Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2

Subject: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: mikesamwild
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 08:23 AM

Nice to see the old mellow yellow man is to be honoured in February for a lifetime award, and he survived!

Well done . OBE next or Sir Don?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Silas
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 08:31 AM

Oh, don't start me off again...

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: mikesamwild
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 08:34 AM

Sorry Silas I did search for it but it was lost in the other thread.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 08:58 AM

Absolutely....so much better than all that traditional rubbish..Ho! Ho! (chuckle)

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 09:44 AM

Spot on Al, who wants to listen to real music when you can listen to Donovan's hippy drippy airy fairy stuff.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 09:53 AM

Far out man! are you blocked.......?

Subject: Add: Sunny Goodge Street (Donovan)
From: GUEST,Big Norman Voice
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 09:57 AM

Whaddya mean hippy drippy :)

SUNNY GOODGE STREET
(Donovan)

On the firefly platform on sunny Goodge Street
Violent hash-smoker shook a chocolate machine
Involved in an eating scene.
Smashing into neon streets in their stonedness
Smearing their eyes on the crazy cult goddess
Listenin' to sounds of Mingus mellow fantastic.
"My, my", they sigh,
"My, my", they sigh.
In doll house rooms with coloured lights swingin'
Strange music boxes sadly tinklin'
Drink in the sun shining all around you.
"My, my", they sigh,
"My, my", they sigh, mm mm.
"My, my", they sigh,
"My, my", they sigh.
The magician, he sparkles in satin and velvet,
You gaze at his splendour with eyes you've not used yet.
I tell you his name is Love, Love, Love.
"My, my", they sigh,
"My, my", they sigh.
"My, my" - sigh.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 10:41 AM

Dave Hanson,

Could you please define 'real music'?

Reading your posts, anything that you don't particularly like is condemned as being 'shite'

Can you not accept that, even if something isn't to your taste, it may have some merit?

Or does everything that you don't like have to be hated and bollocks?

Ed

PS Please learn the meaning of 'oxymoron' before posting further incorrect uses of the term. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 11:13 AM

Wow! people getting up.......

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 11:19 AM

Sorry that should read:

WOW! People getting really hung up.........

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 11:48 AM

WOW! People getting really hung up.....

If that's aimed at me, Alan, not so.

Live and let live, eh?

The angry conclusion that anything that is not of one's taste becomes 'shite' irks me.

That's all, and they are the losers...

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 12:00 PM

Noooo! Not aimed at anyone. Dave didn't actually say shite. He might have meant it, but thats not for us to guess.

Personally I loved Donovan's stuff - although I don't very often sing or listen to it these days.

On my 17th birthday, there was this wonderful programme on telly that I'd looked forward to for weeks. Donovan playing a J45 on St Ives beach surrounded by gorgeous sixties chicks, dressed by Courege.

Basically my life has been downhill all the way, ever since.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: breezy
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 12:31 PM

What a waste of an award

There are far more deserving individuals

Derek Brimstone
Harvey Andrews
Roy Bailey
Martyn W-R
Jez Lowe
Andy Irvine
Vin Garbutt - yeah
Archie Fisher

and I'm sure you can think of others, please do

Donovan was a commercial answer to Bob Dylan but nowhere near, bit like the Monkeys to the Beatles !!! nah the Monkies could play , well if only a little

His contribution to folk literature pales into insignificance compared with George Papavgeris

Mellow yellow my ....

Live and let live by all means but lets not have lifetime achievements be so cheaply awarded

But thats the BBC, short sighted, narrow minded, ignorant and detatched from the lives of real folk people

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 01:19 PM

Personally speaking, I'm just mad about Saffron...

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Acorn4
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 01:34 PM

Most, if not all, of his good stuff was written 40 years ago; listened to him recently and he's still crawling along the seabed with his starfish - surely this makes a bit of a mockery of giving a "lifetime" award.   You could create a "past glories" award, I suppose.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 01:56 PM

Sorry but I'm a real folk man and I can't stand the lefty rantings of people like Roy Bailey. I heard an Andy Irvine gig from Irish radio last October and it was awful.

Good for Donovan.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 02:12 PM

I don't normally like to bitch, but for once I feel I have to. I agree with Acorn4, the "lifetime" label is totally inappropriate, as Donovan has done very little of any worth in the last 25 years, or near as dammit the recent half of his lifetime. And I also agree with breezy's list of names that are much more deserving than Donovan. Shame, beause such awards devalue the concept.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 02:36 PM

Hey guest Ed, I've got one of Big Al Whittles CDs and it's brilliant.

I also don't like Beethoven but recognise him as a great composer.

You seem to be taking my comments personally, why is that ?

Dave H

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 02:42 PM

George, you are so right, I have been saying exactly the same thing since it was announced.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 02:47 PM

I dunno dave....they just don't recognise the brilliance of our insightful comments.

I think it could be that we're too boldly incisive, too avant gard. Don't worry, they'll catch up with us and when we're dead they'll be sorry they were so mean.

but in the mean time, we may as well try and catch the wind....

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: brezhnev
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 02:47 PM

hey, what's wrong with crawling along the seabed with starfish? all this negativity is giving me the blues like gypsy dave never had.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Dave Higham
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 02:53 PM

I was tempted to rant, but then I saw Acorn4's post. So then I was going to agree with him but George did it for me. So having a couple of hippy-drippy top-of the-popsy 'hits' and managing to live off them for the rest of your life merits a lifetime achievement award. Sheesh!

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 02:56 PM

I really don't understand why people are getting so vexed about this award.
Donovan fits in perfectly in the Mike Harding remit. An artist that old people might vaguely remember from the sixties who might have been considered a "Folkie" (define please...Oh no, please don't!)
Don't you all realise that the award is only there to enable the Mike Harding/John Leonard show to renew next years contract?
Absolutely nothing to do with promoting English Music. I could name 50 English people who are more deserving of an award, and you could do the same.
But, Smooth Operations is pandering to X Factor listeners. Bums on seats, etc.
What amazes me. is that you are all so surprised! Did you really think that Doc Rowe, Scan Tester, Tufty Swift, would be awarded with anything???
Of course not. It'll be someone (preferably American) who happens to be on tour in February, and John Leonard knows their management company.
Smooth Operations are trying to keep their programme. That is all.
We all know who should win "gongs" but they never will!
It's actually good fun over the Christmas holidays, playing the "Which fatuous Amrerican is going to win this year" game!"
Turns out that It's Donovan next month. Ah well, could have been worse..Incredible String Band anybody?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 03:00 PM

Nice hear someone remember Tufty Swift....

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 03:14 PM

Tufty? But of course...One of the best!

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Brakn
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 03:21 PM

I got Donovan's autograph in 1965 so there. As for him getting the award - no I don't think so.

Peter Sarstedt next and then Peter and Gordon.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 03:53 PM

Thanks for the link Brezhnev. A wonderful song. Nice period footage. Coming back at you with this excellently deranged cover version.

On the whole I prefer Mick Softley, though: Ship

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 04:02 PM

In the 1980's Tufty, John Gil (producing) and that guy who sings on the boats in Hull did an album in my shed. It was out on Topic called You'll Never Die for Love.

They were a jolly little group. I remember when they finished I made them all beans on toast.

I was very shocked when I heard he'd died. As you say, a really super bloke.

As for the Donovan business - really who gives a vacant bumhole. donovan obviously did what he could, and he was respectful at the time to the folkscene. I remember on that TV programme I was talking about, he played Jansch's Running from Home, which was a respectful nod to the folkscene proper.

They can give him the Victoria Cross for all I care.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 04:05 PM

The Boat man was probably Jim Eldon...Another life-time achievement award if ever I saw one...Not going to happen though.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 04:15 PM

Yes jim Eldon!

out of interest, who are you ralphie? Have we met?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 04:31 PM

perhaps we ought have our own honours system. Not talking about these factionalist organisations like Cecil Sharp - but just people who've been around the folkscene: contributed; organised, made creative effort, taught, encouraged, mentored.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: brezhnev
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 04:51 PM

That Butthole Surfers cover is fab, Spleen Cringe.

Way dowwwwwwwwwn below the ocean...

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 05:38 PM

Hi Alan...Yes, I'm sure our paths have crossed! (over the decades!)
Check out www.the-attic-tapes.co.uk
for more info!
(You can buy a CD too If you want it. (wasn't nominated for the awards obviously, hence my bitterness Lol!)

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 05:40 PM

Did a wonderful session with Mr Eldon, on one of the pleasure boats off Flanborough Head in January! Bloody Freezing!. That was for Andy Kershaw. 2002? ish?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: LadyJean
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 05:44 PM

"Ye sons of England who once were free
Now are slaves of the factory.
Those who live in the land of mole.
Only wish to own your soul"

Airy Fairy hippie dippie?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 06:18 PM

I bet bourgeoisie are shitting themselves when Donovan's in town. I think I'll storm the palace gates right now.

Look the guy's got his lifetime award. Personally I don't begrudge him it. But lets stay in the land of the vaguely sensible. I accept the gift of his song from a flower to a garden. In fact I'm one of the resident slugs.

But its iike winnie the pooh. Stuck in 100acre wood. Piglet got to go out of the wood. I think Donovan is best left there with Eeyore and Kanga.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Folkiedave
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 06:58 PM

Folk Awards John Leonard is set next to Controller BBC2 who knows nothing about folk music.

Who are these people winning things? Folkies, Mr. Controller.

And this Lifetime achievement award? Donovan, Mr. Controller. Ah yes I have heard of him, well done Mr. Leonard have another contract.

Actually I think they got a 3-year contract last year.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: brezhnev
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 07:37 PM

I bet bourgeoisie are shitting themselves when Donovan's in town

Dave Spart returns! Brilliant!

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: breezy
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 04:44 AM

how could I have overlook Eric Bogle

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,folkiedave
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 05:27 AM

It goes to someone the High Ups/Controller of Radio 2 has heard of. That's the criteria.

We might not like it, we certainly probably won't agree with it and we may be able to think of hundreds of more worthy recipients.

But that is the criteria.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: bradfordian
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 06:06 AM

To put it into context, previous worthies:-

2010
Lifetime Achievement Award: Nanci Griffith
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dick Gaughan
2009
Lifetime Achievement Award: James Taylor
Lifetime Achievement Award: Judy Collins
2008
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Martyn
2007
Lifetime Achievement Award: Pentangle
Lifetime Achievement Award: Danny Thompson
2006
Lifetime Achievement Award: Paul Brady
Lifetime Achievement Award: Richard Thompson
2005
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Lifetime Achievement Award (Songwriting): Tom Paxton
2004
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dave Swarbrick
Lifetime Achievement Award (Songwriting): Steve Earle
2003
Lifetime Achievement Award: Christy Moore
Lifetime Achievement Award (Songwriting): John Prine
2002
Lifetime Achievement Award: The Chieftains
Lifetime Achievement Award (Songwriting): Ralph McTell
Lifetime Achievement Award: Fairport Convention
2001
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bert Jansch

source: wikipedia
(PS: Thought Steve Earle was a "country boy")

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Silas
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 06:09 AM

So, the criterea is 'Someone the Controller of BBC2 has heard of'?

OK.

Robbie Williams next year then? - Just about as much relavence as Donovan.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 06:42 AM

One thing to remember is that the show is called " The Mike Harding Show". It ceased to be "Folk On Two" over a decade ago.
It's connection with grass roots folk music ceased at that point, It's an entry level programme for all those listeners may continue listening after the Drivetime show.
It's not in their remit to play anything that will scare the horses is it. And what Dave Eyre says above is basically correct. The Life Time award will always go to someone that a) The controller has heard of, and b) someone who will provide a decent photo opportunity at the ceremony. c) someone who is on tour at the time that we can get cheap.
Call me a cynic......"You're a cynic!!!"

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Gail
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 07:35 AM

My problem with this award is that no matter which way it's perceived, whether it's for a lifetime's achievement in folk, soft-pop, flower power, being well known, still being alive, I can't see that Donovan stands out in any way.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: mikesamwild
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 07:42 AM

So lets have the Mudcat poll for various categories.Can it be set up where you trawl for a list Then put it up for votes unseen - then it comes up as a running total, like spiral earth do?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 07:51 AM

Well obviously best folk dance music has got to be SClub7.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Smedley
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 08:06 AM

Keep up, Alan, they broke up *years* ago.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Vic Smith
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 08:12 AM

It's not that Donovan has been given the award.... he clearly deserves it. It is just that he has been given it now before all those much more deserving people who, like Donovan, have devoted themselves selflessly all their lives to the promotion of folk music.

How can it be Donovan's turn to be given the 'Lifetime Achievement' Award when there are people and acts that have done so much more spending their lives promoting folk music? I am thinking of the likes of The Seekers, Dusty Springfield, Mary Hopkins, Rolf Harris, Charlie Drake, Pinky & Perky, The Muppets, Roland Rat, Sparky's Talking Piano, Hopalong Cassidy..... the list goes on and on.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 08:40 AM

Now you're just being silly.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 08:46 AM

As I've suggested here, another pop-goes-the-folk-singer award/another blow to tradition.