Right, everyone back to normal, all vacationing presenters back to work, traffic back to rubbish levels. Good morning to all bloggers on a horribly cold day where we are. February was designed for those who don't drink so that they can know what a hangover feels like. Roll on spring.

I spent the weekend on the sofa (it's my back you know) so enjoyed the rugby, the cricket and the football. An astonishing one day cricket match going head-to-head with the Arsenal-Birmingham Cup Final which provoked much hilarity in this house (with apologies to Gooner bloggers). When finally emerging from the sofa, I discover my spine is still angry with the world, so back to square one.

Today we offer you James Caan, former Dragon. He's the man who revolutionised the recruitment industry, won the Entrepreneur of the Year award and is much sort after for his business acumen. He has written a book called 'Get The Job You Really Want' and it goes through finding the best employers, interview advice and getting a foot in the door in the first place. James on after 6.

And I suppose we can only do OSCAR oldies today. We have got used to 'The King's Speech' being up there but it really was a magnificent achievement. I've interviewed Tom Hooper who picked up the Best Director oscar a few times and his sister Rachel is one of the BBC's parliamentary correspondents. But all the HOLLYWOOD GLITZ and SPARKLE should be our theme, amidst the gloom of another February day here in Blighty.

Have a fragrant and well-oiled Monday, see you after 5

Hello bloggers near and far, new and old, regular and irregular etc. Welcome to our Friday here on Drivetime with an All Request Friday hovering like a shimmering mirage on the horizon. We'll get there, but some work to do first...

Yesterday was an Emmylou Harris/Yogi Bear day for me. So we'll start with the good news. I recorded a chat with Emmylou for Drivetime as she has a new album out 'Hard Bargain'. I've met her before for her 'Stumble Into Grace' album in 2003 but she is such an iconic singer that it was great to meet up again. The opening song 'The Road' is a look back at her time with Gram Parsons and there is a tribute to her old friend Kate McGarrigle who died last year. Interviewing Emmylou and Mary Wilson is, of course, one of the privileges of the job; both full of stories, memories and songs that could fill a whole evening.

While I was still in the mood, I bought 2 other Emmylou albums yesterday: Luxury Liner and Blue Kentucky Girl. I can think of no better way to ease a permanently achey back than the hottest bath possible, a glass of something appropriate and ELH singing her way through her late 70s repertoire.

A new morning and the back still hurts but it was nice while it lasted. Just the one show today so plenty of time for the osteopath to work his magic and stick his needles where it hurts most. Then a quick run round the park, a gym work out and some heavy lifting and ARF will be ready to go. Those blistering opening songs now being received.

Oh and Yogi? It's 80 minutes that feels like 180. For the youngest amongst us only, and only then if nothing else is available.

Have a wild and thrilling Friday, see you after 5.

Hello, morning and greetings to all. Enjoyed the Enid Blyton thoughts and songs yesterday, we can only hope Mr Tumpy's Caravan is up there with The Famous Five and Noddy et al. I always enjoyed reading the Five books to my kids even if most of the stories feel a little dated. It did make me wonder about how much freedom the children in the story were given. I can't believe that was typical of the era and made it clear to child 3 that no, he couldn't go and camp with his friends on the moor and no, he couldn't go on tour with the local circus team when they roll into town. And did we ever find out what Uncle Quentin was working on? Maybe he was just grumpy being surrounded by pesky kids all the time.

And Mary Wilson was an interesting 25 minutes didn't you think? I was intrigued by the car, a stretch Mercedes apparently, that she bought from George Harrison and appears to have abandoned in Basingstoke. So she's looking forward to going back on tour there! If you've seen an abandoned luxury vehicle somewhere in north east Hampshire, you know who to see. And she might sell you a watch too. Maybe rock stars do that all the time. They sell each other stuff they don't want and then chuck it out. If Chris Evan's first car is worth more because it was his, a Merc owned by a Beatle and a Supreme must be worth a fortune, even if it is in a ditch by the A33.

Nigel today offers a baked custard tart to entice you on your journey home and our theme tonight should be FRANKENSTEIN. Fantastic reviews for Danny Boyle's new production starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller so let's do THE CREATURE and THE SCIENTIST and everything surrounding the FRANKENSTEIN story.

Don't have nightmares. Have a warm and open-hearted Thursday, see you after 5.

Morning all and welcome to bloggers old and new. I'm hoping the blog won't jump, shimmy or shudder today, though these things, as you might realise, are out of my control. I'll blame the weather. Of course it's raining, it's February half-term.

Today we offer you Mary Wilson, founder member of The Supremes, originally The Primettes. She left in 1977 and has, what might be best described, as a complicated relationship with Diana Ross. The much vaunted re-union tour in 2000 faded away as fans refused to support a tour that didn't have Mary (or Cindy Birdsong) in it. She has been proposing a bill in the USA that bans impostor groups from performing under the names of 50s and 60s bands like The Marvelettes and of course, The Supremes. Anyway I think she'll be fascinating and she's here on tour. On the poster it says 'Mary Wilson of the Original Supremes' just so we are clear about that. The Chi-Lites are supporting, and I can only assume that'll be the original Chi-Lites, not some outfit from Cardiff or somewhere.

And on the songs, let's do the books of ENID BLYTON. The author of The Famous Five, The Secret Seven and hundreds of others, is also responsible for the newly discovered 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan'. Hoorah! Lets go on camp and stumble on a circus full of bad'uns! You get the dog and we'll walk across the moor, falling in with some swarthy ne'er-do-wells on the way. This is too much fun for one day. BLYTON songs please!

Have a ripping and terrific Wednesday but remember not to bother Uncle Quentin. See you after 5

Greetings again to all bloggers. February half-term always feels a bleak week as the search for spring becomes ever more frantic. "Surely it can't be this ghastly all week?" always seemed to be the cry. To which the honest answer was always "Yes, quite easily." And so it was that the search for things to do carried on and we ended up in some of the most rubbish 'tourist attractions' this country has to offer. Dinosaur parks, Mr Blobby castles and the worst mazes ever created were all given Mayo patronage. It's a phase of family life I am happy to have left behind. Umbrellas up. Science Museum here we come.

While all of Radio 2 seems off on half-term (apart from Chris and me) we offer you the silky smooth charms of Nigel Havers. The Charmer returns. He's in a new series of Lunch Monkeys for BBC3 in which he plays senior solicitor Mike Cranford in a Manchester law firm who specialise in personal injuries. Now this coincides with a new legal drama series on BBC1 tonight called Silk. So on the songs, it's time to do the LAW, SOLICITORS, BARRISTERS, QC'S and all their ilk.

Have an engaging and illuminating Tuesday, see you after 5

Greetings from a farmhouse in the middle of somewhere. I'm not quite sure where but it's just over the road from the pub and just past the green. Opposite the barn. Anyway, by the time you read this, we'll have all packed up and the residue of a family weekend away will be placed in an assortment of differently coloured bins. The residue of a terrific and calorific few days somewhere that isn't home.

And of course it is hard to walk off the excess when your pesky spine refuses to play ball. Or play anything for that matter. Think I need a new one.

So for today it's the Radio 2 Book Club and a novel by Sanjida O'Connell called Sugar Island which has taken our attention. It's a 'Gone With The Wind' style epic from the American South which tells the story of British actress Emily Harris. She arrives in mid-19th century USA and falls for a man who turns out to be a slave owner. You can read the opening chapter here and take part in the on line discussion too. Sanjeeda should be with us just after 6.

So for the songs today (and as we have done sugar and sweetness) let's do ISLANDS, ISLAND LIFE and all things associated with ISLANDERS. Desert Island Discs without the desert, if you like.

If I keep writing this for much longer, I'll be accused of shirking and avoiding my duties to pack up and 'check under the beds'. So have a refreshing and stimulating Monday, see you after 5.

Simon Mayo Blog BBC Radio 2

Greetings from a farmhouse in the middle of somewhere. I'm not quite sure where but it's just over the road from the pub and just past the green. Opposite the barn. Anyway, by the time you read this, we'll have all packed up and the residue of a family weekend away will be placed in an assortment of differently coloured bins. The residue of a terrific and calorific few days somewhere that isn't home.

And of course it is hard to walk off the excess when your pesky spine refuses to play ball. Or play anything for that matter. Think I need a new one.

So for today it's the Radio 2 Book Club and a novel by Sanjida O'Connell called Sugar Island which has taken our attention. It's a 'Gone With The Wind' style epic from the American South which tells the story of British actress Emily Harris. She arrives in mid-19th century USA and falls for a man who turns out to be a slave owner. You can read the opening chapter here and take part in the on line discussion too. Sanjeeda should be with us just after 6.

So for the songs today (and as we have done sugar and sweetness) let's do ISLANDS, ISLAND LIFE and all things associated with ISLANDERS. Desert Island Discs without the desert, if you like.

If I keep writing this for much longer, I'll be accused of shirking and avoiding my duties to pack up and 'check under the beds'. So have a refreshing and stimulating Monday, see you after 5.

Greetings and good morning to all bloggers. Especially to new contributors, freshly arrived - you are very welcome. Thanks for all the advice and sympathy for my dodgy back. Thanks also for the recommendations of treatments, potions and witch doctors. I'm just back from my osteopath (7am appointment! How keen is that!) and had more needles in my back than my grandma's had in her sewing basket. I am hardly leaping and jumping but hopefully might manage the double show day with a degree of honour and respectability. The taxibike is a no no of course but the Radio 2 sedan chair would be welcome. Though it's quite booked up at the moment apparently.

Really enjoyed hearing Robert Plant on with Chris this morning. We spoke at the Electric Proms (may they rest in peace) and know him to be charming and a great music historian. But hearing his stories and music choice made me want to have lots more! Let's book him to dep for Bob Harris. And to have Buddy Miller load up your ipod with 31,000 songs! Now that I would like to have.

So it's 5 Live(Mr Plant's favourite) from 2 for some movie conversation and Mark Kermode and then, through the barricades, the sunlit uplands of the all-request-Friday.

Get that show opener down now. Impress your friends! Be the talk of the blog!

Have an energy filled and exuberant Friday. See you after 5.

Simon Mayo Blog BBC Radio 2

There is truly nothing like a useless back to make you feel 109. I am hoping to do the show today, though moving more than 10 yards is a struggle as I write. 5 o'clock is a long way away so I'm off looking for some healing hands. The last time this happened I was in Hong Kong for the Equestrian events at the Olympics and I tottered around like I was due at the knackers yard any minute. I sat for 5 hours or so next to our commentator, the great John Murray, and together we made it through the dressage, the heat and the twinges.

I promise not to go on about it however and only mention it every 5 minutes or so.

Nigel has an ox-tail broth or something today, another dish that I would never order at a restaurant. Memories of the way it used to taste are too strong in my mind. I think revolting is the word I'm looking for. However as we all know by now, with Nige at the controls, all will be well. That Cornish pastie seem ages ago...

Anyway I think for the songs, we will take Nigel's OX and extend it to the rest of the FARMYARD. All FARM ANIMALS and indeed FARMERS. Over to you.

Have a pain-free and enthralling Thursday, hopefully see you after 5.

Simon Mayo Blog BBC Radio 2

Morning all, a fine Wednesday to you all. Last night really was a great one for Spurs fans who love Mumford and Sons and Laura Marling. And that's me! I watched none of the Brits (see yesterday) but really pleased that some great talent has won some of the top prizes. Long live the banjo, and long live Peter Crouch. Watching your team win away at the San Siro is so much fun (a sentence I never thought I'd type) and the fact they all lost their heads made it a very satisfactory evening all round. Deep joy, as Stanley Unwin would have said.

Today we welcome Michael Winner to talk movies and food. Everyone has an opinion on Michael and often quite a strong one. He is about to be feted in LA with a 3 day tribute festival but is not, it seems to me, really well regarded as a director in the UK. As a critic and insurance seller yes, movie maker, no. His book is "Unbelievable!", an account of his days in hotels and restaurants with stars like Marlon Brando, Anthony Hopkins and Sophia Loren. Mr Winner after 6.

So we should do RESTAURANTS, DINERS and CAFES please on the songs tonight. Place your order below...

Have a really rather engaging and fascinating Wednesday, see you after 5.

Morning to bloggers old, new and just visiting. You are all very welcome. Thanks for the sympathy re robbers-with-no-taste, I think the only thing lost was some anti-perspirant from the gym bag. Half used. Not a great haul really is it?

I notice it's the Brit Awards tonight and also that I wont be going. This is for 2 reasons;firstly I am not invited and secondly I'm not really that bothered. As I might have mentioned before, one of the reasons the Folk Awards is so brilliant is that it is full of great musicians and a respectful, enthusiastic crowd. By contrast, the Brits in my opinion, as an event to sit and watch, is full of mixed quality artists and peopled by an indifferent crowd (record companies and guests on the lash). Some of the acts will be spectacular of course and will boost their sales considerably but I wouldn't hold your breath for a heart-warming spectacle. I will choose to follow the AC MIlan/Spurs match, though heartache is almost inevitable. Without Gareth Bale, that's an uphill struggle I fear.

Today we welcome Peter Sissons, the veteran newsman who has a new memoir "When One Door Closes'. He's caused a bit of a fuss recently with his claim that the BBC 'has a left-wing mindset' but the book is much broader than that, looking back over his 45 year career. So let's do THE NEWS and JOURNALISTS for the songs today, your top suggestions gladly received!

Also today Matt talks live to Lord Coe on the Olympics schedule for 2012.

Have a steady, reassuring Tuesday. See you after 5.

To the criminals who went through my car last night a question. What's wrong with my cd collection? They rummaged through the coats, gym kit (unwashed) and cds and were so unimpressed they left everything. Eagles, Florence and the Machine and a Soft Cell compilation, all callously left behind. Dylan, Fats Domino and Sugarland still where I left them. Burglars with no taste.

Thank heavens.

Hope your weekend was all you wished for, I spent mine down a mine. Well, 2 hours of it, at the National Mining Museum in Wakefield. Rock 'n' roll indeed! It's a brilliant trip out, really educational and an eyeopener for anyone who has never been down a pit. Dave, aka Chewbacca, was our miner guide and a real Yorkshire gem. It's free and they do a mean chicken and pea pie.

Dame Jacqueline Wilson is our guest tonight, one of the UK's bestselling authors with 30 million copies sold. 30 million! Her latest is "Lily Alone", it'll doubtless be another hit and you can hear her after 6.

And on the oldies (you might have had enough of romantic tunes by 5) we celebrate COLIN FIRTH. Yes it's COLIN FIRTH tunes please, let FIRTHMANIA, unbridalled, fill our heaving bosom. And produce a good tune or two.

Have a warm-hearted and self-sufficient Monday, see after 5.

I fear we may have messed up the studio for Chris this morning. First thing I remember from this morning was hearing Chris complaining about the smell of fish in the studio. This, I think , can only be the kedgeree from yesterday. What with it being fish AND curry I'm afraid we left the studio in a smelly state last night. An unpleasant way to start the day, though the dish itself (as I knew it would be) was a pleasant surprise. I suggested that we all live in a big Drivetime commune, that way Nigel can cook for us all the time. No one was that interested really.

Double show day starts early with an interview with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost for 'Paul', their new sci-fi geek comedy. You might be relieved to know that it is whole lot better than the trailer. This is a relief as the trailer is rubbish. That's all for 5 Live this afternoon starting at 2 and we also have a chat with Ethan Cohen, one of the directors of True Grit. Then it's on to the tube (back playing up, avoid the bike) to Radio 2 for the mighty ALL REQUEST FRIDAY. It's still the best start to the weekend I've ever heard and we love all the calls, texts, emails,tweets and blogs. I think I'm spending the weekend (or some of it) down a mine. I will report back, there is a point to it.

Have a refreshing, invigorating Friday, see you after 2/5.

Simon Mayo Blog BBC Radio 2

Good morning and good day to you all. Interesting chats on the blog yesterday about smoking and parents we have lost (sometimes one and the same story). Bob, as he mentioned, dedicates his album to his father and sister who died last year. But I thought some of the most interesting stuff was his comment about contentment 'not being part of the plan'. If he writes part 2 of his biography, I think it'll be part music, part politics and part philosophy.

So now it's Nigel day and he has said that it is time for kedgeree. It is probably just me but fish at breakfast just doesn't do it for me. My mother might have tried kippers once upon a time and that was it. Never again. It might be Scottish, it might be Indian but it's still fish and it's still breakfast. However I have learnt not to be hasty. Tofu wasn't top of any list either and last weeks was great stuff. So trust Nige is our watchword and see what happens.

Oldies today I reckon should be about RAMBLING, WALKING and FOOTPATHS. A thousand miles of footpaths are to be created on National Trust land. It is, apparently, the biggest increase in signposted public access to the countryside for more than a century. So party on. Your top choices below, thanks.

Have a thrilling and captivating Thursday, see you after 5.

Simon Mayo Blog BBC Radio 2

Mild. Wet. Which is better than cold and dry (IMHO as the kids have it). Hope all is good. I smell normal today. Just thought I needed to say that. It was only when I mentioned the fact that I had spilt a gallon or 2 of diesel over my shoes yesterday, did anyone start to say I smelt. Now everyone's saying it. Did they think it was my aftershave? Or my socks maybe? Apparently I could ask the garage to pay for some new shoes but I suspect it won't be worth the bother. I'll press on. With oily stains that's all.

Bob Geldof today. It is an article of broadcasting law that you can't do a dull interview with Bob. I blogged last week about how it went but let me say again how interesting he is, particularly about growing old. In that sense he ties in with a few of Paul Torday's comments yesterday about taking up a new challenge/hobby/job when in your 50's. Chris Evans has his writing competition for the kids but maybe we all should be able to join in! Bob is very positive about being in his late 50's, look forward to your comments.

So on the music, let's turn to President B. Obama who appears to have GIVEN UP SMOKING. He's spoken about trying to give up, now it appears he has. So TOBACCO, CIGARETTES and GIVING UP will work nicely. Over to you.

Have a an energy-filled and boisterous Wednesday, see you after 5

A tad bleary, welcome to Tuesday. A late evening of course at the Folk Awards last night. I hope you enjoyed the show from the Brewery (Mike Harding's confession was really rather fine) and then the show itself. As ever, it featured the combination of superb, wonderfully performed music and extraordinarily misjudged speeches. A great number of times I was moved to think 'It's not about you!'. The speeches from the winners were always charming and humble but so many times the prize givers got the tone all wrong (step forward Tamsin Greig, Joanna Trollope and others) resulting in embarrassed glances from the gathered folkies. Say hello, announce the winner and get off.

Anyway the show's highlights for me were the stunning, and ghostly white, Laura Marling, Chris Wood, Bellowhead and Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends who managed to make everyone laugh and then then sing lustily. Top stuff.

Today we bring you the Radio 2 Book Club again with Paul Torday's "More Than You Can Say". His break through was "Salmon Fishing In The Yemen" which was a huge hit and this is shaping up to be another remarkable achievement. Matt and Rebecca might even say it's their favourite so far! You can read a chapter on this site for free and then hear Paul after 6.

For the oldies, inspired by the good men of Port Isaac, let's do FISH, FISHING, and FISHERMEN. And plenty to choose from there I would think.

Have a gentle and reflective Tuesday, see you after 5

A fine weekend I trust was had by all bloggers and blogger's families, friends and hangers on. We celebrated my mother's 80th in traditional style: lunch in the pub and a calorie overload of extraordinary proportions. But then a treacle tart has certain demonic properties and consumption is compulsory. Party on.

So we are off on one of my favourite days of the year. The "Radio 2 Folk Awards" is a great evening and we are doing the show live from "The Brewery" (oh the hardship) in east London. Whether you like Mike Harding's stuff or not, I can promise a show with some of the most talented musicians in these islands. As you know Donovon gets a lifetime achievement award and we speak to him after 6 as well as Barbara Dickson, who co-hosts tonight. I'm hoping Mike Harding has a confession too. We are on till 7.45 and then on stand-by to pick up after the show has finished. That red button can be used tonight to follow events on your digital TV. I'll wave from our table.

There probably isn't room for an oldie theme today but if you have ever been to a folk gig, bought a folk tune or 2, or own a poster of Joni Mitchell, your reminiscences and memories would be very welcome. I'll include as many as I can on the show. If, on the other hand, you hate the very sound of a banjo or fiddle, er, well, give us a chance or come back tomorrow...

First thing however, I'm off to a nuclear physics lab on a secret project. Yes really.

Have a foot stomping, ukelele picking, squeeze box filled Monday, see you after 5.

Ok so I admit I was wrong about Tofu. Nige cooked a blinder last night, really tasty stuff. I'm thinking of asking him to move in with us chez Mayo. I'm sure he'd fit in easily and just rustle up a few mouthwatering snacks every now and again. I'll mention it to him next week.

The thing is about middle age is that you can admit you were wrong about loads of things and not care what people think. I recorded an interview with Bob Geldof yesterday which we'll play out next week and he says that the 50's have been his happiest decade. Less to prove, settled domestically (hopefully) but not decrepit. Not yet anyway. Bob is as unmissable as ever, even if he did tell me I look like Bill Gates. I felt discouraged but it's one way of looking a billion dollars I suppose.

Another moment from yesterday showing why I love Radio 2. An oldies discussion with the team on whether, with the trees theme, to play Radiohead or Dawn.Only, I suggest, on Radio 2.

A movie show for you on 5 Live and a top rocking ALL REQUEST FRIDAY from 5. I need your top ideas for that bar-setting belter of a song and need it now. Or soon. Ta.

Have a wild and enthusiastic Friday, see you after 5.

Well well. We seem to have added a few new listeners as well as new bloggers. Welcome all. I've always tended to the view that you should treat all listening figures with a healthy degree of scepticism. This is a) wise and b) a useful guard against when they aren't quite so good. But this time they are! So hooray and trebles all round.

Loved the homework question yesterday. The radio is always full of dieticians telling you what to eat, so just for once, it was great to hear a conversation led off by microwavable burgers and scotch eggs. Feeding teenagers what they want should wait till they're students of course but it was fun.

Nigel would have had a fit of course but then he can rectify things with a black pepper tofu construction for Chinese New Year today (Kung Hei Fat Choi to you too). He'll have to go some way to beat the Cornish pasty from last week but I'm up for a surprise tonight.

Meantime, your creative thoughts please songs about TREES, WOODS and FORESTS. The government has plans to sell off public forests and there is (as my granny would have said) 'a bit of a to-do' about it. Your songs about the woodland are welcome below...

Have a sparkling and magnificent Thursday, see after 5.

Hello bloggers old and new, it's a lovely Wednesday and we're almost past the hump. Apologies for slowness on the blog yesterday, it was caused apparently by too many many nuclo-pixels appearing at a time of soft-flange weakness. This, combined with 90Mb of old disc disintegration meant that the slowdown was unavoidable. An upgrade has been purchased and once I've read the instructions, all will be well.

Lovely to have Mike Harding on the show yesterday-he travelled down especially! So many stories and tunes to talk about, I could have kept it all going till 9 but then other shows would have got cross. Tonight it's Nicole Kidman from Nashville to talk about her new movie "Rabbit Hole", in which she stars with Aaron Eckhart and Dianne Wiest. It's good too and manages to be about a tough subject (losing a child) while not being mawkish or harrowing. Ms Kidman from 6 of course.

And your creative musical thoughts please into the world of MIDSOMER MURDERS as tonight sees the last episode with John Nettles in it. How will we cope? Ease his (professional) passing with with a top musical offering below.

Have a comfortable and reassuring Wednesday, see you after 5.

Well Monday was some day and glad that Tuesday is somewhat calmer. My visit to the speed awareness course took out most of the morning and as most who have been on one will tell you, they're really quite interesting. Despite everyone feeling a bit grumpy that they are there and not where they like to be, we all slowly realised how much we had forgotten since passing the test. So time well spent. And better than 3 points anyday.

Then after the show (and loved Allison Pearson's David Cassidy obsession) it was off to the Radio Theatre for another "Act Your Age" for Radio 4. It was, by some way, the rudest show ever. I imagine that by the time it finds its way onto the air, it will be perfectly lovely and suitable for the 6.30 slot. Comedians often seem to get ruder as they find their way around a show and an audience and then pull it back, but not last night. It will be one big secret between the 300 of us there, as it is probably, even now, on the digital equivalent of the cutting room floor.

So for today's show dear bloggers let us find songs appropriate for the madness that is the FOOTBALL TRANSFER SYSTEM. Truly, it is in a world of its own. No recession, no tough times, just a HIGHROLLING permanent party. And we welcome Mike Harding as our 6 o'clock guest to preview the Folk Awards next week, one of my favourite days of the year.

Have a reflective and mellow Tuesday, see you after 5.