Music Icons On Sky Arts

[andy-hughes]

Not being a Sky subscriber, I was really pleased when they put Sky Arts on Freeview, it gives me access to the Music Icons series.

What a disappointment!!!

Apart from John Aizelwood, a former colleague, who does have interesting things to say, the Sunday Times guy, the Radio Something girl, and the bloke with the horrible leather jacket are just so much dull noise.

And why have the programme makers dressed them all from the local Oxfam, with just an occasional change of shirt or jacket?

As for the narrator, he sounds like his voice is coming from a B movie horror film.

Given the large number of knowledgeable and well-dressed music journalists there are out there - is this really the best they can do?

[Barsel]

I was really pleased to be able to get Sky Arts on Freeview too, although not everything on there appeals to me.The ones I watch are mostly music and film and I've enjoyed learning about certain film stars and pop stars that I didn't know about before. To be honest Andy, I think the things you've picked up on are maybe things I haven't noticed, unless of course we are watching different programmes.:-)

[emmie]

the only time i watch sky arts is when they have had profiles on movie stars, some have been really fascinating

[barry1010]

I really don't care how they dress. I have watched some excellent, informative programmes on Sky Arts and don't bother with the programmes that don't interest me.
I appreciate having the choice to watch at no cost to me.

[Barsel]

emmie, did you watch the Montgomery Clift programme? That was an eye opener.I knew he was gay, but I had no idea how difficult to work with he was, or the terrible accident he had.

[brainiac]

Agree that this series is disappointing - contrast with the excellent bio of Gerry Rafferty on BBC 4 last night

[emmie]

i didn't, but have seen ones on favourite stars like Cary Grant, Bette Davis and so forth

[Mozz71]

You're better off with Sky Documentaries Andy. Much better shows on there.

Having said that, I'm surprised to see you getting so snobby about their combined dress sense. I don't see how that affects what they're saying, unless you're looking for another rod to beat them with.

[Barsel]

Mozz, I don't think you can get Sky Documentaries on Freeview.

[emmie]

no only sky arts as far as i am aware

[Barsel]

Emmie, I missed those, but will look to see if they come on again.

[emmie]

they are seemingly on a loop...

[emmie]

BBC4 often has excellent music to suit all tastes.

[Mozz71]

Ah, fair enough Barsel, I wasn't aware of that. I do watch a fair bit of BBC4 too.

[andy-hughes]

Mozz - // Having said that, I'm surprised to see you getting so snobby about their combined dress sense. I don't see how that affects what they're saying, unless you're looking for another rod to beat them with. //

I don't really mean to be snobby, but two men who work for The Evening Standard and The Times respectively, can surely afford to dress for the tv better than that - which leads me to assume that they are 'dressed' by the programme makers, so my ire is aimed at them, rather than the journalists themselves.

[Mozz71]

Fair.dos. I might check it out. Who are the subjects of the show, or is it a general discussion?

[andy-hughes]

Mozz - // Fair.dos. I might check it out. Who are the subjects of the show, or is it a general discussion? //

They tend to profile a specific genre each time, fairly lightly, which is fine, they are appealing to the mass audience who want a snapshot not an encyclopedia, but I still think it's too lightweight even on that basis.

[Mozz71]

I'll give it a look and make my mind up accordingly. I've been enjoying a doc about the Californian Comedy Store. Very enjoyable first episode.

[iluvmargie]

I am glad freeview now has Sky Arts. I don't like everything that is on, but I recorded a programme about the Proclaimers yesterday. I love the Proclaimers. I also like the painting programmes.

[Mozz71]

Just had a look at the Music Idols show and was surprised to see this was the fourth season, each with 15 or so episodes. The previous seasons dealt with individual artists, a highly eclectic mix, of everyone from Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry to the likes of The Ramones and Patti Smith. Even your favourite, Mr Diamond has an episode. The current season is as you described, dealing with genres and fads. I've downloaded the first episode of this run and will have a gander later.

[Mozz71]

The above was aimed at Andy.