First of all, the stream is back up! Many thanks to our head of tech for dealing with our server issues in the middle of his finals :)
A few programming notices:
Thanks to the shows who've let me know that they're stopping due to exams and so on, if you're considering leaving things as they are to focus on revision please let me know so I can avoid dead air and so on.
Some of the shows pulling out means that other shows are moving to properly consolidate the schedule (and grab better slots while they're at it). One of our newest shows, the GOB! Show, is moving to Saturdays at 9pm, so make sure you adjust your listening habits accordingly! If you'd like a time slot swap, just let me know by firing an email to programming@oxideradio.co.uk
Gosh, I'm kind of taking over the blog, aren't I? This is just a quick note to say that for one week only Lord Jones Is Dead, the weekly assault on Oxford's student journalism, will be going out at Sunday at 4 rather than the usual time. Hope you tune in!
As if the title of this post didn't make things crystal clear, I'm here to tell you about some very exciting new things on the Oxide schedule tonight. First of all there's the usual Thursday block of Pop/Art, Pop Cultured, Bitches on Heat and Excess. But after that comes a bucket of new stuff!
First of all, we're very proud to present a radio play! The first episode of Sticky Harry, a penny-dreadful that's going to air in 3 parts over the next three weeks. Following that, there's the sure-to-be-glorious début of new live show Nerd Alert!
After all that there's the familiar and comforting audio embrace of Kei and Manish at 9, followed by Found and Bound at 10 and RockSoc Presents: On The Rocks at 11 like normal. Its going to be a great night of radio, so why not give the new stuff a try?
Hi everyone, as Programming Controller its my job to keep on top of the schedule and any changes to it. This week there's a couple of shifts around...
First of all I'm very proud to announce the arrival of some new shows into the Oxide community. The GOB! Show (its short for Gunny and Rob, apparently) started last Saturday and features interviews with generally interesting people about generally interesting things. Nerd Alert starts this Thursday at 8, and is hosted by the team that represented Oxford to literally hundreds of viewers on smarty-smart BBC4 game show Only Connect. Please give them both a listen and a very warm welcome to the Oxide family!
Sadly, we also have to bid goodbye this week to our wonderful general election show Oxford Decides. Thanks very much to Rahul and Christopher for their sterling work. The upshot of this is that now there's a bit more flexibility in terms of booking the studio in the afternoons, and also that as the midnight repeats have gone too some of the playlist hours have been moved back to compensate, so if you're affected do let your listeners know!
Finally, just a quick reminder that if you'd like to discuss a slot change, or if the pressures of broadcasting/finals/prelims are too much and you'd like to stop your show (please don't go on secret hiatus!) just let me know at programming@oxideradio.co.uk. Its what I'm here for! Late pitches for shows will also be grudgingly accepted.
We've had a particularly busy
week on Oxide! With a live session with the Houka Monks, an interview with
Built to Spill and a live review of Pavement the music team are working flat
out to give you the best in new music. You can hear all our interview every Friday at 8pm.
Our new playlisting team is
going down a storm. If anyone heard last's week PLAYLIST BATTLE and LOSING MY
EDGE and liked what you heard you can check out their playlists below!
SWEDEN vs DENMARK ---
Broadcast Sunday 2nd May
1. (DK) Mimas - Cats on Fire (4.44)
2. (SWE) Fever Ray - Concrete Walls (5.40)
3. (DK) Stina Nordenstam - Trainsurfing (3.10)
4. (SWE) Shout Out Louds - Parents' Livingroom (3.53)
5. (DK) Efterklang - Mirador (5.08)
6. (DK) Under Byen - Legesag (6.13)
7. (DK) Alcoholic Faith Mission - Put the Virus in You (3.28)
8. (SWE) Anna Ternheim - Halfway to Fivepoints (2.50)
9. (SWE) Peter, Bjorn and John - Nothing to Worry About (2.58)
10. (SWE) Lykke Li - Let It Fall (2.42)
11. (SWE) Television Keeps Us Apart - Parents House in '99 (4.43)
12. (DK) Slaraffenland - The Right Place (3.25)
13. (SWE) The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Second Life Replay (5.24)
14. (DK) Mew - White Lips Kissed (6.27)
LOSING MY EDGE ----Broadcast
on Thursday 6th May and Friday 7th May
1.David Bowie - Station to Station
2.Broken Social Scene - Major Label Debut (fast)
3.Brian Eno - Needle in the camel's eye
4.Camper Van Beethoven - Take the skinheads
bowling
5.Brakes - Heard about your band
6.Cornelius - Star Fruits surf rider
7.Devo - Satisfaction
8.Dartz! - Once, twice, again!
9.Bob Dylan - Queen Jane Approximately
10.Big Star - Thirteen
11.Damien Jurado - Ohio
12.Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Death to everyone
13.Dexy's Midnight Runners - Reminisce (part two)
14.Death Cab For Cutie - I will possess your heart
A music blogging website that
has all the latest releases as well as a whole host of unsigned music. Create a
free account to start following the most prolific and interesting bloggers and
LOVE tracks to recommend them to your friends on facebook and twitter. The
interface is so easy to use, and it has exhaustive amounts of new music from
all genres. Really excellent idea if you want to keep on top of the most NEW
music. Think of it like a more interactive Spotify which has the plus of not
being banned by the Uni! Check out Oxide on Hype Music Oxide_Radio and let us
know whether you love the songs we do! J
These two bands both support
Save 6 Music campaign so you know they are both a listen!
Review Team - Roman Lehnhof
Marcel Dettmann - Dettmann: Ostgut Records is run by the same guys who also run
the Berghain, Dettmann's resident club in Berlin. 'Dettmann' is basically the
sexier version of Jeff Mills's relentless Techno poundings of the 90s: it is as
monotonous and heavily based on loops, but slower and deeper, more minimalist
and... modest. The more I listen to it, the more I feel like a colourblind
synaesthete (which is cool).
To Rococo Rot - Speculation: Electronic/Neo-kraut/Post-rock/whatnot
of the cool kind, suitable for every occasion. Imagine Tortoise exploring their
interest in dance music without getting up from their comfortable studio chairs
to get the idea.
Savoy Grand - Accident Book: Sounds
like Jason Molina having a real band, which means it sounds beautiful for
someone who's into whiney guys playing minor chords. No wait, this is not Vice
magazine... Savoy Grand from Nottingham play what is commonly referred to as
'Slowcore', which means it sounds beautiful for someone who... Ah, screw it!
What's wrong with sad music?
Avi Buffalo, What's In It For: The new single from a hotly-tipped band, I'd hazard
that it's more notable for deriving ideas from reliable sources like The Beach
Boys and The Shins than for doing anything particularly interesting itself. It
is undeniably pretty, with an infectious melody, but The Sleepy Jackson were
doing this stuff better a few years ago before their untimely demise.
Crystal Castles, Crystal Castles: I'm
not entirely convinced by this electronica/dance-punk outfit. Some of the vocal
distortions are pretty neat, and they are uncompromising in their musical
vision, but unfortunately that musical vision proves a tad superficial. Often
you're just left annoyed that strong songwriting was dispensed with in favour
of sound effects. However, I will say that 'Baptism' is quite cool in that it
manages to evoke how club music sounds when heard during a state of
inebriation.
Titus Andronicus, The Monitor: The
lead singer sounds uncannily like an even more embittered Conor Oberst, and it
never ventures far from the well-trodden territory of snarling folk rock, but
the earnestness and panache with which the album is executed means that it
effortlessly vaults these shortcomings to stand as one of the highlights of
2010 so far.
Liars, Sisterworld: I have the same
complaints about this album as Crystal Castles' new LP. The atmosphere of
cinematic menace is maintained throughout, but some of the tracks lack
substance, and it often feels like they're ending before they have even got off
the ground. Nevertheless, the Bad Seeds-influenced instrumentation of opening
track 'Scissor' and bracingly psychotic industrial rock of 'Scarecrows on a
Killer Slant' make it worth a listen.
The Radio Dept., Clinging to a Scheme:
A blissfully chilled hybrid of the noise pop of The Jesus and Mary Chain and
the artful sampling of DJ Shadow, this may skirt close to wallpaper music,
rarely forcing itself on your attention, but I can think of many worse examples
of sonic decor. Almost certainly best enjoyed with the recreational drug of
your choice.
Golden oldie Portishead, Third: Not really that
old, only dating from 2008, but listening to this today I was struck again by
just how exceptional an album it is. Perfectly paced, drifting from minimalist
electronic numbers to staggering post-punk influenced mini-epics, and even
finding time for a banjo-twanging interlude, this is an icy, haunting and
peerless masterpiece.
Having pangs of withdrawal from the Jonno and Donno show, which stopped broadcasting this term? You're in luck, as tonight at 7pm there's a one-off special episode going out LIVE! Its going to be excellent.
Then at 8pm there's a chance to listen again to last week's Oxide Music Hour, before The Men Who Sold The World and Pop/Art.
Last weekend, James Searle and Liam Cattell interviewed one third of Danish pop band Alphabeat.
Anders SG and Troels Hansen talked about the EMI collapse, their change of musical direction, touring with the "biggest lady in pop" (none other than Lady Gaga), and their fear of clowns.
Welcome back to OXIDE! We started broadcasting yesterday and
our music department have been extra busy working our way through all the
Easter vacation promos to bring you the best and worst of new music!
We are also launching an exciting new project this week -
THE PLAYLISTS - these are dedicated music only hours created by our brand new
team of PLAYLISTERS! We have an excellent selection of genres covered this
term, which are repeated at least twice a week so be sure to check them out on
the schedule and their descriptions below! And if you like what you hear you
can find all their track lists right here on the Oxide Blog.
Pack Rat: playing Oldies, 50s, 60 the Pack Rat hour will bring you the finest Oldies tunes.
House Arrest: All the best
in Chart, Club, Mix and House music
I Hope This
Song Will Guide You Home: A mix between mainstream and alternative music, bringing you
the best of indie every week! Aiming to introduce a different artist with each
week that goes by, there'll be something exciting to listen to whatever your mood,
ranging from great guitar riffs to mellow tunes.
Indie From Across the Pond:Tag words: indie, american, canadian, dream pop, alternative. North
American Indie with Neutral Milk Hotel, Spinto Band, Arcade Fire, Beach House,
Spoon, Okkervil River and some others.
Hip Hop Hour: A journey
into the world of pre 21st century rap! tag
words: hip
hop, rap, a tribe called quest, de la soul, wu tang clan, gza, mf doom,
krs one
Losing My
Edge:Tag
words:
geek, education, crash course, indie, alternative, lo-fi, oldies, obscure Info: A crash course in alternative
indie through the ages like you've never experienced before. For music experts,
enthusiasts and novices alike, an excellent way to expand your music collection
and educate yourself from the comfort of your own home with Losing My Edge's guiding hand.
Georgina Ascroft -
Head of Music
Eliza Doolittle: This
week we had the lovely Eliza Doolittle in the studio with us performing her new
single "Skinny Jeans" check it out on our new Music Hour on Friday's at 8pm. London
based singer songwriter, her sound is a cross between Kate Nash and Pixie Lott.
As much I don't like pop I found myself humming this ditty for days afterwards!
Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good pop tune.
M.I.A
- New single "Born Free" and it's
associated politically charged ( and brilliantly satirical) video that has now
been removed from youtube. Find the link HERE http://vimeo.com/11219730
Just watch it and decide for yourself, nowt like a bit of ginger bashing is
there... Obviously a fantastic dance tune for the summer. Reminds me of twisted
fire starter??
Roman Lehnhof -
Review Team
Heather Woods
Broderick - From the Ground:
Heather is Peter Broderick's sister, altough I would rather prefer to speak
about him as 'her brother', because her approach on folky singer/songwriter and
piano music is clearly more interesting. She supported (and played with)
Efterklang last Thursday at the Academy and she will return to Oxford on May
26th to perform at the Holywell Music Room. Which should be reason enough for
you to listen to 'Cottonwood Bay' and get a ticket NOW. http://www.myspace.com/woodsmusical
Royal Bangs - Let It Beep
Every time you think there is nothing more to say with guitars, a band like
this comes around and boxes your ears. Freshest rock music I've heard in ages,
featuring well directed use of electronic equipment. Strong recommendation! http://www.myspace.com/royalbangs
High Places - High Places vs. Mankind Experimental psychedelic folktronic pop, say last.fm users. Global
polyrhythms, hip hop beats and field recordings, says Pitchfork's Joe Colly.
I'd say it is a Thrill Jockey release. Watch the beautiful video for 'The
Longest Shadows' here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyeQeEq2sp8 www.myspace.com/hellohighplaces
Clara Moto - Polyamour
Fine House/Minimal music from Austria with varying degrees of deepness and
density. Has its best moments when there are no vocals or multiple layers of
strings. Try 'Alma' or 'Glove Affair': http://www.myspace.com/claramoto
MGMT - Congratulations
That's exactly what happens to overhyped bands when they move to Paris, shoot
some heroin and f*** with the stars.
The National : Bloodbuzz - The new single from the National from their upcoming album High Violet. Multi-orchestral, dark and somber the eagerly anticipated return of The National does not disappoint. Fans can expect to hear a return to their original sound after their contribution to Dark Was the Night with the track You're so far around the bend which was a little more poptastic. Recommended to ANYONE who enjoys self reflection
The Hold Steady : Hurricane J - The new single from the Hold Steady has not disappointed critics and fans will also love it. A song about falling in love with a girl who is a little messed up and battling with typical rebellious angst and her waitressing job, it's the indie romance at its best. We can all imagine in our minds eye the girl he is after, it's HIT GIRL from KickAss in 10 years time. Set to release their fifth album, Heaven Is Whenever this year the Hold Steady have yet to run out of steam and long may it last.
Slow Club : Yeah, So- I'm a little slow (no pun intended) on the band wagon for this one but they have been hailed by Oxide's BROKEN BEAR so I gave them a shot. Slow Club are a folk duo from Sheffield and are typical post Belle and Sebastian folk. Sometimes a little twee, as on "When I go" sometimes more dancy "Giving up on Love" and sometimes the backing music for toothpaste adverts with "Apples and Pairs" But sometimes, in fact quite often, they are exactly what the doctor ordered. www.myspace.com/slowclub
Max Muir: Deputy Head of Music
Grace Jones - Love You To Life-: It's a dark, melodramatic dubrock track. There's organ squalls and deep bass lines, there's Jones herself intoning ominously amidst strange percussive samples: gloriously excessive.
-I've been (belatedly) getting into dub, so King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown by Augustus Pablo has been getting constant play. It's utterly brilliant, and the track of the same name is apparently the greatest dub song ever recorded. Bassy, hypnotic and spacey- its from the seventies, but you could never tell.
Three Blind Wolves-Sound of the Storm - Three Blind Wolves are a fabulous band gaining some prominence in their native Glasgow. Sure, its a rough recording, but Ross Clark's wonderfully expressive voice and keen ear for a hook make the scruffy folk rock songs well worth checking out; Hotel, 'Emily Rose' and 'Captain of a Ship' are all America tinged gems.
The Twilight SadThe Room-: Probably my favourite single of the past little while. It's a mystery how Glasvegas managed to achieve stardom in place of this vastly superior band. 'The Room' illustrates the more restrained side of the Sad, though it's still a lesson in howling noise and insistent piano. Think Sigur Ros fronted by a bitter Scot.
Mater Suspiria Vision: [Numerous songs on Myspace] Incredibly ironical lowest-fi hipster drone with hilarious artwork and videos. Some guys decided to record some synth/sample/reverb catastrophes on tape after having watched some late 70s horror films. They are basically the way more occult version of Pocahaunted and they claim to be from Kabul. http://www.myspace.com/matersuspiriavision
Musée Mecanique: Sleeping in Our Clothes [Single] Shame on Rough Trade for delaying the German release of Musée Mecanique's first album 'Hold This Ghost' for almost 1 1/2 years. The single 'Sleeping in Our Clothes" is simply the most beautiful folk song I have heard this year. (Radio Edit is available and highly recommended.) Portland/Oregon gets more and more interesting... http://www.myspace.com/museemecanique
Chromatics:I'm on Fire (Bruce Springsteen Cover) [B-side] Used to listen to this 2007 song a lot towards the end of last year. Suddenly rediscovered it. Don't know if the female singer and the entirely different, sugary production make the lyrics less shocking or even more so, but anyway: great band, great song. (Too many bad versions available, download @ http://tinyurl.com/yl2lf47) http://www.myspace.com/chromaticsmusics
Television Keeps Us Apart: A Slight Change of Light - New TV on the Radio album is scheduled for next month. Why not bridge the time gap with Television Keeps Us Apart? Style: electro-gaze. Best songs: 2 and 5. Free/official download: http://tinyurl.com/yfggdse http://www.myspace.com/televisionkeepsusapart
Toro Y Moi:Causers of This - Inventing a genre in order to make fun of it (via hipsterrunoff.com) is like making music in order to make fun of music journalists. Sometimes I wish I had never read about 'Chillwave' in the first place, but let's face it: this is just what Neon Indian and Toro Y Moi play. We might also call it 'relatively calm, smooth electronic music which makes you want to call some friends on a summer's day and start a barbecue' instead. http://www.myspace.com/toroymoi
LoneLady:Nerve Up - LoneLady is a young woman from Manchester playing the guitar. She signed with Warp Records and her album sounds very minimalistic. http://www.myspace.com/hiholonelady
Gonjasufi:A Sufi and a Killer - Sorry Flying Lotus, but your dreadlocked friend makes music for people with Cannabis and Mushroom flags in their rooms. He simply can't mix Hip Hop beats with guitars and 70s organs playing oriental, mediterran and Blues scales, put some Hendrixoid effects on them and hope to get away with that. Luckily, his MySpace selection sounds way more interesting. http://www.myspace.com/gonjasufi
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