(Above: Some of the 89FM airstaff at a promotion, September, 1994. Of the three station DJs in this photo (L-R Brian Reid, Tim Homer, me), I'm the last one left, which is pretty darned sobering.) I got news Sunday of the sudden, unexpected death of Auckland, NZ radio programmer Tim Homer at the age of … Continue reading From a land down under: New Zealand pop, 1980s-1990s
1990s
Greatest misses: The Men, “The Church of Logic, Sin, and Love” (1992)
(Above: Promo photo for the Men, circa 1992) One of the great advantages of working in radio without concern for ratings - because you don't have any - is the ability to take certain liberties with the playlist. I think I can best sum up my stint as the morning host at Joliet's WLLI-FM from … Continue reading Greatest misses: The Men, “The Church of Logic, Sin, and Love” (1992)
Graduation and the Top 40: Adrian Kimberly, “Pomp and Circumstance” (1961)
(Above: The author, 31 years ago, leaving high school.) I've been to a lot of graduation ceremonies. From eighth grade through earning my PhD last year I've had the opportunity to participate in several. In my role as a faculty member at GVSU I'm invited to attend them every term. I don't go every time, … Continue reading Graduation and the Top 40: Adrian Kimberly, “Pomp and Circumstance” (1961)
Erin go bragh-less: Irish bands on the charts and “The Unicorn” (1968)
(Above: The Clancy Brothers, replete with pipes and sweaters.) Ah, Oldies radio. We like to observe the same conventions each year when it comes to things like holidays and commemorations. I will bet you everything in my wallet (a low risk on a Friday, least of all on St. Patrick's Day) that your friendly neighborhood … Continue reading Erin go bragh-less: Irish bands on the charts and “The Unicorn” (1968)
One morning in college radio: WIUS-FM, March 6, 1990
(Above: The square in downtown Macomb. I vaguely remember a restaurant there called "Eat," which I am sure is long gone by now.) March 6, 1990 was a Tuesday. In Macomb, Illinois, students at Western Illinois University were preparing for their much-needed spring break. Among them, though, was an interloper: a college-aged radio veteran posing … Continue reading One morning in college radio: WIUS-FM, March 6, 1990
Junior (and senior) samples: Lyn Collins, “Think (About It)” (1972)
(I'll stop you, since you've heard this one before. Trust me.) I don't see myself as old. I see myself as "older." For as much as I want to believe that I'm still in my early 20s, playing the role of college radio rebel, there are indications that I am not. To wit: -My hair … Continue reading Junior (and senior) samples: Lyn Collins, “Think (About It)” (1972)
Good morning Joliet: WLLI-FM, February 7, 1992
(Above: Yours truly in the I-Rock studio, 1991) 25 years ago this morning the buzz in the sports world was Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen both starting in the NBA All-Star game. It was a Friday, so many were beginning to make their weekend plans. And in Joliet, a 22-year-old kid was having the time … Continue reading Good morning Joliet: WLLI-FM, February 7, 1992
New year’s resolutions: Dramarama, “Last Cigarette” (1989)
(Above: Cover art for Stuck in Wonderamaland, 1990) I was never really a smoker. I was in the habit of buying cigarettes only when working at my first job, which I fondly think back on as "petroleum distributor." To be correct, I had exactly three jobs that were not in radio: -Gas pump jockey, Brian's … Continue reading New year’s resolutions: Dramarama, “Last Cigarette” (1989)
Rest in peace, George Michael: “Freedom ’90” (1990)
(Above: George Michael, in somewhat happier times.) To say that 2016 has been a rough year in popular music - especially for fans of the 1980s - would be an understatement. I was still dissertating earlier in the year when we lost David Bowie and Prince, so I did not create entries specifically for their … Continue reading Rest in peace, George Michael: “Freedom ’90” (1990)
12+ Blogs of Christmas, Airing of Grievances Edition: Bob Rivers, “The Twelve Pains of Christmas” (1988)
(Above: "I gotta lot of problems with you people..." Say the word "festivus," and most people with a handle on popular culture of the 1990s will know exactly what you mean. The holiday, first introduced to the lexicon by Seinfeld (a show that added such phrases as "double-dipping" and "not that there's anything wrong with … Continue reading 12+ Blogs of Christmas, Airing of Grievances Edition: Bob Rivers, “The Twelve Pains of Christmas” (1988)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 