This is the best of PRX's TQ bunch. Rebecca is a natural. Program has an authentic, spontaneous feel. Music is well chosen -- lends a fresh hip-ness. The Q&A are a bit canned sounding...somewhat overproduced. Best to let this gal roam free, as she's got the chops. Here's to mo' Radio-Powered-Boston. Hey Rebecca! Join AIR... we're just up the road! http://www.airmedia.org
This piece would be appropriate/ideal for AAA or mixed format stations. Rather than using this as a stand-alone 30 minute segment, better used, perhaps, as a longer drop-in segment to a music mix program, especially for DJ wanting to build up a program focused on music and culture of the '60's. For the more ambitious DJ/producer, this could even be faded in and out.... weaving the interview in and out of a longer one-hour segment of music. The Latvala Files gives a solid insider view of the "Dead," and there is a feeling of being an eavesdropper listening to Latvala talk about "primal dead," or the anniversary of his first acid trip. or the "communal orgasm" experienced at a Dead concert. The music clips are just that -- short :10-:15 bits -- & I craved longer doses. The informal, conversational style with (Justin?) is nice... not slick, but good questions, and easy back and forth is appropriate to the topic. Not clear who the more commerical sounding presenter is who intro's the piece and transition between sections, which leaves a question mark. The interview transitions between being indoors and outdoors without set-up or context also catches/trips the ear a bit.
Comment for
"DIY, Portland: What is DIY?" (deleted)
This show, which apparently aired on KBOO in Portland, OR, introduces promising young producers who are just dipping their toes into the wider world of radio. It has an entertaining, off-beat tone built around man-in-the-street interviews with periodic host breaks and music. The concept for the program is exploring what "DIY (do-it-yourself) " means to a range of Portlandites. I had no idea it was such a big topic, or that people has such deeply held beliefs and, in this respect, the program provides some new insight. That said, I'm not sure the topic holds up for 30 minutes. The original music is quite good, and it's commendable that they have a composer/musician on the team. In its current format, it's probably not going to work for other stations, but it has elements that have potential. A good starting "palette" from which I hope the producers (and their musician) will continue to experiment with, refine, and develop.
Comments by Sue Schardt
Comment for "Curiosity Aroused Pilot"
Sue Schardt
Posted on January 04, 2008 at 05:51 AM | Permalink
Review of Curiosity Aroused Pilot
This is the best of PRX's TQ bunch. Rebecca is a natural. Program has an authentic, spontaneous feel. Music is well chosen -- lends a fresh hip-ness. The Q&A are a bit canned sounding...somewhat overproduced. Best to let this gal roam free, as she's got the chops. Here's to mo' Radio-Powered-Boston. Hey Rebecca! Join AIR... we're just up the road! http://www.airmedia.org
Comment for "The Latvala Files: Hangin' Out in the Vault"
Sue Schardt
Posted on May 07, 2007 at 06:09 AM | Permalink
Review of The Latvala Files: Hangin' Out in the Vault
This piece would be appropriate/ideal for AAA or mixed format stations. Rather than using this as a stand-alone 30 minute segment, better used, perhaps, as a longer drop-in segment to a music mix program, especially for DJ wanting to build up a program focused on music and culture of the '60's. For the more ambitious DJ/producer, this could even be faded in and out.... weaving the interview in and out of a longer one-hour segment of music. The Latvala Files gives a solid insider view of the "Dead," and there is a feeling of being an eavesdropper listening to Latvala talk about "primal dead," or the anniversary of his first acid trip. or the "communal orgasm" experienced at a Dead concert. The music clips are just that -- short :10-:15 bits -- & I craved longer doses. The informal, conversational style with (Justin?) is nice... not slick, but good questions, and easy back and forth is appropriate to the topic. Not clear who the more commerical sounding presenter is who intro's the piece and transition between sections, which leaves a question mark. The interview transitions between being indoors and outdoors without set-up or context also catches/trips the ear a bit.
Comment for "DIY, Portland: What is DIY?" (deleted)
Sue Schardt
Posted on March 07, 2007 at 03:08 AM
Review of DIY, Portland: What is DIY? (deleted)
This show, which apparently aired on KBOO in Portland, OR, introduces promising young producers who are just dipping their toes into the wider world of radio. It has an entertaining, off-beat tone built around man-in-the-street interviews with periodic host breaks and music. The concept for the program is exploring what "DIY (do-it-yourself) " means to a range of Portlandites. I had no idea it was such a big topic, or that people has such deeply held beliefs and, in this respect, the program provides some new insight. That said, I'm not sure the topic holds up for 30 minutes. The original music is quite good, and it's commendable that they have a composer/musician on the team. In its current format, it's probably not going to work for other stations, but it has elements that have potential. A good starting "palette" from which I hope the producers (and their musician) will continue to experiment with, refine, and develop.