Stately promenades

There's a hint of oversell in a blog post from R2's Jeff Smith about the Electric Proms - the first since R2 took over ownership from Radio 1.

"Working in partnership with BBC2 we wanted to create a unique music event and I as Head of Music wanted to get Radio 2 core artists to effectively curate the three nights. They'd do their own songs new and old but we'd add unique versions of tracks and bring in musical collaborators, including brand new names where possible." 


Curation ? Or Radio 2 acquiesence ? Openers Elton John and Leon Russell managed to play every single track from their new LP "The Union", whether the crowd wanted it or not.  White UK rapper Plan B and Karen-Carpenter- aspirant Rumer joined in on one song each.  Plan B provides the lead track on the BBC's latest Live Lounge cd.

Tonight Robert Plant's set will feature "eclectic new material from his latest critically acclaimed release, Band of Joy".  A album of slightly-more-obscure covers.
 
Tomorrow, Neil Diamond, coming up to 70, sings covers from his new album, Dreams, which wins this grudging review from Chris Roberts on the BBC Music website. "... what in lesser hands might come across as cheese incarnate broods beautifully on Dreams, a splendid showcase for that evergreen, emotive voice". 

Maybe Jeff should have a chat with Roger Wright.