R2OK!

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

I have been bemoaning the gradual shift in Radio 2's programming away from music and presenters I have always liked (1930s to mid 1950s dance band/big band/vocalists). Obviously, as Radio 2 targets the 40-50 year olds moving away from Radio 1 it is natural that they focus on that generations "nostalgia" era which is now moving into the 1980s.

Now, I was a youngster all through the 70s and into the 80s and like quite a lot of music from that time period, but as a kid I fell in love with older styles of popular music - mainly through watching variety shows on TV and listening to what was then normal fare on Radio 2 (I'm talking the 1967 to 1975 period).

However, as Radio 2 changes, I've found myself looking for music elsewhere that fits my tastes and up to now I've been struggling. However, I just discovered that there is a treasure trove of "my kind of music" lurking in the BBC.

Where you may ask?

Well, it's hiding in Local Radio. I expect that BBC knows that their local radio audience is full of old codgers like me (you only have to listen in to evening phone ins to hear that a large part of their audience is little old ladies with no one to talk to - which is rather sad.

However, there are other shows that are worth listening to. And, of course, the BBC Radio iPlayer is your friend. I'm currently listening to Mike Carey's 1930s to 1950s show which is broadcast on BBC Radio Derby.

And I'm impressed. It's not only the music but it's also the knowledgeable chat about the bands and singers.

Local Radio to the rescue.

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3415 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

Evicted from Radio 1 in the 1990s by Matthew Bannister, so sought refuge with Radio 2. That is until the mid 2000s when Lesley Douglas began a similar job on Radio 2 by hiring some of the DJs that I fled from on late 1990s R1, a process that was to be continued with successive controllers and is now nearly complete. Like you, I have sought refuge with some of the BBC local Radio stations.
A good independent local radio station that I listen to sometimes is an Essex station Time 107.5 and has one of the better breakfast shows around in my opinion.
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Lord Evan Elpuss, Your ideal job is a Lumberjack.

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

I'll certainly be a regular listener to Mike Carey's Radio Derby show. I usually reserve my music listening to the weekend - so his programme can be slotted into the time period where Radio 2 goes all Claudia Winkleman. I find it difficult to empathise with people who find music from 2008 nostalgic.

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

I'm just giving it a go, Eric. Listening to one from four weeks ago. It's a perfect Sunday listen. I'll be making this a regular Sunday date, no doubt about it.

It's also taking my mind off tonight's semi-final, with some nice, calm tunes, so double bonus.

Many thanks.
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life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans

John W · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 3367 Location: Warwickshire, UK

Eric, I’m still doing my podcastsi in the style of Alan Dell / Malcolm Laycock

Dance Band Show # 380 is uploaded at http://www.r2ok.co.uk/dancebandshow.htm with a selection of recordings from my 78rpm records of dance bands, from 1928-1938.
Bands include Bert Firman, Len Fillis, Jack Hylton, Syd Lipton, Six Swingers, Maurice Winnick and more.
Singers include Maurice Elwin, Ella Logan, Sam Browne, Al Bowlly, Pat Taylor and others.
Playlist page http://www.r2ok.co.uk/playlists.htm
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John W

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

Fantastic - I wasn't aware of your podcasts. Another gem to add to my list.

Who needs a national broadcaster when the internet provides all these alternatives.

It's time the BBC woke up to what is going on around them.