Mitch Benn

[scotman]

Mitch Benn prog just started on BBC7. Started with Stephen Lynch song 'If I were Gay'

[Buenchico]

. . . and your point is?

I've never really been a fan of Mitch Benn's programmes. (He doesn't even seem to know what his name is! He spells it as 'Mitch' but pronounces it as 'Midge').

Oh, BTW, 'BBC7' was renamed to 'Radio 7' ages ago. It's due to be renamed again, as 'Radio 4 Extra' some time this year.

[scotman]

Chris

No point really. It was just that it was through a Mitch Benn prog that I became aware that Stephen Lynch existed. I have a passing fancy for comic songs. Tom Lehrer, Flanders & Swann etc. I just wanted to share.

[Buenchico]

I also love the best of comedy songs. I was brought up on Flanders & Swann. (It was about the only 'light' music that I was allowed to listen to). I've also seen Instant Sunshine live. Tom Lehrer was a comedy genius (the musical equivalent of Bob Newhart).

But I can't relate to much of the stuff that Mitch Benn finds funny.

But at least we still have one master of musical comedy to entertain us ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZCIKjYDf1g

[scotman]

Chris

I quite like Bob Newhart, also Spike Jones. I agree that Victoria Wood has good comic song talent but(for me) sometimes she doesn't seem to know when to stop with a particular theme. Fascinating Aida are good of the modern bunch. Even Hinge and Bracket have their moments.

[Buenchico]

I like Spike Jones is small quantities. (I wouldn't want to listen to an entire album in one go).

I've not heard Fascinating Aida for a while but I've always enjoyed their work.

I saw Hinge & Bracket live at the Sheffield Crucible. Completely outrageous and utterly brilliant. (They had nearly one thousand people on the feet, all singing lustily, by the end of the show!)

Have you discovered Tim Minchin yet? I initially thought that I was too old for his style of comedy but I've come to realise that true genius is accessible by anyone:
http://www.timminchin.com/media/

[scotman]

Chris

Yes, I have seen some of Tim Minchin's work on television. Not sure about him, bit of a curate's egg for me. Not quite in the same vein but I am big fan of Bill Bailey to the extent of having most of his DVDs. The latest one, Dandelion Mind, is excellent.

[Buenchico]

I must go to bed soon, Scotman, but I'll leave you with this ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcV19rylSZc

[boxtops]

I used to like Jake Thackray's amusing interventions on Braden's Week, too.

[Buenchico]

I think that we're all showing our age here, Boxtops!
;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1P4DAQM6F0

[The.ST]

Brilliant video Buenchico,

[scotman]

Chris
Obviously I have heard of Victor Borge but not familiar with much of his work.
I do remember Jake Thackray from way back. I think he performed regularly on one of the early Michael Parkinson shows as well(jobs for the boys). I never really got into him as I couldn't take to to the style in which he performed songs.
You have not commented on Stephen Lynch. If you are not familiar with him you can find plenty on YouTube. Please note that some people will be offended by some(most) of his work. If you are hearing for the first time can I suggest that you start with 'Grandfather' and/or 'If I were Gay'. These will give you a good indication of the type of songs that he writes. If these offend you do not listen to any more, you will probably find them worse.