Mum and Dad had left home before I'd woken up and I'd imagine they've
long arrived in Jersey by now.
The rest of the day went fairly well, a rather moderate street party
if I'm being honest as I didn't know many of those present and half of
them were children, who spent the majority of the day racing down
the road and "vandalising" it with chalk drawings.
I ended up turning it in by 3pm as a result of drinking a fizzy blue drink
too quicky and feeling poorly as a result.
Luckily I managed to sober up in time for the Diamond Jubilee
Concert which was a bit anti-climatic if I'm being honest.
Most of the compères were sub-standard, and the acts weren't
much cop either with the exception of Kylie Minogue, Madness, Stevie
Wonder and Paul McCartney although thankfully the last two didn't
give a duet of "Ebony And Ivory".
That said, I would have minded a live version of another Macca/Stevie
duet, "What's That You're Doing".
My plans for tomorrow have been changed slightly as I won't
be going to Wagamama's as intially planned due to reasons
beyond my control.
Luckily Concha has invited over to her house tomorrow evening
which will hopefully provide reassurance ahead of Wednesday
and my visit over to London.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Sunday, June 03, 2012
A Drizzly Wireless Show
The not so good weather must have had an effect on my show tonight
as I didn't think I performed as well as I normally do.
Well, maybe the weather wasn't the real reason, but I don't think
it would be too good if I mentioned how I really felt on my blog.
Putting that to one side, a booze outing will be first thing on my
agenda tomorrow ahead of the street party that's taking place
minus Mum and Dad, as they'll be jetting off to Jersey.
Then again, I'm not sure if booze is the right idea, considering
after I had few drinks at the Cherry Tree last week I had an awful
bout of anxiety.
And seeing as it's before my anticipated visit to London
on Wednesday, there's no guessing what's going to happen.
I'm just going to let it flow as it goes along. There's nothing
likely to get in the way of things between now and Wednesday.
as I didn't think I performed as well as I normally do.
Well, maybe the weather wasn't the real reason, but I don't think
it would be too good if I mentioned how I really felt on my blog.
Putting that to one side, a booze outing will be first thing on my
agenda tomorrow ahead of the street party that's taking place
minus Mum and Dad, as they'll be jetting off to Jersey.
Then again, I'm not sure if booze is the right idea, considering
after I had few drinks at the Cherry Tree last week I had an awful
bout of anxiety.
And seeing as it's before my anticipated visit to London
on Wednesday, there's no guessing what's going to happen.
I'm just going to let it flow as it goes along. There's nothing
likely to get in the way of things between now and Wednesday.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
"Can't Be Bothered To Cross"
We ended up undergoing a routine that's normally taken in Phillip Schofield's
household during the period when he's hosting Dancing On Ice.
We had our Sunday lunch on a Saturday evening.
Mum and Dad are attending a friend's do tomorrow, so I imagine
I'll try and come up with some sort of bol to enjoy tomorrow
while they're away.
It will be good practise of sorts for the rest of the week as
they're going to Jersey on Monday for five days so I need to
water the vast number of plants Mum has inside and outside
the house.
As hinted in a previous blog post, I managed to avoid the final
of The Voice UK and it turned out to be just as well.
Apparently there was a rather bad rendition of "Many Rivers To Cross"
which may have made this take on it by Mark Lamarr sound good.
Thankfully the composer himself is on hand to put Lamarr down to size.
I may have to make the effort to go out more at weekends,
and thankfully I've found one or two places in London
that may provide the goods.
household during the period when he's hosting Dancing On Ice.
We had our Sunday lunch on a Saturday evening.
Mum and Dad are attending a friend's do tomorrow, so I imagine
I'll try and come up with some sort of bol to enjoy tomorrow
while they're away.
It will be good practise of sorts for the rest of the week as
they're going to Jersey on Monday for five days so I need to
water the vast number of plants Mum has inside and outside
the house.
As hinted in a previous blog post, I managed to avoid the final
of The Voice UK and it turned out to be just as well.
Apparently there was a rather bad rendition of "Many Rivers To Cross"
which may have made this take on it by Mark Lamarr sound good.
Thankfully the composer himself is on hand to put Lamarr down to size.
I may have to make the effort to go out more at weekends,
and thankfully I've found one or two places in London
that may provide the goods.
The Listening List - 02.06.12
BBC 1Xtra Stories - Fat Rappers
Charlie Sloth, 1Xtra's self-proclaimed "best looking fat guy in the universe"
probes into the sub-section of rap "where bigger means better".
From acts such as The Fat Boys who set the standards in the late 80s,
to modern day acts such as Rick Ross, the documentary looks at how
body weight contributed to the success of said acts, and in other
cases, how it cost the lives of Heavy D and Big Pun.
It's worth noting the holding device of the doc, involving Sloth
and his mates searching for the best restaurant in London,
and visiting the nearby gym for a BMI check and how obesity
in the long run can gradually lead to health problems .
Having it the majority of the links recorded on location is innovative,
putting the listener in the aural picture, and at the same time
explaining how it's not wise to turn the idea of putting on the pounds
into a goal.
Do The Right Thing - British Comedy Guide
It's a welcome return for the Sony (Bronze) Award winning podcast
panel show which right from the beginning assures that
it may be the "right thing" to steer clear if tasteless humour
isn't your bag.
For the rest of us, we're in for a treat with a solid line-up
including regular Michael Legge, and Canadian comedian Tony Law
delivering as always, a helping of surreal wit.
Having included Charlie Brooker's So Wrong It's Right on the
Listening List a few weeks ago, it's only fair that I give light
to what could be the anti-matter to said quiz, where here,
the idea is to suggest the correct thing to do in an awkward situation.
One for lightening up the commute to work, provided you're
skilled at keeping the laughs of your mouth.
Charlie Sloth, 1Xtra's self-proclaimed "best looking fat guy in the universe"
probes into the sub-section of rap "where bigger means better".
From acts such as The Fat Boys who set the standards in the late 80s,
to modern day acts such as Rick Ross, the documentary looks at how
body weight contributed to the success of said acts, and in other
cases, how it cost the lives of Heavy D and Big Pun.
It's worth noting the holding device of the doc, involving Sloth
and his mates searching for the best restaurant in London,
and visiting the nearby gym for a BMI check and how obesity
in the long run can gradually lead to health problems .
Having it the majority of the links recorded on location is innovative,
putting the listener in the aural picture, and at the same time
explaining how it's not wise to turn the idea of putting on the pounds
into a goal.
Do The Right Thing - British Comedy Guide
It's a welcome return for the Sony (Bronze) Award winning podcast
panel show which right from the beginning assures that
it may be the "right thing" to steer clear if tasteless humour
isn't your bag.
For the rest of us, we're in for a treat with a solid line-up
including regular Michael Legge, and Canadian comedian Tony Law
delivering as always, a helping of surreal wit.
Having included Charlie Brooker's So Wrong It's Right on the
Listening List a few weeks ago, it's only fair that I give light
to what could be the anti-matter to said quiz, where here,
the idea is to suggest the correct thing to do in an awkward situation.
One for lightening up the commute to work, provided you're
skilled at keeping the laughs of your mouth.
Friday, June 01, 2012
"Spinning" The News
After much waiting, rain has finally made it back to Canterbury
even if the temperatures are still rather humid
Today's been pretty moderate as well without any frustrations
or distractions getting in the way. Hopefully the extended Bank Holiday
weekend will be more or less the same.
Doesn't look set to be too exciting tomorrow however, yes it's
the grand final of The Voice UK but to say the series has lost it's
appeal is an understatement.
Luckily it appears the creator of the show feels the same
and we're promised modifications for the next series.
Then again the same was said about 10 O'Clock Live...
A more amusing outing of political comedy came with tonight's
Have I Got News For You where no holds were barred between
Ian Hislop and guest host Alistair Campbell.
It was good to have Nick Hewer back as a guest as well,
once again on good form with his ever-outspoken comments.
Last episode next week, but at least that means Mock The Week
isn't too far from returning.
even if the temperatures are still rather humid
Today's been pretty moderate as well without any frustrations
or distractions getting in the way. Hopefully the extended Bank Holiday
weekend will be more or less the same.
Doesn't look set to be too exciting tomorrow however, yes it's
the grand final of The Voice UK but to say the series has lost it's
appeal is an understatement.
Luckily it appears the creator of the show feels the same
and we're promised modifications for the next series.
Then again the same was said about 10 O'Clock Live...
A more amusing outing of political comedy came with tonight's
Have I Got News For You where no holds were barred between
Ian Hislop and guest host Alistair Campbell.
It was good to have Nick Hewer back as a guest as well,
once again on good form with his ever-outspoken comments.
Last episode next week, but at least that means Mock The Week
isn't too far from returning.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
A Wobbly Wednesday?
I had an anxiety attack yesterday which I'm still gradually recovering from.
Just when you think you're OK, another thought pops up
and causes even more frustration.
A lot of it is still about my planned visit to London on Wednesday
where the last two Fridays have seen visits postponed for circumstances
beyond my control.
I appreciate that I have been kept in the picture about what's happening
but with extracurricular activities on the verge of drying up in June
into July I'm finding it difficult to handle, and beginning to get
irritated over things that shouldn't even be worth thinking about.
Because it's normally the case that those who cause irritation
don't think anything of their actions as they normally come
naturally and are their way of life.
Hopefully, with a long Bank Holiday weekend ahead, if nothing
drastic from any direction happens, I can just let everything else flow.
Just when you think you're OK, another thought pops up
and causes even more frustration.
A lot of it is still about my planned visit to London on Wednesday
where the last two Fridays have seen visits postponed for circumstances
beyond my control.
I appreciate that I have been kept in the picture about what's happening
but with extracurricular activities on the verge of drying up in June
into July I'm finding it difficult to handle, and beginning to get
irritated over things that shouldn't even be worth thinking about.
Because it's normally the case that those who cause irritation
don't think anything of their actions as they normally come
naturally and are their way of life.
Hopefully, with a long Bank Holiday weekend ahead, if nothing
drastic from any direction happens, I can just let everything else flow.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Audio Antagonism
A last minute gig at the Cherry Tree for Ted Dibiase was on order last
night, resulting in me drinking a bit too much and struggling
to get any sleep afterwards.
But in the midst of it all, you simply don't care, or have any perspective
that the next day you're going to feel all irritable and sorry for yourself
in the wee small hours.
Not to mention being paranoid about those around you.
The gig itself was good, although the sound setup wasn't perfect
with the instruments being louder than the vocals.
If I'm being honest, I just want the following Wednesday next week
to be over with as I'm meant to be meeting up with Folded Wing's founder Karen P which has been postponed many times over the last month due to
last minute schedule changes.
I'm worried that when the time finally comes I'm going to go off
in a manic fit because it's somewhere I would really love to work at
following my placement last year, and I am scared that the staff
think I am weak and wouldn't have what it takes to be
a researcher or producer.
It shouldn't be something even focusing on, but since the Dunelm
placement finished almost two months ago, I feel like I'm gradually
sinking back to the screwed up state I was in towards
the end of last year.
The big challenge is to hide all the frustration on the visit itself,
and it will be a pleasant visit to somewhere that I felt at home
for two happy weeks in 2011.
night, resulting in me drinking a bit too much and struggling
to get any sleep afterwards.
But in the midst of it all, you simply don't care, or have any perspective
that the next day you're going to feel all irritable and sorry for yourself
in the wee small hours.
Not to mention being paranoid about those around you.
The gig itself was good, although the sound setup wasn't perfect
with the instruments being louder than the vocals.
If I'm being honest, I just want the following Wednesday next week
to be over with as I'm meant to be meeting up with Folded Wing's founder Karen P which has been postponed many times over the last month due to
last minute schedule changes.
I'm worried that when the time finally comes I'm going to go off
in a manic fit because it's somewhere I would really love to work at
following my placement last year, and I am scared that the staff
think I am weak and wouldn't have what it takes to be
a researcher or producer.
It shouldn't be something even focusing on, but since the Dunelm
placement finished almost two months ago, I feel like I'm gradually
sinking back to the screwed up state I was in towards
the end of last year.
The big challenge is to hide all the frustration on the visit itself,
and it will be a pleasant visit to somewhere that I felt at home
for two happy weeks in 2011.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Couldn't Give An "Oink"
A packed Leicester Square Theatre last night was all set for a
stimulating conversation between Richard Herring and his special
guest Charlie Brooker.
Only it turned out to be anything but stimulating.
It was however very entertaining with anecdotes about Janet Ellis,
unfortunate incidents with joysticks at an earlier age,
and male incontinence.
All will become clear when the podcast is uploaded.
There was some serious discussion at certain points where
it was interesting to find out about how Brooker became a
contributor to Oink! magazine, a children's answer to Viz.
Coincidentally, before heading up, I found a website
from one of their head writers Tony Husband which has all the
episodes of the TV series Round The Bend, which spun off from
comic, and upset Mary Whitehouse.
Toilet humor defined.
It's also worth listening to the podcast for a gag Brooker made
about the drama Appropriate Adult which the lawyers wouldn't
allow to go into 2011 Wipe.
Getting out of the theatre itself was a nightmare due to the
biggest turnout there has been, at least for a Richard Herring podcast.
Luckily I managed to arrive at St Pancras Station in the nick of time
to get the 22:42 back to Canterbury so at least I didn't have
to stop off for 10 minutes at Ashford International.
My next visit to London won't be until a week on Wednesday
where once again I will be seeing Richard Herring, this time
as the support act for the "wobbly" comedian Francesca Martinez.
stimulating conversation between Richard Herring and his special
guest Charlie Brooker.
Only it turned out to be anything but stimulating.
It was however very entertaining with anecdotes about Janet Ellis,
unfortunate incidents with joysticks at an earlier age,
and male incontinence.
All will become clear when the podcast is uploaded.
There was some serious discussion at certain points where
it was interesting to find out about how Brooker became a
contributor to Oink! magazine, a children's answer to Viz.
Coincidentally, before heading up, I found a website
from one of their head writers Tony Husband which has all the
episodes of the TV series Round The Bend, which spun off from
comic, and upset Mary Whitehouse.
Toilet humor defined.
It's also worth listening to the podcast for a gag Brooker made
about the drama Appropriate Adult which the lawyers wouldn't
allow to go into 2011 Wipe.
Getting out of the theatre itself was a nightmare due to the
biggest turnout there has been, at least for a Richard Herring podcast.
Luckily I managed to arrive at St Pancras Station in the nick of time
to get the 22:42 back to Canterbury so at least I didn't have
to stop off for 10 minutes at Ashford International.
My next visit to London won't be until a week on Wednesday
where once again I will be seeing Richard Herring, this time
as the support act for the "wobbly" comedian Francesca Martinez.
Monday, May 28, 2012
High Temperature Tunes
It's the Monday that feels like a Bank Holiday, last week of May
and so on, only it isn't.
Although if you're reading this you are probably thinking "you don't
even have a job, what give you the fucking right to say such a thing?!"
To be honest, searching and applying for jobs is a worse enough
chore as it is, with so little around that I'd be lucky just to get
a rejection response.
The high temperatures look set to carry on however, and tonight
I'll be back in London for another RHLSTP (as Herring instructs us to
refer to his podcast) with Charlie Brooker as the special guest.
One track I played on my radio show last night has stuck in the head
longer than the others, that being a Columbian latin track from the early
80s "La Coegiala" by Rudulfo And Su Tipica.
Ideal for the high temperatures, this was a favourite of the late
Charlie Gillett on his Capital Radio world music show, and was also
used in an ad for Nescafe Alta Rica.
I don't think any other tune has resulted in me getting a bit
too energetic on-air.
and so on, only it isn't.
Although if you're reading this you are probably thinking "you don't
even have a job, what give you the fucking right to say such a thing?!"
To be honest, searching and applying for jobs is a worse enough
chore as it is, with so little around that I'd be lucky just to get
a rejection response.
The high temperatures look set to carry on however, and tonight
I'll be back in London for another RHLSTP (as Herring instructs us to
refer to his podcast) with Charlie Brooker as the special guest.
One track I played on my radio show last night has stuck in the head
longer than the others, that being a Columbian latin track from the early
80s "La Coegiala" by Rudulfo And Su Tipica.
Ideal for the high temperatures, this was a favourite of the late
Charlie Gillett on his Capital Radio world music show, and was also
used in an ad for Nescafe Alta Rica.
I don't think any other tune has resulted in me getting a bit
too energetic on-air.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
In The Red Zone
If any thermometers around Canterbury haven't yet cracked, by
tomorrow they'll have done so with highs of 25 predicted.
I opted to take advantage of bright skies by heading over to Margate
earlier this afternoon, and on seeing the sands themselves, it looked
like the opening titles to Baywatch.
It was packed.
I didn't stay for too long mind, the trains only left for Canterbury
once an hour so after a stroll round and a can of orange Fanta
I headed back and arrived in good time ahead of my radio show
this evening.
A good listener response too, particularly from Sandra C,
a fellow Incognito lover and presenter at Stomp Radio
who lives in Romford.
A supporter right from my early days at Smoke, I'm grateful
for her being there when I was even worse a presenter than I am now.
As if such a situation was possible.
I doubt she'll be listening next Sunday mind, as she'll be at
the Bank Holiday Sunday Session at the Victoria in Romford
spinning the good stuff.
Maybe sometime I'll forgo my own show to attend
one of these do's as they sound really superb and a good
opportunity to meet more musically like-minded people.
tomorrow they'll have done so with highs of 25 predicted.
I opted to take advantage of bright skies by heading over to Margate
earlier this afternoon, and on seeing the sands themselves, it looked
like the opening titles to Baywatch.
It was packed.
I didn't stay for too long mind, the trains only left for Canterbury
once an hour so after a stroll round and a can of orange Fanta
I headed back and arrived in good time ahead of my radio show
this evening.
A good listener response too, particularly from Sandra C,
a fellow Incognito lover and presenter at Stomp Radio
who lives in Romford.
A supporter right from my early days at Smoke, I'm grateful
for her being there when I was even worse a presenter than I am now.
As if such a situation was possible.
I doubt she'll be listening next Sunday mind, as she'll be at
the Bank Holiday Sunday Session at the Victoria in Romford
spinning the good stuff.
Maybe sometime I'll forgo my own show to attend
one of these do's as they sound really superb and a good
opportunity to meet more musically like-minded people.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Live In The Gardens
There was quite a lot of noise coming from the Dane John gardens
this afternoon so I headed over, where there was a special live music
event in aid of the Demelza charity.
They were mainly covers acts performing including one that did
a rather good rendition of Jessie J's "Price Tag", and "Long Train Running"
by the Doobie Brothers which was a lot better than when I sang it
at the Rockaoke night after graduation.
I'm still struggling to decide whether it's worth spending
time at a nearby beach tomorrow afternoon as whilst the weather's
still set to be amazing, I need to get back in time for my radio show.
One of the new ones I may play was on Gilles Peterson's show
this afternoon, a cover of "What You Won't Do For Love" by Jessie Ware
who's still making waves with her other tune "110%".
As for the remainder of the night I'm doing pretty well to avoid
the Eurovision Song Contest.
I know the whole idea is to rip the piss out of it, but it's far
too knowing and inane for my liking.
this afternoon so I headed over, where there was a special live music
event in aid of the Demelza charity.
They were mainly covers acts performing including one that did
a rather good rendition of Jessie J's "Price Tag", and "Long Train Running"
by the Doobie Brothers which was a lot better than when I sang it
at the Rockaoke night after graduation.
I'm still struggling to decide whether it's worth spending
time at a nearby beach tomorrow afternoon as whilst the weather's
still set to be amazing, I need to get back in time for my radio show.
One of the new ones I may play was on Gilles Peterson's show
this afternoon, a cover of "What You Won't Do For Love" by Jessie Ware
who's still making waves with her other tune "110%".
As for the remainder of the night I'm doing pretty well to avoid
the Eurovision Song Contest.
I know the whole idea is to rip the piss out of it, but it's far
too knowing and inane for my liking.
The Listening List - W/E 26.05.12
Generation Next - BBC Radio 1Xtra 20.05.12
Gemma Cairney acts as the enthusiastic guide within the story
of an overlooked cross-section of society, the young entrepreneurs.
Prior to listening to the programme, it didn't cross the mind that
the word "entrepreneur" doesn't just extend to running a business
operation, but also refers to writing successfully books or producing
works of creative art, even in short spaces of time.
Certainly the case of Andre Anderson, the fella who wrote a novel
on his Blackberry in the space of 18 days.
From a radio point of view, it's hard to imagine anyone other
than Gemma Cairney as the narrator, as her amazing personality
helps the script bounce right off the paper it was printed on.
Some of it may have been ad-libbed, it definitely sounds like
that at certain points.
Best of all the documentary illustrates how anyone can start
their own business, fighting the obstacles of ideas block
and anyone out to knock them down.
Produced by journalist and presenter Emma Warren,
it's a useful survival guide for anyone who isn't cut out
for the mundane world of dead-end jobs, but is full of ambition
and passion with the aim of making a living out of both.
David Rodigan - BBC Radio 2 21.05.12
The best music show broadcast on Radio 2 last year makes a welcome
return to the airwaves, fresh from receiving Gold in the specialist
music category at last week's Sony Awards.
No frills, narcissism, or fancy gimmicks here, just the great
reggae connoisseur spinning a wide selection of reggae, rocksteady, ska
and the odd bit of "lover's rock" with well informed links in between.
Notable tunes in the first show of 13 include Prince Buster's
original version of "One Step Beyond", and a ska cover of
"Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" by the Phoenix City All Stars
unbelievably recorded in 2012, despite the acoustics being
strikingly reminiscent of the 60s ska era.
With such enthusiasm and passion, you can even
forgive Rodigan for singing over some of the tracks.
The TATP Years: 1997 - Ben Baker And Tim Worthington
It's a welcome return for what you may call the alternative antidote
to Radio 2's Sounds Of The 20th Century, where the guys from
the Talk About The Passion website blend together the lesser known
hits from a chosen year, with the television and radio consumed by
small but dedicated audiences.
1997's the year of focus in the first of the new series, and it's
more than apt that the introduction's based around The Chart Show
as both that television programme and Radio 1 were largely
responsible for my music purchases at the time.
By the end of 1998, the sense of musical direction had been put on hold
as the all-video show was axed, and the BBC's pop station
started to take the inane route.
There's a good selection of audio including Adam & Joe's well-observed
Friends parody, Edwyn Collin's underrated solo offering "The Magic Piper" (which like John Cleese also appeared on The National Lottery Live)
and the piece de resistance, the Eels and the title track
off their album "Beautiful Freak".
Here's hoping Ben and Tim record commentaries to accompany
the audio, in the same way they did for the podcasts in series 1.
Even if it does result in me trying not to laugh when listening
to it on a train journey, and inevitably failing.
Gemma Cairney acts as the enthusiastic guide within the story
of an overlooked cross-section of society, the young entrepreneurs.
Prior to listening to the programme, it didn't cross the mind that
the word "entrepreneur" doesn't just extend to running a business
operation, but also refers to writing successfully books or producing
works of creative art, even in short spaces of time.
Certainly the case of Andre Anderson, the fella who wrote a novel
on his Blackberry in the space of 18 days.
From a radio point of view, it's hard to imagine anyone other
than Gemma Cairney as the narrator, as her amazing personality
helps the script bounce right off the paper it was printed on.
Some of it may have been ad-libbed, it definitely sounds like
that at certain points.
Best of all the documentary illustrates how anyone can start
their own business, fighting the obstacles of ideas block
and anyone out to knock them down.
Produced by journalist and presenter Emma Warren,
it's a useful survival guide for anyone who isn't cut out
for the mundane world of dead-end jobs, but is full of ambition
and passion with the aim of making a living out of both.
David Rodigan - BBC Radio 2 21.05.12
The best music show broadcast on Radio 2 last year makes a welcome
return to the airwaves, fresh from receiving Gold in the specialist
music category at last week's Sony Awards.
No frills, narcissism, or fancy gimmicks here, just the great
reggae connoisseur spinning a wide selection of reggae, rocksteady, ska
and the odd bit of "lover's rock" with well informed links in between.
Notable tunes in the first show of 13 include Prince Buster's
original version of "One Step Beyond", and a ska cover of
"Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" by the Phoenix City All Stars
unbelievably recorded in 2012, despite the acoustics being
strikingly reminiscent of the 60s ska era.
With such enthusiasm and passion, you can even
forgive Rodigan for singing over some of the tracks.
The TATP Years: 1997 - Ben Baker And Tim Worthington
It's a welcome return for what you may call the alternative antidote
to Radio 2's Sounds Of The 20th Century, where the guys from
the Talk About The Passion website blend together the lesser known
hits from a chosen year, with the television and radio consumed by
small but dedicated audiences.
1997's the year of focus in the first of the new series, and it's
more than apt that the introduction's based around The Chart Show
as both that television programme and Radio 1 were largely
responsible for my music purchases at the time.
By the end of 1998, the sense of musical direction had been put on hold
as the all-video show was axed, and the BBC's pop station
started to take the inane route.
There's a good selection of audio including Adam & Joe's well-observed
Friends parody, Edwyn Collin's underrated solo offering "The Magic Piper" (which like John Cleese also appeared on The National Lottery Live)
and the piece de resistance, the Eels and the title track
off their album "Beautiful Freak".
Here's hoping Ben and Tim record commentaries to accompany
the audio, in the same way they did for the podcasts in series 1.
Even if it does result in me trying not to laugh when listening
to it on a train journey, and inevitably failing.
"Knock Me Down, Knock Me Out"
Despite not having any alcoholic drinks last night, I have woken up
feeling badly knackered.
The gig at the Islington Assembly Hall was one of the best Incognito
gigs I have been to with a great vocal line up featuring new
additions Mo Brandis and Natalie Williams joining Vanessa Haines
to perform live renditions of tracks from the latest album "Surreal".
But that wasn't all, as joining them were Cog veteran Tony Momrelle,
Chris Ballin was back for an amazing performance of "Labour Of Love",
and Imaani made a return appearance with audience favourite
"N.O.T.".
Best of all was special guest Mario Biondi who spoiled us
with two of his own tracks including "This Is What You Are",as well as performing all of the tunes he recorded with the Cog
on their 2010 album.
Save for the lack of air conditioning, it was an amazing night out
and here's hoping more gigs of a similar nature in the big city
will happen later in the year.
Tonight's not looking so good however, as I will be doing all
I can to avoid the Eurovision Song Contest.
I can't even watch it with the intent of taking the mickey out of it,
that's how bad it is.
feeling badly knackered.
The gig at the Islington Assembly Hall was one of the best Incognito
gigs I have been to with a great vocal line up featuring new
additions Mo Brandis and Natalie Williams joining Vanessa Haines
to perform live renditions of tracks from the latest album "Surreal".
But that wasn't all, as joining them were Cog veteran Tony Momrelle,
Chris Ballin was back for an amazing performance of "Labour Of Love",
and Imaani made a return appearance with audience favourite
"N.O.T.".
Best of all was special guest Mario Biondi who spoiled us
with two of his own tracks including "This Is What You Are",as well as performing all of the tunes he recorded with the Cog
on their 2010 album.
Save for the lack of air conditioning, it was an amazing night out
and here's hoping more gigs of a similar nature in the big city
will happen later in the year.
Tonight's not looking so good however, as I will be doing all
I can to avoid the Eurovision Song Contest.
I can't even watch it with the intent of taking the mickey out of it,
that's how bad it is.
Friday, May 25, 2012
The First Cog Gig Of '12
Another minor setback emerged this morning as I've once again
had to postpone a planned visit to London that was due to happen
this coming Monday.
I'm still heading up their later on however, as that evening
is Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast with
special guest Charlie Brooker.
Very much anticipated.
And I'll be heading over sooner than that as tonight I'll be
seeing Incognito perform live in Islington where the band
will be joined by special guest Mario Biondi, who I've wanted
to see live for a very long time.
Also heading up there tonight will be Stephen who I haven't
seen for nearly two years now as the last gig we were at was
the Cog's Koko gig in November 2010.
And I'm pretty sure Roni O'Brien from Solar Radio will also
be there too where it will be good to see her again after
our antics at last year's Margate Soul Weekender.
In fact Roni's up there tomorrow, helping to spin the disks
at the Britannia club. It may be worth a visit what with
the increasing temperatures.
had to postpone a planned visit to London that was due to happen
this coming Monday.
I'm still heading up their later on however, as that evening
is Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast with
special guest Charlie Brooker.
Very much anticipated.
And I'll be heading over sooner than that as tonight I'll be
seeing Incognito perform live in Islington where the band
will be joined by special guest Mario Biondi, who I've wanted
to see live for a very long time.
Also heading up there tonight will be Stephen who I haven't
seen for nearly two years now as the last gig we were at was
the Cog's Koko gig in November 2010.
And I'm pretty sure Roni O'Brien from Solar Radio will also
be there too where it will be good to see her again after
our antics at last year's Margate Soul Weekender.
In fact Roni's up there tomorrow, helping to spin the disks
at the Britannia club. It may be worth a visit what with
the increasing temperatures.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Continuous Air Conditioning
It was a risk that paid off, I slept last night with both my bedroom
windows open as it was still absolutely boiling.
No sign of change today and hopefully into tomorrow as I'm hoping
to attend tomorrow's Incognito gig without a jacket.
I'll probably end up sweating inside the venue anyway but it's going
to be a good one.
I may make it an early start tomorrow by heading over to
Studio Blue and sorting out Sunday's Blam Jam show, as
on Saturday it will be rather busy in preparation for the live
Keynestock coverage.
Having thought about it, it may not even be transmitting
from Christ Church at all, seeing as it's a UKC event but
it will be good to get all the preparation done ahead of
the gig tomorrow night.
That way I'll get a lie in on Saturday ahead of the Fighting Talk
special on 5 Live which has been much anticipated.
windows open as it was still absolutely boiling.
No sign of change today and hopefully into tomorrow as I'm hoping
to attend tomorrow's Incognito gig without a jacket.
I'll probably end up sweating inside the venue anyway but it's going
to be a good one.
I may make it an early start tomorrow by heading over to
Studio Blue and sorting out Sunday's Blam Jam show, as
on Saturday it will be rather busy in preparation for the live
Keynestock coverage.
Having thought about it, it may not even be transmitting
from Christ Church at all, seeing as it's a UKC event but
it will be good to get all the preparation done ahead of
the gig tomorrow night.
That way I'll get a lie in on Saturday ahead of the Fighting Talk
special on 5 Live which has been much anticipated.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Spring High Temps
Still no sign of falling temperatures and it isn't worth complaining about.
If it's too hot, then get in a really cold bath or shower, easy enough.
Not a great deal else to mention about today although there's
good news (if you look at it that way) about Joey Barton being
banned for twelve games when the next football season starts,
following his disgraceful behaviour at the Man City V QPR game
a week last Sunday.
A visit to Shaw Trust for another job search beckons tomorrow
which I'm not looking forward to admittedly, but at least
I won't have to walk too far to get there with them now moved
to new premises in the Thanington area of Canterbury.
I just hope they actually provide help in applying for work,
rather than leaving me to just do more searching.
If it's too hot, then get in a really cold bath or shower, easy enough.
Not a great deal else to mention about today although there's
good news (if you look at it that way) about Joey Barton being
banned for twelve games when the next football season starts,
following his disgraceful behaviour at the Man City V QPR game
a week last Sunday.
A visit to Shaw Trust for another job search beckons tomorrow
which I'm not looking forward to admittedly, but at least
I won't have to walk too far to get there with them now moved
to new premises in the Thanington area of Canterbury.
I just hope they actually provide help in applying for work,
rather than leaving me to just do more searching.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Short Term Excitement
Amazing temperatures today.
It may be the first time since late February I have opened both
of my bedroom windows to let a fair bit of fresh air in.
I may leave them open all night if needs be.
Doesn't look too cloudy.
Doesn't look too cloudy.
Still a couple of days until my next outing to London when the Cog
and Mario Biondi will be taking to the stage, so if they keep up
I may spend more time in the warm temperatures.
As well as the usual searching and inevitable struggling.
It's difficult to stay in the mind of a drunk when everything
in the long run isn't really that amazing at all.
Monday, May 21, 2012
"The Other Bee Gee"
With the news of Robin Gibb's passing, it's more than apt to post
this amusing video that not only showcases the amazing harmonies
of the trio, but their ability not to take themselves too seriously.
Provided you don't include their interview on Clive Anderson's chat show.
The above video comes from a telethon arranged by US media mogul
Howard Stern in the mid 90s to raise money for the medical costs of John Wayne-Bobbit's re-attachment, and a re-written version of the much
covered favourite "To Love Somebody".
Proof that they didn't need to rely on their falsettos to show how
good they were.
this amusing video that not only showcases the amazing harmonies
of the trio, but their ability not to take themselves too seriously.
Provided you don't include their interview on Clive Anderson's chat show.
The above video comes from a telethon arranged by US media mogul
Howard Stern in the mid 90s to raise money for the medical costs of John Wayne-Bobbit's re-attachment, and a re-written version of the much
covered favourite "To Love Somebody".
Proof that they didn't need to rely on their falsettos to show how
good they were.
Tales From The Concrete Doughnut
Not a very memorable day, save for a visit to the Job Centre.
Once again due to another Bank Holiday, I won't be back there
for another month, save for a couple of short visits to drop off
some forms regarding my work in London.
Should any more come up of course.
On a more positive note I finally got round to watching BBC Four's
entertaining retrospective on BBC Television Centre filled with
interesting anecdotes and revelations from performers
and production crew.
The most amusing story was that of Clive Doig who on a late
night at TVC burst out of the gallery and into the studio
of what he thought was the children's programme Eureka
only to find he was giving a bollocking to the Newsnight
production crew next door.
Definitely worth the watch on iPlayer, where there's plenty
more footage and stories of a similar nature.
No idea what I'm up to tomorrow, although because Dad's still
away in Cuba until next week, I'm sorting out my own meals.
I may attempt a better chicken stew than I did last week due
to me using a rather thick stir in powder with no stock cubes.
I should have stretched my legs further to somewhere that sold
the right powder, I've got enough time for it.
Once again due to another Bank Holiday, I won't be back there
for another month, save for a couple of short visits to drop off
some forms regarding my work in London.
Should any more come up of course.
On a more positive note I finally got round to watching BBC Four's
entertaining retrospective on BBC Television Centre filled with
interesting anecdotes and revelations from performers
and production crew.
The most amusing story was that of Clive Doig who on a late
night at TVC burst out of the gallery and into the studio
of what he thought was the children's programme Eureka
only to find he was giving a bollocking to the Newsnight
production crew next door.
Definitely worth the watch on iPlayer, where there's plenty
more footage and stories of a similar nature.
No idea what I'm up to tomorrow, although because Dad's still
away in Cuba until next week, I'm sorting out my own meals.
I may attempt a better chicken stew than I did last week due
to me using a rather thick stir in powder with no stock cubes.
I should have stretched my legs further to somewhere that sold
the right powder, I've got enough time for it.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
"Grazing In The Grass"
I'm starting to feel the comedown of yesterday, but it didn't prevent me
from making the not so treacherous journey to Studio Blue
to present my radio show as usual.
One of the tracks I played this week was by Carol Lee Scott,
best known for spending a long period in green make-up as
Grotbags, although prior to donning the witch's cloak she
used to perform as a sessions vocalist and a good one at that.
Not sure what I've got planned for next week, bar another
visit to London on Friday to see Incognito perform live,
but hopefully I won't get too stressed or anxious over other
concerns.
They shouldn't even be concerns, I should just clear the mind
of such nonsense.
Luckily, something that may help to make it easier is this photo
taken at the JOlympics yesterday by Enda, one of Joey's mates
from Ireland, and you couldn't have staged this if you tried.
I knew Joey was a wannabe actor but this is ridiculous.
from making the not so treacherous journey to Studio Blue
to present my radio show as usual.
One of the tracks I played this week was by Carol Lee Scott,
best known for spending a long period in green make-up as
Grotbags, although prior to donning the witch's cloak she
used to perform as a sessions vocalist and a good one at that.
Not sure what I've got planned for next week, bar another
visit to London on Friday to see Incognito perform live,
but hopefully I won't get too stressed or anxious over other
concerns.
They shouldn't even be concerns, I should just clear the mind
of such nonsense.
Luckily, something that may help to make it easier is this photo
taken at the JOlympics yesterday by Enda, one of Joey's mates
from Ireland, and you couldn't have staged this if you tried.
I knew Joey was a wannabe actor but this is ridiculous.
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