I'm in a rather spiteful yet hurt mood as I type.
Earlier today I made a jokey response on Twitter to someone who I won't
reveal on this site, and they seemed to take it personally, when retweeted publicly saying that they didn't follow me anymore.
I've deleted the tweet itself, but with all due respect, I never meant that to be
an offensive remark in any way whatsoever, especially as I've never held
any grudges towards said individual.
And it saddens me to think that they would go as far as saying that they don't follow me on there which isn't a plea to rethink as such, but rather crushing
I can tell you that.
However that minor slip up hasn't dented the possiblility of another return visit to Harrow, quite likely in late January of what I reckon maybe another Junction/Spoons/Trinity night.
Best way to do so.
It's just a shame that others find it hard to get on with each other,
and I don't know which side to turn to.
I'm just so glad that I got to stay over for various nights at Chris, Phil Harris, Denis's etc during the summer of both 07 and 08 as we all knew what was going on, whereas other years have lost contact in places over the very long (in fact too long) summer months in between years on the radio course and are shocked and understandbly upset at any changes that have taken place.
Obviously what happened in late 2007 was damaging, but I like to think that I got myself back and everyone else to how we were without any drudges befalling us, and just having a really good time overall.
And there will still be time for that should I move to London permantley, albeit juggling day jobs etc but for me, a well earning job in London with a balanceable social life means a lot more than a career in radio.
Especially in the current conditions, when I need certain individuals
more than anyone else.
They may not even know that but it's definitely the case.
It's just better for me to write things down trying my best not to
let others down, rather than them letting me down for far longer.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Insanity Comes This Time Each Year
I'm ever so glad I'm not working in a retail job or whatever this holiday.
Two days on the trot I've been into the Canterbury Tesco Metro and they have had the Beach Boys playing on my every entrance.
OK, that may be one of the better seasonal songs but honestly I'm sick
of the sight of them.
Well, hearing them at least.
Apart from that early 90s jazz compilation mentioned earlier, there's still tons of Xmas compilations as such I've yet to listen to.
Quite a lot of them being easy listening/orchestral versions that would perfectly accompany the girl playing noughts and crosses, but elsewhere there's a couple of albums that were released last year that I may have a listen too, considering there's bugger all entertaining on the box tonight.
One being Ledisi (or Le-deesee) and "It's Christmas" and the other's by smooth jazz stalwarts Spyro Gyra and "A Night Before Christmas".
Elsewhere there's quite a mixed response to "The Fattest Man In Britain"
shown last night.
Matty ID and "Schofe" seemed positive about it, but Ross T meanwhile
wasn't so keen.
I'm guessing it's because they haven't paid his appearance fee yet.
But whilst tonight may look average, there's the Mock The Week and Screenwipe specials tomorrow so I'm pretty much covered.
Two days on the trot I've been into the Canterbury Tesco Metro and they have had the Beach Boys playing on my every entrance.
OK, that may be one of the better seasonal songs but honestly I'm sick
of the sight of them.
Well, hearing them at least.
Apart from that early 90s jazz compilation mentioned earlier, there's still tons of Xmas compilations as such I've yet to listen to.
Quite a lot of them being easy listening/orchestral versions that would perfectly accompany the girl playing noughts and crosses, but elsewhere there's a couple of albums that were released last year that I may have a listen too, considering there's bugger all entertaining on the box tonight.
One being Ledisi (or Le-deesee) and "It's Christmas" and the other's by smooth jazz stalwarts Spyro Gyra and "A Night Before Christmas".
Elsewhere there's quite a mixed response to "The Fattest Man In Britain"
shown last night.
Matty ID and "Schofe" seemed positive about it, but Ross T meanwhile
wasn't so keen.
I'm guessing it's because they haven't paid his appearance fee yet.
But whilst tonight may look average, there's the Mock The Week and Screenwipe specials tomorrow so I'm pretty much covered.
Soulfully Seasonal
With all the "rage" pardon the pun, over the seasonal top spot for this year,
a correction over a blog post I made just under a month ago regarding
a tune by Louie Vega and The Elements of Life with "This Christmas".
I suggested that it was an original tune, but oh no no, it's more of
an original take on a little known Christmas song.
I've recently managed to dig out a compilation released in 1990 called "Jazzy Wonderland" where that very song is covered by the Michael Buble of his day
Harry Connick Jr and it's not too bad a version, it has to be said even if
it is completely different from Louie Vega and co's version.
The tune itself happened to be composed by Donny Hathaway and to be honest I'm not surprised as the chorus does have shades his most recognised composition "Someday We'll All Be Free".
That's also been covered a lot but I'll still remain adamant that nothing can beat the Alicia Keys live version, included on the 2002 reissue
of "Songs In A Minor".
The rest of the day will involve wrapping presents for everyone else, and anyone who knows me will be aware that my abilities at wrapping presents are the same as I am at ironing.
I've already done one, there's just four to go.
Yes, I said four.
Someone very special's getting a present this year, I'm not saying who it is but they're heading away from our lovely shores in 2010 so it's probably the only chance I'll get to do so before leaving.
a correction over a blog post I made just under a month ago regarding
a tune by Louie Vega and The Elements of Life with "This Christmas".
I suggested that it was an original tune, but oh no no, it's more of
an original take on a little known Christmas song.
I've recently managed to dig out a compilation released in 1990 called "Jazzy Wonderland" where that very song is covered by the Michael Buble of his day
Harry Connick Jr and it's not too bad a version, it has to be said even if
it is completely different from Louie Vega and co's version.
The tune itself happened to be composed by Donny Hathaway and to be honest I'm not surprised as the chorus does have shades his most recognised composition "Someday We'll All Be Free".
That's also been covered a lot but I'll still remain adamant that nothing can beat the Alicia Keys live version, included on the 2002 reissue
of "Songs In A Minor".
The rest of the day will involve wrapping presents for everyone else, and anyone who knows me will be aware that my abilities at wrapping presents are the same as I am at ironing.
I've already done one, there's just four to go.
Yes, I said four.
Someone very special's getting a present this year, I'm not saying who it is but they're heading away from our lovely shores in 2010 so it's probably the only chance I'll get to do so before leaving.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Underrated, Overweighted?
That's not even a word.
Tonight's viewing saw what I'd say has to be my favourite comedy drama of 2009.
"The Fattest Man In Britain" didn't sound like the most promising programme, but I thought I'd give it a chance as it was co-written by Caroline Aherne, and Jeff Pope ("Dirty Filthy Love").
This was far from a light hearted comedy drama, this was dark and really gritty
in places, with the biggest surprise performance coming from Bobby Ball
as Morris, the manipulative neighbour who wants to use George the main character's weightiness as a source of publicity, getting foreigners to visit
and ultimately break the record for "The Fattest Man In Britain".
However things start to change when George befriends a teenager sent from social services and he starts to value more important things around them.
I loved the programme as at one point it had me in hysterics with the Bobby Ball character inolving himself in the wrong situations at the wrong time.
Invading a funeral by blasting out "Don't Cha" by The Pussycat Dolls in this case.
However, a lot of it towards the end pretty much moved me to a point,
which I won't give away but it's being released on DVD by the end of the month.
Overall that drama taught me a lesson in pre-judging programmes before they've even been transmitted.
But as is always the case on Blammy's Blog, I'm possibly going to turn that around by 180 degrees as I aim to fully avoid Paddy McGuinness's "Take Me Out" when that hits the airwaves next year which looks set to be a shambles.
However the main reason for doing so is that I've never really enjoyed dating shows.
Blind Date would never go in my list of great entertainment programmes
so to bring almost that format back, into what looks like a revival of
Chris Tarrant's "Man O Man" or Brian Conley's "Judgement Day"
means that I'm steering clear.
How Blind Date managed to last 18 fucking years without any major changes (save for the even worse final series) is beyond me, but if RATM getting to number 1 over The X Factor showed anything, it proves that changes still need
to be made constantly and consistently in the present day.
As is always the case, the soulful and 90s house tunes will stay with me on a personal level, not to the point I want them to make a mass impact as that would drive everyone insane.
Ironic, when you consider one of the many meaningful lyrics by
The Sunburst Band; "The music that we play, will ease your mind"
Honestly, there's no point in being negative at this time of night because
if that's the case you don't even get any shut eye for goodness sake.
Good night.
Tonight's viewing saw what I'd say has to be my favourite comedy drama of 2009.
"The Fattest Man In Britain" didn't sound like the most promising programme, but I thought I'd give it a chance as it was co-written by Caroline Aherne, and Jeff Pope ("Dirty Filthy Love").
This was far from a light hearted comedy drama, this was dark and really gritty
in places, with the biggest surprise performance coming from Bobby Ball
as Morris, the manipulative neighbour who wants to use George the main character's weightiness as a source of publicity, getting foreigners to visit
and ultimately break the record for "The Fattest Man In Britain".
However things start to change when George befriends a teenager sent from social services and he starts to value more important things around them.
I loved the programme as at one point it had me in hysterics with the Bobby Ball character inolving himself in the wrong situations at the wrong time.
Invading a funeral by blasting out "Don't Cha" by The Pussycat Dolls in this case.
However, a lot of it towards the end pretty much moved me to a point,
which I won't give away but it's being released on DVD by the end of the month.
Overall that drama taught me a lesson in pre-judging programmes before they've even been transmitted.
But as is always the case on Blammy's Blog, I'm possibly going to turn that around by 180 degrees as I aim to fully avoid Paddy McGuinness's "Take Me Out" when that hits the airwaves next year which looks set to be a shambles.
However the main reason for doing so is that I've never really enjoyed dating shows.
Blind Date would never go in my list of great entertainment programmes
so to bring almost that format back, into what looks like a revival of
Chris Tarrant's "Man O Man" or Brian Conley's "Judgement Day"
means that I'm steering clear.
How Blind Date managed to last 18 fucking years without any major changes (save for the even worse final series) is beyond me, but if RATM getting to number 1 over The X Factor showed anything, it proves that changes still need
to be made constantly and consistently in the present day.
As is always the case, the soulful and 90s house tunes will stay with me on a personal level, not to the point I want them to make a mass impact as that would drive everyone insane.
Ironic, when you consider one of the many meaningful lyrics by
The Sunburst Band; "The music that we play, will ease your mind"
Honestly, there's no point in being negative at this time of night because
if that's the case you don't even get any shut eye for goodness sake.
Good night.
X Rated Outshines The X Factor
It's hard getting my head round the number of positive statuses and tweets over "Killing" hitting the top spot this Christmas.
I never thought that this would be the case, 17 years ago when listening to the chart and Bruno Brookes playing the whole sung in full with all 17 fucks intact.
And yet no one complained as far as I'm aware, certainly not to the extent that people will go spare if the Daily Mail reports an utterance of the word "fanny"
on television in the present day.
According to Jake Franks, one of the third year radio students, Joe McElderry was actually in the studio with Scott Mills set to be interviewed but decided to bottle it after it was revealed that his song wasn't at Number 1.
And to prove I'm not lying, here it is;
http://twitpic.com/ue0ew
BBC News reporter Colin Patterson describes it as "simply one of the biggest shocks in chart history".
No it's not.
It built up over a week and if it was shocking, then maybe it was a proven unbelievable kick up the backside which was very much deserved and justified.
To have it staying in the top spot for just one more week would be just as good but I really want to move on, aim avoid the rubbish enforced on us in so called "popular culture" and find what I really get a buzz out of.
I find it more entertaining sorting out a spag bol, than watching an episode of Strictly Come Dancing for instance, but that's not to say I would want to work
in an ASK or anything like that.
It's the idea of "cooking for one" or just a select number of others that I find pleasing, as at the same time it's a chance to just be yourself without being
being left out of other things.
Back to the Xmas number one, and as ITV News have been following Joe
like fucking mad, I really want to see how they react to being shot
in between the legs.
It's beyond parody, but a good excuse for a laugh as always.
I never thought that this would be the case, 17 years ago when listening to the chart and Bruno Brookes playing the whole sung in full with all 17 fucks intact.
And yet no one complained as far as I'm aware, certainly not to the extent that people will go spare if the Daily Mail reports an utterance of the word "fanny"
on television in the present day.
According to Jake Franks, one of the third year radio students, Joe McElderry was actually in the studio with Scott Mills set to be interviewed but decided to bottle it after it was revealed that his song wasn't at Number 1.
And to prove I'm not lying, here it is;
http://twitpic.com/ue0ew
BBC News reporter Colin Patterson describes it as "simply one of the biggest shocks in chart history".
No it's not.
It built up over a week and if it was shocking, then maybe it was a proven unbelievable kick up the backside which was very much deserved and justified.
To have it staying in the top spot for just one more week would be just as good but I really want to move on, aim avoid the rubbish enforced on us in so called "popular culture" and find what I really get a buzz out of.
I find it more entertaining sorting out a spag bol, than watching an episode of Strictly Come Dancing for instance, but that's not to say I would want to work
in an ASK or anything like that.
It's the idea of "cooking for one" or just a select number of others that I find pleasing, as at the same time it's a chance to just be yourself without being
being left out of other things.
Back to the Xmas number one, and as ITV News have been following Joe
like fucking mad, I really want to see how they react to being shot
in between the legs.
It's beyond parody, but a good excuse for a laugh as always.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Laughter At The Apollo
Tonight's Live At The Apollo was good fun once again, with Rhod Gilbert doing a good turn as compere, but the overall highlight was the set from Liverpool stand-up John Bishop who I don't know a lot about, but is a regular contributor to Fighting Talk.
Despite bearing a resemblance to Bez from the Happy Mondays, there was more to his hilarity than that, with jokes such as explaining sex to his children, and filling up a diesel car with petrol.
I can't remember exactly what the rest of the set involved but it had me laughing more than any of the other acts this series by far.
John's also appearing on the Boxing Day edition of Fighting Talk as part of a comedians special although as it's been recorded in advance Colin Murray has mentioned quite a few times that he loses.
It should be a good show with other participants including Jim Jeffries and Arsenal fan Dara O'Briain, although it may be the first time I've listened to FT
on medium wave, due to being without a DAB radio.
Well to be honest, whenever I've tried using a DAB radio in South Creake, the quality has been utter shite, and you can barely pick up anything decent.
Which with regards to the latter, is a bit like Canterbury then.
The lack of tweets and statuses I've seen with regards to tonight's Strictly Come Dancing final more or less prove that it's well past it, or those who do watch the show are barely into this tweeting malarchy.
That'll be of a similar age to Bruce I'd imagine.
If Dancing On Ice is going out on Sundays again, you know what,
I'm not that fussed really, I seem to have come to my senses at not wanting
to see people skating or dancing in an unspectacular manner.
It appears that the sole function of using my television in the present day is just to get a laugh out of it.
That may be the case until I attempt to give Flashforward a go, provided it doens't fall into "Lost syndrome", i.e. me losing interest after four episodes.
One episode a night may be the right solution.
Having said that, I've looked at the video on Amazon, it is pretty creepy
and very action packed.
Balance that with a few LPs I've yet to listen to such as Tom Scott's discography and a load of Joe Sample records, that's my spare time in 2010 sorted.
Who else is there to listen to?, Dave Koz, Roisin Murphy, Frank Turner,
Walter Beasley...
I had a listen to the Pipettes album from a few years ago earlier today as well.
Amazing, it instantly brings images of a day visiting a British beach with a load of University friends and just pissing about.
When the warmer months arrive, it may be something to do for my 25th.
The possibilities are endless.
Best start sorting stuff out now to set things in stone.
Despite bearing a resemblance to Bez from the Happy Mondays, there was more to his hilarity than that, with jokes such as explaining sex to his children, and filling up a diesel car with petrol.
I can't remember exactly what the rest of the set involved but it had me laughing more than any of the other acts this series by far.
John's also appearing on the Boxing Day edition of Fighting Talk as part of a comedians special although as it's been recorded in advance Colin Murray has mentioned quite a few times that he loses.
It should be a good show with other participants including Jim Jeffries and Arsenal fan Dara O'Briain, although it may be the first time I've listened to FT
on medium wave, due to being without a DAB radio.
Well to be honest, whenever I've tried using a DAB radio in South Creake, the quality has been utter shite, and you can barely pick up anything decent.
Which with regards to the latter, is a bit like Canterbury then.
The lack of tweets and statuses I've seen with regards to tonight's Strictly Come Dancing final more or less prove that it's well past it, or those who do watch the show are barely into this tweeting malarchy.
That'll be of a similar age to Bruce I'd imagine.
If Dancing On Ice is going out on Sundays again, you know what,
I'm not that fussed really, I seem to have come to my senses at not wanting
to see people skating or dancing in an unspectacular manner.
It appears that the sole function of using my television in the present day is just to get a laugh out of it.
That may be the case until I attempt to give Flashforward a go, provided it doens't fall into "Lost syndrome", i.e. me losing interest after four episodes.
One episode a night may be the right solution.
Having said that, I've looked at the video on Amazon, it is pretty creepy
and very action packed.
Balance that with a few LPs I've yet to listen to such as Tom Scott's discography and a load of Joe Sample records, that's my spare time in 2010 sorted.
Who else is there to listen to?, Dave Koz, Roisin Murphy, Frank Turner,
Walter Beasley...
I had a listen to the Pipettes album from a few years ago earlier today as well.
Amazing, it instantly brings images of a day visiting a British beach with a load of University friends and just pissing about.
When the warmer months arrive, it may be something to do for my 25th.
The possibilities are endless.
Best start sorting stuff out now to set things in stone.
Climbing The Gumtree
My Gumtree search wasn't too bad, plenty of potential places to squat
should I find the right job in London.
12 months time I tell you.
Asides that I'm in a rather smug laughing at others mood as Liverpool have lost 2-0 to Portsmouth.
To lose to the team that's at the bottom of the Premiership table is more embarrassing than an episode of All Star Family Fortunes.
Any excuse for an analogy.
As for tomorrow Chelsea are playing West Ham, and as is always the case,
may the best team win, whichever way.
The television meanwhile will remain switched off for the rest of the day
until Apollo's on which proves I did speak too soon with regards
to it being shown on a Saturday, if just for this week.
As I type I'm listening to Peter Young on Jazz FM and there's definitely no better music presenter I've heard on the wireless soul/jazz wise.
It's a shame he's not been recognised to a national extent as no one can convincgly sound enthusiastic and passionate about what he plays,
with an expert and humourous touch.
It's more than evident that his favourite jazz acts of the decade would either be Nicola Conte, or Mario Biondi proving that Europe really knows how to get it right in terms of the jazzy stuff.
No bullshit bebop, just accessible grooves that anyone can have a boogie to
and would work well alongside other current tunes if it got as much recognition.
Slip a bit of Biondi alongside either Amy or The Pipettes and it would sound great at a garden booze party during the warmer months, provided you can converse at the same time of course.
The warm up tunes before everyone gets really pissed and starts boogieing to The Killers, Kanye, Shakira and so on.
I've said it many times, but this last decade has been "mezzin".
should I find the right job in London.
12 months time I tell you.
Asides that I'm in a rather smug laughing at others mood as Liverpool have lost 2-0 to Portsmouth.
To lose to the team that's at the bottom of the Premiership table is more embarrassing than an episode of All Star Family Fortunes.
Any excuse for an analogy.
As for tomorrow Chelsea are playing West Ham, and as is always the case,
may the best team win, whichever way.
The television meanwhile will remain switched off for the rest of the day
until Apollo's on which proves I did speak too soon with regards
to it being shown on a Saturday, if just for this week.
As I type I'm listening to Peter Young on Jazz FM and there's definitely no better music presenter I've heard on the wireless soul/jazz wise.
It's a shame he's not been recognised to a national extent as no one can convincgly sound enthusiastic and passionate about what he plays,
with an expert and humourous touch.
It's more than evident that his favourite jazz acts of the decade would either be Nicola Conte, or Mario Biondi proving that Europe really knows how to get it right in terms of the jazzy stuff.
No bullshit bebop, just accessible grooves that anyone can have a boogie to
and would work well alongside other current tunes if it got as much recognition.
Slip a bit of Biondi alongside either Amy or The Pipettes and it would sound great at a garden booze party during the warmer months, provided you can converse at the same time of course.
The warm up tunes before everyone gets really pissed and starts boogieing to The Killers, Kanye, Shakira and so on.
I've said it many times, but this last decade has been "mezzin".
"But I'm Still Giving"
I'm in an absolute rage.
How and why did I miss this?
In September this year, The Sunburst Band and Leroy Burgess performed
live in London as part of the Portobello Nu Jazz event and to see this
would have been like seeing both Incognito and Earth Wind And Fire
on the same stage.
And that's a bold statement.
I'm seeing the band perform at the Jazz Cafe in January, but I very much doubt
that Burgess will be with them.
The video above is from the 2008 performance, and I'm in an even bigger grouch as Jocelyn Brown's in there as well.
These are like, all the finest musicians/vocalists who I'd see as "legends"
if that's what you call them, in the same room together.
Even the Incognito 30th anniversary gig which Jocelyn appeared at,
wouldn't have got me as excited as that.
If they decide to have a do at Portobello in 2010, I really hope Leroy
decides to make a stop over for a third year running.
I guess the ultimate fantasy would be to have Leroy on keyboards/vocals,
Alicia Keys doing the same, Bluey on guitars and backing vocals, Jocelyn Brown, Imaani, Beyonce, Alexandra Burke (and her scaly dress), JLS,
The Pasadenas, maybe Maurice White and Philip Bailey, Jill Scott,
Don E, and Beverley Knight all sharing the same stage.
That's bringing everyone together, and possibly all the different factions
of University friends in the same room.
They could blend in all the different songs together into the same set, I can
just imagine Jocelyn Brown etc singing "Crazy In Love", and likewise JLS
giving a really good go on "Barely Breaking Even".
It really could work, I've never thought up a fantasy live performance
like that before.
Never giving up hope eh?
How and why did I miss this?
In September this year, The Sunburst Band and Leroy Burgess performed
live in London as part of the Portobello Nu Jazz event and to see this
would have been like seeing both Incognito and Earth Wind And Fire
on the same stage.
And that's a bold statement.
I'm seeing the band perform at the Jazz Cafe in January, but I very much doubt
that Burgess will be with them.
The video above is from the 2008 performance, and I'm in an even bigger grouch as Jocelyn Brown's in there as well.
These are like, all the finest musicians/vocalists who I'd see as "legends"
if that's what you call them, in the same room together.
Even the Incognito 30th anniversary gig which Jocelyn appeared at,
wouldn't have got me as excited as that.
If they decide to have a do at Portobello in 2010, I really hope Leroy
decides to make a stop over for a third year running.
I guess the ultimate fantasy would be to have Leroy on keyboards/vocals,
Alicia Keys doing the same, Bluey on guitars and backing vocals, Jocelyn Brown, Imaani, Beyonce, Alexandra Burke (and her scaly dress), JLS,
The Pasadenas, maybe Maurice White and Philip Bailey, Jill Scott,
Don E, and Beverley Knight all sharing the same stage.
That's bringing everyone together, and possibly all the different factions
of University friends in the same room.
They could blend in all the different songs together into the same set, I can
just imagine Jocelyn Brown etc singing "Crazy In Love", and likewise JLS
giving a really good go on "Barely Breaking Even".
It really could work, I've never thought up a fantasy live performance
like that before.
Never giving up hope eh?
"To Come Back Fighting"
The late lie down time didn't really do me any favours.
I finally got up at about half past 11am meaning I've missed Fighting Talk,
but I'm not too fussed as I'll listen back on iPlayer later on.
Possibly after PY on Jazz FM, or when the Soul Cellar starts at least.
Things aren't too good telly wise either, but straight after the
Strictly grand final there's another half hour helping of Apollo, this time
with Rhod Gilbert compering with a turn from Liverpool comic John Bishop.
I keep getting him confused with Jon Richardson, the Yorkshire comic who presents on BBC 6 Music, and proved himself ever ignorant and unfunny
on Buzzcocks a few weeks ago.
On a different note, Chris and Pete are moving to a new timeslot
on 91.8 Hayes FM from the 9th of January on Saturday evenings
between 5:15 and 7pm.
As they're broadcasting in a more casual timeslot, there's more time for them
to be themselves and not have to worry about traffic updates too much
and so on.
Chris is carrying on with the Friday breakfast slot on his own and actually said
to me that he would have wanted to present with me at Smoke at one point.
I've never really thought I work well on air as part of a male presenter pairing,
possibly because I've always used Phillip Schofield and Sarah Greene
on Going Live! as the role models I aim to achieve.
And as is normally the case fail disastrously.
I personally feel it's better when working with people you don't know that well but want to get to know, as that way it can build up on air, and not get too in-jokey.
I.e. getting to know them when on the radio itself.
And rather than dwell on things ballsing up, make it part of the act
and laugh at it, as if an item's crap or whathaveyou, just admit it, take the mickey out of it and move onto the next item or record.
I really would have liked to have done more boy/girl fronted shows
with a normal playlist as it would have been a challenge, given a chance
for things to have built up, and if it works out OK, you're pretty much solid.
The next step is staying on the ground as if it goes out of control
then it ruins you.
In other words, you become Smashie and Nicey.
Anyone who's seen "The End Of An Era" will know exactly what I mean.
The question is how to occupy myself elsewhere?
Well I imagine part of the day will be a detox session on Gumtree, when finding out just how bad rental prices are to live in London, putting my hopes of living there in the long term down the gutter again.
I finally got up at about half past 11am meaning I've missed Fighting Talk,
but I'm not too fussed as I'll listen back on iPlayer later on.
Possibly after PY on Jazz FM, or when the Soul Cellar starts at least.
Things aren't too good telly wise either, but straight after the
Strictly grand final there's another half hour helping of Apollo, this time
with Rhod Gilbert compering with a turn from Liverpool comic John Bishop.
I keep getting him confused with Jon Richardson, the Yorkshire comic who presents on BBC 6 Music, and proved himself ever ignorant and unfunny
on Buzzcocks a few weeks ago.
On a different note, Chris and Pete are moving to a new timeslot
on 91.8 Hayes FM from the 9th of January on Saturday evenings
between 5:15 and 7pm.
As they're broadcasting in a more casual timeslot, there's more time for them
to be themselves and not have to worry about traffic updates too much
and so on.
Chris is carrying on with the Friday breakfast slot on his own and actually said
to me that he would have wanted to present with me at Smoke at one point.
I've never really thought I work well on air as part of a male presenter pairing,
possibly because I've always used Phillip Schofield and Sarah Greene
on Going Live! as the role models I aim to achieve.
And as is normally the case fail disastrously.
I personally feel it's better when working with people you don't know that well but want to get to know, as that way it can build up on air, and not get too in-jokey.
I.e. getting to know them when on the radio itself.
And rather than dwell on things ballsing up, make it part of the act
and laugh at it, as if an item's crap or whathaveyou, just admit it, take the mickey out of it and move onto the next item or record.
I really would have liked to have done more boy/girl fronted shows
with a normal playlist as it would have been a challenge, given a chance
for things to have built up, and if it works out OK, you're pretty much solid.
The next step is staying on the ground as if it goes out of control
then it ruins you.
In other words, you become Smashie and Nicey.
Anyone who's seen "The End Of An Era" will know exactly what I mean.
The question is how to occupy myself elsewhere?
Well I imagine part of the day will be a detox session on Gumtree, when finding out just how bad rental prices are to live in London, putting my hopes of living there in the long term down the gutter again.
"Fan-Dabbi-Dozi!"
You know that you're getting carried away when you're still up at the earliest hour of the morning.
However I don't want to go to bed with the knowledge that I've dug myself even deeper so I'll put half of the story up here.
Of course, at the end of the day it's a bit of fun but even I myself
feel embarrassed at jokes I make.
It relates to the paragraph comparing radio alumni to old school TV entertainers and how it sprang to mind that one particular student bares a shocking resemblance to the (almost) female half of the Krankies.
I won't say which one because they will hate me for life
but the thought is making me laugh with guilt.
I will say however and it's no secret that I think Chris from the same course looks like Ashton Kutcher in "Dude Where's My Car".
And if I was to grow a mullet, I'd look like bloody Mike Read the disk jockey.
Ugh.
Although I guess I could end up being as wealthy as him if I carry on
as I am now.
And last of all, Denis Cadogan reminds me of John Aldridge.
Especially when taking the foul mouthed outburst in the 1994 World Cup
into account.
Again it's all a bit of playful parody over figures not many people
have even heard of.
Good Night.
However I don't want to go to bed with the knowledge that I've dug myself even deeper so I'll put half of the story up here.
Of course, at the end of the day it's a bit of fun but even I myself
feel embarrassed at jokes I make.
It relates to the paragraph comparing radio alumni to old school TV entertainers and how it sprang to mind that one particular student bares a shocking resemblance to the (almost) female half of the Krankies.
I won't say which one because they will hate me for life
but the thought is making me laugh with guilt.
I will say however and it's no secret that I think Chris from the same course looks like Ashton Kutcher in "Dude Where's My Car".
And if I was to grow a mullet, I'd look like bloody Mike Read the disk jockey.
Ugh.
Although I guess I could end up being as wealthy as him if I carry on
as I am now.
And last of all, Denis Cadogan reminds me of John Aldridge.
Especially when taking the foul mouthed outburst in the 1994 World Cup
into account.
Again it's all a bit of playful parody over figures not many people
have even heard of.
Good Night.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Further Fountains Of Nonsense
The Farmhouse wasn't too bad, save for almost burning my tongue from the hotpot that I had.
I may see if I can make future visits, maybe somewhere to take other people other should anyone want to leave London and visit me in Canterbury.
Again, it's doubtful.
I happened to bump into Andrew from CSR who's still got his work cut out including tonight where he was setting up to record a few live sessions.
I'm starting to come to terms with being off air for the following two Sundays, but at the same time I'll be a lot better when the time finally comes.
This time it's straight back into the old regime, no special events as such a la Refreshers Week like at Westminster but even if they did have one at Canterbury I would stay out of it.
I don't like to bring such a thing up, but both of them in 2007 and 2008 were
two of my least favourite times at University and was so glad when
we didn't have one in 2009 as everyone else really was knackered
and not really up for it.
That's the perfect definition of "selling ice creams in winter".
Anyway, that's all in the past.
On returning, HIGNFY finished the current series off well with
Stewart Paske's dad Bill Bailey hosting with Charles Kennedy as one
of the panellists.
The first MP to guest on the show since the expenses row hit rock bottom,
and in terms of our amusement, it's height, and he came across really well
proving he was thick skinned as ever.
No alcohol induced beforehand mind.
My favourite part was when they showed a clip of Irish Green Party MP
Paul Gogarty losing his rag over being questioned about his "insincerity"
with regards to the recession.
This lead to yet another rolling of the clip of Sir Alan Sugar which has probably
become the stand-out point of the seires, to the point of which the
audience start laughing from the first frame.
Straight after that, was Live At The Apollo where the best act this week was
the ever underrated Tim Vine with his brilliant one liners.
My favourite being the Dale Winton impression.
Despite it being a popular programme, it's more than evident that the BBC
want to get rid of it having shortened the show to half an hour from
it's previous 45 minute length.
Myself and many others preferred it when it went out in the same timeslot as Jonathan Ross during his suspension which was a refreshing change, but if anything that show should have been scheduled where that bloody awful Impressions Show is broadcast on Saturday nights.
Saturday night will always be one of my prestigious timeslots in the TV schedule and it saddens me to think that the BBC don't seem to give a shit
about what they put in there, with regards to unpredictable
and accessible entertainment on all levels.
The X Factor etc on ITV1 may be OTT but it looks a hell of a lot less dated than the Strictly shambles on BBC 1 which this series, I haven't seen a whole episode of since the first show.
I even thought that Ali Bastian who got eliminated last week was a man.
That's how attached I am this series.
It's had it's day, put it to pasture, take all that extra make up
from Alesha Dixon's dressing room and let someone else have a shot.
And I'm not suggesting Anton DuBeke.
Speaking of which, certain things have hit home and I'm sure that they'll
be able to take the joke as they won't even get it with regards to
"cultural references".
In my biog I mentioned about the scheduling of our Summer Send Off,
and long established shows, mainly in the third year had been demoted
to hour long timeslots early on in the schedule with just one show each
that whole week.
I compared the move to that made in the late 80s/early 90s when both
BBC and ITV bosses tried to pension off their old guard by giving them
series that they knew would fail, or demoting them to childrens programmes.
It's a bit like in Spinal Tap come to think of it, after Nigel Tufnell
quits the band and they're lined up alongside a puppet show
Examples include "EMU-TV" with the late Rod Hull and Emu in 1989,
"Cannon and Ball's Casino" (0.06) attempting to give the tired comedy duo
a high tech gameshow with flashy graphics, "Krankies Television"
produced by Border which was basically EMU-TV but with Ian and
Jeanette Tough to give them their real names, and Keith Harris and Orville's "Quack Chat Show".
Even at a younger age, I was able to work out that compared to Going Live!, Noel's House Party, etc these sort of shows were passe and pantomime.
Yet others still like panto who I wouldn't expect to,
so maybe I should take that back.
The clip of "EMU TV" is introduced by then CITV presenters Jerry and Scally
and Scally's gag about VT standing for "very tragic" could have well been
a prophecy for Rod Hull's career after that show had aired.
On a more positive note, that's a far cry from the case
of the BAMS Radio Class of '09.
Nothing can be 100% perfect in the current state of things, but I live in
hope that despite being surrounded by negativity and discouragement,
there will be a postive outcome.
I need to be careful using certain words as I almost used the word "ending" instead of "outcome".
There's never an ending to situations, incidents and living regimes can change
in an instant like that, especially in a world where bad news travels fast.
However in order to get that way, I'd best start getting productive rather than
comparing others I know to faded television personalities, when in reality
they have given a lot of time to helping me and I could still do with
a hug of some sorts when really needed.
Which has been quite a lot to be honest.
It will happen.
I'll be back in London again for another visit in not too long.
I may see if I can make future visits, maybe somewhere to take other people other should anyone want to leave London and visit me in Canterbury.
Again, it's doubtful.
I happened to bump into Andrew from CSR who's still got his work cut out including tonight where he was setting up to record a few live sessions.
I'm starting to come to terms with being off air for the following two Sundays, but at the same time I'll be a lot better when the time finally comes.
This time it's straight back into the old regime, no special events as such a la Refreshers Week like at Westminster but even if they did have one at Canterbury I would stay out of it.
I don't like to bring such a thing up, but both of them in 2007 and 2008 were
two of my least favourite times at University and was so glad when
we didn't have one in 2009 as everyone else really was knackered
and not really up for it.
That's the perfect definition of "selling ice creams in winter".
Anyway, that's all in the past.
On returning, HIGNFY finished the current series off well with
Stewart Paske's dad Bill Bailey hosting with Charles Kennedy as one
of the panellists.
The first MP to guest on the show since the expenses row hit rock bottom,
and in terms of our amusement, it's height, and he came across really well
proving he was thick skinned as ever.
No alcohol induced beforehand mind.
My favourite part was when they showed a clip of Irish Green Party MP
Paul Gogarty losing his rag over being questioned about his "insincerity"
with regards to the recession.
This lead to yet another rolling of the clip of Sir Alan Sugar which has probably
become the stand-out point of the seires, to the point of which the
audience start laughing from the first frame.
Straight after that, was Live At The Apollo where the best act this week was
the ever underrated Tim Vine with his brilliant one liners.
My favourite being the Dale Winton impression.
Despite it being a popular programme, it's more than evident that the BBC
want to get rid of it having shortened the show to half an hour from
it's previous 45 minute length.
Myself and many others preferred it when it went out in the same timeslot as Jonathan Ross during his suspension which was a refreshing change, but if anything that show should have been scheduled where that bloody awful Impressions Show is broadcast on Saturday nights.
Saturday night will always be one of my prestigious timeslots in the TV schedule and it saddens me to think that the BBC don't seem to give a shit
about what they put in there, with regards to unpredictable
and accessible entertainment on all levels.
The X Factor etc on ITV1 may be OTT but it looks a hell of a lot less dated than the Strictly shambles on BBC 1 which this series, I haven't seen a whole episode of since the first show.
I even thought that Ali Bastian who got eliminated last week was a man.
That's how attached I am this series.
It's had it's day, put it to pasture, take all that extra make up
from Alesha Dixon's dressing room and let someone else have a shot.
And I'm not suggesting Anton DuBeke.
Speaking of which, certain things have hit home and I'm sure that they'll
be able to take the joke as they won't even get it with regards to
"cultural references".
In my biog I mentioned about the scheduling of our Summer Send Off,
and long established shows, mainly in the third year had been demoted
to hour long timeslots early on in the schedule with just one show each
that whole week.
I compared the move to that made in the late 80s/early 90s when both
BBC and ITV bosses tried to pension off their old guard by giving them
series that they knew would fail, or demoting them to childrens programmes.
It's a bit like in Spinal Tap come to think of it, after Nigel Tufnell
quits the band and they're lined up alongside a puppet show
Examples include "EMU-TV" with the late Rod Hull and Emu in 1989,
"Cannon and Ball's Casino" (0.06) attempting to give the tired comedy duo
a high tech gameshow with flashy graphics, "Krankies Television"
produced by Border which was basically EMU-TV but with Ian and
Jeanette Tough to give them their real names, and Keith Harris and Orville's "Quack Chat Show".
Even at a younger age, I was able to work out that compared to Going Live!, Noel's House Party, etc these sort of shows were passe and pantomime.
Yet others still like panto who I wouldn't expect to,
so maybe I should take that back.
The clip of "EMU TV" is introduced by then CITV presenters Jerry and Scally
and Scally's gag about VT standing for "very tragic" could have well been
a prophecy for Rod Hull's career after that show had aired.
On a more positive note, that's a far cry from the case
of the BAMS Radio Class of '09.
Nothing can be 100% perfect in the current state of things, but I live in
hope that despite being surrounded by negativity and discouragement,
there will be a postive outcome.
I need to be careful using certain words as I almost used the word "ending" instead of "outcome".
There's never an ending to situations, incidents and living regimes can change
in an instant like that, especially in a world where bad news travels fast.
However in order to get that way, I'd best start getting productive rather than
comparing others I know to faded television personalities, when in reality
they have given a lot of time to helping me and I could still do with
a hug of some sorts when really needed.
Which has been quite a lot to be honest.
It will happen.
I'll be back in London again for another visit in not too long.
Ruining The Decade?
I've been lagging a bit in the last week.
No change again.
No, today I finally got round to reading the Guardian's "People Who Ruined The Decade" article in last week's Guide supplement and some of them are rather surprising.
One of them being Nigel Lythgoe who started the prime time television karaoke chaos on Popstars in 2001 and went onto co-produce Pop Idol later in the year.
I think it's a bit unfair to pinpoint all the stick towards Nigel as Simon Cowell mainly had a hand in transforming the telly friendly Pop Idol into an over the top chaotic parody that became the X Factor and adding the ridiculous "I really have to prove myself" VT inserts that should be reserved for the grand final.
Not every fucking show.
Nigel meanwhile will be making a return to our shores when the "worldwide success" So You Think You Can Dance arrives on British airwaves.
The saving grace I guess will be Cat Deeley as the host.
There are a few other questionable choices which again are music related, them being Will I Am from The Black Eyed Peas.
The main reason for his inclusion is "because he wrote "My Humps" but I never knew he had a hand in possibly one of my favourite songs of the decade "Ordinary People" by John Legend.
It's probably my favourite video of the last 10 years as well, apart from
"Move Your Feet" by Junior Senior.
They didn't last long did they?
Also a bit confused as to Mike Skinner being featured for influencing the infestation of Lily Allen, Just Jack, Jamie T, and Jack Penate.
That's a sign of music getting raw and real, even if Mike himself
has long sold out since the first two albums.
Quit while your behind why don't you?
And worst of all, and probably the most intelligently thought up inclusion;
Andrew Sachs.
If that man had actually stayed at home, answered his phone, then we wouldn't have all this fucking trouble that lead to the BBC shying away from edgy comedy, and instead opting for shows such as "Big Top" that are even less funnier than Sach's rubbish sitcom from the mid-late 70s.
I never found Fawlty Towers side-splitting to be honest.
With a record number of compliance officers at the BBC, the dark clouds
at White City are yet to depart for some time.
All the other inclusions were fully justified, Ben Elton, Mark Ronson, Kanye and Pharrell abusing the idea of a "superproducer", Andy Hildebrand for inventing "Autotune", Steve Jobs for "killing the album", and most of all
Vernon Kay.
C**t.
On a lighter note, Grooveline reached show 200 on Blast this afternoon with a look back at the decade's best offerings.
It wasn't a chart rundown as such, but one of the tunes played will be included in my own top 20 tunes when I get the CSR show back on the air in early January.
Quite a few old favourites such as "Time Won't Wait" by Jamiroquai,
"You Used To Hold Me So Tight" by The Reel People",
"Show Me The Way" by EWF and Raphael Saddiq, and a lot of Incognito.
Then again, I consume a lot of pasta.
It's been a good decade for the Cog and since the switch to the Dome label,
things have been getting even better with Bluey and the band finding
their musical inner selfs with room for many side projects as well.
There was also a bit of the Sunburst Band too, including a highlight from their 2004 album "Until The End Of Time", "Fly Away" which made amazing use of EWF's "I've Had Enough" from their 1981 album "Raise".
Presenter Stephen Howie then went on to say that it was "the best thing that Dave Lee under any of his aliases has ever produced".
No, no, no.
Long way off, that's "Survivin" the highlight the SBB's most recent album
and the amazing collaboration with Leroy Burgess who co-wrote the song.
But I've gone on many times about just how special that song is and I've still
yet to listen to Joey Negro's "Universe Of Love" album from 1993 in full
which judging by the samples sounds immense.
If you're into early 90s dance beats, and piano riffs of course.
There was one song played from "Moving With The Shakers"
right at the end of today's show, that being "Journey To The Sun",
the superb orchestral dance instrumental.
Tonight I'm making a return visit to The Farmhouse in Canterbury,
this time for Kate's birthday meal.
Later on Bill Bailey's hosting the final Have I Got News For You of the series,
and what should be an amazing turn from comedian, and friend of the Westminster Radio Course Tim Vine on tonight's Apollo.
Just a shame that Tim's not the compere, as instead it's Al Murray
the pub bore.
This weekend will pretty much be a cooking and feeding frenzy
judging by the lack of entertainment elsewhere.
No change again.
No, today I finally got round to reading the Guardian's "People Who Ruined The Decade" article in last week's Guide supplement and some of them are rather surprising.
One of them being Nigel Lythgoe who started the prime time television karaoke chaos on Popstars in 2001 and went onto co-produce Pop Idol later in the year.
I think it's a bit unfair to pinpoint all the stick towards Nigel as Simon Cowell mainly had a hand in transforming the telly friendly Pop Idol into an over the top chaotic parody that became the X Factor and adding the ridiculous "I really have to prove myself" VT inserts that should be reserved for the grand final.
Not every fucking show.
Nigel meanwhile will be making a return to our shores when the "worldwide success" So You Think You Can Dance arrives on British airwaves.
The saving grace I guess will be Cat Deeley as the host.
There are a few other questionable choices which again are music related, them being Will I Am from The Black Eyed Peas.
The main reason for his inclusion is "because he wrote "My Humps" but I never knew he had a hand in possibly one of my favourite songs of the decade "Ordinary People" by John Legend.
It's probably my favourite video of the last 10 years as well, apart from
"Move Your Feet" by Junior Senior.
They didn't last long did they?
Also a bit confused as to Mike Skinner being featured for influencing the infestation of Lily Allen, Just Jack, Jamie T, and Jack Penate.
That's a sign of music getting raw and real, even if Mike himself
has long sold out since the first two albums.
Quit while your behind why don't you?
And worst of all, and probably the most intelligently thought up inclusion;
Andrew Sachs.
If that man had actually stayed at home, answered his phone, then we wouldn't have all this fucking trouble that lead to the BBC shying away from edgy comedy, and instead opting for shows such as "Big Top" that are even less funnier than Sach's rubbish sitcom from the mid-late 70s.
I never found Fawlty Towers side-splitting to be honest.
With a record number of compliance officers at the BBC, the dark clouds
at White City are yet to depart for some time.
All the other inclusions were fully justified, Ben Elton, Mark Ronson, Kanye and Pharrell abusing the idea of a "superproducer", Andy Hildebrand for inventing "Autotune", Steve Jobs for "killing the album", and most of all
Vernon Kay.
C**t.
On a lighter note, Grooveline reached show 200 on Blast this afternoon with a look back at the decade's best offerings.
It wasn't a chart rundown as such, but one of the tunes played will be included in my own top 20 tunes when I get the CSR show back on the air in early January.
Quite a few old favourites such as "Time Won't Wait" by Jamiroquai,
"You Used To Hold Me So Tight" by The Reel People",
"Show Me The Way" by EWF and Raphael Saddiq, and a lot of Incognito.
Then again, I consume a lot of pasta.
It's been a good decade for the Cog and since the switch to the Dome label,
things have been getting even better with Bluey and the band finding
their musical inner selfs with room for many side projects as well.
There was also a bit of the Sunburst Band too, including a highlight from their 2004 album "Until The End Of Time", "Fly Away" which made amazing use of EWF's "I've Had Enough" from their 1981 album "Raise".
Presenter Stephen Howie then went on to say that it was "the best thing that Dave Lee under any of his aliases has ever produced".
No, no, no.
Long way off, that's "Survivin" the highlight the SBB's most recent album
and the amazing collaboration with Leroy Burgess who co-wrote the song.
But I've gone on many times about just how special that song is and I've still
yet to listen to Joey Negro's "Universe Of Love" album from 1993 in full
which judging by the samples sounds immense.
If you're into early 90s dance beats, and piano riffs of course.
There was one song played from "Moving With The Shakers"
right at the end of today's show, that being "Journey To The Sun",
the superb orchestral dance instrumental.
Tonight I'm making a return visit to The Farmhouse in Canterbury,
this time for Kate's birthday meal.
Later on Bill Bailey's hosting the final Have I Got News For You of the series,
and what should be an amazing turn from comedian, and friend of the Westminster Radio Course Tim Vine on tonight's Apollo.
Just a shame that Tim's not the compere, as instead it's Al Murray
the pub bore.
This weekend will pretty much be a cooking and feeding frenzy
judging by the lack of entertainment elsewhere.
Wogan's Prestigious But Pleasant Departure
Early start as expected, missed the first 15 minutes but Terry Wogan's final breakfast show went as I hoped it would with no major livening up or decorations.
Which I imagine is what the TOGs would have wanted really.
I managed to hold myself together throughout although the last record "The Party's Over" by Anthony Newley was very well chosen, followed by Ken Bruce introducing one of Wogan's own songs "Me And The Elephant", the less than successful follow up to "The Floral Dance".
Overall whilst others may be cynical, I think the next month's going to be very exciting as Chris Evans isn't exactly going to be attempting to do exactly what Wogan does on his show, and those who think he's still like what he was 10 years ago, then why you've obviously not listened to his show at all in it's present state.
However it is a major point of change and I'm hoping Evans won't make his show too much like what Moyles has on offer.
What I am going to miss is the part of the show on Fridays at around 6:15-6:25pm when Evans and Sally Traffic start singing "The Candyman" to herald the start of the weekend, although what I anticipate more is it being
preceded by the noise of Noel Edmonds Gunge Tank before hand.
It somewhat contradicts me cricticising Scott Mills for making a whole feature
out of Ruth Jones's catchphrase from Gavin and Stacey,but the difference
is that I don't know a single television showcurrently using that sound
elsewhere, and rather than providing a cheap laugh,it's more a signifier
of overall happiness and delight, like after hearing a new
Masters At Work remix for the first time.
Or the new single by Jay Z, the new video by The Saturdays,
whatever floats your boat.
But it's always really little things that can either make me ecstatic, or put me
into distress.
I'd like to think that it's mainly a case of the former.
Which I imagine is what the TOGs would have wanted really.
I managed to hold myself together throughout although the last record "The Party's Over" by Anthony Newley was very well chosen, followed by Ken Bruce introducing one of Wogan's own songs "Me And The Elephant", the less than successful follow up to "The Floral Dance".
Overall whilst others may be cynical, I think the next month's going to be very exciting as Chris Evans isn't exactly going to be attempting to do exactly what Wogan does on his show, and those who think he's still like what he was 10 years ago, then why you've obviously not listened to his show at all in it's present state.
However it is a major point of change and I'm hoping Evans won't make his show too much like what Moyles has on offer.
What I am going to miss is the part of the show on Fridays at around 6:15-6:25pm when Evans and Sally Traffic start singing "The Candyman" to herald the start of the weekend, although what I anticipate more is it being
preceded by the noise of Noel Edmonds Gunge Tank before hand.
It somewhat contradicts me cricticising Scott Mills for making a whole feature
out of Ruth Jones's catchphrase from Gavin and Stacey,but the difference
is that I don't know a single television showcurrently using that sound
elsewhere, and rather than providing a cheap laugh,it's more a signifier
of overall happiness and delight, like after hearing a new
Masters At Work remix for the first time.
Or the new single by Jay Z, the new video by The Saturdays,
whatever floats your boat.
But it's always really little things that can either make me ecstatic, or put me
into distress.
I'd like to think that it's mainly a case of the former.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
"Sod All Occurin"
It's hard getting round my head that there's only two more episodes of
Gavin And Stacey as a series.
Judging by the responses on Facebook/Twitter everyone seemed to like Smithy's confrontation with Nessa's dickhead of a fiancée although my personal highlights in the episode were the various uses of songs throughout, save for the cringey wedding vows.
The most obvious being The Prodigy song in Bryn's car, although I was impressed to hear Skint and Demoralised's "Red Lipstick" as Smithy was emerging from the fitting room.
That's quite possibly my favourite tune of 2009 although I'll avoid posting my re-lyriced version about Michael Jackson that I made up a few months ago.
On the subject of the Coldplay song featured in the episode, it immediately brings to mind the latest offering from the second year Westminster TV students as part of their Multicamera Project.
A three part documentary spoof following Charles Lawley's attempts to make it in the big wide world of rock and roll to disapointing results.
I imagine that all three parts are designed to be split across a longer project which I reckon would work brilliantly.
Again, it looks as if the TV people are having a lot more fun than those doing
the radio magazine module.
Early start tomorrow, I really want to hear Terry Wogan's final Radio 2 breakfast show so it may be worth setting the alarm for even earlier as I keep going back to sleep as soon as I've switched it off.
I'm still undergoing many a mood swing, possibly on a lower scale and yes,
I know people have dismissed me or thought I have been talking nonsense
when I've hinted in the past that things could go horrendously wrong.
I've known this to happen before, I've reached boiling point to it's worst
and being away from home (well, to be honest I already am "
away from home") just makes things a lot worse.
This blog is turning into the Magic Roundabout, but then again, I could say
the same about an episode of Countdown.
Or any daily radio show along the lines of Wright or Mills.
I can never really stay within that sort of viewing or listening routine
for more than 6 months it has to be said.
I'll be honest.
I get really intimidated when I see other people and Facebook statuses extolling the virtues of "mediocrity".
It's what you could call the opposite of "schaudenfraude"-"Laughing at others misfortune" where in this case it's raging at others happiness although I'm sure they don't mean it intentionally.
Hopefully after Xmas I'll attempt to put a few things together so all of us can be happy at the same time.
Not to the point where it takes over our lives.
We couldn't all be exactly the same as everyone else.
But this is what helped me when starting at University to blend in better with others so we could share our interests and now it's all falling apart.
I can officially confirm that the period of finding it a nightmare of getting over change after graduating has well and truly started.
Goodness knows when it will come to an end.
It will do, but things never change in an instant.
That's what I learnt two years ago.
The only thing that's making me feel better was that I didn't leave one year earlier.
And I'm sure you'll all know exactly why.
If my blog posts end up getting longer between now and Wednesday, believe me, there's sod else to be doing here.
If that's the only way I can occupy myself in c****** Canterbury, then it's best that I do so, becuase at the holiday house in Norfolk, they're still stuck in the early 70s with regards to electrical equipment.
We're lucky the TV's in colour, that's all I can say.
Anyway, it's best that I get a lie down, tomorrow's a prolific morning in radio and although I can never assign myself as a TOG or TYG as such, it's going to be a good listen and I'm sure it will be just like any other show really.
Good night.
Gavin And Stacey as a series.
Judging by the responses on Facebook/Twitter everyone seemed to like Smithy's confrontation with Nessa's dickhead of a fiancée although my personal highlights in the episode were the various uses of songs throughout, save for the cringey wedding vows.
The most obvious being The Prodigy song in Bryn's car, although I was impressed to hear Skint and Demoralised's "Red Lipstick" as Smithy was emerging from the fitting room.
That's quite possibly my favourite tune of 2009 although I'll avoid posting my re-lyriced version about Michael Jackson that I made up a few months ago.
On the subject of the Coldplay song featured in the episode, it immediately brings to mind the latest offering from the second year Westminster TV students as part of their Multicamera Project.
A three part documentary spoof following Charles Lawley's attempts to make it in the big wide world of rock and roll to disapointing results.
I imagine that all three parts are designed to be split across a longer project which I reckon would work brilliantly.
Again, it looks as if the TV people are having a lot more fun than those doing
the radio magazine module.
Early start tomorrow, I really want to hear Terry Wogan's final Radio 2 breakfast show so it may be worth setting the alarm for even earlier as I keep going back to sleep as soon as I've switched it off.
I'm still undergoing many a mood swing, possibly on a lower scale and yes,
I know people have dismissed me or thought I have been talking nonsense
when I've hinted in the past that things could go horrendously wrong.
I've known this to happen before, I've reached boiling point to it's worst
and being away from home (well, to be honest I already am "
away from home") just makes things a lot worse.
This blog is turning into the Magic Roundabout, but then again, I could say
the same about an episode of Countdown.
Or any daily radio show along the lines of Wright or Mills.
I can never really stay within that sort of viewing or listening routine
for more than 6 months it has to be said.
I'll be honest.
I get really intimidated when I see other people and Facebook statuses extolling the virtues of "mediocrity".
It's what you could call the opposite of "schaudenfraude"-"Laughing at others misfortune" where in this case it's raging at others happiness although I'm sure they don't mean it intentionally.
Hopefully after Xmas I'll attempt to put a few things together so all of us can be happy at the same time.
Not to the point where it takes over our lives.
We couldn't all be exactly the same as everyone else.
But this is what helped me when starting at University to blend in better with others so we could share our interests and now it's all falling apart.
I can officially confirm that the period of finding it a nightmare of getting over change after graduating has well and truly started.
Goodness knows when it will come to an end.
It will do, but things never change in an instant.
That's what I learnt two years ago.
The only thing that's making me feel better was that I didn't leave one year earlier.
And I'm sure you'll all know exactly why.
If my blog posts end up getting longer between now and Wednesday, believe me, there's sod else to be doing here.
If that's the only way I can occupy myself in c****** Canterbury, then it's best that I do so, becuase at the holiday house in Norfolk, they're still stuck in the early 70s with regards to electrical equipment.
We're lucky the TV's in colour, that's all I can say.
Anyway, it's best that I get a lie down, tomorrow's a prolific morning in radio and although I can never assign myself as a TOG or TYG as such, it's going to be a good listen and I'm sure it will be just like any other show really.
Good night.
"Movement, Culture, People"
Or to be more specific, my movement has been lacking for most of this morning, and there's an overall lack of overall culture and interesting people in Canterbury.
Early start, just to give Kate her birthday presents which she seemed really ungrateful for.
I went back to bed and found it hard to start sleeping again because I was finding it incredibly hard to get over worries about other people's ungratefulness, insincerity, and other such issues.
When waking up about half an hour ago I was thinking "what angsts?", "what bugbears?".
On a lower not there's no layers of snow outside, but I doubt it will hamper any hopes of getting to the Goods Shed in Canterbury and seeing if there is anything nice on offer.
If not, I'm moving back to Harrow immediately next year,
or anywhere around the area where there's a Wenzels.
In fact there's a lot of independently run bakers etc in London that really can wipe the floor with what Canterbury has to offer.
I could probably pass the time elsewhere by "searching for hooks".
It's all for radio purposes and those in the know will fully understand.
It's just fun going through records released this decade (and possibly in the 90s) that have managed to pass me by despite being amazing on first listen.
That's definitely going to continue, lot's of rare "Baia Sound" disco tunes from the late 70s yet to be uncovered, and plenty of late 80s early 90s house that no one else will touch.
No no, if they want to hear "Young Hearts Run Free" and "Le Freak" for the 1000th time, that's up to them.
Early start, just to give Kate her birthday presents which she seemed really ungrateful for.
I went back to bed and found it hard to start sleeping again because I was finding it incredibly hard to get over worries about other people's ungratefulness, insincerity, and other such issues.
When waking up about half an hour ago I was thinking "what angsts?", "what bugbears?".
On a lower not there's no layers of snow outside, but I doubt it will hamper any hopes of getting to the Goods Shed in Canterbury and seeing if there is anything nice on offer.
If not, I'm moving back to Harrow immediately next year,
or anywhere around the area where there's a Wenzels.
In fact there's a lot of independently run bakers etc in London that really can wipe the floor with what Canterbury has to offer.
I could probably pass the time elsewhere by "searching for hooks".
It's all for radio purposes and those in the know will fully understand.
It's just fun going through records released this decade (and possibly in the 90s) that have managed to pass me by despite being amazing on first listen.
That's definitely going to continue, lot's of rare "Baia Sound" disco tunes from the late 70s yet to be uncovered, and plenty of late 80s early 90s house that no one else will touch.
No no, if they want to hear "Young Hearts Run Free" and "Le Freak" for the 1000th time, that's up to them.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A Right Royal Mockery
Tonight saw the Royal Variety Peformance take up three quarters of my night's viewing where Peter Kay was how can I put it nicely, flustered as the compere but it didn't ruin the night's proceedings elsewhere.
Personal highlights were Paul Zerdin and his dummies, Australian stand up
Adam Hills, Alexandra Burke with yet another amazing outfit, and the impressive shadow act who I reckon outshone Diversity.
Literally.
On a low note there was a bland opera performance from Katherine Jenkins still proving that angelic looks don't disguise caterwauling, a just as unmemorable performance from Michael Buble, and it ended on an anti-climax
with Hazel Blears.
I mean Bette Midler.
On a positive note mind, the stage show extracts were really good, and Sister Act may be top of my list for what I plan to see in 2010.
But not as a to and from train journey in one night, no way.
None of the acts in tonight's show had me raging mind, than the trailer for
News At Ten at around 21:40pm where Joe McElderry himself actually persuaded viewers to stay watching to see him on the programme.
ITN really is sinking.
To be honest I'm actually glad they've ditched the Big Ben river titles and adapted the new generic look for NAT as I've always associated the clockface, and Johnny Pearson's sinister sig tune with the ITV I remember more fondly,
i.e. pre 1993. (0.34)
If news is meant to be serious, then the current presentation style
of ITV News is turning into an unintentional comedy.
Charlie Brooker's got his work cut out for the next series of Newswipe.
Straight after this year's RVP was the last in the series of Buzzcocks with David Tennant presenting, and Catherine Tate managing to prove that there are more annoying women on television than Stacey Solomon from the X Factor.
And every bloody one of the Loose Women.
Tomorrow Kate is turning 22, I've brought my present, but my biggest worry is will I even get out of the house?
There's set to be layer upon layer of snow overnight which is making me feel a bit better about getting all my audio for Xmas recorded this morning.
There will be a happy ending in all this, I know there will.
At the moment it's hard to think up things to be that extra bit enthused about.
Even Chelsea beating Portsmouth seems to be passing me by, although they're taking on my almost home team West Ham on Sunday.
Almost a year to the day now since we drew 1-1 which I wasn't really complaining about.
Good Night.
Personal highlights were Paul Zerdin and his dummies, Australian stand up
Adam Hills, Alexandra Burke with yet another amazing outfit, and the impressive shadow act who I reckon outshone Diversity.
Literally.
On a low note there was a bland opera performance from Katherine Jenkins still proving that angelic looks don't disguise caterwauling, a just as unmemorable performance from Michael Buble, and it ended on an anti-climax
with Hazel Blears.
I mean Bette Midler.
On a positive note mind, the stage show extracts were really good, and Sister Act may be top of my list for what I plan to see in 2010.
But not as a to and from train journey in one night, no way.
None of the acts in tonight's show had me raging mind, than the trailer for
News At Ten at around 21:40pm where Joe McElderry himself actually persuaded viewers to stay watching to see him on the programme.
ITN really is sinking.
To be honest I'm actually glad they've ditched the Big Ben river titles and adapted the new generic look for NAT as I've always associated the clockface, and Johnny Pearson's sinister sig tune with the ITV I remember more fondly,
i.e. pre 1993. (0.34)
If news is meant to be serious, then the current presentation style
of ITV News is turning into an unintentional comedy.
Charlie Brooker's got his work cut out for the next series of Newswipe.
Straight after this year's RVP was the last in the series of Buzzcocks with David Tennant presenting, and Catherine Tate managing to prove that there are more annoying women on television than Stacey Solomon from the X Factor.
And every bloody one of the Loose Women.
Tomorrow Kate is turning 22, I've brought my present, but my biggest worry is will I even get out of the house?
There's set to be layer upon layer of snow overnight which is making me feel a bit better about getting all my audio for Xmas recorded this morning.
There will be a happy ending in all this, I know there will.
At the moment it's hard to think up things to be that extra bit enthused about.
Even Chelsea beating Portsmouth seems to be passing me by, although they're taking on my almost home team West Ham on Sunday.
Almost a year to the day now since we drew 1-1 which I wasn't really complaining about.
Good Night.
Pestering For Pasta
Whatever happens on Sunday, one thing that's guaranteed is that it will be a night in with yet another chicken stew that looks like a chicken soup, served with that weird looking round spiral shaped pasta that you can only seem to get in Tesco.
Further proof that positive things can only happen when you make them that way regardless of the number of negatives that are deposited over you
from a great height.
Even if I've had a very filling roast earlier on, I'm not giving in.
Sunday nights can be special whatever the circumstances.
The next time I go to visit London I'm going to look into places which sell dried specially shaped pasta which I'm certain will make things extra special.
If anyone knows anywhere, I'd love to find out and visit.
In fact I may see if I can arrange some sort of holiday to Italy this year, provided I can find anyone else who is willing to travel.
I'll even sort out payment, that's how much I'm willing to do so.
I haven't been abroad for four years and this would be the perfect opportunity to make such a thing count.
Tonight's a good night for being in front of the box, starting off with the
2009 Royal Variety Performance, followed by the last in the present series of Buzzcocks with David Tennant hosting, and even better, Bernard Cribbins
as one of the panellists.
Kate's 22 tomorrow, so it will be an early start so we can all give our presents to her. I may also make a visit to the Goods Shed just to clarify that Canterbury is rubbish when it comes to really lovely self-made bread.
I'm hoping that I'll be proved wrong.
Further proof that positive things can only happen when you make them that way regardless of the number of negatives that are deposited over you
from a great height.
Even if I've had a very filling roast earlier on, I'm not giving in.
Sunday nights can be special whatever the circumstances.
The next time I go to visit London I'm going to look into places which sell dried specially shaped pasta which I'm certain will make things extra special.
If anyone knows anywhere, I'd love to find out and visit.
In fact I may see if I can arrange some sort of holiday to Italy this year, provided I can find anyone else who is willing to travel.
I'll even sort out payment, that's how much I'm willing to do so.
I haven't been abroad for four years and this would be the perfect opportunity to make such a thing count.
Tonight's a good night for being in front of the box, starting off with the
2009 Royal Variety Performance, followed by the last in the present series of Buzzcocks with David Tennant hosting, and even better, Bernard Cribbins
as one of the panellists.
Kate's 22 tomorrow, so it will be an early start so we can all give our presents to her. I may also make a visit to the Goods Shed just to clarify that Canterbury is rubbish when it comes to really lovely self-made bread.
I'm hoping that I'll be proved wrong.
Snowed In Canters?
Awkwardness is continuing to prevail.
As I type, I'm within the bowels of the University and the CSR studios where on a positive note I've recorded all the stuff needed for my Xmas uploads that I'll get up in a couple of weeks.
When I make my exit, it's likely to be completely covered in white stuff out there.
Even if it isn't, it will still be below freezing.
All my best ideas always seem to stem out of control in bed, and then when waking up the next day they all vanish.
However, this one may prevail a bit longer, and after we get back from South Creake, I'm determined to get a website off the ground demonstrating my
audio and editing abilities.
It's a "mezzin" opportunity to put what I have done before, and will hopefully lead to others taking notice.
And they don't have to be immense companies, they just have to be based in London and I'll be happy about it.
It also made me realise that really I just want to be with others who are understanding and are willing to socialise outside their stressful days earning money.
Presenting a radio show maybe good fun (and even more so when the station doesn't resort to shutting down at inconvinient times), but all that effort for just two hours a week, in a place where I barely no any fucker, and the only people
I do know in the city have made my life a nightmare.
And there's a fair share of people in Canterbury who I don't know,
yet still see fit to make my life a nightmare.
C***s.
I really wouldn't want to give up help, and a personal website for my radio abilities is what I honestly believe will be the first step forward.
I live with someone who's a lot more capable than anyone on the radio course
at designing and putting together websites, so that really should be
used to an advantage.
Come to think of it, Smoke's current head of web is from near my Dad's neck of the woods so something must be prevaling up there.
i.e me living with someone who can sort out and update a website
within less than an hour, not over a year.
As I type, I'm within the bowels of the University and the CSR studios where on a positive note I've recorded all the stuff needed for my Xmas uploads that I'll get up in a couple of weeks.
When I make my exit, it's likely to be completely covered in white stuff out there.
Even if it isn't, it will still be below freezing.
All my best ideas always seem to stem out of control in bed, and then when waking up the next day they all vanish.
However, this one may prevail a bit longer, and after we get back from South Creake, I'm determined to get a website off the ground demonstrating my
audio and editing abilities.
It's a "mezzin" opportunity to put what I have done before, and will hopefully lead to others taking notice.
And they don't have to be immense companies, they just have to be based in London and I'll be happy about it.
It also made me realise that really I just want to be with others who are understanding and are willing to socialise outside their stressful days earning money.
Presenting a radio show maybe good fun (and even more so when the station doesn't resort to shutting down at inconvinient times), but all that effort for just two hours a week, in a place where I barely no any fucker, and the only people
I do know in the city have made my life a nightmare.
And there's a fair share of people in Canterbury who I don't know,
yet still see fit to make my life a nightmare.
C***s.
I really wouldn't want to give up help, and a personal website for my radio abilities is what I honestly believe will be the first step forward.
I live with someone who's a lot more capable than anyone on the radio course
at designing and putting together websites, so that really should be
used to an advantage.
Come to think of it, Smoke's current head of web is from near my Dad's neck of the woods so something must be prevaling up there.
i.e me living with someone who can sort out and update a website
within less than an hour, not over a year.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Discouraging December
Bit of a dull day really, despite a lie in until 11am.
It's possibly much deserved as my plan for tomorrow is to make an early visit into the CSR studios at the UKC campus as no shows are going out, and it gives me a chance to get stuff done for various seasonal stuff that will end up on Facebook after I get back from Norfolk this holiday.
I may as well avoid Digital Spy until next week, as in all honesty I'm getting bored of all the rubbish about The X Factor winner Vs Rage for Xmas number 1.
It's all getting a bit boring now and I don't want such rubbish thrown at me constantly.
If I had a job where a radio was present, in the on position I would be screaming in a dreadful stress at being force fed this crap.
Then again other individuals of a more idiotic nature would do the same as soon as Zac Efron makes an entrance.
And now we've got a fucking clone of him for "daan the toon" it's all going to lead to exploding point.
It's always a case of the really good producers and musicians wanting to keep themselves out of the limelight, and the mediocrity using every opportunity to keep themselves inside their self proclaimed spotlights.
I pray that the light actually falls off it's stand and bangs them on the head
very painfully.
And to think things can't get any fucking worse, CSR are off air this coming Sunday, and between the 27th to the 31st of December.
On a night as poor as this, I really don't want to be messed on from a great height.
Having said that there's an empty schedule for most of Saturday, and a few of the preceding evenings after 9pm so surely a change of day won't hurt
just for one week.
This week's show is one I've been looking forward to a lot, and when I'm stuck here without just about everyone who assures me that things are going
to be fine, it's not a good feeling.
This more or less emphasises that in terms of social situations and travelling, December is a lump of shite.
It's possibly much deserved as my plan for tomorrow is to make an early visit into the CSR studios at the UKC campus as no shows are going out, and it gives me a chance to get stuff done for various seasonal stuff that will end up on Facebook after I get back from Norfolk this holiday.
I may as well avoid Digital Spy until next week, as in all honesty I'm getting bored of all the rubbish about The X Factor winner Vs Rage for Xmas number 1.
It's all getting a bit boring now and I don't want such rubbish thrown at me constantly.
If I had a job where a radio was present, in the on position I would be screaming in a dreadful stress at being force fed this crap.
Then again other individuals of a more idiotic nature would do the same as soon as Zac Efron makes an entrance.
And now we've got a fucking clone of him for "daan the toon" it's all going to lead to exploding point.
It's always a case of the really good producers and musicians wanting to keep themselves out of the limelight, and the mediocrity using every opportunity to keep themselves inside their self proclaimed spotlights.
I pray that the light actually falls off it's stand and bangs them on the head
very painfully.
And to think things can't get any fucking worse, CSR are off air this coming Sunday, and between the 27th to the 31st of December.
On a night as poor as this, I really don't want to be messed on from a great height.
Having said that there's an empty schedule for most of Saturday, and a few of the preceding evenings after 9pm so surely a change of day won't hurt
just for one week.
This week's show is one I've been looking forward to a lot, and when I'm stuck here without just about everyone who assures me that things are going
to be fine, it's not a good feeling.
This more or less emphasises that in terms of social situations and travelling, December is a lump of shite.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Seductive Scales. In More Than One Sense
I managed to see the performance by both JLS and Alexandra on last night's
X Factor and it's very rare I get excited about such a thing.
That definitely stole the limelight from the final itself and I love
Alexandra's scaly dress.
It's given me a craving for nicely made cod with pasta bows and pesto
for some reason...
No change there then.
How's iTunes looking?
Oh dear, Joe's still ahead of Rage in the current rundown.
Nah, I'm not that bothered really.
It's all a big fight for what once was a prestigious honour but now means absolutely sod all in terms of genuine achievement.
On a more reflective note, the Radio 2 website has an impressive video of well wishes for El Tel ahead of his breakfast departure on Friday, from a cornucopia of radio and television greats.
And Mike Smith.
I shall make sure I'm up at bang on 7:30am on Friday as I can't bear to listen
to the bat obsessed with cats on before him.
My workload seems to be lightening mind, having sorted out my twenty best tunes of the decade for this week's radio show.
Some of the tracks I've probably only listened to in full once or twice although that's because of my obsessive rule of saving songs for playing them
on the radio.
If you have something to work towards it makes life more exciting.
That's why so many others are negative all the time.
It brings to mind James Bolam's line from "The Beiderbecke Connection";
"I'll tell you what's wrong. People don't hear the music"
Slightly contrived but if you've seen the series, it's so true.
X Factor and it's very rare I get excited about such a thing.
That definitely stole the limelight from the final itself and I love
Alexandra's scaly dress.
It's given me a craving for nicely made cod with pasta bows and pesto
for some reason...
No change there then.
How's iTunes looking?
Oh dear, Joe's still ahead of Rage in the current rundown.
Nah, I'm not that bothered really.
It's all a big fight for what once was a prestigious honour but now means absolutely sod all in terms of genuine achievement.
On a more reflective note, the Radio 2 website has an impressive video of well wishes for El Tel ahead of his breakfast departure on Friday, from a cornucopia of radio and television greats.
And Mike Smith.
I shall make sure I'm up at bang on 7:30am on Friday as I can't bear to listen
to the bat obsessed with cats on before him.
My workload seems to be lightening mind, having sorted out my twenty best tunes of the decade for this week's radio show.
Some of the tracks I've probably only listened to in full once or twice although that's because of my obsessive rule of saving songs for playing them
on the radio.
If you have something to work towards it makes life more exciting.
That's why so many others are negative all the time.
It brings to mind James Bolam's line from "The Beiderbecke Connection";
"I'll tell you what's wrong. People don't hear the music"
Slightly contrived but if you've seen the series, it's so true.
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