are areas of your life that never go away, you come back to them now and again and when you get bored of them, you move onto something else. But they'll always be with you whenver you need them and that's why I've got a lot of audio and visual ones safe on my external hard drives and CD-Rs.

In fact all my genuine long term crushes have been those who have fitted into the category of passionate and I can fully accept that. And if you can keep relaxed and not become lost for words constantly, then the crushes themselves will understand and laugh with you!

I tell you what. I've actually just finished reading this out loud now and it's not even been published! Every word means a lot to me and I can read it myself and feel good rather than having someone else do it for me. Even if it is a crush.

Who'd have thought loving yourself was a good thing?!
No, I'm loving the life and will continue to do so!

Noel McKoy and JTQ summed it all up: "Love The Life"

I’m a man with common sense – and I’m looking for some fun
So don’t give me none of that – stop being ignorant
You think you’re cool and I’m a fool – but it don’t even come with that
See, I know your game – I know what you’re about
Let it be known, let it be said…
I live the life for love, win or lose – that’s the way I choose

If you love the life that you live – then you will live the life for love
If you love the life that you live – then you will live the life for love

When I saw you on the dance floor – I knew that you had the groove
So I made up my mind – what two free should do
After this be my place, a glass of wine – and now we can snuggle up tight
See, I know your game – I need to know before midnight
Let it be known, let it be said…
I live the life for love, win or lose – that’s the way I choose

If you love the life that you live – then you will live the life for love
If you love the life that you live – then you will live the life for love

Relax, make you mind – free from all trips
Trust and believe – let your mind be your guide
Let your mind be your guide
Sock it to me – right on to…
Let it be known, let it be said…
I live the life for love, win or lose – that’s the way I choose

If you love the life that you live – then you will live the life for love…

(Lyrics By Noel McKoy/James Taylor)

Why on earth didn't I heed what Noel McKoy was singing, rather than just play it to death back in October 2001?!
Or even buy the CD single in time for my 8th birthday on it's original release after seeing it on TV countless times!

This song is special. The first verse reccounts many experiences I've had with arrogant, snide, ignorant people and the second verse is the same for the many women I've had crushes on and that's what I need to be doing.

The bridge before the third chorus is advice for anyone wanting to continue living and loving the life.

I've lived through the first and second verse many times but I'm now confident I want to live the rest of my life through the chorus and keeping the bridges in mind.

That's going to be the first record I play on the Soul Show when I get back in September and I fucking mean this. It's not just a record it's a guide to life after 16 that I should have taken a lot earlier. And if you're feeling daring, not a problem.
Many great broadcasters dropped out of, and were even expelled from school and didn't let it get them down.

But I'm going to stick at my degree and balance that with my love of radio and that's confirmed. "Written In The Stone" as Maurice White once sang.

I now know that I really have to stay passionate in order to continue this way.
And every word from Noel in that song really stands out.
I'm gonna carry on enjoying my existence (for warrant of another phrase!)

The meaning of life? Passion.

Good night. (And don't feel brainwashed, the blogs will return soon!
Just give me a week to prove myself and I'll be back "weaker" than ever!)