Archive for the 'Music' Category

• Tagline : The Totally Rad Show is the summer blockbuster of geek news shows
• Website : The Totally Rad Show
• Subscribe Link :
  
• Parental Rating : 18
• Star Rating : 8 out of 10

The Totally Rad Show is one of those programmes that would have thrived on the G4/TechTV cable channel. It’s very down to earth with the very affable Alex Albrecht at the helm, also co-presenter of one of my other favorite Revision 3 shows, Diggnation, with Kevin Rose. Fortunately no grubby cable company has their hands on this or indeed any other Revision3 show and it’s for this very reason that these shows deserve to thrive. Also the fact that they’re also pretty good is another very valid reason.

Of the three hosts, Alex is the one that really holds things together. Dan Trachtenberg and Jeff Cannata, whilst being likable enough, just seem to lack that special chemistry. Admitedly we’re only at show #9, so this is something that can still develop, nonetheless it’s still enjoyable to watch.

The shows premise is to basically review movies, video games, TV, comics and all things geek. Everything seems to be above board, rather than a sycophantic vehicle for PR.

One of the major criticisms I have of the show, is that the sound levels seem to flail all over the place. One minute I’m turning up the sound to hear what is being said and the next, I’m hunting for the remote to turn it down again, especially when our hosts are laughing and joking around.

Conclusion: It’s still the early days for the show. While it’s still a bit rough around the edges, the content is great and I imagine it will go from strength to strength.

• Tagline : Live unplugged acoustic music with Rachel Fuller and The Who’s Pete Townshend backstage at gigs, festivals and venues around Europe
• Website : In the Attic
• Subscribe Link :
  
• Parental Rating : 18
• Star Rating : 9 out of 10

“Tell me who the f**k are you”, sang the Who in one of their most recognisable songs. I have to admit feeling this sentiment when finding this vidcast featuring the inimitable Pete Townsend and some bird called Rachel Fuller, who it turns out is Pete Townsend’s other half. She can be lewd, crude and an absolute blast to watch and man can she sing. That Pete geezer ain’t bad either.

What we have here is something that exemplifies what a music vidcast should be. Great hosts, great guests and kick arse music. Currently there have been a 7 episodes, featuring some amazing bands and performances, all recorded in a 34 foot Airstream caravan, which is wired for sound. Great rock bands like the Flaming Lips, The Eels and The Fratelli’s, the latter being a new, welcomed introduction to me.

Being the nit picking git I am, I do have a couple of things I’d love to see. First of these is podcastable versions of the tracks featured. The second things is more coverage of lesser known independent bands, although some are featured. These would probably go hand in hand, as gaining podcast permission from big label bands would be very problematic. I could name a couple of hundred bands that would be more than happy to oblige, hrrrm Indie Launchpad hrrm.

Conclusion: Fanbloodytastic. Every show has some great content, a throwback to Pete’s Who work and a song from Rachel herself. What more could a discerning music fan ask for. Err, yeah I know. More!