It seems it would do this piece--and the listener-- a disservice to reveal the content. The purpose of this piece in many ways is to witness a thought process.
In a dreamlike world where WWII soldiers are in the trenches with a turbo boom box broadcasting church bells, Anderson questions the existence of God, the darwinism of an idea vs. the creationism of an idea, and so on.
This could be used interstitially --it would be an unconventional choice for Christmas or Easter.
This is something I wouldn't be surprised to hear on Scott Simon's Weekend Edition, Day to Day, or The Next Big Thing.-CM
None of the absolutes I expected to hear from a Teenage mother, negative or positive. I confess that at first, I didn't sense I was going to hear anything new and then I realized my neck hurt from leaning in. The sounds made me feel so present in that little apartment and then: the diarist tosses off some cold facts and honest feelings with the same lightness she uses to describe her social life - it's absolutely disarming. But "disarmed" you are privy to the too many layers of life and feelings cloaked in the simplicity of such a young person. Nice work.
VM
People may think it’s too early to be hearing election ’04 material, but if you consider that the incumbents don’t open their mouths without considering the impact on the next election, it’s not one second too early to hear about the challengers. This piece on Kucinich crams a good bit about his political history into its short time span. If you’re curious about what he thinks about a multitude of issues beyond the war on Iraq, you’ll have to search elsewhere. But it’s a fine introduction to the man, and big thanks to VPR for this public service. This series could air everywhere, nicely spaced to avoid burnout. sl
It's so short I couldn't possibly review while listening! It's almost too short to be satisfying. My ears wanted another breath of sound. But fine to fill 20 seconds if you have an empty 20 seconds to fill. sl
Gripping tape from the first. Beautifully mixed between real time and retrospect. It's a "no holds barred" tour of deportation - and the haphazard road to ganghood. Weazel's honesty reduces to simple fact what an "ordinary" listener might normally find enormously complicated, even unapproachable. It is this unencumbered revealment that is unusually wrenching.
Delight, irony, gratitude, resolve - fresh air gushing into a story that expects none of those elements. In a short 30 minutes, this young man evolves with all the dimension and exquisite complexity that could possibly be exposed without knowing him face to face.
The diary works on it's own, just for the sake of sharing good radio, or if need be, in a theme about youth.
A great, if somewhat melancholy break from the chaos of our civilized lives. Native speakers, (and a few non-natives who study indigenous cultures) share their very different take on what it means to be on this earth. What we define and treat as sacred seems some kind of limited. Stop and look at the earth as a bible, at the woods as full of spirits, at animals as your brethren, at time as a circular phenomenon, and you’ll feel some connection to their way of life. Lovely native music is woven throughout. The producers wisely and respectfully refrain from narration. Wish there'd have been a few more female voices.
Could be aired during holiday times, or in connection with environmental or cultural programming. sl
Nick Cave is an interesting artist/designer/ dancer. Frank does a good job of describing him, and gives us a clue as to what at least some of his suits look like. The tape of various suits in motion is wonderful, and he's fun to listen to. Good piece to drop in any time of year for a change-up from hard news, or include in programming on artists, african-americans, performance art. sl
A show for all the (ageing) wanna-be hipsters out there who would love to have a clue about popular music culture (at least in front of their kids), without all the hard work. In addition if public radio wants to attract a more youthful listenership, then this series is certainly a good start, if it is programmed in the evening, or at a time when it might fall into the ears of young folk! Subject matter in this episode ranged from break dancing to the White Stripes. Seemlessly executed as one would expect, and very un-PHC! Hostess is enthusiastic, bubbly and youthful, translating for us, with an abundance of "you know"s and "likes", so you dont get too complacent and think you've got the hang of it all.
Comment for
"Harvey Pekar: Stetson Shoes" (deleted)
I'm not sure how this left me feeling...odd I suppose but certainly curious. it's a quirky commentary, and nothing even close to the mainstream concern, and just because of that, extremely refreshing.
It's the sort of thing any studio should have on hand to air: "just because". I can hear it coming out of nowhere and being glad of it.
Barbera talks about the creative process, and his points are well-illustrated by carefully chosen excerpts from a host of favorite cartoons. The interview starts approx. 2 mins into the piece and ends at 21.30; as the producer alludes above, it might be more easily incorporated into a show without the host intro/outro as the sudden appearance of a WNYC voice may confuse listeners! It could provide historical perspective for a show about animation, or excerpted for a show about the creative process.
Even reveals the origin of the cry "yabadabadoo" from the flintstones! HW.
Powerful, little known anecdote about WWI described by John McCutcheon, whose moving song plays throughout the story. His reflections draw explicit connections to Vietnam and of course, current battles. However, the tape of him speaking sounds as though it’s coming to us from 1914, which is a little distracting. Must have been taped on the phone, or else he was trapped in a cave. But one is grateful for the story, no matter, and it makes me long to hear a fuller account from one or more of the soldiers. The producer accurately describes airing possibilities. sl
A refreshingly frank, informative and very amusing piece by a teen with chutzpah. Good interviewing technique and tape choice, and the production and editing are mighty fine. Could be aired as programming on kids, women, health, transitions, you name it. I would just love to hear Bob Edwards introduce this piece of a morning. sl
This is an excellent, uplifting journey through Ladybird Johnson’s life, and her growth and transition to first lady under tragic conditions. It’s wonderful to hear her voice, rendered here in excerpts from interviews she's given and speeches she's made. It is especially poignant to hear a portion of her first audio diary entry, made the day after JFK’s assassination. Nuanced choices of music are a production plus, but the strength is in the spoken word. Wisely chosen excerpts create a rich experience. The hour contains a wide range of voices, from historians to those who worked with her or know her, and they pinpoint her influence on LBJ, and on the capital, and the nation –– particularly in the areas of environment, race, and education. She truly is a force for good. sl
a news analysis whose writing, delivery and editorial choices elevate it beyond the standard with simplicity and clarity.
excellent to accompany anything dealing with Sept. 11, racial bias, profiling and the difficulties of keeping an even journalistic hand. Production is a little rough but it's a provocative piece.
vm
A solid standard news approach to a subject that could stand a little more heart, a little more "man on the street " in order to inspire further thought on the benefits of smaller government and privatization.
This is a humorus portrait of brotherly dynamics. Not only do we get a glimpse into boyhood behavior but we get some insight into the pathology of fear.
The production of this piece is conventional. Frank links interviews with narration and music. The anecdotes are entertaining and quite visual. This piece is very versatile. It stands alone but it could also be a nice addition to a show about siblings, childhood or the psychology of horror.-CM
A wide range of voices (identified at the end of each piece) from diverse points across the globe, converge in lamenting the murder of John Lennon; this work reveals how intimately lennon's death intersected with the lives and personal situations of those interviewed. The recollections are interspersed with carefully chosen examples of his music, making this piece a welcome addition to the airwaves on the upcoming anniversary. Conveniently presented in 2 lengths for twice the broadcasting opportunity!
We get historical context, personal reminiscence and observation in this lovely blend of ambient sound, music of the time, archival tape, and the voices of a small group of women pilots. An interesting, informative, engaging portrait of these women and of this period in history that is so beautifully produced it’s nearly cinematic in effect.
Could be aired any time, but certainly around WWII or aviation anniversary dates, or as part of programming about women in America, jobs, changes in society, and, of course, war. sl
This narration-less program begins with descriptions of the general situation of Ugandan children orphaned by AIDS pandemic. The program shifts back and forth between teachers and students. Students talk about their circumstances, studies, and hopes for the future. Foreign and Ugandan teachers describe their small schools. They offer details as to how the schools are funded, what the programs are and how the programming is planned to train the students in creating everything from cash crops to community. Most of the tape is presented talking-head style, but occasionally interspersed with wonderful tape of music and singing, and the alive sounds of the school in the background. Less talking head, more spontaneous tape would have made the program more compelling, but that’s a minor aside. sl
we like it when we are so easily pushed to refresh our perspective. simple and moving . One immigrant nicely juxtaposed with "first settler" immigration..
an evergreen commentary for Thanksgiving
vm
A free-flowing collage of voices and views that are predominantly pro-environment, and that paint a rather bleak picture of the future of the globe; told through a Canada-centric lens. Includes a wide range of voices that are excellently recorded so that you feel like you are right there with them, out in the forests, standing by mountain streams.
Some may find the lack of traditional structure/narration disconcerting; in addition, one might not give a rarely identified voice the credibility it deserves, without appropriate context. However if this style of radio is for you (and it might not be for everyone), eventually you go with the flow and hear the words and it doesn't really matter who is speaking. The beauty of this piece is that its narrationless-ness (?!) allows latecoming listeners to dip into it at any stage, without feeling that they have missed out.
Musical/poetic interludes give the listener a chance to digest what they have heard, as do evocative descriptions of various natural habitats that the subjects find themselves in.
A final and minor point: dont be put off by the opening music which is a bit grating, could be just my personal taste! HW
Straightforward poetic piece from a young man straddling two worlds/languages. Beautifully honest, sadly removed. Nice fluid motion between languages and accents with plenty of content. THis is short piece that could fit an evening show but still there are one or two strong words that might restrict it's placement on air.
vm
A nature documentary of the uninhabitable yet vital Funk island. An enthusiastic colorful approach to the subject, I kept wanting to SEE this documentary. The sound is quite evocative but there are some drawbacks, particularly: one of the first local speaker's accent is very difficult to decipher, so you find yourself leaning in, which can be a good thing - but not for everyone. If you stay with it there are some fine moments rich in history and sad in extinctness. good for science and ecology focus, though the length is a little awkward. Further production notes will go directly to the producer.
vm
Listening is like popping into a wild little time capsule. Reminded me of Randy Thom's great broadcasting-through-the-stratosphere collage from the film "Contact". Do wish this sound could be fuller, louder, more present. Could be aired around any late 60s anniversary dates, or just dropped in anywhere to make someone give their head a shake. sl
Good volley of authoritative, critical, upbeat font of information, focused on the political doings of this country. It asks a lot of questions, and hard ones that I feel like I haven't bothered with in a while. Discerning but jam packed so you've got to pay close attention..or just wait til the next subject. This is just a partial audio sample.
There are some off-the-wall approaches to subjects like turning to conspiracy theories when the official version isn't working - this is the sort of thought that makes life interesting, and radio as well.
Good brain food.
A day in the life piece from a blind college student and his guide dog. The listener gets a sense of how scary it must be to negotiate busy roads without sight, as the trucks and cars thunder along en route to classes; and how being sightless throws up barriers beyond the obvious visual ones.
This is a free flowing piece, which has some intriguing parts, but also left this listener feeling a bit disoriented and wanting to know more. Despite the personal nature of this piece I was left without a true sense of the subject or his dog, or the bond between them.
It's length makes it amenable to airing with other pieces as part of a show on disabilites, student life or animals. HW.
Hans Anderson isn't exactly Garrison Keillor or Joe Frank--he has his own voice-- but if forced to make a comparison I'd say he's somewhere in between.
"Seafood Joint" is compelling and it's only seven minutes but it feels much longer---in a good way. Anderson is a master of digressions. Throughout his story he digresses from the narrative in a way that manages to enhance the overall direction and momentum of the story. Where would one broadcast this piece? Where there's a 7:05 gap. As race relations is one of the themes it would be an interesting piece to play on Martin Luther King Jr. Day... I could certainly hear this on "The Next Big Thing, " "Radio Lab," or "This American Life"--that is if they have a compatible theme.
Hans Anderson reviewed a piece here, on PRX, and wrote: "I think PR needs a shake up." Well ,"Seafood Joint" would do a fine job of giving public radio a gentle shaking.
-CM
In under four minutes Sandip Roy effectively sums up globalism and a changing US economy with wit and intelligence .
Roy illustrates the life cycle of the American Dream: people who left India to seek fotune in Silicon Valley are now being laid-off because their jobs have been outsourced to their homeland.
This commentary would be appropriate for Morning Edition, All Things Considered but it would be most effective broadcast on "The Word," or "Marketplace".
Ethically Speaking is brief, informative but not at all dry. It’s ideal for interstitial programming.
There are a number of public radio shows that have a resident ethicist so Ethically Speaking is a perfect way for PD's to fill the ethicist void. Ethically Speaking is a refreshing format: An ethical question is put forth and the following week listeners' comments and the expertise of two ethicists are integrated to make for a fine segment.
A heartfelt first person account of the difficulties faced by a young transsexual woman as she confronts the fear of rejection of her true self, versus the desire to be honest with her mother. At an early age, Dia became convinced that her mother would not accept her orientation; but happily in this case, when her secret was eventually revealed, Dia's mother comes through with acceptance and love. This piece deals more overtly with coming out as gay rather than transexual. Music is well-used in TAL-esque fashion !
The length and content of the piece lends itself to airing in many scenarios, youth/gay/family oriented shows. HW.
Comments by Transom Editors
Comment for "Hell's Bells"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 17, 2003 at 09:42 AM | Permalink
Review of Hell's Bells
It seems it would do this piece--and the listener-- a disservice to reveal the content. The purpose of this piece in many ways is to witness a thought process.
In a dreamlike world where WWII soldiers are in the trenches with a turbo boom box broadcasting church bells, Anderson questions the existence of God, the darwinism of an idea vs. the creationism of an idea, and so on.
This could be used interstitially --it would be an unconventional choice for Christmas or Easter.
This is something I wouldn't be surprised to hear on Scott Simon's Weekend Edition, Day to Day, or The Next Big Thing.-CM
Comment for "Melissa's Diary, Part 1: Teen Mom"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 16, 2003 at 07:56 PM | Permalink
Review of Melissa in New Haven: Teen Mom
None of the absolutes I expected to hear from a Teenage mother, negative or positive. I confess that at first, I didn't sense I was going to hear anything new and then I realized my neck hurt from leaning in. The sounds made me feel so present in that little apartment and then: the diarist tosses off some cold facts and honest feelings with the same lightness she uses to describe her social life - it's absolutely disarming. But "disarmed" you are privy to the too many layers of life and feelings cloaked in the simplicity of such a young person. Nice work.
VM
Comment for "The Home-State Record: Dennis Kucinich"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 16, 2003 at 01:09 PM | Permalink
Review of The Home-State Record: Dennis Kucinich
People may think it’s too early to be hearing election ’04 material, but if you consider that the incumbents don’t open their mouths without considering the impact on the next election, it’s not one second too early to hear about the challengers. This piece on Kucinich crams a good bit about his political history into its short time span. If you’re curious about what he thinks about a multitude of issues beyond the war on Iraq, you’ll have to search elsewhere. But it’s a fine introduction to the man, and big thanks to VPR for this public service. This series could air everywhere, nicely spaced to avoid burnout. sl
Comment for "Short Days Peace Meditation"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 16, 2003 at 12:21 PM | Permalink
Review of Short Days Peace Meditation
It's so short I couldn't possibly review while listening! It's almost too short to be satisfying. My ears wanted another breath of sound. But fine to fill 20 seconds if you have an empty 20 seconds to fill. sl
Comment for "Deported: Weazel's Diary"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 15, 2003 at 06:11 PM | Permalink
Review of Deported: Weazel's Diary
Gripping tape from the first. Beautifully mixed between real time and retrospect. It's a "no holds barred" tour of deportation - and the haphazard road to ganghood. Weazel's honesty reduces to simple fact what an "ordinary" listener might normally find enormously complicated, even unapproachable. It is this unencumbered revealment that is unusually wrenching.
Delight, irony, gratitude, resolve - fresh air gushing into a story that expects none of those elements. In a short 30 minutes, this young man evolves with all the dimension and exquisite complexity that could possibly be exposed without knowing him face to face.
The diary works on it's own, just for the sake of sharing good radio, or if need be, in a theme about youth.
vm
Comment for "The Sweetgrass Road"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 15, 2003 at 01:20 PM | Permalink
Review of The Sweetgrass Road
A great, if somewhat melancholy break from the chaos of our civilized lives. Native speakers, (and a few non-natives who study indigenous cultures) share their very different take on what it means to be on this earth. What we define and treat as sacred seems some kind of limited. Stop and look at the earth as a bible, at the woods as full of spirits, at animals as your brethren, at time as a circular phenomenon, and you’ll feel some connection to their way of life. Lovely native music is woven throughout. The producers wisely and respectfully refrain from narration. Wish there'd have been a few more female voices.
Could be aired during holiday times, or in connection with environmental or cultural programming. sl
Comment for "Sound Suits"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 11, 2003 at 01:46 PM | Permalink
Review of Sound Suits
Nick Cave is an interesting artist/designer/ dancer. Frank does a good job of describing him, and gives us a clue as to what at least some of his suits look like. The tape of various suits in motion is wonderful, and he's fun to listen to. Good piece to drop in any time of year for a change-up from hard news, or include in programming on artists, african-americans, performance art. sl
Comment
Transom Editors
Posted on December 10, 2003 at 10:07 AM
Review of Pop Vultures (deleted)
A show for all the (ageing) wanna-be hipsters out there who would love to have a clue about popular music culture (at least in front of their kids), without all the hard work. In addition if public radio wants to attract a more youthful listenership, then this series is certainly a good start, if it is programmed in the evening, or at a time when it might fall into the ears of young folk! Subject matter in this episode ranged from break dancing to the White Stripes. Seemlessly executed as one would expect, and very un-PHC! Hostess is enthusiastic, bubbly and youthful, translating for us, with an abundance of "you know"s and "likes", so you dont get too complacent and think you've got the hang of it all.
Comment for "Harvey Pekar: Stetson Shoes" (deleted)
Transom Editors
Posted on December 05, 2003 at 10:53 AM
Review of Harvey Pekar: Stetson Shoes (deleted)
I'm not sure how this left me feeling...odd I suppose but certainly curious. it's a quirky commentary, and nothing even close to the mainstream concern, and just because of that, extremely refreshing.
It's the sort of thing any studio should have on hand to air: "just because". I can hear it coming out of nowhere and being glad of it.
vm
Comment for "An Interview with Joe Barbera"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 05, 2003 at 11:08 AM | Permalink
Review of An Interview with Joe Barbera
Barbera talks about the creative process, and his points are well-illustrated by carefully chosen excerpts from a host of favorite cartoons. The interview starts approx. 2 mins into the piece and ends at 21.30; as the producer alludes above, it might be more easily incorporated into a show without the host intro/outro as the sudden appearance of a WNYC voice may confuse listeners! It could provide historical perspective for a show about animation, or excerpted for a show about the creative process.
Even reveals the origin of the cry "yabadabadoo" from the flintstones! HW.
Comment for "Christmas in the Trenches"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 04, 2003 at 12:59 PM | Permalink
Review of Christmas in the Trenches
Powerful, little known anecdote about WWI described by John McCutcheon, whose moving song plays throughout the story. His reflections draw explicit connections to Vietnam and of course, current battles. However, the tape of him speaking sounds as though it’s coming to us from 1914, which is a little distracting. Must have been taped on the phone, or else he was trapped in a cave. But one is grateful for the story, no matter, and it makes me long to hear a fuller account from one or more of the soldiers. The producer accurately describes airing possibilities. sl
Comment for "First Menstruation Stories"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 04, 2003 at 12:45 PM | Permalink
Review of First Menstruation Stories
A refreshingly frank, informative and very amusing piece by a teen with chutzpah. Good interviewing technique and tape choice, and the production and editing are mighty fine. Could be aired as programming on kids, women, health, transitions, you name it. I would just love to hear Bob Edwards introduce this piece of a morning. sl
Comment for "Lady Bird Johnson: Legacy of a First Lady"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 04, 2003 at 11:59 AM | Permalink
Review of Lady Bird Johnson: Legacy of a First Lady
This is an excellent, uplifting journey through Ladybird Johnson’s life, and her growth and transition to first lady under tragic conditions. It’s wonderful to hear her voice, rendered here in excerpts from interviews she's given and speeches she's made. It is especially poignant to hear a portion of her first audio diary entry, made the day after JFK’s assassination. Nuanced choices of music are a production plus, but the strength is in the spoken word. Wisely chosen excerpts create a rich experience. The hour contains a wide range of voices, from historians to those who worked with her or know her, and they pinpoint her influence on LBJ, and on the capital, and the nation –– particularly in the areas of environment, race, and education. She truly is a force for good. sl
Comment for "American Muslims & the Media"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 01, 2003 at 07:34 PM | Permalink
Review of American Muslims & the Media
a news analysis whose writing, delivery and editorial choices elevate it beyond the standard with simplicity and clarity.
excellent to accompany anything dealing with Sept. 11, racial bias, profiling and the difficulties of keeping an even journalistic hand. Production is a little rough but it's a provocative piece.
vm
Comment for "The Never-ending Tax Revolt"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 01, 2003 at 05:22 PM | Permalink
Review of The Never-ending Tax Revolt
A solid standard news approach to a subject that could stand a little more heart, a little more "man on the street " in order to inspire further thought on the benefits of smaller government and privatization.
vm
Comment for "What Big Teeth You Have"
Transom Editors
Posted on December 01, 2003 at 11:16 AM | Permalink
Review of What Big Teeth You Have
This is a humorus portrait of brotherly dynamics. Not only do we get a glimpse into boyhood behavior but we get some insight into the pathology of fear.
The production of this piece is conventional. Frank links interviews with narration and music. The anecdotes are entertaining and quite visual. This piece is very versatile. It stands alone but it could also be a nice addition to a show about siblings, childhood or the psychology of horror.-CM
Comment for "The Day John Lennon Died" (deleted)
Transom Editors
Posted on December 01, 2003 at 10:33 AM
Review of The Day John Lennon Died (deleted)
A wide range of voices (identified at the end of each piece) from diverse points across the globe, converge in lamenting the murder of John Lennon; this work reveals how intimately lennon's death intersected with the lives and personal situations of those interviewed. The recollections are interspersed with carefully chosen examples of his music, making this piece a welcome addition to the airwaves on the upcoming anniversary. Conveniently presented in 2 lengths for twice the broadcasting opportunity!
HW
Comment for "The WASPs: Women Pilots of WWII"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 25, 2003 at 01:39 PM | Permalink
Review of The WASPs: Women Pilots of WWII
We get historical context, personal reminiscence and observation in this lovely blend of ambient sound, music of the time, archival tape, and the voices of a small group of women pilots. An interesting, informative, engaging portrait of these women and of this period in history that is so beautifully produced it’s nearly cinematic in effect.
Could be aired any time, but certainly around WWII or aviation anniversary dates, or as part of programming about women in America, jobs, changes in society, and, of course, war. sl
Comment for "The AIDS Highway"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 25, 2003 at 11:40 AM | Permalink
Review of The AIDS Highway
This narration-less program begins with descriptions of the general situation of Ugandan children orphaned by AIDS pandemic. The program shifts back and forth between teachers and students. Students talk about their circumstances, studies, and hopes for the future. Foreign and Ugandan teachers describe their small schools. They offer details as to how the schools are funded, what the programs are and how the programming is planned to train the students in creating everything from cash crops to community. Most of the tape is presented talking-head style, but occasionally interspersed with wonderful tape of music and singing, and the alive sounds of the school in the background. Less talking head, more spontaneous tape would have made the program more compelling, but that’s a minor aside. sl
Comment for "Thanksgiving story"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 25, 2003 at 06:53 AM | Permalink
Review of Thanksgiving story
we like it when we are so easily pushed to refresh our perspective. simple and moving . One immigrant nicely juxtaposed with "first settler" immigration..
an evergreen commentary for Thanksgiving
vm
Comment for "The Earth Chroniclers"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 21, 2003 at 11:27 AM | Permalink
Review of The Earth Chroniclers
A free-flowing collage of voices and views that are predominantly pro-environment, and that paint a rather bleak picture of the future of the globe; told through a Canada-centric lens. Includes a wide range of voices that are excellently recorded so that you feel like you are right there with them, out in the forests, standing by mountain streams.
Some may find the lack of traditional structure/narration disconcerting; in addition, one might not give a rarely identified voice the credibility it deserves, without appropriate context. However if this style of radio is for you (and it might not be for everyone), eventually you go with the flow and hear the words and it doesn't really matter who is speaking. The beauty of this piece is that its narrationless-ness (?!) allows latecoming listeners to dip into it at any stage, without feeling that they have missed out.
Musical/poetic interludes give the listener a chance to digest what they have heard, as do evocative descriptions of various natural habitats that the subjects find themselves in.
A final and minor point: dont be put off by the opening music which is a bit grating, could be just my personal taste! HW
Comment for "Trading One Tongue for the Other"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 20, 2003 at 07:44 PM | Permalink
Review of Trading One Tongue for the Other
Straightforward poetic piece from a young man straddling two worlds/languages. Beautifully honest, sadly removed. Nice fluid motion between languages and accents with plenty of content. THis is short piece that could fit an evening show but still there are one or two strong words that might restrict it's placement on air.
vm
Comment for "Funk: Great Auk Graveyard" (deleted)
Transom Editors
Posted on November 19, 2003 at 09:02 AM
Review of Funk: Great Auk Graveyard (deleted)
A nature documentary of the uninhabitable yet vital Funk island. An enthusiastic colorful approach to the subject, I kept wanting to SEE this documentary. The sound is quite evocative but there are some drawbacks, particularly: one of the first local speaker's accent is very difficult to decipher, so you find yourself leaning in, which can be a good thing - but not for everyone. If you stay with it there are some fine moments rich in history and sad in extinctness. good for science and ecology focus, though the length is a little awkward. Further production notes will go directly to the producer.
vm
Comment for "Irrellevence"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 17, 2003 at 01:25 PM | Permalink
Review of Irrellevence
Listening is like popping into a wild little time capsule. Reminded me of Randy Thom's great broadcasting-through-the-stratosphere collage from the film "Contact". Do wish this sound could be fuller, louder, more present. Could be aired around any late 60s anniversary dates, or just dropped in anywhere to make someone give their head a shake. sl
Comment for "On The Media: Fourth Estate or Fourth Branch?"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 14, 2003 at 06:52 PM | Permalink
Review of On The Media: Fourth Estate or Fourth Branch?
Good volley of authoritative, critical, upbeat font of information, focused on the political doings of this country. It asks a lot of questions, and hard ones that I feel like I haven't bothered with in a while. Discerning but jam packed so you've got to pay close attention..or just wait til the next subject. This is just a partial audio sample.
There are some off-the-wall approaches to subjects like turning to conspiracy theories when the official version isn't working - this is the sort of thought that makes life interesting, and radio as well.
Good brain food.
Comment for "Andrew and Racine Go To College"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 14, 2003 at 10:42 AM | Permalink
Review of Stories1st: Andrew and Racine
A day in the life piece from a blind college student and his guide dog. The listener gets a sense of how scary it must be to negotiate busy roads without sight, as the trucks and cars thunder along en route to classes; and how being sightless throws up barriers beyond the obvious visual ones.
This is a free flowing piece, which has some intriguing parts, but also left this listener feeling a bit disoriented and wanting to know more. Despite the personal nature of this piece I was left without a true sense of the subject or his dog, or the bond between them.
It's length makes it amenable to airing with other pieces as part of a show on disabilites, student life or animals. HW.
Comment for "Seafood Joint"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 14, 2003 at 09:18 AM | Permalink
Review of Seafood Joint
Hans Anderson isn't exactly Garrison Keillor or Joe Frank--he has his own voice-- but if forced to make a comparison I'd say he's somewhere in between.
"Seafood Joint" is compelling and it's only seven minutes but it feels much longer---in a good way. Anderson is a master of digressions. Throughout his story he digresses from the narrative in a way that manages to enhance the overall direction and momentum of the story. Where would one broadcast this piece? Where there's a 7:05 gap. As race relations is one of the themes it would be an interesting piece to play on Martin Luther King Jr. Day... I could certainly hear this on "The Next Big Thing, " "Radio Lab," or "This American Life"--that is if they have a compatible theme.
Hans Anderson reviewed a piece here, on PRX, and wrote: "I think PR needs a shake up." Well ,"Seafood Joint" would do a fine job of giving public radio a gentle shaking.
-CM
Comment for "American dream comes full circle"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 10, 2003 at 10:49 AM | Permalink
Review of American dream comes full circle
In under four minutes Sandip Roy effectively sums up globalism and a changing US economy with wit and intelligence .
Roy illustrates the life cycle of the American Dream: people who left India to seek fotune in Silicon Valley are now being laid-off because their jobs have been outsourced to their homeland.
This commentary would be appropriate for Morning Edition, All Things Considered but it would be most effective broadcast on "The Word," or "Marketplace".
Comment
Transom Editors
Posted on November 10, 2003 at 07:31 AM
Review of Ethically Speaking (deleted)
Ethically Speaking is brief, informative but not at all dry. It’s ideal for interstitial programming.
There are a number of public radio shows that have a resident ethicist so Ethically Speaking is a perfect way for PD's to fill the ethicist void. Ethically Speaking is a refreshing format: An ethical question is put forth and the following week listeners' comments and the expertise of two ethicists are integrated to make for a fine segment.
Comment for "Dia's Diary: My Mother"
Transom Editors
Posted on November 07, 2003 at 09:56 AM | Permalink
Review of Dia's Diary: My Mother
A heartfelt first person account of the difficulties faced by a young transsexual woman as she confronts the fear of rejection of her true self, versus the desire to be honest with her mother. At an early age, Dia became convinced that her mother would not accept her orientation; but happily in this case, when her secret was eventually revealed, Dia's mother comes through with acceptance and love. This piece deals more overtly with coming out as gay rather than transexual. Music is well-used in TAL-esque fashion !
The length and content of the piece lends itself to airing in many scenarios, youth/gay/family oriented shows. HW.