Yesterday (13th January, 2022) was the funeral and celebration of the life of Janice Long. The news of her death on Christmas Day as 2021 came to a close, hit me like a kick in the gut. I was simply devastated, and my heart went out to her family – husband Paul, children Blue and … Continue reading Celebrating Janice Long
Radio
Sounds of 2021
With more time to spend listening this year, I have made twenty selections for my 'Sounds of 2021' playlist. 'Unwrapping' my musical tastes thanks to a music algorithm is not really my way. Last year I was told that the genre that best typified me was 'Seattle Indie'? This year, I'm told that 'Chamber Psyche' … Continue reading Sounds of 2021
“The Foghorn’s Lament: The Disappearing Music of the Coast”: Jennifer Lucy Allan
There are some far flung corners of mind which can only be summoned by sound (just as with smell, texture, even colours) - some corners more distant than others. There is one vague, definitely greyed-out location, where I’m on some kind of quayside location. My grandad used to drive HGV lorries for a stint when … Continue reading “The Foghorn’s Lament: The Disappearing Music of the Coast”: Jennifer Lucy Allan
Sounds of 2020
It has been tough to pick twelve tracks which represent my favourite 'Sounds of 2020', but these are my best attempt to do so. With a neurological condition that suppresses my immune system, like many, I have been shielding for most of the year. It has meant that the radio, and in particular, music has … Continue reading Sounds of 2020
DJ culture
Chris is a DJ. God, Annie is a superstar DJ. Both are on the radio. James on the other hand is a podcast presenter (although he is on the radio too). Krishnan is a podcast presenter (and on the telly). Whatever the difference is between radio DJs and podcast presenters, podcasts provide an excellent long-form … Continue reading DJ culture
Till the Cows Come Home
There hasn't been a review of a book appear round these parts in quite a while. It's not been for the want of investing energy in attacking the pile of 'must read' books by the side of my bed - hopefully I will get around to reviewing them soon. But as soon as I had … Continue reading Till the Cows Come Home
Late Junction – we must not lose this connection
Radio is my best friend. I know it is the same for many people. BBC Radio is a particular treasure. Having worked as a press officer in BBC Radio back in the mists of time, I know all too well of the public service mission that the various stations have a duty to deliver, as … Continue reading Late Junction – we must not lose this connection
Maltings radio project takes to the air
The Farnham Maltings is using the occasion of World Radio Day on Monday 13 February to announce that it is to launch its own radio project – and it wants the community to get involved. ‘Sound Vault’ will take to the air in the next year, and will seek to create a ‘radio space for … Continue reading Maltings radio project takes to the air
Greatest Radio Voices
The Guardian recently published a list of the Top 10 Radio Voices, and in response, an alternative Top 10 list, as proposed by its readers. I could not let this opportunity pass without using it as an excuse to compile my own Top 10 list. With radio being such an important part of my life, … Continue reading Greatest Radio Voices
It’s courtesy to listen
I've just heard the kind of programme that reaffirms why I love radio as my medium of choice - and why I love the BBC. It was AL Kennedy presenting "A Point of View" on BBC Radio 4, on the topic of "In Praise of Courtesy". It is the kind of programme I would usually … Continue reading It’s courtesy to listen