Ahh but hits 1979 was the show I was trying to describe in the post above, thanks robbie

What I don't get is why it's always presented as a choice between Top of the Pops being on every week all year round, or not being on at all. Why can't they start off just by having it on for like 10 weeks of the year, during the 4th-quarter rush when there's so much competition that most artists would jump at the chance of getting a performance slot on a big show? Even if they couldn't make it as chart-based as it was in its glory days, there's definitely enough demand for a specialist music show of some kind.

If they do bring it back then that would certainly be a good time of year to do so, particularly if it covers albums as well as singles. One of the problems is the BBC's obsession (apart from at weekends) with starting all programmes on the hour or half-hour in peak-time. The ideal length would be 45-50 minutes but that doesn't fit in with that requirement unless they use the rest of the hour to show a few performances from the archives (not necessarily just TOTP archives).

 

Of course, an additional advantage of starting it in the autumn is that it can be used to promote a wider variety of music than X Factor ever manages.

If they do bring it back then that would certainly be a good time of year to do so, particularly if it covers albums as well as singles. One of the problems is the BBC's obsession (apart from at weekends) with starting all programmes on the hour or half-hour in peak-time. The ideal length would be 45-50 minutes but that doesn't fit in with that requirement unless they use the rest of the hour to show a few performances from the archives (not necessarily just TOTP archives).

 

They could easily fit in a 1 hour show, by introducing new segments to it to make it fresher, interviews, upcoming future releases, video vault from the archives, plus live/studio performances by the time you get 8 to 9 acts performing on the show with a few blurb in between the hour is filled, plus the singles and album rundown.

 

And obviously a decent presenter, not the chuckle sister/brother... (Fearne and Reggie)

I feel like the show's future has been in the balance ever since Savilegate last year, and if one more former host gets arrested by Yewtree then that's it, both Christmas specials and BBC Four repeats gone forever.

TOTP doesn't need to be TOTP of the past. And you can do a lot in half and hour say on BBC 2 between 6.30 and 7pm. Bang next to news or local news. The chart could be the midweek, but I wouldn't put much emphasis on it being a chart show. Perhaps with just the number one shown and the odd new entry act at times. I think the main emphasis should be on new UK music, perhaps even acts that have just be signed or have made their own records. For example the likes of Lucy Spraggen before she went on the X-Factor. It could even tie in with the BBC talent thing that the BBC go on about.

More about driving the charts rather than reflecting them.

Bit off topic but does the Voice begin in January this yr?

Bit off topic but does the Voice begin in January this yr?

11 January.

Wonder why they've changed it? Kylie & Ricky from the KC will add some freshness & also get boy them a new chart hit - I know the Kaiser Chiefs new album is out in March. I hope also that some artists will get promo on it in the quiet time of year!

Hmm I actually didn't find TOTP bad at all this year. The few years before that were quite rubbish if I'm being honest. It just makes me wish the show would return for good :(

 

One Republic (Ryan particularly) & Ellie Goulding were the best of the show and Jessie J by far the worst. The Voice hasn't really done her any good for me. Her whole persona she puts on when performing really irritates me...

 

I'm anticipating the NYE show now :D

 

I agree, and at the ripe ol age of 55 I miss TOTP still - pop videos are slick homogenised and overpower the basic record too much, (especially the inventive ones). There's nothing like a great TV performance to make a record make sense suddenly. I really enjoyed the show, and I enjoyed the complaints from other members of my family about the music on it - that's exactly how it used to be in the 60's, the 70's, the 80's, the 90's - people watched to either love or hate acts on it. I was impressed by several.. B-)

 

TOTP is needed to give pop a wider appeal again to all ages, thats new and old stuff, young and older, that isn't X Factor/Voice manufactured.

So folks here's who's coming in tomorrow's totps -

 

Top of the Pops New Year screens on December 31 at 5.30pm and features Little Mix, The 1975, The Vamps, Tinie Tempah feat John Martin, James Arthur, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, John Newman, Chase & Status feat Jacob Banks and London Grammar.

 

Hope Alive & Losing Sleeps gets a top 40 boast! John newmans on Jools too so hopefully his album gets a new year boast!!

Edited December 30, 201311 yr by steve201

The Vamps really can't sing can they?

 

I liked that Tinie performance with John Martin there too!

I just wanted Tinie Tempah to shut up, the lead singer from the Vamps genuinely scares me :\ His eyes are so dark, like a vampire or something (+ yes they were a bit meh live in all honesty). The 1975 are absolutely atrocious! I wish this song would die too.

 

Not impressed with anyone really. Little Mix were the best (by default, practically), so far. But that was probably my least favourite performance of 'Move' so far. :( Didn't suit that setting I guess (and I only caught it from Leigh-Annes middle 8). Now they're showing Arctic Monkeys (always deliver live), but showing one of my least favourite songs from them! Why not 'Do I Wanna Know?' or 'Why'd You Only Call When You're High?'? :(

 

Bit of a bleh TOTP so far. :(

 

Yay. Now time for my favourites London Grammarrrrr <3<£<3<3 :mansoncheer:

 

(I'm such a negative Nancy tonight! :o)

R U Mine is my favourite song from the album lol I loved it. I mainly was surprised to see John Martin in the studio for Children of the Sun!

 

Here's Strong now obv pisses over all else although I wish they had performed Nightcall to make it a hit!!

I actually enjoyed Jessie's performance!

I don't see a 50th Anniversary show up & coming. Personally I think the show's had its day & shouldn't even be shown at Christmas.

 

A newly titled show (preferably without Yates & Cotton) would be a good idea. BBC keep re-hashing old ideas. Dr Who, Basil Brush & other shows. I don't like that. Keep things fresh & not try to bring back the past. The past has gone. You can't touch it. This Country, BBC TV, ITV, BBC Radio & Independant Radio has gone to the dogs. The BBC should be ashamed of themselves for running Radio 2 via an ex-Capital Radio production team of Unique Broadcasting. ITV is awfully run with joint ventures of Sky & the Daily Mail (that trashy Nazi paper) & Independant Local Radio just doesn't exist with the Capital's & Heart's. The Heart was ripped out of radio in the 1990s & the TV too.

 

You want a TV Pop show? Then get a host with talent & interest to compere it & make it for Granny, Grandad, Mum, Dad & the kids. Not just 14 year olds. Get Tim Vine to host it & keep it bouncey, comical & dry a la John Peel. Saturday entertainment could make a comeback. Aha variety!

A newly titled show (preferably without Yates & Cotton) would be a good idea. BBC keep re-hashing old ideas. Dr Who, Basil Brush & other shows. I don't like that. Keep things fresh & not try to bring back the past. The past has gone. You can't touch it.

I know, such a terrible decision by them - it's done so so badly!

Forget TOTP bring back SM:TV and CD:UK

Wasn't love me again performed on the Xmas day show lol??

John Newman seems to be a good mover :D

. Personally I think the show's had its day & shouldn't even be shown at Christmas.

 

 

Agreed. The Xmas Day and today's episodes have been rubbish. :( The old 70's/80's format was best, all the year's No.1's with a few No.2's or No.3's if there was spare time.

Edited December 31, 201311 yr by Common Sense