Here we go then with another week's themes. Thursday's looks a bit strange when you see it written down but I am sure it's going to work beautifully on air. Sort of...
Monday:
We kick off ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Scotland's '30 days in Europe' season with a two hour celebration of the best European records ever made. From Plastic Bertrand to Abba it's Europop like you've never heard it before...
Tuesday:
It's the piano in pop! Who can forget the opening on I Don't Like Mondays or surely this is a good chance to celebrate some of Elton's finest moments? Let's have your suggestions for the best ivory tinkling moments in pop...
Wednesday:
Tonight's theme is sinful behaviour in song. We'll accept any of the deadly sins as well as some of the more modern ones. It's your chance to confess so get on the email with your suggestions...
Thursday:
Tonight is another one of very, very interactive shows where everything will be decided on the night. One rule - the last word of the previous song must be included in the next one. It could run something like this:
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
Heart Like A Wheel
Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Road to Hell
Could be a tricky show but I suspect it's going to be a lot of fun.
The moisturiser is being slapped on after last night's 'songs about aging' theme. Talk about a sobering experience! It's bad enough looking in the mirror and being confronted with my rapidly wrinkling coupon, but then to listen to song after song about getting old just got too much. I was ready for a glass of wine by the time I got home but then I remembered the aging effect of alcohol so had a green tea instead. I even got my hair cut off this morning as I was so fed up at looking at the grey bits on my sideburns. That's the newly shorn version in the picture. I know it's never going to feature on Ten Years Younger but I'm convinced it's an improvement on yesterday.
Monday's 'themeless' show was a bit tense...well it was for my producer. Imagine trying to produce a spontaneous show where you had no theme, no tracks and...er...no presenter!
I had spent most of the weekend as MC at the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships which were being held in Glasgow for the first time since 1997. There were some world class players in action and it seemed that for most of the championships the team from Singapore were absolutely unstoppable.
So unstoppable were they that the men's singles final on Monday afternoon was still going on at a time when I should have been in the studio. The organisers had agreed to have a car standing by to whisk me off to the studio as soon as the match was over so that did calm Barbara's nerves a little. I had suggested that our budget might stretch to a helicopter but you can imagine the reaction that got from Miss Babs!
It wasn't much of a dilemma for me as I knew there was no way I could be late for the show. But then again I couldn't just bring the match to a close and shout "Guys, you'll need to get yer medals now as I've got Get It On in ten minutes!!!" Luckily the ferocious pace of the final meant it finished rapidly and as soon as the final notes of Singapore's national anthem sounded I was in my car and making my way across town to our studios.
I did pick up a request or two while I was at the table tennis and all that watching two people shouting at each other and flinging things back and forth across a table was good training for some robust banter with Miss Babs in the studio.
'In the car' and 'making the tea'. They are the two most popular answers you get when you ask folk where they listen to Get It On. I like the thought that families are sitting around the meal table enjoying the diverse music mix of Get It On. It's true that you can't please all of the people all of the time but I'd like to think that in two hours there would be at least one tune for each member of the family. However, is there a single song that is universally loved by everyone in the house? That's what Thursday's show is all about.
As usual get in touch by phone, text or email or why not join up and leave a comment on the blog...
Monday:
As it's holiday Monday then anything goes on tonight's Get It On. It's themeless Monday so get in touch with the songs that will make your day....
Tuesday:
Tonight's theme is unavoidable - it's aging! Songs about getting old and growing up all count so how about Turn Back Time,Help the Aged or even Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen?
Wednesday:
We did morning songs last week, so this week's it's songs of the night. What are the best songs written about the hours after the sun has gone down. Get in touch with your after dark anthems...
Thursday:
It's family favourites on tonight's Get It On. What's the one song that unites your family or maybe the song that has special meaning for everyone in your clan? Whether it's dad rock or teen pop is there a song that you are all agreed on? Email your suggestions or call or text during the show...
Our second hand songs theme came from my mate Laurie who was walking past a house last week and found that someone had dumped a pile of old vinyl albums in the bins. After a quick rummage through the Rod Stewarts and Donny Osmonds he came away with a pristine copy of Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits.
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So tonight, why not get on the e-mail and let me know what are the best things you've picked up at charity shops, jumbles or car boot sales? I'd have to say my Alexander Brother's country album was a bit of a find but I am also rather pleased with the album I picked up today . 
As part of the 'research' into tonight's theme I was challenged to go off and see what I could get for a pound. Faith, Folk and Clarity by Peter Smith and The Kinfolk was my choice. The wholesomeness of it appealed to me, but on first listen it's so wet it makes Belle and Sebastian sound like Judas Priest.
I'm loving some of the stories coming tonight. Angus in ediburgh has just e-mailed with this:
"As a 17 year old I sold ALL my albums (Curved Air 2, Living in the Past, Yessongs, Harvest. Lynard Skynyrd. led Zep 4, Physical Graffiti, etc. etc.) to get enough cash to buy a tape deck, amp and speakers. Ihave bought some again on CD but nothing can replace the fabulous covers that vinyl came in then - tragic! "
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My weekend involved 33 thousand people and a musical line up of Peter Hook of New Order, Russell Watson the opera singer and Clint Boon of The Inspiral Carpets.
I was commentating at the Bupa Great Manchester Run and Russell was doing the warm up, Clint was doing the Dj'ing and Hooky was running it. I don't know which one of those statements is the most bizarre.
One of my jobs was to introduce Russell who was going to sing You Raise Me Up for the crowd. So far, so simple. But then PR man Dave came up with a wheeze: "Wouldn't it be great if when he gets to the line 'you raise me up' he literally raises up above the crowds?"
The call went out for a mobile hydraulic stage so that on the cue, Russell ( dressed in his running tights!) would then be sent skywards.
It was a 'Spinal Tap meets Busby Berkeley musical' moment and I was a bit worried in case we couldn't pull it off. What if Britain's best known tenor were to suddenly discover he didn't have a head for heights? What if the engine stalled and You Raise Me Up became You Raise Me Up Ever So Slightly?
In the end it was a brilliant moment and I have to say Russell Watson floating in mid air singing to an incredible crowd of 30,000 people was actually quite moving.
I know it's a wee bit premature but I thought I would get next week's themes up online tonight. Normally I do it from home on a Friday but this weekend I'm off to Manchester to watch the fastest man in the world run through the middle of town. I also have the best job in Scotland this week...hosting the Scottish Curry Awards. Dream gig or what?
Vic Galloway will be doing the show on Monday night and I'll be back on Tuesday -hopefully with some award winning onion bajhis as a carry out!
Monday:
As part of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Scotland's Conan Doyle season, tonight's show is all about mysteries, whodunits and the people who solve them...
Tuesday:
Angel Of The Morning or Wake Up Boo? Tonight's Get It On is all about the hours before noon. What are your AM anthems? Get in touch and get them on...
Wednesday:
It's the Get It On bring and buy sale. What were your best charity shop finds and what were the albums that were so bad you gave them away? Why not leave a comment on the blog with your second-hand songs...
Thursday:
There will be no short of reading material on tonight's show. From Mirror,Mirror to Hello we'll be featuring the printed press. Newspapers and magazines in song is the theme. Get on the email with your suggestions...
Peter ( on his way back from the dentist) has been on the text to suggest that tonight's theme of 'song titles that are sentences' could also be expanded to include band names. his suggestion was The Men They Couldn't Hang. This prompted a few other folk to text in. So far we've had:
The Teardrop explodes
Curiosity Killed The Cat
They Might Be Giants
I'm From Barcelona
And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead
The Rolling Stones
Dogs Die In Hot Cars
and my favourite from Thursa in Lithgae - Take That!
Any more?
Over The Rainbow or Abide With Me? What will be your exit music? 'Funeral songs' is a theme that's been suggested over and over again but until now it's one that I've steered clear of. Maybe I'm being a bit oversensitive but I've always been troubled by the thought of someone having just come from a funeral and hearing me play 'I'm on my way from misery to happiness today'! Mind you, it might bring a much needed smile.
I've just overheard two people outside the studio having a heated debate. "Brilliant" said one. "That's kinda sick" replied the other. I knew straightaway they were talking about this show.
Our production meeting today was the longest yet as Barbara and I sifted through the early emails and blog posts trying to find the right mix of sentimentality, light heartedness and reverence.
I think it will work ( bit late to start thinking about that now I suppose) but I feeling a bit nervous about it. I used to get worked up about doing obituaries of country stars on Brand New Country so goodness knows what sort of fragile state I will be in by 8pm. I have a feeling Barbara will be sent off to find a large glass of red before the end of the show....
She did it! The show's producer, our very own Miss Babs has completed the Women's 10k. Along with the rest of the girls from the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Scotland music department she made it through the rain, the sun....and even the hailstones! ( It's May - will someone explain why we are getting hailstones?)
Some poor soul in the office complained about the window being left open this afternoon. "Well!" piped up Miss Babs. "If I can run around in hailstones in nothing but a skimpy vest then you can cope with the window being open an inch or two!!!"
Fair point. Miss Babs and the other women who ran yesterday definitely have the upper hand. They should feel proud of their achievements. I know I am.
What will be the last song you'll ever have played? Wednesday's funeral songs show will be an interesting one. It's a topic that you've asked for a lot and one that I've steered clear of for fear of upsetting anyone. However I've been talked into it this week. I hope you'll feel able to share stories of your special songs as well as the final gestures that are bound to make us all smile.As always you can leave your comments on the blog, email or send a text or call during the show.
Monday:
Let's make beautiful music together as tonight's Get It On is all about the art of looking good....
Tuesday:
It could be a case of 'slow,slow,quick,quick,slow' as Rob in Edinburgh suggests songs which change tempo for tonight's theme...
Wednesday:
Funeral songs is a theme that many of you have been asking for so tonight is the night. Frank Sinatra's My Way topped a , but what would you want played at yours?
Thursday:
You're The One For Me Fatty. Glenn Miller is Born To Be Wild*. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. Tonight's theme is song titles that are sentences...
* Thanks DC!
I am looking forward to spending Sunday morning with fourteen thousand women. My job will be to motivate them, inspire them, soothe them and come up with the answer to their troubles. 'Some Guys Have All The Luck' is the song that maybe springs to mind.
It's the Glasgow Women's 10k this weekend and taking part for the first time are the women of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Scotland's music department.
Between them they are the engine room of Travelling Folk, Classics Unwrapped, Global Gathering, The Jazz House and Get It On. In the old days P.A. used to stand for 'Production Assistant' now it stands for 'Proper Athlete'!
All us blokes in the department are incredibly proud of our team. Most of them have never done anything like this in their lives and they have thrown themselves into the training. Come rain or shine they have been pounding the streets around the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ of a lunchtime. They deserve to have a great run on Sunday.
Not only that but they were up at the crack of dawn this morning making cakes which they sold in the office today to raise money for their charities they are running for. As serious athletes they made do with an energy bar and sports drink but the rest of us scoffed ourselves silly - and some of us still scoffing during the 7 0 clock news!
Lots of good upbeat tunes been suggested tonight but I love this email that's just come in from Gordon Buchan: "Given my wife's attitude to exercise in general, her suggestion for tonight was Joe le Taxi by Vanessa Paradis, but I would have to go with There Is A Bed by Marc Almond."
In between preparing tonight's show I have comparing packed lunches with Richard who is producing this evening. According to the popular vote in the office his lunchbox is more impressive than mine! (Steady!!!)
In an office like ours that is obsessed by food, what to have for lunch is a big deal. If you don't get dinner till after eight then you are going to need more than a cheese sarnie and a packet of crisps to keep you going.
Despite the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's reputation for luvvie-ness, pie and beans is still a big seller in the canteen. However, some folk who are finding it hard to cope with life on the glamorous Southside still have their lunch delivered from their favourite deli on Byres Road. It seems that Pacific Quay is a little bit of the Southside whose heart be forever West-end. Mind you the fact that it gets delivered in a white van kind of takes away any cachet.
But back to the lunchboxes. Is it true that you can judge a man by the contents of his Tupperware? It seems Richard and I are very different, although the inclusion of aduki bean sprouts bonds us together. (Has there been a more pretentious sentence ever written on this blog? )
If you tune in tonight (optician's songs is the theme) then rumbling tummies should not be heard. Here's why:
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Bryan:
Bulgar wheat, broccoli, cucumber, feta cheese, avocado, aduki bean sprouts, mint, flat leaf parsley and lemon juice.
Richard:
Celery, Cherry Tomatoes,Baby Spinach leaves,Parsley,A Tin of Tuna,Stir fried Leeks, Red Onion and Organic Aduki Bean Sprouts (left over from last night's dinner), Roasted Sweet Potato (more left overs) and a dressing of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and Dijon Mustard.
My friend Emma is a dietician so I was thinking of passing these on to her to get her professional opinion one whose might be the healthiest. I think Richard's dairy free delight might have the edge, and in this climate his canny use of leftovers is bound to win him points. Feel free to spill the contents of your lunchbox onto the blog and let me know.
I fear that I have deceiving some of the regular bloggers. In referring to my esteemed producer as 'Miss Babs' I have led many to assume that she was a single girl when in fact she is a 'married wumman'. "Why do you refer to Mrs Babs as Miss?" enquires Dykerlad.
It's not really anything to do with her marital status. It's really more of a fond tribute to Victoria Wood's Acorn Antiques in which Celia Imrie played the posh lady owner of the aforementioned Antiques shop.
The strange thing was that our Miss Babs had no idea where the name came from and I was forced to confess. Not being a Victoria Wood fan she completely missed out on the joys of Miss Babs, Miss Berta and the marvellous Mrs Overall. ( Allegedly inspired by Mrs Mack in High Road!)
Thankfully she has not made the connection between the twinset wearing, posh bird of television fame and her trendier, younger and less posh self.
I think I am still recovering from very long and liquid lunch which we had on Saturday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of , the STV arts and entertainment show which was presented by the fresh faced trio of
Janice Forsyth, Alan Campbell and myself. It was a lovely opportunity to meet up with old friends and colleagues and swap stories of fun filled years at Mayfest and the Fringe. Maybe we were looking at the past through rose tinted spectacles but at least I wasn't looking through the giant Christopher Biggins specs that I wore back then. I thought they were a bit Trevor Horn, but is the name that seems to have mentioned more than any other. I felt I had to share this photo with regulars on the blog. Let the slagging begin...
Here we go again with another brand new week of themes. Tuesday's theme is one that several of the blog regulars have been asking for so let's get the thinking caps on. I'll try and post a list of the words on Tuesday in case anyone is stuck.
Monday:
For those of you lucky enough to have the day off work, our theme is all about the great outdoors. Mr Blue Sky, Move Any Mountain or even Green Grass of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ? You decide...
Tuesday:
November rain, Oscar Peterson or Papa Don't Preach. All of tonight's suggestions come from the phonetic alphabet. Email your suggestions or why not send a tango-echo-xray-tango during the show...
Wednesday:
I Can See Clearly Now sounds like a must for tonight. ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Scotland listener Caroline has texted in to suggest a theme for all the opticians out there. Looking forward to some good puns on this one...
Thursday:
As 14 thousand of them line up to run the women's 10k we're looking for songs to get the girls going! Among their number will be our very own Miss Babs! What are the songs that might persuade her to pick up the pace and head for the finish line? Tune in on Thursday and hear about her transformation from producer to athlete!
