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There's Still Real Radio Let's talk about radio. Remember radio? But it isn't what it used to be, and most of the good radio I listen to these days isn't on the AM-FM radio. It's on the computer, on podcasts, or on my satellite radio. And it's some of the best music around. XM - High Standards (XM Channel 73) - 24/7 I can't afford both satellite services, so I picked the one from my hometown (and the one where I know people), XM. This used to be called "Frank's Place," but the licensing agreement with the Sinatra family ran out, and the Sinatras took the family name over to XM's competitor, where I think it's named "Siriusly Sinatra." Ha-ha. Get it? Jonathan Schwartz, long time fixture in New York - hosts on XM; mostly afternoon drive-time (at my east-coast location), and Sunday mornings, in a simulcast with his WNYC-FM program. Schwartz is a legend in New York- if you're into American Standards, and - I think if the stars are lined up correctly - will stop for a minute, and share the stories about the songs. That - for me - is worth the 13 bucks a month alone. I can rack 'em up on the iPod myself, but knowing more about the people who made the songs, and how they went together...well, that works for me. When Mr. Schwartz isn't hosting, it all sounds too automated. I can pick 'em as well for myself. A fair mix of new and older artists, leaning perhaps a little toward the classics. Subscribers to the radio service can also listen online. Non-radio subscribers can listen online for eight bucks a month. Radio Deluxe - Two Hours, syndicated, weekly Guitarist John Pizzarelli hosts, along with his actress-singer wife, Jessica Molaskey. This is a must-listen for me every week. 25 or 30 radio stations carry the program, but none are in my area. Not a problem, you can listen/download the program at Mr. Pizzarelli's website. Around a great mix of old and new standards, Mr. Pizzarelli and Ms. Molaskey engage in a couple of hours of what an old girlfriend used to call "witty repartee." Sort of a Sonny and Cher for thinking people. She plays straight to his corny jokes and sometimes spot-on impressions. Hell, they're funny even if you don't know the people he's impersonating. Guests often stop by - Keely Smith talked about how Frank Sinatra was a lousy kisser; Author Linda Dahl discussed her book, "Haunted Heart," the tragic biography of singer Susannah McCorkle. Produced by a veteran of this kind of radio, Don McCulloch - this one is a "don't miss" for me each week, and takes up most of my Monday-Tuesday commute time. Parkinson's Sunday Supplement - BBC Radio 2, Two Hours weekly The phrase I hear and see most often in trying to describe Michael Parkinson to those of us in the US who aren't familiar with him is, "he is the UK's Johnny Carson." He hosted a late-night variety program for years on BBC. He moved the TV program to Saturday nights on ITV and recently retired; but a two-hour radio program still airs on Sundays on BBC Radio Two, which is the mass-appeal adult station from BBC. This airs live from 11am until 1pm across Britain. The program itself includes a celebrity interview, and two guests from newspapers - to discuss the news of the (Sunday) morning, and upcoming movies, records, DVDs and broadcast programs. I don't find the interviews distracting, at all, even when the topic isn't exactly colonies-friendly, as when Mr. Parkinson (himself a sportswriter, among other careers) interviewed the biographer of the man who broke the color barrier in UK football (soccer). Mr. Parkinson has helped push along the careers of Michael Bublé, Jamie Cullum, and Clare Teal. He's currently on a Robin McKelle kick - I can't think of too many singers more worthy. As much of the credit goes to the producer of the program, Anthony Cherry, as to Parkinson himself. Constructing a program like this is not a one-person job. This is a top-notch production from BBC - but really, who would expect less?
XM "High Standards" -
"Radio Deluxe" -
"Parkinson's Sunday Supplement"
- Doug Boynton |
Pertinent Stuff:
Radio
Deluxe Website
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