R2OK!

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

I was listening to Steve Wright earlier and one of his guests was Michael Ball.

When Steve brought up the subject of Michael returning to Radio 2 he said that he'd be back in 2013 with a new Sunday evening show that he was developing.

Nickbucks · Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Posts: 100

Good news for Michael and his fans but does this mean extended runs of Weekend Wogan or more deputising for Richard Madeley if MB is no longer filling in for Mr Wogan ?

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

I would think the 7-8.30pm slot will be taken up by MB?

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6815

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19335 Location: Cheshire

It's about time they put a proper programme on at 7 on a Sunday night instead of repeats.

I must admit I've listened to more of Tim Rice's American Pie this time round as I don't think it suited the the late night slot it had first time.

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

Number Six · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 438 Location: In the village

Ian Robinson · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 2:39 pm Post subject:

Same with me for Tim Rice (although I still missed the John Linnell song I was waiting for - oops).

I would imagine Michael Ball's Sunday evening show could be pre-recorded, and thus fit any stage commitments that may come up.

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6815

What Michael will be serving up from 7.00-9.00pm.

Sunday Night With Michael Ball

Michael Ball offers a blend of music from across the decades. Music from the movies, classic albums, the West End and Broadway, iconic vocalists and contemporary favourites will all be featured alongside nostalgic popular favourites and modern greats.

In true Sunday-night tradition, at 7pm each show will recall a No. 1 record which will surprise and delight. Listeners will be invited to nominate their chosen cherished artist into the Singer’s Hall of Fame, into which Michael will induct two artists each week and celebrate their life in song and performance. Timeless Classics will honour the request for a weekly classical masterpiece.

Michael will share his passion for distinguished and time-honoured music and his experiences and adventures as a world-class entertainer, in the perfect Sunday night show. Sit back and enjoy the show as the week comes to a close.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/05/r2-wk5-michael-ball.html

Sounds okay to me.. Smile

Nickbucks · Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Posts: 100

Listening now. It is sounding very good to me

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19335 Location: Cheshire

Heard first hour, not sure. Melodies For You it ain't...............

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6815

I thought the description of the music to be played
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/05/r2-wk5-michael-ball.html sounded encouraging.....that and the fact that Michael Ball is at the helm made me hopeful of a programme that would come near(ish) to the late lamented Melodies For You ..
.
I listened to the first programme this morning and I LOVED some of his choices ..he started with a 'wonderful' one from Satchmo and ended with the sublime At Last from Etta James with enough(ish) inbetween, that I liked, to have me tuning in again next week

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Sounds really good show for a Sunday evening with a mix of music.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19335 Location: Cheshire

Did you listen Mark?

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

oldraver · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1175 Location: London

I gave it a go last week. He played some good stuff. I prefer him in the Wogan slot, but yes, not bad at all.
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Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19335 Location: Cheshire

I think you could be right about him being better in Wogan's slot Raver. Maybe the show just doesn't have that evening feel about it yet?

H
_________________
88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

oldraver · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1175 Location: London

I think you're right there, H. Like you, I hadn't heard many American Pie's, but soon got to enjoy them on Sunday evenings, so I guess it'll prove the same with this show.
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Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19335 Location: Cheshire

Not really enjoying Michael Ball tonight, too much chatter and it's all a bit samey and 'luvvie'. To be honest I think I prefer EP...........

Switched him off!

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

Nickbucks · Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Posts: 100

Well at least the chat is not of the " tell us what you are doing variety" and in any event he is a "luvvie" and a good one at that.
He played one of my all time favourites tonight- Joanna by Scott Walker-
I shall be sticking with him.

Ian Robinson · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2013 9:57 am Post subject:

What was the technical fault the station tweeted about last night?

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6815

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19335 Location: Cheshire

I hope he wasn't still chattering away when he played Elgar Becky........

I'm sorry but I don't think his show suits the time slot. We've had chatter all day and by 7pm I just want some music, in same way as the tone changes on the daytime shows after 7.

H
_________________
88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

Andy W · Joined: 02 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: France

Yes that was the problem Becky. For about 15 minutes we got BOTH Michael Ball's show and Russell's at the same time. As programme junctions are now automated its hard to know why this would happen unless I'm guessing (not knowing exactly how it works) someone programmed it incorrectly.

The incidence of mistakes and silences has increased since R2 did away with the announcer/newsreaders who, even if there was a technical problem, would at least appologise on-air. Now all we get is a tweet!!

Very poor.

ruddlescat · Joined: 16 Sep 2010 Posts: 18010 Location: Near Chester

What Andy - do you mean we get them playing the 'Birdie Song' as well? Laughing

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eric mc · Joined: 28 Jan 2013 Posts: 50 Location: Farnborough Hants

Hi - newcomer here.

Been listening to the Michael Ball show and find it OK - just. I was hoping for something a bit more like Alan Titchmarsh's "Melodies for You". At the moment, it is a bit too like Elaine Page's earlier show - being a bit too musical orientated. Not that I mind show music - I'm a keen amateur operatic performer - but it would be nice if the music mix was a bit different.

And as for the last 15 minute cock-up on Sunday - that was just embarrasing and didn't do Ball's programme any favours.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19335 Location: Cheshire

Hello Eric,

I felt the same as you, hoping for something more like Melodies For You. Sadly I don't think it's going to happen.

H
_________________
88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

oldraver · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1175 Location: London

I think we all wanted Melodies For You, but sadly, it ain't gonna happen. More chance of the Wogan donning a ginger toupee and wresting back the breakfast show, from that other bloke.

I couldn't believe it when Russell D's show came on near the end of the Ball show. Maybe it's a sneaky way of bumping up the RAJAR figures...combine the two shows ratings..hey presto! In my case, it backfired, as I switched it off.
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ruddlescat · Joined: 16 Sep 2010 Posts: 18010 Location: Near Chester

I really don't understand why most people on here are prepared to put up with very mediocre fare on R2

There are far better things available elsewhere on a Sunday evening Rolling Eyes

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RockitRon · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646

Not a bad selection of music, but not Melodies For You, and a departure from what has been on Radio 2 at that time on a Sunday since it began (and before).
And if you can't stand luvvy Michael Ball you're snookered.
Thankfully I'm otherwise occupied at that hour.
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Ron

oldraver · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1175 Location: London

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6815

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Human Error playing out Russell Davis Show over the top of Michael Ball Show. Radio 2 offering BOGOF deals Laughing

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/mediamonkeyblog/2013/feb/01/bbc-radio-2-simulcast-gaffe

FleetingEileenM · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 5769 Location: Hampshire

I haven't actually listened to any of this series but on looking down the lists of music played, there is very little I would go out of my way to hear.

Melodies for You always had such a variety of music that you never knew what Alan would come up with next - show songs, operetta, comedy numbers, classical pieces - every show had a surprise or two.

oldraver · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1175 Location: London

Listening this evening, while wallowing in Radox, the thought occurred, that while the tracks played were all good ones, they were the sort of thing you would hear every week on the Ken Bruce show.

Think I might have to have a later bath.....
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