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Ian Robinson

So, it was an Americana special tonight - but that's barely any different to any other week!

As good as the music is, and as warm as Bob is, it's not really a 'country' show anymore. With Nick Barraclough gone there should be more variety on the one country show, instead of the usual Americana artists trotted out week-after-week.

Still... nice to hear Tift Merrit.

Clive55 · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1336

I heard some of it tonight. Thought much of it rather dirgelike. And not country
I often enjoy Bobs show, but tonights had some really weak stuff
We do need a show which features tdays big country names like Taylor swift, Kenny Chesney, Toby keith & so on
Bob is a great dj, but he needs to cover a wider country spectrum

gfloyd · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 7:29 pm Post subject:

Probably country music will follow jazz on the extinction list of Radio 2 music types soon.
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Ian Robinson · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:01 pm Post subject:

Wireless 2 · Guest

gfloyd · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:08 am Post subject:

There is definitely a move away from specialist shows that actually specialise in things as oppose to shows that try to accomodate all comers.

Elaine Paige was the start of this with her show featuring popular film music (ie chart pop). Then Parky was replaced by a show playing guess what (more ex chart pop oldies). Melodies for You is not exactly going down the same route, but has become broader in the music selection as well. Nick Barraclough & Best of Jazz haven't been replaced by like for like shows.

So there is definitely a trend emerging as regards the so called specialist shows. That's probably one reason why I dont listen much anymore to them.
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Wireless 2 · Guest

You absolutely right. Don't forget that Lulu was introduced to Sunday afternoons in 2004 playing general pop music. Russell Davies was sandwiched between Elaine Paige and Lulu.

Maybe the specialist programmes are becomg unpopular? It amazes me that niche programmes such as Big Band Special, The Organist Entertains, Listen to the Band and Sunday Half Hour have escaped the axe.

Messrs Carrington and Jacobs aren't getting any younger. Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour would be a good replacement for Carrington, whereas an extended Russell Davies show, Sundays, 10pm - midnight, featuring jazz and easy listening would be perfect.

I have heard rumours tht David Jacobs isn't in the best of health, so I am concerned for him - and the future of his show.

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

But specialist shows aren't meant to be populist (someone ought to tell la Douglas that!) they are meant for a specific audience and should have a presenter who has a good deal of knowledge about that genre of music, whether or not they happen to be a celebrity. One of the few things I can thank Lesley Douglas for is putting something I can listen to on Sundays. Trouble is that she's all but taken away my Saturdays! I am not a Jazz fan so didn't listen to Humphreys Lyttletons show, but doesn't Clare Teal do a jazz show? I hope our Lesley has the gumption to leave what specialist shows that are left alone. I hope you are wrong about David Jacobs. I do listen to (at least part) of his show, in the knowledge that another weekend has flown by in, what seems like five minutes. You're not a mate of one Iain Smith are you? He seems to have an obsession with illness and death, to the point where he was once likened to the grim reaper. I hope that both David Jacobs & Desmond Carrington will be with us for many years yet. Douglas permitting of course!! Being ill doesn't necessarily mean the end of a presenter's career, both Johnnie Walker & Bob Harris had 'the big C' and, happily both are still with us and back on Radio 2. On the subject of Bob. I do understand what the first few posts were on about. Bob Harris is a presenter I have a lot of respect for but I wonder why he concentrates on the North American scene so much. Yes I know it's by far the most prolific place for this kind of music, but aren't there any UK based country artists?
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