I often bemoan the somwhat predicatable line-up of “Later…” and lack of a decent, dedicated new music TV show (Festival footage doesn’t count). I was interested to see a pilot broadcast of a proposed new pop TV show appear on iPlayer. It has the somewhat unpromising title ‘All Shook Up’ but apart from that I thought it was alright actually. It’s as no-frills as you can get, with an obvious huge nod to Whistle Test..no set dressing, wires trailing everywhere, no fancy lighting or video effects and a suitably deadpan Marc Riley in the ‘Whispering’ role.
It’s nice actually just to watch some bands play in the Whistle Test style. Just 30 minutes with three pasty-faced new(ish) bands all of whom look somewhat undernourished under the cold studio glare. They all play a couple of songs each. No festival flag waving gurning tossers getting in the way, no over-excited presenters saying the word ‘amazing’ every 3 seconds, no unnecessary boogie-woogie vamping from Jools. I can’t believe a show like this would cost much to make, and I’d be quite happy with this – 3 new bands each week, point a camera at them, introduce the bands, roll credits. Job done.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p02m698z/all-shook-up-pilot-episode
I would certainly watch it. But “All Shook Up” as a title is terrible.
“In Session” would be a nod to Mr Peel – “tonight In Session we have …”
or Nozin’ Aroun’
or possibly with a further nod it could be titled ‘TMFTL’ .
Crikey, I’ve heard of those three.
Slug are a Field Music spin-off.
I was playing the LoneLady CD yesterday. Imagine Madonna had signed to Factory after her Hacienda debut.
We had The Wave Pictures to play yonks ago.
I’m 45, you know, sonny.
As a reasonably avid listener to Marc Riley’s 6 Music show I’m slightly embarrassed that I only stumbled across this by chance. I thought it was admirably no-nonsense, though Marc was clearly out of his comfort zone and a bit of banter with the groups might have helped the vibes. Amazed at how neat and nerdy Slug look, and delighted to see The Wave Pictures on telly (sort of) – David Tattersall is one monster guitar player and he doesn’t even use pedals! Really hope this gets picked up as a series as Jools could do with some lower-rent competition.
Just like being at a sound check. I shall copyright that show title straight away.
Marc Riley is hardly Jools Holland. Thank goodness.
Interesting. Marc Riley looks a bit like Pete Townshend. Didn’t like any of the indie landfill bands but I like the idea.
Such a simple idea but I like it. I forgot to mention also that the bands were issued with badges to wear which I think OGWT used to do as well didn’t they? Nice touch.
I guess if you like the show, share it and get people to watch it…presumably the amount of interest it generates will determine if it gets a series
There was only one episode of this. Shame.
Never seen this before!
Was it from the early 90’s?
Edit above statement.
It’s 1993 as I’ve just seen the credits.
Cud – now there’s a band that typifies the era
I particularly enjoyed The Erasure Story.
Martine McCutcheon at 15:00 mark. Phwoar! I love the end of Milan’s bit with Vic And Bob. Sleazy sods.
Good call, DrV!
Downloaded it to my phone & watched it on the train – maybe online is the way to go for this sort of programme?
Enjoyed the format & the bands, though made me nostalgic for being the same age as the acts. Are “today’s youth” still up for this sort of stuff? There’s hope for them yet.
I guess it might not be fast paced enough for some of ‘the kids’ and I suspect all the bands have a bit of crossover appeal for an older music fan/6 music listener who is still interested in ‘new’like what I am.
I believe the pilot has three more episodes so will see how this pans out.
A good title might be Bring Back National Service……..
Watched it last night. Enjoyed it all. Didn’t think Landfill Indie applies to any of the acts.
I knew the Slug album was coming out but I’m not enough of a fan of Field Music’s proggier side to purchase unheard. Think I might buy it now.
Lonelady I’d already ordered Hinterland as I enjoyed her last one.
The Wave Pictures I’ll be sure to book, or at least see, again.
Looking forward to the next episode.
Trivia alert.
Marc Riley is a very keen whale watcher.
As you were.
I liked the no-frills format, but the music did very little for me, with the exception of Lonelady’s closing track, which was ace. I suppose it’s horses for courses, but I think me and The Wave Pictures have a very different understanding of what the whole *point* is. Three unbrushed herberts in cardies and cords who look like they’ve just knocked off a shift at Maplin selling ethernet cables, and apparently believe being able to play quite fast is a substitute for a tune, because tune came there none. I bet he’s really proud that he doesn’t use pedals, which tells you everything you need to know.
Slug looked ace, but again, not really really my thing. I liked their matching pair, though.
New one on the iPlayer now. Jane Weaver, who is as good live as on record, Wire and Monotony. I like it.