[PRX] New Reviews

David Srebnik reviews "CAROLE KING: TAPESTRY"

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:21:53 GMT

David Srebnik reviews "CAROLE KING: TAPESTRY" (5/5)

Joyride Media, 59:00

CAROLE KING: TAPESTRY: New one-hour radio special tells the story of Carole King's classic album, TAPESTRY

Tones: Inspiring, Intimate, Intriguing

Part Historical Document, part introduction anf part reintroduction to one of music's seminal moments and musical discoveries. Carole King's recording, "Tapestry" introduced the singer-songwriter into mainstream households. The recording became her calling card and a mandatory reference point for anyone in the '70s through the '90s who wanted to sing their own songs. "Carole King: Tapestry," produced by Joyride Media, recounts the days, the business practices, the hoop jumping and creative adventures that brought music and musicians to the recording studio in the late '60s and '70s. Not a documentary, this is high level radio story telling about some truly (still) remarkable music, musicians and music producers. Host Rita Houston, and the show producers, keeps all of the music and Tapestry expert witnesses together. This story, like the music, never grows old. For your post ATC slot, your program specials slot, and all weekend long, listeners will drop what they're doing for an amazing first time Carole King experience or for a wonderful reconnect with one of the big musical events of 1971.

David Srebnik, Listener Directed Productions, Inc.
May 11, 2008

Pauline Bartolone reviews "A Crisis of Care: Gina's Story (1 hour Special)"

Sun, 11 May 2008 13:05:56 GMT

Pauline Bartolone reviews "A Crisis of Care: Gina's Story (1 hour Special)" (5/5)

National Radio Project, 59:00

A Crisis of Care: Gina's Story (1 hour Special): One mother's fight to save her daughter's life from a dysfunctional and inhumane health care system in California's prisons.

Tones:

Making a documentary about someone who is no longer with us, especially a three-part half hour series, is no small feat. But the first two shows of Making Contact's "Crisis of Care" series does a great job at bringing Gina's story alive. I feel like I got to know Gina, and about the pitfalls of health care in the California state prison system. Making Contact helps me empathize with a woman whose desperation in hard times led to a life (and death) sentence inside an unforgiving correctional system. I never hear these stories in the mainstream media. Producer Tena Rubio uses great writing to describe Gina's final moments; "dark circles shadow her downcast eyes." The end of the second show was very moving. I love the original music score and I look forward to hearing the third!

Pauline Bartolone
May 11, 2008

Jackson Braider reviews "Bonjour Chanson. French Popular Music for an American Audience."

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:09:49 GMT

Jackson Braider reviews "Bonjour Chanson. French Popular Music for an American Audience." (4/5)

Charles Spira, 26:56

Bonjour Chanson. French Popular Music for an American Audience.: Wonderful French Language Songs for an American Audience.

Tones: Engaging, Offbeat, Raw

There is much to admire here, but Yankees -- sadly unimpressive learners of foreign tongues -- have not proved themselves enthusiastic listeners to francophonic broadcasts. The fundamental of this program is to reach across cultural divide, but the narrative evidenced here doesn't quite do that. To work on American outlets, the producers need to remind their audience that multilingual narrative is not limited to babywipe packaging manufactured in Quebec. I'm not sure how to do that, especially now that the Loony kicks the American dollar in the butt; stlll, they need to prepare their radio audience on how to engage with such programming.

Jackson Braider
May 9, 2008

Samson Reiny reviews "A Crisis of Care: Gina's Story (Part I)"

Fri, 09 May 2008 17:22:16 GMT

Samson Reiny reviews "A Crisis of Care: Gina's Story (Part I)" (5/5)

National Radio Project, 29:00

A Crisis of Care: Gina's Story (Part I): This is the first of a three-part series, "A Crisis of Care," a look inside California's prison health care system. In this first show, "Gina's Story," we'll hear how a state-sanctioned life sentence became a state-sponsored death sentence as told by loved ones left behind.

Tones: Disturbing, Personal, Raw

"Gina's Story" epitomizes Making Contact's aim: To bring to full attention the hidden injustices that are not getting full attention in today's press. Beautifully writing, choice poignant music, and a personally moving story make this piece essential listening for anyone who cares about the universal right to healthcare...really for anyone who cares about human dignity.

Samson Reiny
May 9, 2008

Paul Ingles reviews "A Musician's Life: Marc Cohn"

Fri, 09 May 2008 01:43:18 GMT

Paul Ingles reviews "A Musician's Life: Marc Cohn" (5/5)

WXPN, 05:00

A Musician's Life: Marc Cohn: We haven't heard much from talented singer-songwriter Marc Cohn since his eponymous 1991 hit "Walking in Memphis". He talks about his new album and the event that spawned it.

Tones: Engaging, Intimate, Polished

This series really seems to have a way of getting the artists to open up in a comfortable and revealing way. Must be Tracey Tannenbaum's interviewing skill. Her questions are the ones I'd think of to ask, and some I wished I'd thought of to ask. Marc Cohn's story is an intriguing one, and his answer to a question about how he feels about his biggest hit is great. Enjoy this one and others in the series.

Paul Ingles
May 8, 2008

Paul Ingles reviews "A Musician's Life: Mary Gauthier"

Fri, 09 May 2008 01:26:26 GMT

Paul Ingles reviews "A Musician's Life: Mary Gauthier" (5/5)

WXPN, 05:00

A Musician's Life: Mary Gauthier: Mary Gauthier quit drugs and alcohol and discovered songwriting. She's attracted critics and fans with her empathic depictions of people on the margins of society.

Tones: Engaging, Intimate, Polished

I've had the pleasure of having Mary Gauthier play a fund-raiser of mine. She donated her time and performace, so I think highly of her and feel familiar with her story. Tracey Tannenbaum and the Musician's Life crew really captured Gauthier's essence in this 5 minute package. The key elements of her own personal story and how it connects with her music are delivered concisely (got to in 5 minutes!). One great question from Tracey to Mary. Paraphrasing - with your success and sobriety do you lose touch with the down-and-out characters your songs describe? Mary has a great answer offered to her by other greats who have managed to do the same: It's O.K. to be happy and somehow you don't lose touch. Music stations would do well to consider running these segments to lead off special spotlight sets with these artists. It would give listeners a fabulous context from which to enjoy the music even more. Bravo!

Paul Ingles, Good Radio Shows, Inc.
May 8, 2008

Paul Ingles reviews "The Cost of War, in Sound"

Fri, 09 May 2008 01:15:26 GMT

Paul Ingles reviews "The Cost of War, in Sound" (3/5)

Blunt Youth Radio Project, 02:43

The Cost of War, in Sound: A sonic exploration of lives and dollars spent in the Iraq War.

Tones: Offbeat, Provocative, Raw

Kudos for an inventive approach from Blunt Youth Radio to, in 2:40, issue a wake-up call to listeners that The Cost of War is severe. By equating a sum of US Military deaths with an explosion and reffing that explosion in rapid sequence, then doing the same with an automatic weapon to represent the total Iraqi deaths and a cash register to signify the money the US has spent on the war, the producer makes his point. I wanted to like this more but I'll tell you my quibbles with it. By changing the units devoted to each sound, it doesn't really represent the oversized price that the Iraqis have paid. I'm sure the production debate was over how much a listener could stand to hear but I think if you are going to make a point about one cost being dramatically higher than another, it should be represented sonically too. The somewhat non-challant use of violent destructive sounds to make the point made me squirm a bit. Probably the intention. I think this was a good idea that could have benefitted from a little bit more brainstorming. But keep pushing that envelope Blunt! Appreciate it!

Paul Ingles, Good Radio Shows, Inc.
May 8, 2008

Kaila Strickland reviews "Will You Go To Prom With Me?"

Thu, 08 May 2008 23:02:58 GMT

Kaila Strickland reviews "Will You Go To Prom With Me?" (3/5)

Curie Youth Radio, 03:14

Will You Go To Prom With Me?: Asking is the hardest part.

Tones: Engaging, Fresh Air-ish, Real

Prom night is often seen as the most festive event of teenhood. Phillip Baggett manages to steer clear of the glamorous party plans and highlight the one stressful step taken way before the big night. This piece takes you on a journey with Baggett as he tackles the issue of asking a girl to prom. He even uses music to draw us in but there are no distracting lyrics. It's interesting to hear a guy go through the difficulties of asking someone out when it has become such a casual thing to do. It is also refreshing to hear him break away from the pressure to be macho and just be himself. His first attempt doesn't recieve very good feedback. He politely asks, "Would you do me the honor of going to prom with me?" Bagget is told that he sounds a bit too polite and old fashioned. He had a few suggestions on how he should ask a gril to prom before finally getting what he wanted, how he wanted. Perhaps he could have gone into detail about why it was so important to have a date to give the audience a better sense of who he is. Either way, he definately puts himself out there with honesty. Phillip Bagett's personal piece had a lot of personality which, in my opinion, is crucial on radio.

Kaila Strickland
May 8, 2008

French Clements reviews "11 Central Ave #83. Plagiarism, written by James Reiss."

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:32:08 GMT

French Clements reviews "11 Central Ave #83. Plagiarism, written by James Reiss." (5/5)

800 lb. Productions, 03:59

11 Central Ave #83. Plagiarism, written by James Reiss.: This week's installment of the radio comic strip. Written by James Reiss. Mixed by Walter Dixon.

Tones: Amusing, Engaging, Light

I don't normally listen to radio-plays, but this caught me. It's funny as heck, but it's also a novel way of approaching story-telling for radio. It approaches art, in fact, as in the work of certain mid-century Jewish storytellers who reveal truth in the mundane. The dialogue is mostly faultless. I love the way it shows how parents forget the way youth is lived, and that kids are capable of working independently. The girl's writing is indeed good, some notches better than that earnest-teenager kind of introspection, and the last fifteen or so seconds are just perfect. I can see the dad staring at his thumbs, half-joking that they're getting all tangled. Good work, Mr. Reiss!

French Clements
May 7, 2008

French Clements reviews "The Transformation of a Neighborhood on Decline"

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:04:16 GMT

French Clements reviews "The Transformation of a Neighborhood on Decline" (4/5)

WRVO, 06:15

The Transformation of a Neighborhood on Decline: A rundown neighborhood in Syracuse, that has had its share of slumlords, drug users and prostitutes has a new vibrancy.

Tones: Engaging, Informational, Sound Rich

It's amazing to me that three houses could instigate such an inspiring rebirth--which is why this piece is right to open with them. The piece gives a good idea of local color, with an opening character's thick New York accent, and notes how when gay folks move in, things are bound to change, in this case, as in most, for the better. The speaker calls it "good gentrification," and the program then points out, interestingly, that the term is not necessarily oxymoronic. (I wasn't totally convinced, but it's got me thinking.) I really got a good feel for the neighborhood, even with a few visual images stuck in my head. This piece fills a good niche in discussing issues facing contemporary urbanism, as seen through this single case study. I wish it could have been longer, to delve into the seamier side--the old Hawley-Green, with sounds and interviews of same. In a side note, public radio, for all its vaunted liberalism, maybe doesn't represent the gay population as avidly as the gay population tunes in, so it's good to hear the lead speaker here.

French Clements
May 7, 2008

French Clements reviews "Mock Funding Credits"

Wed, 07 May 2008 23:51:40 GMT

French Clements reviews "Mock Funding Credits" (5/5)

Abby Goldstein, 01:07

Mock Funding Credits: A smart and funny mockery of our typical NPR funding credits

Tones: Amusing, Disturbing, NPR NewsMagazine-y

I'd like to hear this one on the air more than "very much." I want to hear that one high-voiced guy say most of it, then Michele Norris say the rest. This would blow America's mind. America needs its mind blown. That said, the piece has an element of navel-gazing. But what awkwardly realistic navels!

French Clements
May 7, 2008

Larry Carlson reviews "David Bouchier Essay: The Voice of Authority"

Wed, 07 May 2008 23:46:08 GMT

Larry Carlson reviews "David Bouchier Essay: The Voice of Authority" (4/5)

WSHU, 03:49

David Bouchier Essay: The Voice of Authority: David wonders why we need authority figures.

Tones: Light-hearted, Real, Simple

Well said commentary on what the media is doing to create.. what they call, entertainment at the expense of others. It indeed makes me question what has happened to individuals that need this type of negitive attention to make life worth while. What ever happened to the days of creating fun out of thin air, or playing with a stick in the sand. Must we poke fun at others or feel grace in being made fun of. We must begin to bring each other up....and yes laughing at ones self can be a sign of a good self esteem. Larry Carlson Music Therapist

Larry Carlson
May 7, 2008

French Clements reviews "Brian Eno 60th birthday profile"

Wed, 07 May 2008 23:37:27 GMT

French Clements reviews "Brian Eno 60th birthday profile" (5/5)

Echoes, 03:30

Brian Eno 60th birthday profile: A profile of rock producer, ambient musician and music conceptualist Brian Eno, for his 60th birthday

Tones: Authoritative, Delicate, Inspiring

Ever since I first heard Eno's Music for Airports, which opens this piece, I was hooked. I like that this piece opens with that music and with Eno talking, as if to put the great man and his music entirely, peacefully at the fore. (Eno basically invented the idea of ambient music, with that work, in fact.) Producer Diliberto's voice is smooth and professional, matched by his production techniques. The man, like his subject, is a classy engineer. I love how Diliberto's tastes run to the accessible side of edgy, or maybe the edgy side of accessible. This isn't the piece to listen to if you're looking for an extended rumination on why Eno's (formidable) musical philosophy remains perennial. Others here surely do that. But as of May 15, there's no better way to celebrate, and quickly, Eno's sumptuous career. Snatches of Eno's recognizable pop hits as a producer, from Bowie to U2 to Coldplay, should perk up ears too.

French Clements
May 7, 2008

French Clements reviews "Japancakes: Ambient Chamber Country"

Wed, 07 May 2008 23:14:40 GMT

French Clements reviews "Japancakes: Ambient Chamber Country" (5/5)

Echoes, 03:32

Japancakes: Ambient Chamber Country: Japancakes mixes electric guitar with pedal steel guitar, classical strings with synthesizers for a sound that's got country airs strung out in classical refrains with a touch of quirk.

Tones: Offbeat, Quirky, Sound Rich

Awesome. Japancakes' name had been familiar to me, but the band's music was not. As of now, count me a fan. The tone of the piece is informed but not esoteric, taking what could be a little alienating (country-shoegazer rock music) and making it sound palatable, and mostly, beautiful. I was especially excited to hear that the band has made an exacting rendition of the album Loveless, by My Bloody Valentine--one of my all-time favorites. The group's monumental song "Only Shallow" is here presented in an intimate version, on what sounds like a slide guitar. That's why covers exist: to show new depth in old favorites. Good stuff!

French Clements
May 7, 2008

fred tam reviews "Peace Talks Radio: The Video Game Violence Debate (59:00 / 54:00)"

Wed, 07 May 2008 07:49:35 GMT

fred tam reviews "Peace Talks Radio: The Video Game Violence Debate (59:00 / 54:00)" (2/5)

Good Radio Shows, Inc., 59:00

Peace Talks Radio: The Video Game Violence Debate (59:00 / 54:00): As the notoriously violent video game Grand Theft Auto releases its latest version, Peace Talks Radio explores the debate over the effects of video game violence on levels of aggression and our notions about conflict resolution. Also a spotlight on a video game about nonviolent protest strategies.

Tones: Opinionated

i was disappointed by this piece. it is exactly the type of shallow piece i expected to be produced by non gamers. sure the producer seemed to explore video games first hand a little by playing guitar hero, but thats like saying you've experienced all moving picture media after watching a cartoon. the whole piece was tinged with the bias that violent video games are fundamentally bad. that violent video games are silly and at best a tolerable evil. imagine if one applied that to say film. its absurd. many violent video games are simply good stories and experiences. because you kill a hundred zombies in an hour doesn't mean you feel like killing someone in real life. self reports of so called "desensitization" are questionable at best. and frankly theres a disturbingly condescending attitude that assumes everyone else is unable to tell fantasy from reality and should be protected as such. the reality is youth violence is DOWN. and look at history. when was this golden age before the video game? world war 1? world war 2? vietnam? rwanda? the idea of video games as the boogey man just doesn't add up. plus, at 50 dollars a pop its not like children can buy these like lolly pops. i've heard that man argue against video games before on other shows. he talks about them as if they were being handed out for free and shoved into children's book bags. an xbox or ps3 runs 300-400 dollars for the systems alone, let alone the games, meaning parental involvement is a given. he's just pushing anti video game hysteria. as for the so called peace games or socially responsible games. i've heard these pushed on public radio once too often. they are SCAMS. they are made to sucker folks who don't know anything about video games into supporting them. its just a misguided idea. you might as well try to sell peace tick tack toe because thats exactly what they are doing. some things have no business being games. learning about world issues or history should be done through reading, it is the most efficient way. trying to play some peace political propaganda game is not going to help. games have simplistic models of the world, whether it be mario or halo just like sports because thats what is easy to make and is fun. complexity from simplicity and mastering a skill within simple rules. tennis is just balls going over a net within certain lines, but thats not to say maria sharapova is a simpleton that anyone could beat! you cannot model the complexities of social movements or peace processes within a game accurately enough to make a game out of it. at best you are making busy work with your own set of multiple choice questions/answer points which is just rather pointless. the only thing you'd learn from such a game is how to choose the correct answers the game makers want you to. but i guess the concept impresses non gamers and it gets them funding from well meaning but misguided people.

fred tam
May 7, 2008