Telling it like it is...
Wisconsin Public Radio recently cancelled Harry Shearer's "Le Show" on its seven stations. I met Shearer once, and he was very nice to me. And he was great in Wayne's World 2. And I think it's cool that he was on the Jack Benny Show. That said, I found myself nodding when I read this:
Defending WPR's decision, Corriveau said of "Le Show": "The quality is inconsistent. Sometimes he's brilliant; sometimes he tends to ramble on and it gets kind of boring."
I know that TSOYA and Le Show share a fair number of listeners... what do you think of Le Show?
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Defending WPR's decision, Corriveau said of "Le Show": "The quality is inconsistent. Sometimes he's brilliant; sometimes he tends to ramble on and it gets kind of boring."
I know that TSOYA and Le Show share a fair number of listeners... what do you think of Le Show?
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posted by Jesse Thorn at Tuesday, July 18, 2006
6 Comments:
I've tried to get into Le Show a few times now, and the ones I've listened to have been dry and unfortunately not engaging at all. I didn't hear any that were brilliant, and gave up after 2 or 3 duds.
I live in Madison, and frankly, there is more uproar about adding one hour of news to the morning and one hour of news to the afternoon at the expense of classical music. It's a small loss because WPR has some of the most adventurous classical music programming I've ever heard, but there are still 8 hours of locally produced classical every weekday and another 7 hours of overnight service. And Corriveau is a realist: he knows that he only hears from people that aren't happy. yet I come away reflecting on Shearer trying to call his show "satire," setting WPR up for an anti-free-expression argument, when much of it is dreadfully earnest. Isn't "I'm just kidding around" part of Rush Limbaugh's defense of the indefensible stuff he says?
I agree that Le Show is inconsistent, which is tough because, as a longtime fan of Shearer, I really wanted to love it. My fear is that, just as the Kennedy assasination sapped Mort Sahl of his humor, Katrina has essentially done the same for Shearer.
Yes, inconsistent but funny, plus he does a decent job of keeping attention on the New Orleans situation. . . (remember New Orleans? Little city down on the gulf. . .? Most pundits/media types have moved on to the latest missing blonde chick) It's a decent listen, most of the time, but to be honest, if I wanna get to sleep, Shearer possesses a great lulling effect. Doesn't quite crack my top 5 "must-casts" (TSOYA, TSOYA College Years, Seven Second Delay, the PArd-cast, Retrocrush (Though I generally find nostalgia and lists a sign of a culture gone hysterical, R. berry is hysterical), and AST Radio.) Free market is a bitch, huh Mr. Burns?
The Swami
I tend to agree with pmmalinowski; while I think Shearer's devotion to the Katrina/NOLA is great, it has taken the p*ss out of his humor sometimes.
Still good: apologies of the week, LA dog trainer, news from outside the bubble
Sometimes good: Dick Cheney confidential
Not (never?) good: Michael Jackson songs, actually any of his music bits, many of his extended rants.
I think he'd really benefit from having someone else involved in the production. He's in a bit of a rut.
Its telling that I often use Le Show on my iPod as a way to fall asleep when I have insomnia.
-pbk
I have to agree completely with Chris'comment. I've tried, didn't hate it, but didn't love it, either. And I've sho as hell never felt compelled to post anything on his blog (if he has one) or enter one of his sweet listener appreciation contests (if he's ever done them). Sorry, Shearer -- you're a good guy and I'm sure you've got your audience, but as far as I'm concerned WPR just opened up some space for The Sound. People of Wisconsin -- ask for The Sound. It's tasty with Point beer and cheese.
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