paul shane pebble mill you've lost that loving feeling the whole song
Watch if you dare!
This is the whole act in all it's horrid entirety. The backing singers are terrible, the accompanying singer is terribly trying too hard amongst all this. Paul Shane gives us his version of the song, and you know what, he really looks like he's putting all his heart into it here. Nobody delivers BABEH-BABEH like he does, you can give him that.
I wonder how much you could pay him to sing Amy Grant's early 90's hit "Baby Baby"? I don't think there would be a single dry eye in the audience.
I always have a good laugh at this. So bad it's good! I was seriously compelled not to put this in my music genre, because I can imagine someone searching through the music section going "The Pogues..yep..Depeche Mode...yep...Jimmy Hendrix...yep...Paul Shane...no, just NO. It would've been too cruel to put it in the Comedy section, so here it is, in Light Entertainment, and anyhow, Paul Shane is a very versatile performer, in acting, Pantomine, singing and dancing.
You may know Paul Shane mostly as Ted Bovis in the 80's comedy sitcom "Hi-De-Hi". Damn, he's a good singer.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Brass Eye's Chris Morris, Clearly Taking the P*ss on Early Morning ITV Topical Discussion Show
The Time The Place, Chris Morris
This is the first edition of the Chat Shows genre, showing you classic and obscure clips from classic and obscure UK Chat Shows from the past. And we begin with a gem. Chris Morris, quite known as the presenter of faux-news programme "The Day Today" at the time of 1996, jostles with "The Time, The Place" presenter John Stapleton, calling himself Thurston Lowe, a supposed academic. The discussion topic is about "Are British Men Lousy Lovers?".
Morris, who clearly loves to give the system a good jolt, and takes a satrical take, perhaps drubbing the of so-called experts who turn up, on these type of shows, but a wonderful break from the norm. He gained much of a reputation, of fooling people and celebrities into believing in his projects, as seen in the future "Brass Eye". In his inane banter, he tells of how the Saxons serviced Roman women from Italy, the absurd notion that the Greek mythical creature The Minotaur, was also regarded as a four-legged breast by Brits...oh, just watch the whole clip!
"The Time, The Place" was ITV's answer to the BBC's "Kilroy" located in an early morning loke post-9am, 9.25am, say. The show ran from 1987 to 1998, while "Kilroy" steamed on until 2004. These type of shows now feel rather stuffy compared to the likes of "Vanessa" and "The Jeremy Kyle Show", but they did so at the time compared to US chat shows, with obvious comparisons to "The Jerry Springer Show". The shows itself could be interesting, but it lacked bite, otherwise it would've been on late-night TV, probably Channel 4, and some of the subjects felt rather drawn out.
This is the first edition of the Chat Shows genre, showing you classic and obscure clips from classic and obscure UK Chat Shows from the past. And we begin with a gem. Chris Morris, quite known as the presenter of faux-news programme "The Day Today" at the time of 1996, jostles with "The Time, The Place" presenter John Stapleton, calling himself Thurston Lowe, a supposed academic. The discussion topic is about "Are British Men Lousy Lovers?".
Morris, who clearly loves to give the system a good jolt, and takes a satrical take, perhaps drubbing the of so-called experts who turn up, on these type of shows, but a wonderful break from the norm. He gained much of a reputation, of fooling people and celebrities into believing in his projects, as seen in the future "Brass Eye". In his inane banter, he tells of how the Saxons serviced Roman women from Italy, the absurd notion that the Greek mythical creature The Minotaur, was also regarded as a four-legged breast by Brits...oh, just watch the whole clip!
"The Time, The Place" was ITV's answer to the BBC's "Kilroy" located in an early morning loke post-9am, 9.25am, say. The show ran from 1987 to 1998, while "Kilroy" steamed on until 2004. These type of shows now feel rather stuffy compared to the likes of "Vanessa" and "The Jeremy Kyle Show", but they did so at the time compared to US chat shows, with obvious comparisons to "The Jerry Springer Show". The shows itself could be interesting, but it lacked bite, otherwise it would've been on late-night TV, probably Channel 4, and some of the subjects felt rather drawn out.
HAAAAAAROLD! Not Steptoe, the Other One!
harold bishop drowns (neighbours)
One of the genuine sore moments for the Neighbours viewers in it's early days, was the mysterious dissappearance of loveable Harold Bishop (Ian Smith), when himself and wife Madge (Anne Charleston), who go visit the coast or "surf". Once Madge's back is turned, she can't see him anymore and that is left is his glasses washing up on the rocky shore, leaving the impression that he had drowned. I'm afraid this clip is really short, and just really the aftermath. Wish I could see a more extensive clip but, anyway, it seemed Harold was gone for good, but his body was never found. End up, he returns to Ramsay Street 5 years later with amnesia, and Harold lives on impressively, becoming one of the longest-running characters, after leaving the soap in 2009.
Australian soap "Neighbours" began on 18th March 1985, and was very nearly a goner 4 months later, but was picked up by another Australian TV channel "Network Ten", and not only that, the BBC picked it up in 1986, and the soap became a great success, focusing on the happening and goings-on of Australian family life in an almost perfect surburbia with the sort of hot weather, many Brits fantasise about, called Ramsay Street, in Erinsborough. Neighbours actually became a bigger hit in the UK than it did in it's native Australia. What was unusal about the BBC scheduling was, it was shown twice every weekday, first in the early afternoon after 1pm I think maybe 1.35pm, and then showed immedietely after CBBC in the early evening, to suit those coming home from work about 5.35pm. So the show wasn't terribly slumbered as a show for "students, the unemployed and housewives" like "This Morning". When some of the show's younger actors moved into the world of Pop in the late-80's, you know, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and erm..Craig McLachlan. Neighbours' influence was huge at that point, in 1989-1991.
One of the genuine sore moments for the Neighbours viewers in it's early days, was the mysterious dissappearance of loveable Harold Bishop (Ian Smith), when himself and wife Madge (Anne Charleston), who go visit the coast or "surf". Once Madge's back is turned, she can't see him anymore and that is left is his glasses washing up on the rocky shore, leaving the impression that he had drowned. I'm afraid this clip is really short, and just really the aftermath. Wish I could see a more extensive clip but, anyway, it seemed Harold was gone for good, but his body was never found. End up, he returns to Ramsay Street 5 years later with amnesia, and Harold lives on impressively, becoming one of the longest-running characters, after leaving the soap in 2009.
Australian soap "Neighbours" began on 18th March 1985, and was very nearly a goner 4 months later, but was picked up by another Australian TV channel "Network Ten", and not only that, the BBC picked it up in 1986, and the soap became a great success, focusing on the happening and goings-on of Australian family life in an almost perfect surburbia with the sort of hot weather, many Brits fantasise about, called Ramsay Street, in Erinsborough. Neighbours actually became a bigger hit in the UK than it did in it's native Australia. What was unusal about the BBC scheduling was, it was shown twice every weekday, first in the early afternoon after 1pm I think maybe 1.35pm, and then showed immedietely after CBBC in the early evening, to suit those coming home from work about 5.35pm. So the show wasn't terribly slumbered as a show for "students, the unemployed and housewives" like "This Morning". When some of the show's younger actors moved into the world of Pop in the late-80's, you know, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and erm..Craig McLachlan. Neighbours' influence was huge at that point, in 1989-1991.
Monday, 18 January 2010
Jim Fixes it for London School in 1983...
Culture Club Boy George on Jim'll Fix It
A very "enthusiastic" East Barnet School welcome the surprise offering of Boy "Is it a he? Is it a she?" George, lead singer of Culture Club thanks to Jimmy Saville of "Jim'll Fix It" Fame. The show that is always on the tongues of some retro-loving TV personalities of today, oh the joy. Not to mention the countless Jimmy Saville impressions throughout the 80's and 90's from the likes of Bobby Davro and others.
Anyway, back to the clip. The children are all looking rather despondent(maybe they were expecting "Cowboy George"? - A-Team in-joke there), but we can be assured for some it was shock, as highlighted in a comment below the video. Just double-click on the video to go to that particular youtube page. Meanwhile, the teachers are looking exhilarated as this was the year "Karma Chameleon" became one of the hottest hits of the 80's so far and became a Singles No.1 hit on both sides of the Atlantic for six weeks in UK, and three weeks in the US.
No Jimmy? Well, we'll be seeing more of "Jim'll Fix It" in our Light Entertainment genre, in the months to come.
Also, what I forgot to say was, back in the early 80's, it was a unique era where it was OK for men to wear make-up, and we're talking more than a little "manliner" like what you get today! The music culture of the early 80's, set Boy George as an icon for fad wave called "New Romanticism". A fashon sense that had an androgynous and creative - not clothing simply bought from big brand stores- and was laced with the new technology of synth/electro music that became mainstream. Boy George worked at "Blitz" nightclub that started it all off, along with boss Steve Strange. however, you say David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" music video started it all off.
A very "enthusiastic" East Barnet School welcome the surprise offering of Boy "Is it a he? Is it a she?" George, lead singer of Culture Club thanks to Jimmy Saville of "Jim'll Fix It" Fame. The show that is always on the tongues of some retro-loving TV personalities of today, oh the joy. Not to mention the countless Jimmy Saville impressions throughout the 80's and 90's from the likes of Bobby Davro and others.
Anyway, back to the clip. The children are all looking rather despondent(maybe they were expecting "Cowboy George"? - A-Team in-joke there), but we can be assured for some it was shock, as highlighted in a comment below the video. Just double-click on the video to go to that particular youtube page. Meanwhile, the teachers are looking exhilarated as this was the year "Karma Chameleon" became one of the hottest hits of the 80's so far and became a Singles No.1 hit on both sides of the Atlantic for six weeks in UK, and three weeks in the US.
No Jimmy? Well, we'll be seeing more of "Jim'll Fix It" in our Light Entertainment genre, in the months to come.
Also, what I forgot to say was, back in the early 80's, it was a unique era where it was OK for men to wear make-up, and we're talking more than a little "manliner" like what you get today! The music culture of the early 80's, set Boy George as an icon for fad wave called "New Romanticism". A fashon sense that had an androgynous and creative - not clothing simply bought from big brand stores- and was laced with the new technology of synth/electro music that became mainstream. Boy George worked at "Blitz" nightclub that started it all off, along with boss Steve Strange. however, you say David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" music video started it all off.
Gibberish Talkers Over-taken by the Lord of Gibberish Oliver Reed
Oliver Reed - After Dark original TV clip. Part 1
Ah, a classic, classic moment and episode from the very acquired taste that was "After Dark" on Channel 4. The infamous, drunken Oliver Reed, confusing and bemusing a gang of well-seasoned intellectuals discussing on the subject of "Do Men Have To Be Violent?". Can't understand a thing, but still entertaining. From 1991, funnily enough, the same year the TV series finished, the main controversy of this episode was Reed fondling and rolling on top of feminist Kate Millett, as well as swearing at various moments. Transmission of the episode stopped, as it was live TV. This is the sort of edgy stuff, Channel 4 should be doing again, drunken Oli Reed or none. Arts and culture back on live TV!
"After Dark" ran from 1987-1991, but has been revived several times as one-off's and then another series on the BBC in 2003, still courting controversy. It's always shown late-night, and it's hard to believe this type of programming was allowed to run for 3-4 hours on a Saturday night.
For most of this first initial run on Channel 4, from one end of the spectrum you had highly intellectual banter on Four, and then you had almost the polar opposite of "Hitman and Her" on ITV. I like both shows, so maybe that just says I have intelligence to "switch on" to the discussions at "After Dark" in halves, quarters, or fifths, but be eased in by the non-thinking "Hitman and Her"!
Ah, a classic, classic moment and episode from the very acquired taste that was "After Dark" on Channel 4. The infamous, drunken Oliver Reed, confusing and bemusing a gang of well-seasoned intellectuals discussing on the subject of "Do Men Have To Be Violent?". Can't understand a thing, but still entertaining. From 1991, funnily enough, the same year the TV series finished, the main controversy of this episode was Reed fondling and rolling on top of feminist Kate Millett, as well as swearing at various moments. Transmission of the episode stopped, as it was live TV. This is the sort of edgy stuff, Channel 4 should be doing again, drunken Oli Reed or none. Arts and culture back on live TV!
"After Dark" ran from 1987-1991, but has been revived several times as one-off's and then another series on the BBC in 2003, still courting controversy. It's always shown late-night, and it's hard to believe this type of programming was allowed to run for 3-4 hours on a Saturday night.
For most of this first initial run on Channel 4, from one end of the spectrum you had highly intellectual banter on Four, and then you had almost the polar opposite of "Hitman and Her" on ITV. I like both shows, so maybe that just says I have intelligence to "switch on" to the discussions at "After Dark" in halves, quarters, or fifths, but be eased in by the non-thinking "Hitman and Her"!
Learn to Chuck an Arra' with Cheeky Chappie Eric Bristow
Darts - The Crafty Cockney Way Part 1
Another youtube video from the world of darts, but this time a more meaty offer. "Darts - The Crafty Cockney Way" is presented by blonde-dyed Darts legend Eric Bristow (nicknamed the Crafty Cockney, yes). This is the first part of 5, of a full VHS introduction into playing Darts efficiently. It outlines the whole basics of the sport, with a male/female couple of unknown Darters demonstrating how to throw and balance your body. If you're not interested in that, there are some archive footage near the start, of Bristow winning his 5 World Embassy Tournament wins in 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985 and 1986, as well as some 1988 and 1989 coverage later on. Some soundbites from other darters like Jocky Wilson, Cliff Lazarenko and Paul Lim.
The programme itself, seems to be quite Americanised, I can just tell from that typical 80's background music and the graphics. Not forgetting the American voiceover, and there is a section about American Cricket. What is that? A mixture of Touchdowns and wickets? No, it's a completely unrelated Darts game popular in the States where you only use about half the board numbers (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), and roughly it's about trying to eliminate your opponent, by closing/shutting out the numbers and their trebles and singles. OK, let's not bore you about that, but it's a bare-back introduction to Darts with a few titbits of talking heads, and it's still a gem of a find in youtube terms.
Another youtube video from the world of darts, but this time a more meaty offer. "Darts - The Crafty Cockney Way" is presented by blonde-dyed Darts legend Eric Bristow (nicknamed the Crafty Cockney, yes). This is the first part of 5, of a full VHS introduction into playing Darts efficiently. It outlines the whole basics of the sport, with a male/female couple of unknown Darters demonstrating how to throw and balance your body. If you're not interested in that, there are some archive footage near the start, of Bristow winning his 5 World Embassy Tournament wins in 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985 and 1986, as well as some 1988 and 1989 coverage later on. Some soundbites from other darters like Jocky Wilson, Cliff Lazarenko and Paul Lim.
The programme itself, seems to be quite Americanised, I can just tell from that typical 80's background music and the graphics. Not forgetting the American voiceover, and there is a section about American Cricket. What is that? A mixture of Touchdowns and wickets? No, it's a completely unrelated Darts game popular in the States where you only use about half the board numbers (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), and roughly it's about trying to eliminate your opponent, by closing/shutting out the numbers and their trebles and singles. OK, let's not bore you about that, but it's a bare-back introduction to Darts with a few titbits of talking heads, and it's still a gem of a find in youtube terms.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
ITV Broadcasts It's First Nationwide Corporate Branding in 1989
ITV 1989 Generic Idents
Before 1989 on ITV, the various TV regions around the UK, broadcasted their own ident, such as you're Central, Yorkshire, Thames, London Weekend Television, Scottish & Grampian, broadcasted under their own names and idents. This is probably my favourite ITV look because I find it more boombastic, than it's more subtle and blander re-tunes in the late-90's and 2000's. Either that or I'm just old. It's the music I like the best and the graphic morphing at the beginning works well too. Some regions refused the corporate image such as The Channels, Ulster, Anglia and TVS, however, other regions outwith "The South" which already had strong branding like Grampian and Yorkshire, opted out of this generic approach gradually.
This is a rather long clip, but you really have to watch only the first 30 seconds, because it's really the same one over and over again, but with the "V" in ITV, in different colours, representing the various regions colours.
Before 1989 on ITV, the various TV regions around the UK, broadcasted their own ident, such as you're Central, Yorkshire, Thames, London Weekend Television, Scottish & Grampian, broadcasted under their own names and idents. This is probably my favourite ITV look because I find it more boombastic, than it's more subtle and blander re-tunes in the late-90's and 2000's. Either that or I'm just old. It's the music I like the best and the graphic morphing at the beginning works well too. Some regions refused the corporate image such as The Channels, Ulster, Anglia and TVS, however, other regions outwith "The South" which already had strong branding like Grampian and Yorkshire, opted out of this generic approach gradually.
This is a rather long clip, but you really have to watch only the first 30 seconds, because it's really the same one over and over again, but with the "V" in ITV, in different colours, representing the various regions colours.
Saturday, 16 January 2010
I Love the Way He Twists My Hand, as He Kisses it, it Reminds me of a Postman?
Whats my Line? BBC 1955
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUA7DzMEcHs
See the clip for further details, on that title. "What's My Line" was a simple but effective question-and-answer panel gameshow, where a line-up of various celebrities try to guess a member of the public's occupation. This format had sailed over the Atlantic from the USA, and appeared in the early TV days of the 1950's presented mainly by Eamonn Andrews from 1951-1963, and has spluttered back into life in every decade since then with re-visits, even in the 2000's. This clip is not a full episode but a pretty meaty section of the show. Enquiring the questions here, are, Isobel Barnett, Barbara Kelly, Gilbert Harding & David Nixon. Includes perfectly spoken english, it's a different age of course, such formal greetings are used such as "Good Evening" to the contestant, but that doesn't mean, all the proceedings are high brow!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUA7DzMEcHs
See the clip for further details, on that title. "What's My Line" was a simple but effective question-and-answer panel gameshow, where a line-up of various celebrities try to guess a member of the public's occupation. This format had sailed over the Atlantic from the USA, and appeared in the early TV days of the 1950's presented mainly by Eamonn Andrews from 1951-1963, and has spluttered back into life in every decade since then with re-visits, even in the 2000's. This clip is not a full episode but a pretty meaty section of the show. Enquiring the questions here, are, Isobel Barnett, Barbara Kelly, Gilbert Harding & David Nixon. Includes perfectly spoken english, it's a different age of course, such formal greetings are used such as "Good Evening" to the contestant, but that doesn't mean, all the proceedings are high brow!
Controversial Drama from the Seventies...
Bouquet Of Barbed Wire (1976)...short clip
Suggestive and disturbing 70's ITV drama here. There's a second short clip uploaded too. It's a family web of deceit, affair and possible incest. Father Peter Manson(Frank Finlay) is intensively jealous of his daughter Prue's boyfriend, whom he is obsessed by. Hence the steely stare of the father, to the boyfriend Gavin Sorenson(James Aubrey) at the window. Not an obvious saint himself, he perhaps has a right to be wary, as the boyfriend is bedding his disenchanted wife Cassie. So, all rather messy proceedings.
Based from the 1969 novel of the same name. A sequel was made a year later in 1977, entitled "Another Bouquet".
Suggestive and disturbing 70's ITV drama here. There's a second short clip uploaded too. It's a family web of deceit, affair and possible incest. Father Peter Manson(Frank Finlay) is intensively jealous of his daughter Prue's boyfriend, whom he is obsessed by. Hence the steely stare of the father, to the boyfriend Gavin Sorenson(James Aubrey) at the window. Not an obvious saint himself, he perhaps has a right to be wary, as the boyfriend is bedding his disenchanted wife Cassie. So, all rather messy proceedings.
Based from the 1969 novel of the same name. A sequel was made a year later in 1977, entitled "Another Bouquet".
Friday, 15 January 2010
2 Goliaths of the Cartoon World Meet, the Very Thought of it Will Send Trembles Down Your Spine: Bananaman vs. Appleman
Banana Man
A full episode, and I can provide more information on this, by saying (in smug mode) it's from 1984's Season 2, episode 3, entitled "Trouble At the Mill".
There quite alot of Bananaman episodes on Youtube. The more I watch, the more I appreciate that instrumental theme song. As regards to the best British cartoon theme songs, this has got to be up there with "Dangermouse". The theme is composed by Dave Cooke.
Bananaman was originally a comic strip for one of the lesser-known British comics called "Nutty". Created in 1980 by John Geering, "Bananaman was an anti-thesis to the USA's Marvel's serious God-like superheros like Batman, Superman, Spiderman etc, this was a jovial poking at the fun, as although Bananaman was extremely strong, he was also extremely thick and awkward in British eccentric kind of way, but somehow saving the day, but almost always giving Chief 'O Reilly grief. Unlike other superhero's, Bananaman, is just really as kid called "Eric Twinge" and whenever he eats a banana, well, you know the rest...
In this episode, Bananaman meets his arch-nemesis and suppoesed weight-lifting buddy Appleman. He doesn't feature much in the cartoon, and his south-west country accent, does bring him down a few notches as a worthwhile opponent. The main villains that feature the most are Dr. Gloom and General Blight. Blight is supposed to be a parody of Hitler, but it's Dr. Gloom who looks more Nazi-ish in my view. Plus they always seem to look like midgets.
The cartoon ran from 1983-1986, in a 5 minute format. The voice work is done by the comedy trio "The Goodies", at probably the tail-end of their career as a comedic force. This included Bill Oddie voicing Eric's/Bananaman pet "Crow", Chief 'O Reilly and Dr. Gloom. Bill also voices the worm in this episode. Fellow Goonies Graeme Garden voiced Bananaman and General Blight and Tim Brooke-Taylor voices Appleman here, as well as Eric.
Although the cartoon ended in 1986, it was re-runned well into the 1990's on CBBC, and it has featured in the Dandy comic since 1985. It still runs today, with new material and a new illustrationist.
A full episode, and I can provide more information on this, by saying (in smug mode) it's from 1984's Season 2, episode 3, entitled "Trouble At the Mill".
There quite alot of Bananaman episodes on Youtube. The more I watch, the more I appreciate that instrumental theme song. As regards to the best British cartoon theme songs, this has got to be up there with "Dangermouse". The theme is composed by Dave Cooke.
Bananaman was originally a comic strip for one of the lesser-known British comics called "Nutty". Created in 1980 by John Geering, "Bananaman was an anti-thesis to the USA's Marvel's serious God-like superheros like Batman, Superman, Spiderman etc, this was a jovial poking at the fun, as although Bananaman was extremely strong, he was also extremely thick and awkward in British eccentric kind of way, but somehow saving the day, but almost always giving Chief 'O Reilly grief. Unlike other superhero's, Bananaman, is just really as kid called "Eric Twinge" and whenever he eats a banana, well, you know the rest...
In this episode, Bananaman meets his arch-nemesis and suppoesed weight-lifting buddy Appleman. He doesn't feature much in the cartoon, and his south-west country accent, does bring him down a few notches as a worthwhile opponent. The main villains that feature the most are Dr. Gloom and General Blight. Blight is supposed to be a parody of Hitler, but it's Dr. Gloom who looks more Nazi-ish in my view. Plus they always seem to look like midgets.
The cartoon ran from 1983-1986, in a 5 minute format. The voice work is done by the comedy trio "The Goodies", at probably the tail-end of their career as a comedic force. This included Bill Oddie voicing Eric's/Bananaman pet "Crow", Chief 'O Reilly and Dr. Gloom. Bill also voices the worm in this episode. Fellow Goonies Graeme Garden voiced Bananaman and General Blight and Tim Brooke-Taylor voices Appleman here, as well as Eric.
Although the cartoon ended in 1986, it was re-runned well into the 1990's on CBBC, and it has featured in the Dandy comic since 1985. It still runs today, with new material and a new illustrationist.
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