6 May 2010

The UK Con industry is thriving! Check this out:

“… Meanwhile, the BBC revealed on Friday that 6music has seen a 50% rise in online listeners in the last year, rising from 88,897 in March 2009 to 133,653 in March 2010, the biggest percentage growth for any of the broadcaster’s stations, boosted by the campaign to save the station from being axed. The Asian Network, which also faces closure, saw a 33% rise in online listeners in the same period, going from 31,494 to 41,978.”

Then check this out:

http://www.shakenstir.co.uk/index.php/features/bbc-cutbacks-the-truth/features/15455/

In short, while we initially criticised the BBC for closing 6 Music (and a number of other things) we then thought about it and posted the above… Like we said… Swindle! But there’s another even greater Con that’s been perpetrated on the British people, and it’s called an ELECTION, which takes place today up and down this bankrupt country. Take a look at the newstands (I have yet to) and I just bet that Mr Cameron is enjoying front page treatment as the one and only; the saviour of this once great country. I hope and pray that the British people at last use their own heads and hearts and vote for real change where it matters most - the election system, which currently makes a mockery of democracy and justice. First-Past-The-Post hasn’t worked for as long as I can remember (and I have a very good and long memory), and the two dominating parties have a vested interest in keeping it that way. Clegg of the Liberal Democrats, together with the Scottish and Welsh national parties plus the Greens see things very differently, and want a Proportional Representation Election System that reflects more accurately which party people vote for. Just think, no Iraq War, no bankrupt country - a coalition could have effectively vetoed policies that led to these dreadful disasters, and we’d be Greener! The BBC should also lower their heads in shame for treating important issues like this as something of a joke, while through confrontational interviewing techniques used have failed to get to the heart of what this REALLY election is all about. In the end I hope that the PR gurus and the BBC lose this election, and the British people will wake up, smell the coffee and vote for a fairer and better future… One final question… are musicians really paying to hear Seany of Drowned In Sound spout on about how to get on in the music industry? Mmmm…

On a more positive note we had two great Shake Revelations radio shows last night. JJ’s hour was dedicated to KISS, after we attended an incendiery (literally!) show in Liverpool the night before. My show was inspired by the recent greater awareness of Iceland’s music via work by Jonsi, Sigur Ros and  Hjaltalin, and previously Bjork of course. So after some research I put together a show about Iceland’s pop music featuring the above named acts together with Emiliana Torrini, Gusgus, Amiina, and Leaves. I have to admit I didn’t know about the logistics of Iceland and so was amazed to discover that the country is about the third of the size of the UK mainland, with a population of just 298,000 (UK is over 60 million)! It’s incredible to me that the music scene over there is so inventive, distinctive and thriving on a world stage. And, uniquely, how its music is so reflective of its ambience and people. 

30 April 2010

Went to the B.R.M.C. concert in Liverpool and was reminded why I love this band. The venue was packed and uncomfortably hot - I wondered if the old trick of turning the aircon down to sell more drinks had been programmed in for the night. The band has had its fair share of ups and downs but it was good to see Nick Jago (drums) back on board, and on top form. B.R.M.C. are one of the most uncompromising bands around with a strong musical bias towards the darker side of life. It was a thrilling, passionate and crafted performance of a virtually perfect set-list. But it also reminded me that BBC R1 and other major radio stations have so dramatically underestimated audiences by churning out the same, meaningless, cardboard cut-out music. Thank goodness for our Shake Sessions!