Radio 2 : Not too squeaky clean for a scandal after all ! (Radio 2)

Member Name: englishrose

Product:	Radio 2
Date:	15/03/09 (128 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Undemanding and cosy

Disadvantages: Undemanding and cosy!

Yes, I admit it, I am a Radio 2 listener!

Radio 2 is available at 88 -91 FM, and also online and on digital. No longer just for old people, as used to be the rumour, it's for all ages now. Probably like most Radio 2 fans, I used to listen to Radio 1 a long time ago, but went off it a bit when the main DJ's starting leaving or getting the axe.

It was actually Steve Wright crossing over to Radio 2 that prompted me to try it, and I was hooked. I'd say it's exactly like Radio 1 used to be in the old days!

My review is based on the times that I personally have Radio 2 on: that's mainly in the week, and hardly ever at the weekends.

Most weekdays, I might catch a little bit of Wogan in the early morning on the school run, although I have to admit that's not my favourite: I like Terry and his gentle banter, but I wouldn't have the entire show on. Immediately following this, it's Ken Bruce, hmmm, not so good: I 'm not that keen on his show and I am usually doing something else around this time anyway. He does sometimes have live performances in the studio though, which I will tune in for if it's someone I like.

The first show of the day that I would tune in specially for is the Jeremy Vine show. Also seen as a television broadcaster and journalist, Vine took over this slot from Jimmy Young a few years back and has totally transformed it: Now it's a 2 hour current affairs discussion and phone-in, with guests in the studio and music in between. He might be discussing very serious subjects, then something light and trivial, there is always a good mix. It will always be topical and related to the news of the week or day.

I really enjoy listening in to this, hearing other people's opinions and views, although sometimes they take some believing of course! He also has regular slots at the same time each week, for example Friday's are Martin Lewis the moneysaving expert, and then a live broadcast from the show's allotment .... yes, this show has an allotment, somewhere in Wales, and the man who tends it will describe down the phone what he's been doing .... yes, it works a treat on the radio!! Okay, maybe not, but it's still amusing and informative.

My one criticism would be that Jeremy Vine does live in a bit of a middle-class bubble and sometimes seems quite naive and easily shocked, considering he is a journalist. However, his guests and speakers do balance this out, so it works well.

The news is every hour, on the hour, and the travel information is twice every hour throughout the day.

2.00 pm each weekday and it's time for 'The Big Show' which is what Steve Wright calls his 3 hour show. He no longer has The Posse, but he does still have a small crew of regulars to keep him company, namely Tim Smith and Janie Lee Grace.

There are also a couple of 'characters' such as 'The Old Woman' which is basically an old woman chatting but no-one knows her real name , and 'Ask Elvis' where someone pretends to be Elvis Presley answering general knowledge questions the listeners have sent in. I'm not sure about these myself, but they seem popular.

Personally, I like the chat and banter amongst the crew, and the type of music that is played: A mix of old and new stuff, with a section halfway through where listeners choose a list of their favourite oldies (I was horrified to discover that this can include songs from the 1990's!). I keep reminding myself to do my list, but it's so hard to choose!

If I had to criticise, I would say that this show does tend to rely on the same few old jokes to keep it going and is maybe sounding slightly tired now. But I keep listening for the comfort/familiarity factor.

There are also celebrity guests, which are always fun and interesting, and the show goes on until 5.00pm when it's time to hand over to Chris Evans.

I do really enjoy his show - there was a time when I really went off Chris Evans, as he was too much like Chris Moyles is now: I found him too cocky and the big-I-am. Now though, he seems to have really mellowed and I enjoy listening to him again, and his show is similar to Steve Wright, with celebrity chat, listeners ringing in and good music.

The only other show that I regularly listen to is Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie , who are on together Monday to Thursday, 8.00pm - 10.00pm. These two are really funny and witty together, and seem to bounce off each other verbally.

Again, it's great music and chat, where they talk about the news of the day which they form into a pseudo-newspaper headline, known as 'The Chain' and then it's mainly just them wittering on, but somehow they make it good!

Sometimes they are joined by such luminaries as Noddy Holder, who adds to the mix, and occasionally there is a special episode: For example, a couple of weeks ago, the whole show was dedicated to a one-off Morrissey special, running a new concert in its' entirety,which was a great night's entertainment.

All the shows are available to listen to online later if there was anything you missed.

Overall verdict: I will keep listening to SOME Radio 2 shows, not all: it's undemanding and cosy - which can be a double-edged sword: The recent Jonathan Ross/Russell Brand furore proved that even Radio 2 likes to break out of it's mould and get into trouble sometimes!

Summary: Easy listening entertainment