I've just started reading Last Train to Hilversum - Charlie Connelly's love letter to radio; I too have a ton of memories the from the box of voices; as Charlie says in the first chapter, "we're all radio people." Maybe at some point I'll share some of my radio milestones spanning the last 60 years but right now I'm too engrossed in this delightful tome. If you're stuck for stocking fillers this year then look no further...
In the days before Van Morrison turned into a total bellend he recorded this paen to the wireless. I have a feeling it may get a mention in later chapters.
I am down on my knees
At the wireless knobs
Telefunken, Telefunken
And I'm searching for Luxembourg, Athlone, Budapest, AFN, Hilversum, Helvetia
In the days before rock 'n' roll
...
Van Morrison - In the Days Before Rock 'n' Roll (1990)
One of the many delights on this tracks is Paul Durcan's erratic choice of where to place the emphasis when reading his poem e.g. Buda-PEST.
ReplyDeleteI feel I should defend Van, he is only a partial bellend. His new album "Remembering Now" is probably the best since "Days Like These" 30 years ago. It benefits greatly from the absence of rants about showbiz and Covid.
I find myself almost agreeing with you, Ernesto: Marty Wheelan has been playing tracks from said album on his RTE breakfast show and, for an octogenarian, he 's sounding in remarkably good form. Still a miserable bastard tho'.
DeleteFound a copy of the book in my local charity shop this morning. Purchased it on your recommendation.
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