X FACTORY v SICKLY DUMB DANCING.
X factor has lost several million viewers because it has lost it's ability to entertain all ages. The judges are beginning to lose control of their comments as the media pound the show for it's repetition and backstory built-up scandals and intrigues. The media love kicking a donkey when it's on the way down but the programming hasn't helped. For the first time I am not really interested in who's going to sing next. There are a couple of singers I watch perform their songs but most of the time my finger is on the fast-forward button and then on Sunday I pick up the last fifteen minutes. What else do you need ? If it wasn't for the fact that I am involved in radio I doubt if I would bother watching it at all. Bringing back Simon Cowell would be a good move at this moment but we all know he is hoping the American decline in the ratings of the American version of the show means he must stay on the panel there.
Strickly manages to entertain through Amateur and professional dancers performing in Glitzy surroundings and over-the top judges who know what they're talking about. We want to hear what they say and the way they say it. There's sometimes a little controvesy, sometimes a few mistakes,often some bad jokes, and often some very enjoyable dancing, and with a tighter Sunday show often with a guest singer it is definitely winning the ratings contest. If this continues Mr Cowell will have to make a few changes; if not next year then immeadiately. It needs a few injections of blood to keep it warm!
THE COLIN HOLMES EASY LISTENING SHOW. TUESDAY NIGHTS 8-10PM.
MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS. SUNDAY AFTERNOONS 2-4PM.
TUDNOFM 107.8
ONLINE AT TUDNOFM.CO.UK AND CLICK ON THE LINK.
Wednesday 26 October 2011
Tuesday 25 October 2011
COLIN HOLMES EASY LISTENING SHOW...THE MICHEAL BUBLE NEW CHRISTMAS ALBUM !
Not quite as adventurous as hoped for but still a superb album.The orchestrations and choral backing are wonderful and the guests...the Puppini sisters,and Shania Twain are welcome additions to the festive songs. Standouts are HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS,CHRISTMAS BABY WON'T YOU PLEASE COME HOME,AVE MARIA,FELIZ NAVIDAD(especially good) and one new song COLD DECEMBER NIGHT.There are fifteen tracks on the CD running almost the hour so extrememly good value even if a few of the tracks have been released before. I suppose I expect more and was even considering only four stars, but there are Christmas plums in the vocals and as I listen more I know I will appreciate this album than so many other Christmas releases.
TUDNOFM 107.8 OR ONLINE AT TUDNOFM.CO.UK
TUDNOFM 107.8 OR ONLINE AT TUDNOFM.CO.UK
Wednesday 19 October 2011
SICKLY COME DANCING v THE X FACTORY..COLIN HOLMES EASY LISTENING SHOW.
Next week on the show I will be playing tracks from the new MICHEAL BUBLE christmas album as well as any other new easy listening CDs. Next Tuesday 8-10pm on TUDNOFM 107.8 or online at TUDNOFM.CO.UK and click on the link to listen live.
SICKLY COME DANCING V THE X FACTORY.
Last weekend here they go again slightly overlapping programme schedules just for the fun of it. You have to record one....the one with the interminable adverts.Sickly is still a bit long but wins by more that a whiska for entertainment. Russell Grant is good value as is Jason Donovan and Mrs Dolally was in fine footstomping form with Anton De Beque who seems to never stop talking or muttering whenever anyone speaks to him. Perhaps she's making an impression on him.....perhaps not. The judges are getting a bit extreme with only Alisha Dixon talking sense. Bruno is a mad camp Italian; Revel Horwood is a bitchy camp Australian leaving only Len Goodman who is VERY British some times. For the first time he let Brendon with LULu off for a lift which is against the rules. That's a first for Len obviously mellowing from that travesty of a programme he does in America. Len's the name..popularity is the game.
The X factory was more of a bore as you realized there was nothing really to look forward to just a rehash of previous years and on Sunday it is only the guest artists you wish to watch. Slightly mad Kitty gives you some hope but otherwise not interesting. The Judges have fallen into the Simon Cowell laws and the cliches are so frequent you almost wish someone would say I thought you were bloody awful....and I have to tell you many on them were.
SICKLY COME DANCING V THE X FACTORY.
Last weekend here they go again slightly overlapping programme schedules just for the fun of it. You have to record one....the one with the interminable adverts.Sickly is still a bit long but wins by more that a whiska for entertainment. Russell Grant is good value as is Jason Donovan and Mrs Dolally was in fine footstomping form with Anton De Beque who seems to never stop talking or muttering whenever anyone speaks to him. Perhaps she's making an impression on him.....perhaps not. The judges are getting a bit extreme with only Alisha Dixon talking sense. Bruno is a mad camp Italian; Revel Horwood is a bitchy camp Australian leaving only Len Goodman who is VERY British some times. For the first time he let Brendon with LULu off for a lift which is against the rules. That's a first for Len obviously mellowing from that travesty of a programme he does in America. Len's the name..popularity is the game.
The X factory was more of a bore as you realized there was nothing really to look forward to just a rehash of previous years and on Sunday it is only the guest artists you wish to watch. Slightly mad Kitty gives you some hope but otherwise not interesting. The Judges have fallen into the Simon Cowell laws and the cliches are so frequent you almost wish someone would say I thought you were bloody awful....and I have to tell you many on them were.
Sunday 16 October 2011
TOP TWENTY AMATUER MUSICAL CHOICES BY UNITED KINGDOM ON COLIN HOLMES MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS.
THE TOP TWENTY AMATEUR MUSICALS.
1...SOUND OF MUSIC.
2...HALF A SIXPENCE ( NEW VERSION)
3...JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.
4...THE PRODUCERS.
5...GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS.
6...GUYS AND DOLLS.
7...OLIVER.
8...ME AND MY GIRL.
9...OUR HOUSE.
10..BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.
11..RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET.
12..HOT MIKADO.
13..FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.
14..CALAMITY JANE.
15..ANNIE.
16..OKLAHOMA.
17..LE CAGE AU FOLLE.
18..THE FULL MONTY.
19..CAROUSEL.
20..THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
21..ACORN ANTIQUES.
With many new Youth societies coming into the Amateur musical market shows like OUR HOUSE and RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET are emerging as popular choices for youngsters to perform well. This has caused shows like MY FAIR LADY and THE KING AND I to disappear this year and into 2012. The SOUND OF MUSIC has ,however, topped the charts for popularity so it still seems to have that hold over audiences which Amateur societies recognise although I understand it has only just been re -released after the professional tour. THE PRODUCERS , a difficult show to put on, is this year well placed showing that a COMEDY musical is always greatly appreciated even if it has costume and choreography problems.
1...SOUND OF MUSIC.
2...HALF A SIXPENCE ( NEW VERSION)
3...JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.
4...THE PRODUCERS.
5...GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS.
6...GUYS AND DOLLS.
7...OLIVER.
8...ME AND MY GIRL.
9...OUR HOUSE.
10..BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.
11..RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET.
12..HOT MIKADO.
13..FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.
14..CALAMITY JANE.
15..ANNIE.
16..OKLAHOMA.
17..LE CAGE AU FOLLE.
18..THE FULL MONTY.
19..CAROUSEL.
20..THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
21..ACORN ANTIQUES.
With many new Youth societies coming into the Amateur musical market shows like OUR HOUSE and RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET are emerging as popular choices for youngsters to perform well. This has caused shows like MY FAIR LADY and THE KING AND I to disappear this year and into 2012. The SOUND OF MUSIC has ,however, topped the charts for popularity so it still seems to have that hold over audiences which Amateur societies recognise although I understand it has only just been re -released after the professional tour. THE PRODUCERS , a difficult show to put on, is this year well placed showing that a COMEDY musical is always greatly appreciated even if it has costume and choreography problems.
Tuesday 11 October 2011
STRICTLY DUMB DANCING v THE eXcess FACTOR ON COLIN HOLMES EASY LISTENING SHOW. +CARO EMERALD.
DELETED SCENE FROM THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR...CARO EMERALD.
A popular album that's been in the charts for several months which fits into the easy listening sector with no problems.I will be playing some tracks from this album tonight on my show including the hit.A NIGHT LIKE THIS . Pleasant singing of new material in a laid-back way Caro has made an attractive CD. Some tracks have a latin feel but I would have appreciated her take on some standard or well known material. Listening to the album through can sound a little samey. One of those CDs that are popular but a good follow-up is essential. ***.
STRICTLY DUMB DANCING.
Last Saturdays show was high camp,poor Brucie jokes, tedious back story and an obvious three celebrities in trouble.There is an American version of this on some channel with Len and Bruno which is even more tedious and somehow...less exciting.Britain does in bigger with more of an event feel.....some would say non-event. Edwina was out with the public vote (surprise surprise) but then her dance was static and short with some table paraphinalia going on. The Sunday show really is poor as much as they try to hype up the ending and losing finalist. We had Will Young as guest singing artist. Why do the new young men try to sing in a key way above middle C with simpering resonance that appalls me. Joe McElderry's last single before CD CLASSIC called Ambition started off in a key no soprano has ever heard of.....but back to strictly.....It's all costumes and sound-bite judges and melodramatic professional dancers that one longs for the fast-forward on so many occasions. Is it better entertainment that The EXCESS FACTOR. Yes by a whisker.
THE eXcess FACTOR.
Apart from Matt Cardle it was Kareoke with as many dancers as they could stuff on the stage. Can we have a week with no dancers;I always feel they are there to distract us from the limitaions of the individual performers. Sadly the judges are keeping up with the usual cliches ( especially Louie. I could write his script) but I was amused when Gary Barlow bullied Louis into making sure he kept the singers in his last three....Oh yes....Simon Cowell and his twists.....He made the judges reject one of their choices immeadiately in the first show giving us four times the drama and tears. We are re-treading a familiar pattern and for interest there is an edgy prima donna, a too confident black prima donna,a high voiced singer who brushes his hair over his face wearing painted on brown trousers, another high-voiced camp singer, two groups of innifectual boy bands,and others I have forgotten. The only good thing about both of these high profile programmes (Strictly the other) as the weeks go by and the performers are voted off the length of the shows gets smaller, but I wouldn't bet on it. The BBC are bring us "THE VOICE" in the near future. I do hope they learn something from the programmes they are seeing now which sadly I would describe as "old hat". I know they are the highest ratings on TV but there's only one way to go now!
A popular album that's been in the charts for several months which fits into the easy listening sector with no problems.I will be playing some tracks from this album tonight on my show including the hit.A NIGHT LIKE THIS . Pleasant singing of new material in a laid-back way Caro has made an attractive CD. Some tracks have a latin feel but I would have appreciated her take on some standard or well known material. Listening to the album through can sound a little samey. One of those CDs that are popular but a good follow-up is essential. ***.
STRICTLY DUMB DANCING.
Last Saturdays show was high camp,poor Brucie jokes, tedious back story and an obvious three celebrities in trouble.There is an American version of this on some channel with Len and Bruno which is even more tedious and somehow...less exciting.Britain does in bigger with more of an event feel.....some would say non-event. Edwina was out with the public vote (surprise surprise) but then her dance was static and short with some table paraphinalia going on. The Sunday show really is poor as much as they try to hype up the ending and losing finalist. We had Will Young as guest singing artist. Why do the new young men try to sing in a key way above middle C with simpering resonance that appalls me. Joe McElderry's last single before CD CLASSIC called Ambition started off in a key no soprano has ever heard of.....but back to strictly.....It's all costumes and sound-bite judges and melodramatic professional dancers that one longs for the fast-forward on so many occasions. Is it better entertainment that The EXCESS FACTOR. Yes by a whisker.
THE eXcess FACTOR.
Apart from Matt Cardle it was Kareoke with as many dancers as they could stuff on the stage. Can we have a week with no dancers;I always feel they are there to distract us from the limitaions of the individual performers. Sadly the judges are keeping up with the usual cliches ( especially Louie. I could write his script) but I was amused when Gary Barlow bullied Louis into making sure he kept the singers in his last three....Oh yes....Simon Cowell and his twists.....He made the judges reject one of their choices immeadiately in the first show giving us four times the drama and tears. We are re-treading a familiar pattern and for interest there is an edgy prima donna, a too confident black prima donna,a high voiced singer who brushes his hair over his face wearing painted on brown trousers, another high-voiced camp singer, two groups of innifectual boy bands,and others I have forgotten. The only good thing about both of these high profile programmes (Strictly the other) as the weeks go by and the performers are voted off the length of the shows gets smaller, but I wouldn't bet on it. The BBC are bring us "THE VOICE" in the near future. I do hope they learn something from the programmes they are seeing now which sadly I would describe as "old hat". I know they are the highest ratings on TV but there's only one way to go now!
Sunday 9 October 2011
COLIN HOLMES MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS...RAGTIME...HOUSE OF FLOWERS.
RAGTIME.
Ragtime..THE MUSICAL..is a weighty tome of a CD. Written by Terence McNally with music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens it includes all the drama and inovations of early America. Because there is so much dialogue some of the songs get lost in music and words but as a whole piece it is momentous. The American Les Miz it could be, but because of a lack of great ballads it falls short of reaching high acclaim. ***.
HOUSE OF FLOWERS.
With a book and lyrics by Truman Capote and music by Harold Arlen this short -run musical should be something special and some of it is. Suffering a little from Sixties orchestrations and starring Pearl Bailey the CD does not allow the listener to follow any sort of plot except that The House of Flowers is a bordello for ladies of the night. That's all you need to know and Pearl Bailey and Dianne Carroll have all the plum songs between them. TWO LADIES IN DE SHADE OF DE BANANA TREE,I NEVER HAS SEEN SNOW,A SLEEPIN BEE,DON'T LIKE GOODBYES and there's a few exceteras. A Black Musical with a raunchy plot in the sixtes? No wonder it didn't run. There has been a revival CD but this is the one you need.***
MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS ON TUDNOFM 107.8 OR ONLINE AT TUDNOFM.CO.UK AND CLICK ON THE LINK TO LISTEN LIVE.
Ragtime..THE MUSICAL..is a weighty tome of a CD. Written by Terence McNally with music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens it includes all the drama and inovations of early America. Because there is so much dialogue some of the songs get lost in music and words but as a whole piece it is momentous. The American Les Miz it could be, but because of a lack of great ballads it falls short of reaching high acclaim. ***.
HOUSE OF FLOWERS.
With a book and lyrics by Truman Capote and music by Harold Arlen this short -run musical should be something special and some of it is. Suffering a little from Sixties orchestrations and starring Pearl Bailey the CD does not allow the listener to follow any sort of plot except that The House of Flowers is a bordello for ladies of the night. That's all you need to know and Pearl Bailey and Dianne Carroll have all the plum songs between them. TWO LADIES IN DE SHADE OF DE BANANA TREE,I NEVER HAS SEEN SNOW,A SLEEPIN BEE,DON'T LIKE GOODBYES and there's a few exceteras. A Black Musical with a raunchy plot in the sixtes? No wonder it didn't run. There has been a revival CD but this is the one you need.***
MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS ON TUDNOFM 107.8 OR ONLINE AT TUDNOFM.CO.UK AND CLICK ON THE LINK TO LISTEN LIVE.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
X FACTOR V STRICKLY COME DANCING..PLUS JANE MORGAN NEW RELEASE ON COLIN HOLMES EASY LISTENING SHOW.
NEW RELEASE BY JANE MORGAN....THE BALLADS OF LADY JANE/THE SECOND TIME AROUND.***
This is , of course , not a new album but a re release by Sepia of this incredibly warm singer who has had a lot of her old recordings out in the market over the last two years. This album is as pleasing as her previous efforts with many choice tracks to choose from. Their are some very dated in sound recordings but the gems are there....ROMANTICA,KISSES SWEETER THAN WINE,OUR LANGUAGE OF LOVE, I AM A HEART, MY FAVOURITE THINGS and more. The warm timbre of her voice and her choice of material remind me of a somewhat deep-voiced Vera Lynn and I find any album by Jane is worth a purchase but I have only awarded this album three stars because there are some fillers on it which were certainly not her best recordings.
STRICKLY v X FACTOR.
The big guns from the BBC and ITV started last weekend, and next weekend they both have 2 hour slots on peak viewing Saturday. Last week Strickly had all their performers onscreen over two days. Everythings the same including all participents claiming its the best line-up ever; Russell Grants an interesting performer,Anton DeBeque couldn't cope with a feather boa,Lulu got lost,Craig Revel Horwood slated most of them, Brucie was laughing at his own jokes, and Bruno Toenaily was well over the top......heard it all before? Oh yes, it hasn't changed much and,naturally it's on BBC2 every weekday 6.30pm with Zoe Ball being extra enthusiastic as she lets all participents waffle on about their hard rehearsals,upsets,and THE JOURNEY. Somehow it's entertaining but I'm not sure who it's aimed at. The early rounds are the best then it all gets a little tedious as we tread the same path again,.
The X factor proved it also isn't going to change very much as last weekend all the judges eeked heart warming compassion and tears out of the singers as they could muster. Still creating back story and now story titbits to fill the media column inches. We know the results. The groups will diminish first ( except the good looking young men) The oldies will be next ( except the good looking young men) the young lady singers will hang on and then the show will be won by a good looking young man. Who's spending their money voting ? Young ladies OF COURSE ! Let's hope THE JOURNEY is good TV.
This is , of course , not a new album but a re release by Sepia of this incredibly warm singer who has had a lot of her old recordings out in the market over the last two years. This album is as pleasing as her previous efforts with many choice tracks to choose from. Their are some very dated in sound recordings but the gems are there....ROMANTICA,KISSES SWEETER THAN WINE,OUR LANGUAGE OF LOVE, I AM A HEART, MY FAVOURITE THINGS and more. The warm timbre of her voice and her choice of material remind me of a somewhat deep-voiced Vera Lynn and I find any album by Jane is worth a purchase but I have only awarded this album three stars because there are some fillers on it which were certainly not her best recordings.
STRICKLY v X FACTOR.
The big guns from the BBC and ITV started last weekend, and next weekend they both have 2 hour slots on peak viewing Saturday. Last week Strickly had all their performers onscreen over two days. Everythings the same including all participents claiming its the best line-up ever; Russell Grants an interesting performer,Anton DeBeque couldn't cope with a feather boa,Lulu got lost,Craig Revel Horwood slated most of them, Brucie was laughing at his own jokes, and Bruno Toenaily was well over the top......heard it all before? Oh yes, it hasn't changed much and,naturally it's on BBC2 every weekday 6.30pm with Zoe Ball being extra enthusiastic as she lets all participents waffle on about their hard rehearsals,upsets,and THE JOURNEY. Somehow it's entertaining but I'm not sure who it's aimed at. The early rounds are the best then it all gets a little tedious as we tread the same path again,.
The X factor proved it also isn't going to change very much as last weekend all the judges eeked heart warming compassion and tears out of the singers as they could muster. Still creating back story and now story titbits to fill the media column inches. We know the results. The groups will diminish first ( except the good looking young men) The oldies will be next ( except the good looking young men) the young lady singers will hang on and then the show will be won by a good looking young man. Who's spending their money voting ? Young ladies OF COURSE ! Let's hope THE JOURNEY is good TV.
Sunday 2 October 2011
COLIN HOLMES MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS...TAKING YOUR CHILDREN TO A LONDON SHOW ?
TAKING YOUR CHILDREN TO A LONDON SHOW ? HERE'S SOME GOOD CHOICES.....
THE WIZARD OF OZ......Picturesque,well known story,familiar songs....Definitely suitable for 5-10 year olds. Nostalgia for adults. 7/10.
WE WILL ROCK YOU.....Weak story but who cares...all the QUEEN hits in one package producing great excitement from audiences. Suitable for 10-60 year olds.6/10.
MAMMA MIA......The songs have little to do with the plot but we knew that! The songs came first and again....the audience loves them. Best for 18-70 year olds.6/10.
JOSEPH.....Exasperating product that never seems to stop. 8-15 yearb olds.Adults have to suffer it again. 6/10.
WICKED......Everyone seems to love this quirky prequel to the Wizard of Oz mainly due to the highly entertaining music and songs. Book early as this is the most popular show in London ....8-75 year olds. 9/10.
HAIRSPRAY......Sixties and seventies songs that everybody likes. Easy to follow plot and likeable performances....12-60 year olds....7/10.
SHREK.....Film favourite for all offspring and once again need to book early before Christmas. Colourful,catchy musical with good sprinkling of laughs. Real family entertainment....8-75 year olds....7/10.
JERSEY BOYS....Interesting life story of the four seasons vocal group with many of their hits. Teenagers might like this but beware those who rap consistently.Old hat to them and can disgust. ...15-60 year olds....7/10.
MATILDA.....Not opened yet but well loved the last time it was on. If your kids loved the book they'll really love this....8-60 year olds....7/10.
I WILL BE LOOKING AT SHOWS RUNNING ON BROADWAY NEXT WEEK 9TH OCTOBER O0N TUDNOFM 107.8 OR ONLINE AT TUDNOFM.CO.UK AND CLICK ON THE LINK
THE WIZARD OF OZ......Picturesque,well known story,familiar songs....Definitely suitable for 5-10 year olds. Nostalgia for adults. 7/10.
WE WILL ROCK YOU.....Weak story but who cares...all the QUEEN hits in one package producing great excitement from audiences. Suitable for 10-60 year olds.6/10.
MAMMA MIA......The songs have little to do with the plot but we knew that! The songs came first and again....the audience loves them. Best for 18-70 year olds.6/10.
JOSEPH.....Exasperating product that never seems to stop. 8-15 yearb olds.Adults have to suffer it again. 6/10.
WICKED......Everyone seems to love this quirky prequel to the Wizard of Oz mainly due to the highly entertaining music and songs. Book early as this is the most popular show in London ....8-75 year olds. 9/10.
HAIRSPRAY......Sixties and seventies songs that everybody likes. Easy to follow plot and likeable performances....12-60 year olds....7/10.
SHREK.....Film favourite for all offspring and once again need to book early before Christmas. Colourful,catchy musical with good sprinkling of laughs. Real family entertainment....8-75 year olds....7/10.
JERSEY BOYS....Interesting life story of the four seasons vocal group with many of their hits. Teenagers might like this but beware those who rap consistently.Old hat to them and can disgust. ...15-60 year olds....7/10.
MATILDA.....Not opened yet but well loved the last time it was on. If your kids loved the book they'll really love this....8-60 year olds....7/10.
I WILL BE LOOKING AT SHOWS RUNNING ON BROADWAY NEXT WEEK 9TH OCTOBER O0N TUDNOFM 107.8 OR ONLINE AT TUDNOFM.CO.UK AND CLICK ON THE LINK
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