I am experiencing NPR withdrawal, but I must say I truly enjoy BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Ulster. There always is something interesting, and at times it can be, well, unexpected. Recent highlights:
An interview with unsuccessful '80s Prime Minister candidate Neil Kinnock (sp?), with a discussion of the unfulfilled promise and lost soul of the Labor Party and class boundaries in the UK, followed by an old Squeeze song. And then back to the interview. No explanation or rationale of why there was a musical interlude. I about drove off the road, I was so shocked gobsmacked.
A great in-studio with Van Morrison featuring live performances of songs from his new album, "Keep It Simple." I cannot wait to buy it and listen to it while walking around East Belfast looking for his birthplace. Van sounds almost as American as I do - just a few traces of his accent remain. He really detests Rolling Stone magazine. I respect that. He said that he had to release this latest greatest hits compilation in order to get to release this new blues-based CD, kind of a quid pro quo. I guess that absolves me from buying the latest greatest hits compilation (volume 3) because I pretty much own all his stuff already.
A gardening quiz show. Contestants answer general questions, and then they are grilled on their stated area of expertise. One woman was interrogated extensively about sunflowers. These folks were hard-core gardeners. I was clueless. I liken the experience to listening to the Texaco Metropolitan Opera Quiz - I knew nothing about the subject matter, but appreciated the expertise and passion of the participants. I listened to the whole thing. There should be an equivalent quiz show based on "The Simpsons." I would clean up.
Game shows. There is actually one show where the goal is to speak for one minute on a given topic with no hesitation, no repetition and no slang. Your opponents get to buzz in with a challenge if you trip up or break a rule. Fascinating. And Paul Merton is on every one of these types of game shows.
Radio dramas. There is a daily serial called "The Archers," and I really do not understand it, but I keep listening in hopes that I will.
Accent challenge. This isn't really a program, it's just what I experience listening to Radio Ulster's call-in shows. I try to (a) understand what the caller is saying and (b) identify where the accent is from. I usually fail on both counts, but it's good fun.