Ellie Young in her guise of presenter of The Afternoon Show Monday to Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm. Ellie is also one of the Volunteering Show team.
Ellie is a graduate of the University of Portsmouth, originally from Kent she fell in love with Portsmouth and just can't drag herself away. She now spends her time, when she's not on the radio, producing a film and checking out the local pubs and gig venues for comedy, music and lovely people!
Here's her review of The Fountain, the new album by Echo and the Bunnymen, which was released on the 12th October:
Stand out tracks:
1. Think I Need It Too - The single
3. Do You Know Who I Am
4. Shroud Of Turin – Nice word play
5. Life of 1,000 Crimes
7. Everlasting Neverendless
With the 80s making a big come-back at the moment, the sound of a band who came about in the late 70s, and helped shape the sound of the next decade, the first time round, stand out as surprisingly different and refreshing. Although songs like Life of 1,000 Crimes still have that synthy, suave, feel about them, not denying the band's heritage.
The overall sound of The Fountain is a lot less insistent than a lot of other current bands. The album is not trying to push ‘that winning riff’ down your thought. It allows you to lay back and immerse yourself in the music, let it flow over you. Having said that, the music is not inaccessible, with Ian McCulloch’s voice pulling the songs along and keeping you involved in the music.
When I started listening to the album, though I was aware of classics such as The Killing Moon and People Are Strange, I was mostly new to the band. I had high expectations given the bands longevity and popularity, and they delivered. As I already mentioned the 80s sound is everywhere, broken down into simplistic, easy to swallow, electro pop. I have no objection to a bit of happy go lucky pop music but it’s great when something a bit more meaty comes along.
If you like your music in a dark room with flashing lights and lots of other sweaty people then perhaps look elsewhere. If you want an album you can put on in the car, when you have friends round or when you just want to relax and get lost in sounds… Here it is.
On Wednesday 13th May 2009, Ellie was awarded Bext Newcomer on our Volunteer presenter awards. Unfortunately Ellie couldn't make the awards evening, so Neil Bradwell presented it to her "On Air" during her programme on Monday 18th May.
Here are her answers to those dreaded questions!
Favourite Record & Album?
That's very hard, I'm awaiting the album by local band B Of The Bang and then I'm sure it will be that, until then something by the Soho Dolls, Official Secrets Act, Muse, Frank Turner, Joey Nightmare, IAMX, Robots In Disguise, The Rolling Stones, Blondie or someone else!
Least Favourite Track?
Mike Flowers Pop's version of Wonderwall, why?
Food You Can't Do Without?
Toast! Preferably with Cream Cheese on.
Favourite Holiday Destination?
Sydney, Australia.
Favourite Film?
I love the film of V for Vendetta, and also Team America (World Police).
Favourite Celebrity and/or Hero??
I love Eddie Izzard as he introduced me to comedy and got me hooked. I don't know if I should admit to this but as a kid I heard about this all girl guitar band called Kenickie and have quite liked Lauren Laverne ever since.
Funniest Moment?
I'm constantly doing things that seem to make other people laugh usually intentionally.
Three Things You Would Take On A Desert Island.....
A local promoter to book bands to fly over and play gigs just for me.
Can I have my kitchen? I like cooking and there's got to be some food somewhere on this island.
My laptop with a magic Internet connection and everlasting battery. I need facebook!
Why Do You Love Portsmouth?
I like the fact it's a little city with a big city attitude. There's loads of really interesting stuff going on and a great sense of community. Don't believe me? Just take a look at www.strong-island.co.uk
