Welcome to another edition of the Vintage Media Millennial blog. It has been another busy week, as I have attempted to catch up with my ever increasing workload while still making time for myself.
This week, I’m offering my millennial perspective on Bagpuss, while Jane Grandle writes about a new Bear Family Records‘ release.
Television
The Charm of Bagpuss
I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned this, but I love the work of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin of Smallfilms. They created several productions for children between the 1950s and 1980s, including The Clangers, Ivor the Engine, and Pogles Wood, among others.
I loved them all in their own way, except one which I just couldn’t get behind. Ironically, it’s probably one of their most famous productions. It aired for 13 episodes in 1974 but has become a mainstay in the minds of children and adults over the last 50 years. I think I used to have trouble with the repetitive nature of the show. The characters also seemed to have a juvenile element that I just didn’t feel was in a lot of the other films by Postgate.
I began to reevaluate my initial thoughts after my son took a liking to the old saggy cloth cat. As I viewed it through his eyes and its gentle form of storytelling, I couldn’t help but realize I had made a mistake. Upon getting the Blu-ray on an excellent deal from CeX, I now know I made a mistake. With everything restored to vibrant colors, we can see the beauty of Peter Firmin’s model design. Once the show shed its dusty appearance, I began to notice all of the little details. I’m still thinking about the chocolate biscuit mill
Once you watch a few in a row, the characters grow on you. My favourite so far has to be Professor Yaffle. We’ve all known at least one person who shares some of his traits, and that is perhaps what I was missing. All these are characters that children can identify with, presented in a way that is gentle yet still intriguing.
So this is to say I was wrong about Bagpuss. You can read how wrong I was in my recent review of the Bagpuss Blu-Ray review from Fabulous Films.
Music Review
Wayne Cochran: His Complete Recordings from 1959-1966
Review by Jane Grandle
Although much of Wayne Cochran’s material has previously eluded CD reissues, that is now rectified by Bear Family Records. Renowned for his rambunctious and fiery stage performances, as well as his enormous pompadour-style hair, Wayne Cochran’s output is an interesting mix between smooth, middle-of-the-road and the way-out, boisterous and attacking sound which defined him. As evidenced by the complete collection of his recorded works between 1959 and 1966 included here, Cochran’s sound was soul- and rock-based, with an aggressive brass section.
The two-disc set is great value. Most of the tracks are reproduced in brilliant quality which reinforces the sumptuousness of many of the arrangements. For fans of Cochran, this set is a must-buy. The 23-page biography included in the attached booklet is written very engagingly by Bill Dahl, adding insight to further enhance the music. As they often do, Bear Family have also included session information where available, which adds even more welcome context to an already comprehensive product. Wayne Cochran: His Complete Recordings from 1959-1966 is available from Bear Family Records.
An Extra Note
A Charity Walk for Sands
Something personal to finish things off, I’ve just completed a walk in aid of charity throughout September. I walked 100 kilometres over a month in aid of Sands, a charity which helps families who have experienced baby loss. This is something that I and my family have experienced in the last year, and so this is something close to my heart.
This 100km challenge was tough, but I completed it with twelve hours to spare. I did so by going on regular walks and doing as much movement as I could fit in between family and work. I can’t tell you how much more invigorated I feel from the extra exercise, and how this will motivate me to do better in my day job. I will endeavour to write a broader account in a blog on my personal website.
I’ve raised around £130 for the charity to date. As far as I know, my donation page will continue to be open for the next couple of weeks on the Sands website, any donation would be greatly appreciated.
