Entertainment For Lively Minds
Hang the DJ? Music DJ's you would recommend.
Posted by daddyclark on 24 June 2011 - 8:15pm.
Having read the shoeing that Jo Whiley got here recently which DJ's would you recommend? Im having to channel hop from 5live Drive at the moment because of the tennis. Im clearly too old for Radio 1 nowadays but way too young for Radio 2. The "local" commercial station has just been rebranded Capital (despite the fact I live in the midlands) and as a consequence is no longer local and yet still sh*te.
So if you were able to have your fantasy radio station who would you have on? I'm going for Mark Radcliffe, Steve Lamacq, Tom Robinson, Tom Ravenscroft, Stuart Maconie and Peter Allen (not a music DJ but still great on 5Live) Any suggestions welcome please.
- More from daddyclark.
- Login or register to post comments
-
Geoff Lloyd
on Absolutes "Hometime Show" is my current favourite, perfect for the drive home from work. Self deprecating, intelligent, funny and good music. A very Word friendly show I would suggest
Current radio DJs
Much prefer Marc Riley to Mark Radcliffe. More music orientated, low key dry wit instead of occasionally laboured slightly saloon-bar humour. But otherwise similar list to first above: Maconie (much better on his own, again Radcliffe combo brings out too much 1950s facetiousness), Ravenscroft a rising star - adventurous, wide-ranging taste and dripping with that engaging amateurish charm so dear to British hearts, Gid Coe enjoyable on both personality and taste grounds - watch out particularly for his play-out track, often a real (welcome) surprise. I also like Andrew Collins simply because he's real, low-key and not attention-seeking but intelligent and knowledgeable, again an underappreciated dry wit. Guy Garvey just for the warmth and enthusiasm, and Huey for that voice!! and the gusto, and less narrowly British outlook, he brings.
Nothing against Steve Lamacq as a presence but his taste too Brit-poppy for me, but then he's doing a 'drive-time' programme and for some reason the presumption seems to be that listeners in cars have conservative tastes.
As you see, very 6Music focussed because in general I prefer the philosophy of hiring real people WITH personalities, instead of 'Personalities' who are barely people.
Drivetime
I actually stopped listening to 6Music on the way home from work in the car a few years ago because Steve Lamacq doesn't play enough music.
Similar thing here,
but it's a combination of just too much indie dirge in the playlist and the fact that he seems to say "aaahhh" every time he takes a breath. Once you hear it, you can't ignore it. Shame 'cos he seems like a really nice bloke.
Forgot about Riley
Will add Marc Riley to my original list (although the will always be a bit of me that thinks of him as the Boy Lard, "Fancy a brew etc). To be fair if I had DAB radio in the car, which isnt going to happen because the radio would be more expensive than the car, then 6Music would fulfill most of my radio needs.
Have to defend steve Lamacq because in some ways he was my Peel during my formative music years, fist writing in the NME (with Mr Maconnie and Mr Collins) and then on the evening session on dear old Radio 1 (with Jo Whiley so we can go full circle). Plus i texted in the other day and got a mention on his show - Im easily pleased!! (and like Brit pop to relive my lost youth)
Mary Anne Hobbs
gets my vote for her adventures in sound; she plays stuff on the radio that I'd certainly never hear elsewhere (like I'm going to go to a dubstep nightclub. Like I'm going to go to a nightclub.) In anyone else's (47 year old!) hands it'd be 'hey! listen to what the kids are getting down with!' but she transforms it into her own soundscape. Marvellous.
Non-musically, of bloody course Peter Allen.
Janice Forsyth
Like playing records with a bunch of mates.
Tom Morton's show is pretty good too. It's where Mrs Cakes gets my birthday presents, apparently.
Do you really like Tom Morton?
I used to. I've heard Tom Waits, Gillian Welch, Ivor Cutler, Michael Marra(to name but a few)over the years but absolutely nothing like that for a long time.
For those not familiar with Tom, this is BBC Radio Scotland between 2 and 4 pm. ie National daytime radio!
I rarely listen now...apart from when I pick my son up from school. This gives me a window of about 15 mins before and after the 3 o clock news. I don't think I've managed to last 3 songs before switching off or to CD.
Panic On The Radio - The Feeling - Scouting For Girls???? No fucking thanks!
I remember a few years back Tom proudly saying that we'd never hear Chris De Burg and the likes on his show. Well, I'd rather listen to some of his stuff than anything I've heard from these 3 above. The bollox chat used to be good though...a bit like on here sometimes.
I like Janice Forsyth too.
Yes!
I assume he was responsible for me receiving The Gaslight Anthem last year. Rather good. I like the craik but generally only listen if I'm in the car.
I assume you're familiar with Iain Anderson?
Folk/blues/country/singer songwriter...roots music.
It's on for a couple of hours 4 or 5 nights a week. Unfortunately it starts at 10.30pm. I used to listen often but these days that's too late...thankfully there's the iPlayer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland/presenters/iain_anderson/
Yes but
until I read your post I had no idea that he was that Iain Andreson, of Froots fame.
The pleasure of the discovery outweighs the embarrassment...
I don't think they're the same person.
The one on the radio used to be a sports journalist if I remember correctly. Rugby Union...Glasgow Herald, but I may be wrong. My memory isn't what it was.
Also, he used to have the afternoon slot before Tom Morton got it....
....I think...hehe!
Confusion ahoy!
I mistook your list for his CV rather than a description of what he plays...
Now I'm embarrassed and disappointed:-)
Playlist
I get the feeling Tom don't pick all his own music no more. Used to be ace - now rather cack.
Don letts
He's the man!
The Don
Yes, forgot to mention him, greatly enjoying his Culture Clash when late in on Sats. As he says, he doesn't just play dub, but frankly it's great when he does as there isn't enough to be heard on Beeb.
Danny Baker
DB would have to be in my fantasy line-up and Adam and Joe also.
Radcliffe and Maconie for sure, Mike Selvey for cricket commentators and John Humphreys for tearing some new ones for any politicians.
How could I forget Danny Baker?
Agree whole heartedly
Danny Baker all day long
baker's love of language, anecdote, history and his belief in people would have me sat raptured for hours
I find there are times when
he goes on a bit & I'd like him to shut up & let the guest speak.
Adam and Joe
Of course they are lovely but are they, strictly speaking, DJs?
Billy Reeves
on Nostalgia of the Future is the current flavour of the month
I thought the answer
I assumed that the answer to this question is Gideon Coe. Have I missed something?
Jo Whiley didn't get a "shoeing"
Jo Whiley didn't get a "shoeing". She was discussed. Mostly pretty calmly and rationally. Some people like her; others find her a bit annoying. That's the deal if you present telly and radio shows. And I think for even the most tolerant fair-minded viewer/ listener there's always someone who just gets on your wick, maybe for no good reason. For me it used to be Cliff Morgan.
Shoeing - a clarification
My apologies if the use of "shoeing" offends it wasn't meant to imply she was unfairly judged merely the general feeling was in the negative. As an aside I recently went to see Mark Radcliffe doing a show promoting his new book & album (both of which are rather good). He was taking questions from the audience and the inevitable move to 6 Music / replacement on R2 by Jo Whiley question was asked. When Radcliffe, sensing that the audience was in the negative Whiley camp asked "Don't you like Jo?" seemed a little bemused himself and added "But she's lovely" after a resounding "No!". In some respects I was a little surprised myself by the negativity towards her. Admittedly she never made my fantasy list but even so there are more annoying and false presenters than her. (Im thinking you Richard Bacon!)
No apology necessary, or offence taken
No apology necessary, or offence taken but thanks all the same. If you post opinions you should accept that they will be disagreed with, though I don't think my Jo Whiley post was "vitriolic" or "sexist", as others do. Interesting too, MR's reaction to his "fans" giving JFW stick.
Radio must be a funny old game to work in. Like most work environments it'll be brimming with tensions and personality clashes and sharp-elbowed ambition and all that, but also with genuine friendships. Colleagues double up as rivals in many workplaces but it's particularly stark in radio. Anyone who lands a slot is, more of often than not, replacing someone who's peeved about having lost it. Not to mention an audience which wasn't baying for change and resents the newcomer (and audiences, me included, get very, very attached to radio shows they like). I imagine someone like Mark Radcliffe has found himself in that position a few times: inheriting a slot and an audience who resent his presence because they like what went before and giving him a rather ungenerous helping of shrift. So, as well as presumably knowing and liking Jo Whiley, he presumably sympathises with her situation.
Glad you're not offended.
This is my first blog, would hate to upset anyone first time out!
Ken Bruce.
Likes his music. And his producer, Gary Bones, is a sucker for obscure one-off early 80's tunes.
Simon Mayo, Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie, obviously.
I'd also go for Richard Allinson. A complete spod, despite the Comfy Slippers reputation.
Nicky Horne as well. We all love Planet Rock, don't we?
Ken Bruce?
The Scottish-Schmoossmeister of meaningless inanity? The one who makes Wogan sound vaguely human? Christ...
I always have loved Annie Nightingale's shows - she introduced me to decent music than anyone else - at least until I discovered the great Mike Sparrow on Radio London's 'Breakthrough' Lovely bloke too by all accounts.
Peel? Read his auto-biography and you come away feeling that here was a massively self-absorbed man with a rather shocking attitude towards women - and one who got so lumbered with his own reputation that by the end he'd turned into a parody of himself...
I love the Bruce.
His auto-biography is the most boring book I've ever read. Nothing happens except he gets a job on the radio which I was already aware of.
You won't have heard of her but...
...Cherrie McIlwaine is an oasis of unassuming, knowledgeable, music-supporting sublimity at BBC Radio Ulster.
Since time immemorial she has had a late night show three nights a week and - to my shame - I only rarely get to hear it. But she has the most beautiful, soothing voice on radio, period, and plays the kind of soft rock, Americana, songwritery '70s-till-now late-night music that Word alumni would love. (I've no idea if she's available on iplayer or whatever outside of NI.)
Other people at Radio Ulster are full of bluster, self-importance and big-fish/small-pond careerism but they're just so much hot air and crassness next to Cherrie - she'll outlast them all. And yet one day, inevitably, she will not be there any more. And more people than probably imagine it will realise what they're missing when she's gone.
Also
Ralph McLean on Radio Ulster, brilliant.
On RTE: John Kelly. Can disappear up his own fundament with eclectic programming, but definitely worth catching on the internet.
In addition to
the many excellent suggestions above, I'd like to put a vote in for Cerys Matthews' show on 6 Music on a Sunday morning. There's something about her accent and the variety of music she plays that make the whole thing perfect Sunday morning listening.
Oh, and Bob Harris, natch even though I'm no country music fan.
Mark Lamarr
A marmite-type of presenter on TV, the only DJ I've listened to for donkey's years on the radio apart from Brian Matthew.
Frankly, who needs DJs?
No-one *needs* DJs
But good ones add knowledge and entertainment to the music. Don't they?
Then you get radio stations that just play music back-to-back and keep enthusiastic voices away from their focus grouped tedium. Someone else's MP3 player with adverts. In these days of downloads, I don't get what need is being served there.
on the way home this week
I have been mostly listening to 6 Music. But that's only because I had a hire car with a DAB radio. Must get one in mine. I am glued to 6Music on a Sunday.
I have the same problem as the OP. Radio choice in the Midlands is dire - Beacon, BRMB and Mercia are effectively the same station. Kerrang gives me a headachace. Capital is...unlistenable. Smooth sends me to sleep which is never a good idea on the M6.
Mornings are easy. It has to be Chris Evans. And occasionally Calassid FM now it's a Bates free station.
I do listen to the unintentionally hilarious Paul Franks on BBC WM (or Radio Birmingham) as it should be called)who is either the inspiration for or pinched his presentational style from Alan Patridge.
On nearing Wolverhampton I tend to listen to WCR FM 101.8. Sometimes its comically too local and worthy but they do try to offer something different. The music is entirely unpredicatable. One show had Al Bowlly followed by Wigwam (the Finnish variant). How good is that? Trevor French's 10pm Friday night show is excellent.
Fantasy show? Hmm.. Bob Harris, Stuart Maconie, Trev French, Jarvis Cocker, Guy Garvey, Jonnie Walker, Mike Harding, Genevieve Tudor.
6 Music on a Sunday
Agree about brilliant Sunday schedule (until mid-eve slump if the mix provider is second-rate). A wet Sunday holds no terrors for me now, genuinely feel slightly deprived at going out and missing, for example, the Freak Zone. Jarvis's various subs have mostly lived up to the master as well. Occasionally he has a dull guest (that guy plugging his book on over-use of music from the past - a good idea for an article but a book?? - for example), but still nice to hear a loose confabulation of ideas and music like that. Where else would that happen?
Some of those The First Time interviews that Matt Everett did were really illuminating as well (though he struggled with Debbie Harry. Basically she's a singer, she's not got anything to say).
Jarvis Sunday Service Freakzone
Perfect hangover shows. For me, anyway.
Bob Harris
Have to say that I am a big fan of Bob Harris and I also enjoy Johnnie Walker.
Listening to a lot of country music lately and enjoying Ralph McLean's show on BBC Belfast, Another Country with Ricky Ross on BBC Radio Scotland and also Alan Watkiss on BBC Radio Sheffield
As for Blues listening which is another favourite I normally listen to podcasts but thats for another topic LOL
Peter Young
on saturday afternoons on Jazz FM is great. He plays stuff you rarely hear elswhere - proper R&B and rock n roll / soul crossover stuff. Clive R on Solar Radio is also good in that respect.
The Governor
Gideon Coe 6music mon-thurs 9PM-Midnight
Gilles Peterson
Gilles is a great DJ if you like your music jazz, hip hop, urban flavoured. Check out his excellent Gil Scott-Heron tribute mix on Soundcloud :
http://soundcloud.com/gillespeterson/gil-scott-heron-tribute-mix-by
Unlike all too many DJs he actually knows what he's talking about.
And, of course, Danny Baker who floats above them all.
John Peel
God, I miss him.
DJs
Since Mark Lamarf finished there are only three DJs I regularly listen to (and only two of them play new music).
The first and best is Sean Rowley on BBC Radio Kent. It's classic late night radio, with guest themed mixes and a leaning towards alt.country, weird covers and things that sound a bit like the Beach Boys. Give him a try: he's a real enthusiast who trawls the blogs for new sounds and doesn't try too hard.
My next fabourite is Rob Da Bank whose Radio 1 shows mirror the cheerful eclecticism of his Bestival lineups. He too plays music so new that it gets picked up and signed many months later. Good sessions, too.
My only other regular is James Addyman'sDown In The Grooves on BBC Radio Leeds. This is a crate-digger's curate's egg, which knocks Craig Charles into a cocked hat. He ays funky music from the 50s to 70s from around the world. He's on something of an African tip at the moment. Brilliantly informed, he's exactly what the Beeb should be encouraging.
Two out of three
I also love the Sean Rowley & Rob Da Bank shows. Will definitely check out the third one, which I never heard (or, indeed, heard of) as we clearly like the same things.
Thanks.
Yes!
Listening to Down In The Grooves now: excellent stuff, so glad you told me about it. Many thanks.
Thanks also to jazzjet for reminding me about Gilles Peterson: his programme now subscribed to and downloaded for pod use.
Excellent.
DLT
I'd recommend him to anyone. Burns the candle at both ends. Knows his way around a pipe and likes mid-70s rock. Criminally underrated.
Ah, how quickly they forget
Surprised that no-one has mentioned Bob Dylan.
Russell Davies
A show I've always really liked is Russell Davies' show on Radio 2. His speciality is "popular songs and songwriters", mainly from the pre-rock'n'roll era, so it's light jazz, crooners, "easy listening" I suppose you'd call it. He plays the music and tells stories about the songs and the composers etc. Really informative and entertaining if you're at all interested in anything long those lines. ("niche", I admit, for the readers of a rock magazine). It used to be on for two hours on a Sunday afternoon but unfortunately has been shunted to Sunday 9-10pm which for me is usually "Vegging-Out In-Front Of-The-Telly O'Clock" so I don't listen to it as often as i used to. I'd recommend it though. And there's always the i-player.
Bath time
I agree, a good show and I miss it on Sunday afternoons. I used to often have my Sunday night bath (I do bath at other times, but this is the bubbles, wine and candles one) while listening to it.
But the transistor has broken and I've not yet replaced it.
A local boy
Bob Fischer up on BBC Tees. Likes and supports his local music, has a nice eclectic taste and doesn't take himself very seriously. If he has guests in it always sounds comfortable and relaxed, and listening feels like you're in the room with the conversation. a little gem of a show, actually.
Agree with lots of the national ones: Jarvis, Collins, Baker, Coe and several others. Noticeably evening people though. daytime nationally is a bit grim overall.
Mark Lamarr and Gilles Peterson
If they got a 6 Music slot each my radio-listening life would be complete. Then all I'd have to do is get some actual time for radio listening.
Dangerous..
..Desmond Carrington. He gives you a warm glow in the pit of your stomach.
One man..
Kershaw.
Introduced me to more new music than any person, magazine or website combined.
His autobiog is just out too. Anyone read it?
A word for the late Charlie Gillett
How effing brilliant was he? I was like a child at Christmas waiting for his weekly World Service show when I was living in Foreign.
So for the OP, I can only recommend his compilation albums, "World [insert year here]". Think they started in about 2004...
Right...
Harris, Lamarr, Baker, Gillett, Garvey, Cocker, Matthews, Morgan, Maconie (FZ), Coe, Kershaw A, Verity Sharp, and why not... Kirsty Young?
A word of thanks
I have tried out some of the suggestions raised - the national ones anyway. Absolute seems to win in the car (especially as there is now bloody golf on 5Live) and 6Music in the house - especially gideon coe. If you are a bit of a radio geek like me then you might want to have a look at "radio head" by john osbourne. Get it out of the library if you can rather than buybecause its a holiday type read, not heavy but not too light but the theme is the author is in a crap job so listens to a new radio station each day.
WHERE WOULD HE BE?
If he hadn't passed away in 1987, where would the great Roger Scott be now?