My Ear Candy #26 Gayle Culross

Community radio is a blast. You play your own music, goof around with your friends, drink coffee till it comes out your ears and in my case sermonise on all things Aston Villa. Mearns FM broadcasts from a studio in Stonehaven’s Town Hall, a pleasant if dank dungeon at the rear of the building, and there are times when our broadcasts are serenaded by the din emanating from the main hall, tonight was one of those nights. The annual Farmer’s Ball was in full swing, we had to wade through cattle, sheep and goats to get into the studio, wellied up dungaree wearing bumpkins too. Still, they seemed to be enjoying themselves and I’m sure the food was exceptional, if you can’t get a good side of beef at the farmer’s dinner then we all need to pack up and go home.

Back in the studio, struggling to drown out the marauding farming fraternity, sat myself and special guest Gayle Culross. I get some guests on who, like me, have a face for radio but I’ve been blessed lately with women of startling beauty and Gayle falls comfortably into this category. It’s perhaps inappropriate for me to make mention of this but listeners need to know why I was babbling even more randomly  than normal, I felt a little overawed. All attempts at seduction were straight batted however and upon learning of Gayle’s blissfully happy eighteen year marriage to Greg, I conceded defeat. Men, we really are pathetic.

Onto the music and Gayle’s six selections were a mixed bag of country, electronica and pap. The tales behind each selection were entertaining; misjudged fancy dress outfits at Dolly Parton concerts, illegal recordings of radio chart shows, unfulfilled devotion to Wham’s lead singer, a Mike Flowers impersonating elder brother, a sporting giant of a husband (his perception only) and treasured memories of a beloved mother. The chat off air was even more entertaining but you ain’t gettin any of that because there’d be a contract put out on me. What I can divulge is that her friends sound as mad as a box of frogs and if you plan an evening out in Dundee anytime soon perhaps best choose Aberdeen instead. 

Big thanks to Blaze Manufacturing for releasing your Head Of Communications into the wild, she proved more than a measure for this hapless, community radio wannabe and, if she promises not to request Dolly Parton again, is welcome back anytime. 

Gayle’s Selections 

1. Dolly Parton - Jolene

2. Soft Cell - Tainted Love

3. George Michael - Freedom 

4. Oasis - Wonderwall

5. The Killers - Mr Brightside

6. David Guetta - Titanium