Solid production and very well-meaning. As for critique: Two hosts didn't seem necessary and they repeated themselves in introing the segments, holding our hands too much; the segments were solid enough to speak for themselves. Sometimes, the packaging felt a bit teacherly, and the writing theme-papery. Mainly, I wanted to hear more MUSIC. The TALK about music was often illuminating, but I wished to hear what they were talking about. I realize that an hour format lets the stories bounce off each other, but there wasn't a cumulative progression, building forward. A modular version might be worth considering, as some of the stories were very strong. I realize this is a pilot and that the series will develop as it continues. -JA
This show was well done. I like the sweet voice of the female host, Fiona, and the theme is excellent. I think the whole thing or some parts would fit a lot of shows and formats, anything to do with music.
One question was something like 'do you think you could enjoy life without music' and the answer was no. I agree with the answer. No, you couldn't enjoy life without it, it's essential. I think a section presenting a theory on what life might be like without music would have been great, too, but this piece wasn't missing anything.
I've heard stories that homesteaders used to buy songbirds to have on the lonely homestead just for the sounds. Otherwise, there was nothing to hear besides the occasional gust of wind, certainly no music besides that made by the homesteader and the sounds of their work. The husband and kids were working on the field, there was no creek nearby, few if any farm animals. The silence sometimes maddened them. Imagine that problem in our noise-polluted world, often maddening for the opposite reason. The mice section of this piece was interesting. The Heavy Metal Mice didn't do well. Gained weight, didn't like each other. Was it because it was in a minor key often found in HM, or was it the loudness?
I don't know if a lot of the popular songs I heard in the background have are licensed, that might need to addressed, too.
I surfed to Scott's web site and found that he produces personal multi-media biographies, which is an awesome idea. I just had to say that. Imagine the great-grandkids having a DVD to watch to learn about their grandparents (better buy a spare DVD player to save for them, too, in 10 years they'll be obsolete, of course).
I REALLY enjoyed this piece! It has all the right elements of a great radio piece- very funny at times, as well as quite deep, compelling, and interesting. You can't wait to hear what's coming next. So many different types of stories, yet all woven around one grad topic- spirituality in music. I would recommend this show to ANYONE with an interest in music or the meaning of life, which I'd think is pretty much all of us.
A thorough saunter through music and life. Very BBC-ish. The brevity-bug in me wants to say it can work shortened as well. Something to listen to while you're doing something else kind of piece. Well researched and produced, learned a lot the more I review the piece in my head. Will be interested in the next installment.
Despite the big idea title this a sensitive, insightful exploration of seldom-discussed metaphysical beliefs about the mind/body/spirit connection in music. Hosted with an honest integrity, this program has a sound that would fit well in a weekend slot when audiences are relaxed and more generous with their time. A great antidote to the poison of pop music celebrity.
Comments for Meaning of Life Show: Episode 1 - Music
Produced by Scott Dickson
Other pieces by Scott Dickson
Rating Summary
5 comments
Transom Editors
Posted on February 10, 2004 at 06:11 AM | Permalink
Review of Meaning of Life Show: Episode 1 - Music
Solid production and very well-meaning. As for critique: Two hosts didn't seem necessary and they repeated themselves in introing the segments, holding our hands too much; the segments were solid enough to speak for themselves. Sometimes, the packaging felt a bit teacherly, and the writing theme-papery. Mainly, I wanted to hear more MUSIC. The TALK about music was often illuminating, but I wished to hear what they were talking about. I realize that an hour format lets the stories bounce off each other, but there wasn't a cumulative progression, building forward. A modular version might be worth considering, as some of the stories were very strong. I realize this is a pilot and that the series will develop as it continues. -JA
Hans Anderson
Posted on December 31, 2003 at 11:55 AM | Permalink
Review of Meaning of Life Show: Episode 1 - Music
One question was something like 'do you think you could enjoy life without music' and the answer was no. I agree with the answer. No, you couldn't enjoy life without it, it's essential. I think a section presenting a theory on what life might be like without music would have been great, too, but this piece wasn't missing anything.
I've heard stories that homesteaders used to buy songbirds to have on the lonely homestead just for the sounds. Otherwise, there was nothing to hear besides the occasional gust of wind, certainly no music besides that made by the homesteader and the sounds of their work. The husband and kids were working on the field, there was no creek nearby, few if any farm animals. The silence sometimes maddened them. Imagine that problem in our noise-polluted world, often maddening for the opposite reason. The mice section of this piece was interesting. The Heavy Metal Mice didn't do well. Gained weight, didn't like each other. Was it because it was in a minor key often found in HM, or was it the loudness?
I don't know if a lot of the popular songs I heard in the background have are licensed, that might need to addressed, too.
I surfed to Scott's web site and found that he produces personal multi-media biographies, which is an awesome idea. I just had to say that. Imagine the great-grandkids having a DVD to watch to learn about their grandparents (better buy a spare DVD player to save for them, too, in 10 years they'll be obsolete, of course).
Michael DiRocco
Posted on October 26, 2003 at 12:10 PM | Permalink
Review of Meaning of Life Show: Episode 1 - Music
I REALLY enjoyed this piece! It has all the right elements of a great radio piece- very funny at times, as well as quite deep, compelling, and interesting. You can't wait to hear what's coming next. So many different types of stories, yet all woven around one grad topic- spirituality in music. I would recommend this show to ANYONE with an interest in music or the meaning of life, which I'd think is pretty much all of us.
Jake Warga
Posted on October 13, 2003 at 10:55 AM | Permalink
Review of Meaning of Life Show: Episode 1 - Music
A thorough saunter through music and life. Very BBC-ish. The brevity-bug in me wants to say it can work shortened as well. Something to listen to while you're doing something else kind of piece. Well researched and produced, learned a lot the more I review the piece in my head. Will be interested in the next installment.
Michael Joly
Posted on October 09, 2003 at 09:23 AM | Permalink
Review of Meaning of Life Show: Episode 1 - Music
Despite the big idea title this a sensitive, insightful exploration of seldom-discussed metaphysical beliefs about the mind/body/spirit connection in music. Hosted with an honest integrity, this program has a sound that would fit well in a weekend slot when audiences are relaxed and more generous with their time. A great antidote to the poison of pop music celebrity.