(Above: Some of the WLRA airstaff, Spring 1988. Yours truly is in the mismatched Hawaiian clothing at the left of the frame.) Monday, December 5, 1988 was a chilly day in Chicagoland. In the news, PTL Ministries head Jim Bakker was indicted on charges that he defrauded his flock. (The various Bakker scandals would introduce … Continue reading One morning in college radio: December 5, 1988
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One day in college radio: November 14, 1988
Above: A clinic in how not to design a business card, in terms of readability. Monday, November 14, 1988 was an overcast day around much of Chicagoland. The snows of winter weren't falling yet, and on the campus of Lewis University thoughts were beginning to turn to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The Chicago Bears had … Continue reading One day in college radio: November 14, 1988
Forgoing your college eligibility: Stevie Wonder, “I Wish” (1976)
(Above: Me in a WJTW polo shirt. For some reason, this was taken in the production room of WCFL-FM/Morris.) 28 years ago tonight, I did my first professional radio show at WJTW-FM in Joliet. In an earlier post I discussed how I had applied for a job at the station in sales, but that my … Continue reading Forgoing your college eligibility: Stevie Wonder, “I Wish” (1976)
Imitation and flattery: The college radio show intro (1987 – 1988)
This piece is a little different today as it doesn't highlight a specific song, but will talk about a number of songs that all served the same purpose: starting my college radio shows. There's not much that people in radio don't rip off. If you've moved around the country, you've no doubt noticed the preponderance … Continue reading Imitation and flattery: The college radio show intro (1987 – 1988)
Great lost hit: David and David, “Welcome To the Boomtown” (1986)
In the summer of 1986 David Baerwald and David Ricketts paired up to record a series of stories set to music. At least that's how I describe the songs on Boomtown, an album that managed to get to number 39 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart despite little support on the singles chart. It's … Continue reading Great lost hit: David and David, “Welcome To the Boomtown” (1986)
Crossing the line: Utter Confusion, “Beer Goggles” (1988)
(Above: The 12" single in question. Good luck finding it.) I had a long conversation with my college radio advisor yesterday. John Carey has been responsible for the students of WLRA at Lewis University for the last thirty years or so. He was a young advisor when I was a freshman back at the school … Continue reading Crossing the line: Utter Confusion, “Beer Goggles” (1988)
A radio anniversary: R.E.M., “It’s the End of the World As We Know it” (1987)
(Above: This is not at all what the first day looked like, but when I think "college radio," it looks like this.) Each of us has certain dates that stand out in our lives that go past our own birthdays. Anniversaries, the death of a parent (I have two of those dates to remember), job … Continue reading A radio anniversary: R.E.M., “It’s the End of the World As We Know it” (1987)
Canadian content: Kon Kan, “I Beg Your Pardon” (1989)
The word "earworm" gets thrown a lot to describe pieces of music that stick in your head. I am terribly susceptible to these. The worst kind for me are advertising jingles, especially from my childhood. You have no idea how much restraint it takes for me not to share every damned jingle that pops … Continue reading Canadian content: Kon Kan, “I Beg Your Pardon” (1989)
Now here’s something we hope you’ll REALLY like: Boris Badenough, “Hey Rocky” (1986)
(Above: Take that, moose and squirrel.) Oh, where to begin with this one.... Further to the subject of mixtapes from the other day: for every one that was completed, I probably came up with ideas for another three. One that was started and abandoned - for reasons that shall become clear - was called "Obnoxious … Continue reading Now here’s something we hope you’ll REALLY like: Boris Badenough, “Hey Rocky” (1986)
Toro toro, taxi: Dire Straits, “Skateaway” (1980)
Last week's post about Revolver being one of my Top Five albums got me spiraling into a sort of High Fidelity argument with myself about what would be in that Top Five list. The album that I keep going back and forth on is Dire Straits' Making Movies from 1980. Is it simply good or … Continue reading Toro toro, taxi: Dire Straits, “Skateaway” (1980)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 