SITE DESIGNED, EDITED BY JONATHAN L-WHERE THE MUSIC HITS THE FAN ™ 2005 February 28 Brian Jones (Rolling Stones) 1943-1969 Birthday's today: Bernadette Peters, John Turturro, Mario Andretti, Gilbert Gottfried, Bubba Smith, Zero Mostel 1915-1977, Ben Hecht 1893-1964 February 29 (born on leap year) Dennis Farina, Tempest Storm, Dinah Shore 1916-1994 Question of the week: GUILTY or NOT GUILTY? 3 high profile cases. Michael Jackson, Robert Blake, Phil Spector. YOU be the judge. They're all guilty. Even Michael's monkey, Bubbles, is guilty. So was Marie Antoinette. Vive le France! Corey O' Brien KXRK X-96 Salt Lake City UT I would agree to be the judge, but I'd need to hear and see all the evidence first and none of these cases interests me very much. But if I were getting paid a judge's salary, I'd force myself to pay attention. I'd much rather be the judge in a treason trial against George W Bush. Howie Klein Former President Reprise Records, Los Angeles CA With songs like PYT (Pretty Young Thing), Monkey Business, Smooth Criminal, In the Back, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, and Beat It, we should have seen the warning signs with Michael Jackson. Mark Rudkin Houston TX All guilty...but all suffering from mental defect. Cheers! Kat Corbett Middays KROQ Los Angeles CA I think they are all three guilty. Michael Jackson will get off. Phil Spector could get some jail time Robert Blake will die in prison. Three talented but very distrubed people. Have a great week, Marcie Robinson PD KACV Amarillo TX More Responses all week. Cast your feelings. Your thoughts count! The JL recap of Oscars The 77th annual Academy Awards have come and now is history. I always watch the Oscars…but know that this recap is coming from someone…me…who never goes to a movie theatre. At least not in years, I can’t take the noise, interruptions, and the high cost of going to the movies. For two people it can be expensive, especially if you throw in the cost of one large drink and popcorn. I figure, and those who really know me, I’d prefer to wait and buy the DVD on sale day, or watch it on cable. So I have not seen any of the contender’s films or performances. I do have “Ray” on DVD. I will get around to watching it soon. Ok…having said that here is my recap of last night’s event. First, let me say Chris Rock was an awful host. His rhythm of humor was off. He almost bordered on annoying at times. Not that I care about Jude Law, but Rock’s going off on Law was …a waste of time and came across less as humor than and more as a pot shot. Of course I wouldn’t know what he meant to achieve by his remarks? Maybe next year get Robin Williams who is always on or Mike Meyers. Rock’s black/white jokes weren’t funny, and came across, as blacks are still second-class citizens. Not in Hollywood Chris. We have some incredible talents that are African Americans. Enough of trying to make it seem as if you and all blacks are still persecuted, especially in Hollywood, or music for that matter. That’s bullshit. When Sean Penn came out and shot a remark to you that Law was a fine actor in his defense…you didn’t have to come out and state your lame "my accountants will be in touch” joke. It wasn’t funny. Or was it a joke? I thought Jamie Foxx’s speech as he accepted “best actor” was very natural and touching. I thought he was very good in Collateral too. The end about his grandmother almost made my cry. It was the “best” acceptance speech of the whole night. The most beautiful woman of the entire evening was Salma Hayek. She was gorgeous. Bad hair day awards go to Rene Zellweger, Prince, Drew Barrymore, Charlize Theron, and Natalie Portman. Runner-up as most beautiful of the evening was Gwyneth Paltrow. How awkward is it every year when they do the “in memoriam” segment? People cheer, whistle and clap…but only for certain entertainers. As Yo Yo Ma performed a morbid piece on cello, people were cheering off and on. It seems weird. It just always does. Carlos Santana and Antonio Banderas, and Beyonce with Josh Groban were terrific duets. True gentlemen were Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood in their acceptance speeches. I still don’t get what’s so special about Hillary Swank, but hey that’s me. I did like the idea what they did with the lesser awards by having in many categories all the nominees on stage so we didn’t have to sit through the walking down the isle, hugging and high fiving people which eats up time. Overall I would give the show B+. It began at 5:30 PM PST and ended at 8:40…so 3 hours. Not bad. Your thought's are welcome February 27 Elizabeth Taylor Birthday's today: Ralph Nader, James Worthy, Joanne Woodward, Wendy Liebman, John Steinbeck 1902-1968, Marian Anderson 1897-1993, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807-1882 I wasn't...but for you...sure..why not. Still doin bits? April Fool's, late 90s. KROQ LA helped open "The new mall in Orange County"...Just off the 5 freeway...Didn't exist. If you've ever lived in SOCAL and were trying to find ANYTHING off the 5 and couldn't you'd honestly start losing your mind. For KROQ to send people to a mall that didn't even exist...BRILLIANT. They kept ending all phone calls with "You can't miss it!" Then they'd hang up. I was a van driver there and luckily had the day off. In 2001 we (Channel 93.3/KTCL-FM Denver)had U2 play a free roof-top show (they didn't play) on top of the Cheeseman Park Pub (which didn't exist) @ the intersection of Broadway & Logan (they don't intersect). We had people coming from UTAH, NEBRASKA, WYOMING, NEW MEXICO, KANSAS, AND EVEN MONTANA! Unreal. As soon as I got off the air that morning I took a promo dude with me and we parked near Cheeseman Park (the park exists, not the Pub) and watched people drive around looking at all the roof-tops. We played "Under The Blood Red Sky" tracks in the order they were on the cd. Didn't edit shit. Looped 1 minute of crowd noise for 12 HOURS! Then the complaints came in...Some REALLY pissed off Boulder hippies threatening legal action. Out of towners wanted gas money compensation. But the best part was the listeners who respected the gag, called and told anyone who was pissed that they should lighten up. A crowning moment! Rubin Channel 93.3/KTCL-FM APD/Morning Jerk I haven't seen Amy Simon in 9 years! The last time was at an improv club in Santa Monica. We first met in 1989 when she was my rep for EMI. Yesterday at a baby shower for Felicia (Swerling) Suslow, Amy showed up with her two daughters. She has done improv and comedy, in addition to writing. You can see her original play that she wrote and performs at The Empty Stage Theater, 2372 Veteran Ave. at Pico in West LA. on Sunday March 13 at 3 PM. Other dates are all Sundays at 3PM; April 10, 24, May 8 * a special Mothers day performance, May 22, and every other Sunday after. For reservations call 310.308.0947. www.emptystage.com Amy is awesome. She hasn't changed a bit. I can't promise...but I am going to make an effort to see the show. Richard Kuhlman directs. February 26 Johnny Cash 1932-2003 Birthday's today: Antoine "Fats" Domino. Marshall Faulk, Jackie Gleason 1916-1987, Betty Hutton, Tony Randall 1920-2004 February 25, 2005 Dear Friend, I am writing to inform you that I no longer work for Philadelphia’s New Rock, Y100, 100.3 FM. Wednesday February 24, 2005 at 11:59 Radio One Inc. changed the format from modern rock to hip-hop and r+b. 100.3’s frequency will now be playing the music previously heard on 103.9 FM. Countless memories of FEZtivals, FEASTivals, Sonic Sessions, Tuesday Night Music Clubs, Sunday night air shifts and crazy contests are flashing in front of my face right now. I cherish the fact that I was able to work at Y100 on both the music and marketing side. I came to Y100 in 1997 to host Y-Not the new and local music show. I had know idea that I’d become a part of the programming department that took Y100’s music from playing Melissa Ethridge next to Nirvana in 1997 to its current state of playing Modest Mouse next to Nirvana in 2005. On the marketing side I cherished the ability to let you know about the new avenues we were exploring, the contests we were conducting (many of them insane – can you say, “eating sheep testicles for Eagles tickets?”), and the charity events we were taking part in (we raised over 400 tons of food with our annual Camp Out For Hunger). I received the most joy from bringing both the music world and marketing world together booking over 150 Y100 Sonic Sessions, producing 8 Y100 Sonic Sessions CDs that raised over $300,000 for charity, and experiencing the thrill of bringing 25,000 people together every summer to watch the best modern rock bands in the world rock the Tweeter Center. The staff at Y100 gladly poured their heart and soul into making Y100 one of the most respected modern rock stations in America. One of the things that drove me every day was my desire to bring all of these wonderful experiences to my hometown of Philadelphia. Thank you for supporting and experiencing Y100 with me. I would not have done any of these things without one man. He started as my boss and became one of my closest friends and one of my most significant role models, behind my father. I want to thank Jim McGuinn, Program Director/heart and soul of Y100. Jim instilled the spirit of the alternative music lifestyle in all of us. The Philadelphia airwaves were blessed with his vision for the past ten years. Let’s hope that vision doesn’t end with Y100. Please feel free to contact him at jim@y100rocks.com . I truly hope we can work together again in the near future. Feel free to contact me at danfein@comcast.net. Rock, Dan Fein Dan...we all wish you and Jim the best. If you need anything, just call. Hi JL, was thinking with Academy Awards on Sunday, a cool upcoming "Question Of The Week" might be (if you're taking suggestions....of course just noticed you just sent one out late last night anyway-doh, oh well, maybe for the next one?!:) What song, when you hear it, brings to mind instantly an image from a movie that will forever be linked to the song in your mind? For instance, my wife always knew very well and enjoyed Elton John's "Tiny Dancer", but now every time she hears it she immediately thinks of the "bus scene" from the film "Almost Famous". For me it's The Creation's "Making Time", during the opening sequence from "Rushmore", and in the same film the "elevator scene" linked forever now to The Who's "A Quick One (While He's Away"). Maybe that could be worded better, but you get the gist and am sure with it being Oscar Season, it certainly might spark some conversation. Alright bro, gonna be a brutally busy one for me today (aren't they all?!), so let's shoot for a catch up next week, okay? Otherwise some new projects of mine that should be (if they haven't already) arrived in your mailbox: Acceptance, Wakefield, Stereophonics, Plain White T's, Open Hand, Mae, Bloc Party....but before that you should've also received the Buck 65 and new single from The Fever called "Ladyfingers"? Check 'em all out, as there's some good stuff there! Have a good (dry?!) weekend bro, Get the idea? Chris Stowers HARD BOILED Office: 708.763.0761 Cell: 773.259.8935 clstowers@comcast.net Chris, that's not a bad idea. I might have to reword as you said, make it shorter...but I like it. The Acceptance is not bad. Wakefield is cool, and I dig Mae. I haven't seen the others yet...but I'm sure they will show up. Love The Fever, so I can't wait to hear it. As for the Stereophonics, it would be hard to find a bigger fan...they are golden, so even though V2 hasn't sent it...if you did...tres cool bro. February 25 John Doe Birthday's today: Mike Peters, Tea Leoni, Lisa Kirk, Larry Gelbart, Sean Astin, Paul O' Neill Ron Santo, Jim Backus 1913-1989, Bobby Riggs, Enrico Caruso 1873-1921 JL Radio Exclusive! The weird beard is back! Dear Jonathan, Brooks Brown, announces he found a wayward soul standing on side of a CT country lane and decided that the poor fellow named "Willobee" might as "well be" the new WEQX Program Director. Willobee met his new crew at WEQX Friday and the ship was off and sailing. We, (Brooks & his wife Mimi who's the station's General Manager) are really excited to find such a nice and qualified chap like Willobee to keep the tradition and heritage of WEQX going. Did someone say reinvention....Details to follow.... My bud Will. I am very happy for Brooks and Mimi, and the staff of 'EQX. Willobee, is a great addition! And the... "bits" finally bite the dust JL, sorry to call during Lost, hope you didn't miss cliffhanger, sorry so late and lame, probably not worth the wait: these may not be the funniest but definetly the most memorable bits: Steaklegs: Aug 98 during hummergate, KBPI made international headlines for goofy lifestyle bit: rumor starts that there is a dangerous caymen (alligator) in the city's only lake (in a yuppie park), I conspiracize (word?) this is just a ploy to keep us stoners out of Snotty Park, my bullshit meter was high, so we duct taped steaks to my scabby fat legs and sent me into the lake live on the air baiting him "here leezard, leezard", after 2 hours of waiting for croc to make me lunch, finally I hear and feel something, freak out in front of live tv news coverage, cops wanting permit and tons of curious residents. I dropped the microphone as I said "shit", I run out of lake, scared. They evacuate everyone, authorities drain lake, find nothing but my steaks, some duct tape and portable mic I had to pay for by working weekend shifts ($2500 at $5 an hour took and hate long time to pay off, but you can't put a price on exposure, value and mileage). The next day, George Michael gets busted in men's room park with a "glory ole" so I go out to Cheeseman Park, a homo hangout, wearing boa, playing Striesand and took hotdogs in glory hole, so we went from searching for gayman in Wash Park to gayman in Cheeseman Park in 20 hours, we were #1 that book. Once we posed as valet and parked competitor's car, but hijacked it on air, changed all the presets and took top off and drove convertible thru car wash live on air, we were almost arrested for fraud, auto theft, larceny, property damage, tresspassing , etc. At 'KOA in Denver, Broncos choked in 96 and needed Sunday fill ins, so I fill in at conservative Rush Limbau station, talkin' same sex benefits, "god hates fags" wacko calls up spewing hate, I lose it, had a meltdown, I say "jesus can suck my ass", smoke bible and get handcuffed and evicted from building, next day, I get promoted but had to walk in every gay pride parade for a year. That's not as bad as Easter 2000 when Mancow had parents nail kids to a cross. April fool's scams 98 Denver edited archived audio to hold radio theatre fake press confrence of Elway retiring, got credible media to ask questions, while old Elway cuts were placed as answers, media, team and fan went nuts, burned a bridge but it was worth it. 4/1/92 WEQX co host Mary Brace fakes a quality concert spot for Dead, Phish and other hippie bands uses 1-800-you-fool as # and a fake venue, hippies bought it and poor business in Michigan owns # and is pissed on $ from calls. Thanks KG. 4/1/02: I wasn't there but Shredd n' Ragan were hosting pet euthenasia on the air, causing a fart that still lingers in SPCA's hallways, but not as bad as KBPI's Willie B Hung getting a motard to put his cat in the microwave to get hot pussy. 'HTZ FM's screw over your ex-valentine's day thing was cool. 2 chics makin out in plane while they dump their boyfriends below them on air KPOI 93 Hawaii. Doin' play by play of an armed crackhead breaking into my car in front of window, as I'm giving address on air calling out for help (cops), it occurs to me, I have a bag of chronic in glove box, so I say never mind, play track and chase the guy away, you can take the kid out of Detroilet but you can't take the Detoit out of the kid there's a lot of other shit, but gotta go. Kerry Gray PD WEDG, Buffalo NY Hey Jon - sorry, been under the weather with a nasty case of the flu this week. Just getting around to the email stuff. To answer the question du jour: Far and away, anything that Phil Hendrie does blows me away. Anything else doesn't even qualify. Matt Sledge PD WOXY-FM, Cincinnati OH Hangin at The Canal Club in Richmond VA (L-R) Saliva's Josey, Y101 (WDYL) MD Dustin Matthews and Saliva's Chris. The Indie controversy rages on In this weeks edition of "The Sands Report", there was coverage. Jeffrey Naumann had some very good points, and Richard will have part two for you next Wednesday. In the meantime, you just knew that Mike Jacobs, who was one the earliest alternative Indie's, now retired and has no qualms about telling you how he feels, would eventually show up on the "The L Files". So spew, Mikey, spew. List of Artists that Infinity would not be able to claim credit for , if they did not talk to Indies (in my era), labels that did not have an in house promo staff: No Doubt-Trauma Bush-Trauma Offspring-Epitaph Rancid-Epitaph Nine Inch Nails -TVT Moby-White Label House of Pain-Tommy Boy Nirvana-Sub-Pop AFI-Nitro Maybe Infinity has the most to hide, so they over-react the most. "New Music First" ,...BULLSHIT...the best ones are on an Indie 70-80% of the time........Good luck takin' credit now Kevin, and I am SURE KCRW,who plays most of them first anyway, is very happy with this decision to cover your slimey tracks. Of course, when a Major picks it up, you will be there with your hand out first, and deepest. Of course, this is just off the top of my head. Any of these in your Gold category? Did they work out for you??? Mike Jacobs POMOMOFO@aol.com Next weeks "Question of the week" is a little headier, but worthy of your input. For all of you in Pop, Rock, Hot AC, Modern, Alternative, and Active, and other viewers of this site...three high profile cases are going on right now. Michael Jackson, Robert Blake, and Phil Spector. You be the judge. Guilty, or not guilty. Tell us all what your thoughts are. Just reply on the e-mail you've been sent. It will be facinating to see what you truly think. February 24 George Harrison 1943-2001 Birthday's today: Michelle Shocked, Rupert Holmes, Eddie Murray, Zachery Scott 1914-1965 BREAKING NEWS! 8:45AM PST Wow...WPLY (Y-100) Philadelphia flips to Urban. I recieved an instant message from Brooks Brown moments ago. I called the station and they answer "home of R&B". Brooks (WEQX-one of the last "real" alternative stations in the country) is long time friends with PD Jim McGuinn. Jim was PD of 'EQX back in the early 90's. He spoke with Jim yesterday and according to Brooks, Jim had already taken a job as a bartender (something he has always wanted to do) at a downtown Irish Pub. Jim and a former member of their band Cordalene have joined another band, and Jim for now just wants to have fun. I and many others wish Jim nothing but the best. He's one of the "good" guys in the biz. The station flipped today. Here is something that appeared in this morning's L.A. Times. Indie 103 owner Entrovision has been told by the FCC that they will have to sever ties with Clear Channel as of April 1. Indie 103 put CC one station over the limit of 8 stations in one market. As of this writing it's unclear whether it will remain alternative. The article does allude to a possible change in format. Guess we'll see on April 1. Interesting the date is April fools day. The station has been like a tick in Weatherly's (KROQ) side since they debuted back in December of 2003. I stopped listening to Indie 103 when I started hearing those "wow" songs like "Is Vic There" 6+ times a week, and frankly wasn't wowed by the disjointed programming. Kevin & Bean, and CD's suit me just fine. The big man responds The IM actually reads quite funny....love the "WFNX is in Lynn, right?" Hilarious. Fucker. Max Tolkoff Program Director/Operations Manager WFNX 781.595.6200 A little bit 'o bits Phil Hendrie – funniest man on the radio. He has a call in talk show, with very controversial subjects and guests, and callers, only thing is, he voices all of them live! The show is its best when the stray real caller calls in who isn’t in on the joke (how this can continue to happen day after day is a testament to radios shrinking tsl) and Phil and his crazy cast of characters let them have it. KROQ April fools day fistfight with Thom Yorke. What sold me was the mild interview and two acoustic numbers that preceded the on air fisticuffs. Call me gullable. Two bits I did on college radio (yes I have to go back that far to find something amusing) the first was adding a fumble and touchdown when I announced the Stanford Cal football game so Stanford won at the last second. My color commentator just stared at me and didn’t say a thing, priceless. A bunch of people who were leaving the game early, but who were listening to the broadcast, came running back into the stadium to help celebrate our “win”. The second was when I played a sound effects record of machine guns going off and people screaming under the live broadcast of the Palo Alto city council meeting I was forced to air in the middle of my show once a month. Unfortunately, the police didn’t find it as amusing as I did, and neither did the city council when the cops burst in with guns drawn. That was my last shift at KZSU Stanford. When you do the piece on out of control interviews let me know, I got half a dozen of those, the best was an interview with Roky Erickson. Oh lets hope Richard Sands doesn't trot out his KGAY April fools bit from KITS, cause it wasn’t as funny as he seems to think it was. (*He did Ted...scroll down the page...just kidding, it was actually Paul Kriegler, so still scroll down the page) Ted Taylor, Author, TV personality Los Angeles CA Ted already has one book to his credit "Cook Your Way Into Her Pants! His second is in pre-order now titled "Cook Your Way Into Her Stocking" (a holiday version), and he just finished a pilot for the E Channel, based on his books. He was the former PD at KPOI Honolulu, WLIR Long Island, and lugged Camper Van Beethoven's equipment around the country at one time. I've heard many great bits & have been a part of few. There isn't one that I can say is better than all the rest. A great bit is a great bit. But I'll share one story with you. It concerns the "Furby" craze of a few years back. Considering a supposed, new & improved Furby is coming out this year. Lee Daniels was doing afternoons, I was doing nights & came in early. We were talking about how crazy the christmas shopping season was & how parents bought into the hype of the latest toys. We singled out the "Furby" as being a true spawn of Satan. We said we would like to destroy a "Furby". A listener called in & said that he had 2 & would give us one. An intern went & got a table saw. For his entire show we hyped the fact that we were going to kill the "Furby." The strange thing was that this was a brand new "Furby", just out of the box., & the entire time leading up to his demise, he would periodically stand on his toes & say "uhoh". It was truly freaky...But we did...finally...killed...the..."Furby." There was absolute evil in that room. Lance Hale PD WRQC, Ft. Myers FL I still stand by the “best” bit I ever heard…or at least the one that has stuck with me all these years…is the Arnold impersonator as Clark Kent/Superman changing his clothes in a public phone booth on Scott Shannon’s show from the mid 80’s on WABC-FM, New York. I can’t even truly remember the whole thing, but I do remember the “bit”, so that’s the important thing. As far as my personal favorite that I did wasn’t meant to be funny, although I’m sure many thought so…it actually was something that drew lots of calls for months while I was doing it. This was when I was doing midday’s, and there wasn’t such a thing as “Flashback Lunch”. I tried things like the “Lunch Bunch Hunch” where I asked a question or played a song and then gave the winners prizes. It was fun and popular with listeners…but nothing real special. But my favorite was, one day I wanted to say something in Spanish to my audience. I called our receptionist who was of Mexican decent. I decided that she should teach me the few words I wanted to say…live on-air. So we did this short bit which came out pretty much as a Spanish lesson. When it was done…we both were so amused by it…I said “let’s do this every day at noon”. She agreed to, so for a few months every day at noon she taught me something new in Spanish live on-air from the front of the building. It went over huge with listeners. Doing it live on the telephone from her desk is what gave it the natural charm. She was real good on-air and eventually left KUPD/KUKQ to do sports broadcasting, which she had been going to school for while working at the station. So that was the end of that long running “bit”. Speaking of Spanish, the day before Troy Hanson was let go when WZTA in Miami flipped from active rock/alternative to Spanish…he called me, and we got into a discussion about the possibility of the station switching, although until I can reach him, I still don’t have any idea if he really knew the flip was coming the next day or not. I know another signal has flipped to take up the void that ‘Zeta left. But I had said to Troy that rock radio has never really done that well in the market. Its predecessor WSHE as far I can remember never was a ratings giant. He brought up that Miami is 60% + Hispanic, Latino, etc. I agreed and said that so is Los Angeles. His take on it was that out here in Los Angeles where I live, the majority of Mexicans want to be Americanized. I said…yes, that’s true. He said the majority of the Spanish-speaking people that live in Miami that came from various countries don’t. They want to keep their culture, hence the strong Latin presence in Miami. Hmm…yes…point well taken. Moral is…rock and Miami don’t mix well. After our conversation…I began to think that maybe more radio peeps should learn Spanish…not trying to be funny…but serious. Maybe it’s better to be bilingual nowadays. Another weapon in your arsenal? JL February 23 Johnny Winter Birthday's today: Peter Fonda, Veronica Webb, Flip Saunders, Bobby Bonilla Bits O' Bits (send yours...a couple of days to go) I don't think I would exactly call this a radio "bit"...but let's just say any communication with Max Tolkoff, the Grand Poobah of Boston radio is always an exercise in, somewhere between heaven and hell. With his permission, we are friends after all, I decided to print this instant message conversation from yesterday, because I couldn't get him on the damn phone! Oh...right...he's back in radio. Duh...I forgot. Wait a second...WFNX is in Lynn, right? JL: jeeesh-you are hard to get a hold of Max: I'm in radio...what do you expect? Avoidance at all times JL: I just called-getting tired of hearing your message Max: just got back to my office from three hours of meetings...fuck off JL: ugg...you in Boston? Max: now we are off the air...so fuck off again JL: lol-no--you fuck off, you fucking radio geek Max: fuck off you fucking fuck...fucker JL: lol-I got the point-fuck off Max: now we are back on the air and I have to yell at engineering who threw us off the air during the 5PM hour. See? JL: go ahead--I think I'll run this IM Max: you forget all the shit you have to do in radio JL: no I didn't Max: it's not just fucking telemarketing... JL: go ahead and ream him Harry Max: ...where all you promo goobers sit around thinking PD's are just WAITING for your call cuz their just sitting around doing nothing like you...print that JL: I don't even have a record (for you) other than the MP3 I sent...I was just calling as a friend-but-nooooo-u don't have time for friends. I'm gonna print the whole thing Max: What MP3, I don't read your e-mails...print that too JL: "Red Bull and Vodka" by Sunny Ledfurd--sent it twice already...putz Max: I heard it before...you're kidding, right? JL: what did you hear before--putz? Max: that song...it's not for us JL: well...nice talking to you Max: really? JL: no...makes me want to go and punch a hole in the wall Max: relax Max: signed off at 2:43:41 PM Not one word has been changed. So kids, here's a lesson...when dealing with a person who might be in a cranky mood...just roll with it. Luv ya Maxie. "Jeanette, please pass me the caulking. Thanks" I listen to lots of other stations driving in the morning as I have quite a long commute. I get a huge kick out of Z-100 (WHTZ) Phone Taps in the morning. They are cruel, mean and everything that makes me laugh. They had one the other day where a young man called his father for money because he was grossly overcharged for a tattoo and had not the cash to pay for it so they told the father that they had handcuffed him to the chair and then offered a deal where he could do certain "favors" to make up for the cash. It was outrageous. I loved it! Harlan Friedman PD WLIR, Long Island NY Around 1985-ish, I was living in Houston and the new night guy at 93Q debuted. His name was Jammer. (Real name: Jay Kelly.. have no idea where he is now)...Anyway, his first night on the air he played "Pump Up the Jam" by Technotronic for 4 straight hours; his entire show from 6p -10p. The Top 8 at 8 countdown was "Pump Up the Jam" every song.. The cage match was "Pump Up the Jam" against "Pump Up the Jam".. He would put phoners on the air requesting another song and he played those into "Pump Up the Jam"... Just a funny bit that has always stuck in my mind. Johnny Maze PD Rock 93.9 / WRXW 222 Beasley Rd Jackson, MS 39206 601.957.3000 I know this has been done by various people and in different ways, but I remember working for a station that was trying to fill a Salvation Army truck for some relief effort. Steve Ocean was the afternoon guy and he kept playing "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" on repeat (this was nowhere near christmas) unitl the truck was filled with supplies. Of course, when you do something like this, you have to get the message across and Steve really sold it between airings of the song, using multiple phone calls to keep the momentum going and challenging people to fill the truck if they wanted the song to stop. Still one of the best examples I have seen of mobilizing people and creating a buzz out of what easily could have have been another subdued charity drive. Kevin Jackson PD WTGZ "The Tiger" 95.9/104.9 2514 S. College St. Suite 104 Auburn AL 36832 334.887.9999 THE FUNNIEST BIT EVER ON RADIO COULD be.................................. from a guy who called himself Mountain Man. Don't remember the station but his bit was about breakfast and how important it was to feed your children in the morning. He suggested "SUGAR 'LUDES!!! MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU JUST GOT UP". All day long, "Feed them to your kids every day!.Makes all your pains go away!". They won't be able to cause trouble he performed it as a real cereal commercial very well produced and I believe that may have been one of his last bits on that station. But it made you Rolllllllllllllllllllllllll;) Summer James Gruvegirl Los Angeles CA You can read the adventures of Gruvegirl on the streets by clicking on the "Always Summer" button on left. The Reverend Billy Griffin and Cergio and Eastview Mall during the holiday shopping season, heard on WBER. Joey Gusto PD WBER, Rochester NY The "Iceman cometh" in Gainesville at WHHZ (L-R) Mojo, CoCo, Ice T, and Leigh Scott * by the way, Mojo spiked in Sunny Ledfurd 5 times this past week. Thanks Mojo February 22 Drew Barrymore Birthday's today: George Washington 1732-1799, Vijay Singh, Sparky Anderson, Steve Irwin, Ishmael Reed, Edward M. Kennedy, Michael Chang, Julius Irving BITS, BITS, and more BITS Not an intentionally funny bit, but in the long run, it kinda sorta ended up that way. With the Superbowl coming up, I worked my ass off for two weeks to get an actual eagle in studio to make my official Super Bowl pick. It was a real eagle vs. a Patriot intern to see who could identify more players from their respective teams. Unfortunately, things didn't go quite as planned... http://www.kissfmjams.com/timages/page/media/eagleattack.mp3 Jay Wulff, Afternoons, MD 96.1 KISS FM Poughkeepsie NY JL - I grew up listening to WLUP in Chicago! And by far the most memorable jock is Jonathan Brandmeir! When he'd have kids sing Metallica in the morning... fantastic! But the hardest I've laughed at radio was when he signed off the air in Chicago. It was one of the funniest speeches I've heard - followed quickly by a very sad moment. Brandmeir needs to be on everywhere! You're lucky to have him in L.A. Good Question. Mike @ Night APD/ID/Nights WKXJ 98-1 Kiss FM Clear Channel, Chattanooga TN I had a Eminem look a like and sent him out, and had interns fake calls on it. Had a night club set up a fake VIP room with bouncers, everyone was in on it. It made the paper. Kobe APD/MD/PM Drive WFBC B93.7, 25 Garlington Road Greenville, SC 29615 864.241.4346 These are two of my favorite bits from a guy I'm lucky enough to work with here in Fort Wayne, Travis "Buster" Meyer....The 1st is the spoof of Devil Went Down To Georgia, called The Devil Went to Jamaica. The song is tied with Weird Al's "Eat It" for the most weeks at #1 on the Dr. Demento countdown. It has been played on radio stations all over the world, and country singer David Allen Coe has even leaked that it is him doing the song (TOTAL lie). The second bit is a parody of Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ. Funnier than a spear in the side! JJ Fabini Assistant Director of Programming X102 - WXTW; Z94.1 - WCKZ; FOX SPORTS 1250 - WGL; MY103.9 - WYLT; WILD96.3 -WNHT; 102.9 The River - WXKE Summit City Radio Group 2000 Lower Huntington Road Ft. Wayne, IN, 46819 260.747.1511 (Office) 260.747.3999 Two come to mind. First, about ten years ago, during the height of a controversy at Denny's restaurants concerning alleged racial discrimination toward its customers, Kevin and Bean sent out their (black) morning stunt guy with a bullhorn to a local Denny's. He then proceeded to go inside and shout out, "Hey, what's a black guy gotta do to get a cup of coffee around here?" Second, when I was first PD at KITS-San Francisco, London and Engleman, the KMEL morning duo, did a fake bit where they'd supposedly dropped a microphone in the KITS GM's office, and mocked a fake conversation between my GM and me. it was actually quite amusing. I had the occasion to hear it again a few years ago because it lives on in immorality/infamy in an aircheck at http://www.reelradio.com/. Richard Sands, The Sands Report Mill Valley CA Hey JL.... Heard lots of great bits over the years. One being while I was interning with "Weasel", who's now the anchor (and he's a big fat anchor I might add) of the "Half Assed Morning Show" at KXXR, at the time though it was KEGE/93.7 The Edge. He did a bit while the Conclave was in town that year stickin all the radio peeps that were at the nudie bar rather than at their seminars and etc. Without actually just playin it, don't think it's as funny. Probably my favorite, ever though, was on an FMQB sampler awhile back. It was Mikey from KIOZ. Some of you have probably even heard it. He did a bogus commercial for "Sesame Street outtakes". It was absolutely hilarious, Ernie in the tub cussin out the production staff and etc. I was further impressed by the bit later when I actually spoke to Mikey and found out he did the entire bit himself. ALL the voices, writing and etc. Try to dig out your FMQB's and find it if you still have'em, but maybe have diapers on for when you piss yourself. Polychronopolis MD/Afternooner Waitt Radio Networks 1000 N. 90th St. Suite 105 Omaha, NE 68114 Direct: 402.952.7611 AOL: toxirocker Walter with Kasabian at XM *The following came in late Monday evening Hey Jonathan, sorry I couldn't get back to you today. It's a busy week here and today's a holiday so I am kinda by myself in getting things done. I had the Futureheads in today. They're kicking off their tour here in DC tonight. They were great and sang me a liner. I had Kasabian hanging with me on the air last Friday, Le Tigre tomorrow. I have a Tegan & Sara special featuring an acoustic performance airing on Thursday. Starting a new feature tonight, Album Liberation! Listeners vote as to which new album they want me to unwrap and I'll play a cut from the winner all week long. In the first match, The Mars Volta handled Doves without much problem. So it's a new track from Frances The Mute every night this week. I think my records ending... gotta go (lol). I'll try to call tomorrow. Walter Flakus Music Director / On Air Fred 44 / Ethel 47 XM Satellite Radio 1500 Eckington Place NE Washington DC, 20002-2194 202.380.4285 walter.flakus@xmradio.com Send in your bits today! If you send an MP3...include the Http://..... code also please so I can put it up so people can just click on it to hear. February 21 President's Day Jennifer Love Hewitt Birthday's today: Jilly Cooper, Alan Trammell, Steve Francis, Nina Simone 1933-2003, Erma Bombeck 1927-1996, Sam Peckinpah 1925-1984, Andres Segovia 1893-1987, Ann Sheridan 1915-1967, Anais Nin 1903-1977 QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What is the best/funniest "bit" you've ever heard or done on the radio? The best radio bit for me was when Mark Sebastian of Q92 in Cincinnati "locked" himself in the studios and played "The Stroke" by Billy Squier for 13+ times. Over and over and over...all night long. This was when the tune was just released as a single back in 1982. Buzz Fitzgerald Nights WBNS Columbus OH 1) K-GAY...when Live 105 in SF turned K-GAY for April Fool's Day...favorite slogan ever on the radio: "it's here, it's queer...it's in your ear...105.3 K-GAY" 2) The Regular Guys in Atlanta getting an Arnold Schwarzenegger soundalike to call a Los Angeles TV station, get through the switchboard...and this guy actually got on the air live in Los Angeles. Paul Kriegler General Manager WCDD / WBYS 1000 E. Linn St. Canton, IL 61520 (309)647-1560 It was 1986 on the Jersey shore. I was programming an AOR (that's what we called it back in the old days) with the calls Y017. I was friends with the guys from a band out of Philly called Bricklin, who were signed to A&M Records at the time. They were Beatles fanatics. Back around the time they were shopping their demo, they had a little fun in the studio. Each member of the band picked one of the Beatles to imitate in both singing and playing style. Then they wrote an original song in the exact style of early Beatles. They recorded it with the same precision, engineering and nuances as if it had been produced by George Martin. The song was uncanny. The first time I heard the track, I could not tell this was not the Beatles. So I decided to use the track to pull an April Fool's prank on the air. For several weeks in March, we ran promos advertising a missing Beatles tape had been discovered and that we had secured the rights to the world premiere of "The Lost Liverpool Demo." The promos included Beatles music, drops from Paul & Ringo and record company experts excited with this new find. On the afternoon of April 1st, I did a special show playing all Beatles music, focusing on the early days. I invited a well renowned Beatles expert Capitol Records executive Dave Dexter, who initially rejected the Beatles for Capitol, to join me on the air. It was really a Capitol promo guy playing the part. We talked up the back story and how the tape was discovered during a renovation of the attic where John Lennon had lived with his Aunt Mimi on Menlove Street in Liverpool. Then as advertised, at exactly 3 PM, we went "live" via satellite to the BBC in London. A British announcer came on with a brief intro claiming that this "never before heard song" fell into their possession and was authenticated by EMI Records. With permission from the three surviving Beatles, the BBC had secured the rights to air the song. We then played the 3 and a half minute song "There's A Girl." The phones went nuts. People were dying to find out where to purchase a copy of the track. Dave and I talked it up some more and did a wrap up announcing that this track would be included in a forthcoming Beatles box set. Later that afternoon, I was contacted by a writer for one of the Jersey newspapers who did a small piece in the next day's edition on how "local radio station lands Beatles exclusive due to Program Director's relationship with the BBC." We continued to get phone calls for a few weeks after that. We never went on the air and announced that our song was an April Fool's hoax. Willobee On the beach in Stamford CT My personal favorite is from the Morning X at 99X/Atlanta and features Barnes posing as Jimmy Barron and ordering a large African-American male prostitute to Jimmy Barron's hotel room at the Morning Show Bootcamp in New Orleans. Of course Barnes told the person on the phone that, "I like being dominated, so be prepared for me to pretend to be surprised and not happy." That's just the set-up. The execution of the bit had Jimmy Barron answering the door in a towel and wet from being in the shower and then, after finally convincing the prostitute that it was all a mistake, opening the door to send him on his way only to find the party he was to meet for breakfast standing outside the door with their jaws dropped. It was, of course, all pre-planned and done via Jimmy Barron "after the fact" narration, but it was executive flawlessly. Brilliant. I was late for an appointment with Kevin Weatherly because I couldn't pull myself away from listening to the bit on a CD in my car. It's on one of the Morning X best-of CDs. Harass Leslie Fram and maybe she'll send you a copy! Jim Kerr Director of Talent & Creative Services Pollack Media Group/Dallas 1121 Beachview Street #2214 Dallas, Texas 75218 Phone: (214) 324-9060 It was the morning of April Fools Day. I was driving from Glendora to Graybar Electric Co in downtown LA, listening to KROQ's Kevin & Bean, when the dynamic duo announced the opening of what they dubbed the "largest mall in the world" now open in Orange County. After mapping out the directions and talking with "folks at the mall," I too became more interested in darting down to the 57 freeway and spending the day at what was sure to become a historical opening. Instead though, I continued on to work. My coworkers and I shared our thoughts on the new mall, listening to the radio and daydreaming about the weekend to come. We later came to learn that our shopping plans were foiled and we had been fooled, although not as extreme as the hundreds of listeners who ended up driving in circles looking for the mall that never was. Melyssa Harmon Seattle WA Maybe not exactly a "bit"...but a clever promotion AM 1510 KCUV, Denver are presenting Paul Westerberg and his Only Friends at the Ogden Theatre on March 3. So, due to Paul not being able to come by the station, those fun guys, Zak Phillips, PD John Hayes, and Benjie McPhail are looking for a Westerberg "Replacement". Listeners are invited to submit either a solo song or with their band. The winner will then come into the station the day of Westerberg's show and perform their rendition of a Replacements song live on-air. Pretty cool idea guys! By the way...the station is a blend of "Jack", "Alice", "Bob", and elements of pop/alternative. Check out their website www.kcuvradio.com Send in your "bits" today! February 20 Kurt Cobain 1967-1994 Birthday's today: Sidney Poitier, Gloria Vanderbilt, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Stephon Marbury, Walter Becker, Ian St, John, "Poison Ivy" Rorschach, Cindy Crawford, Charles Barkley Robert Altman, Livan Hernandez Question of the week begins tomorrow: What is the best radio "bit" you have ever heard, or done, on the air? There will be some doozies I'm sure. February 19 Benicio del Toro Birthday's today: Amy Tan, Jackie Moore, Dave Stewart, Lee Marvin 1924-1987 UPDATE: 2:35 PM (It's pouring rain...nothing better to do) I'm really having fun with The Velvet Rope stuff. Just a little investigating, and walla... it's amazing. First let me say I have no interest in joining, nor posting anything on there. I feel after looking at it, it's sad that the majority are persons who say either ridiculous or harmful things about people, while hiding behind their computer. At least I say what's on my mind and name names if need be. To DevilsAdvocate...I know exactly who you are, and I feel that you posted my Cagle thing not to belittle me in any way. I read all about you and I wish you well. I hope things are getting better for you too. I won't mention your name because you seem to be on "the Rope" a lot and are quite intelligent on your posts. We were pretty friendly as I recall. Todd Everett, self described "disgruntled former employee" and his hobbies are "finding music related errors in movies and TV shows". Todd, adjusting my article was fine with me...but calling me an "idiot" wasn't good. You live in the same neighborhood as me, so I feel the chances of me running into you are pretty high. Then, call me an "idiot" you sorry sack of shit. Here's his website, enjoy http://www.toddeverett.net As for you Maxx...the post about me was the first post you've made since 2003. You are located in Century City, hmm, Radio & Records territory. You posted about the passing of of Jan Basham, which was very sad about a fine person who was taken too young. But, in your post mentioning only about less than two dozen persons from the industry showed up, including Lenny B and Kenny Ryback, pretty much leads me to you. Throw in the Riccki Rachtman post and I'm almost there. I'm 99% sure who you are. If you were using the Cagle piece to actually vent about Farber, referring to me as "one bitter, hollier than thou, ex-Cagle employee. Boo Hoo"...why didn't you just step up to the plate and send me an e-mail for post here on this site where it belongs...not on "The Rope". There is still that 1% so I won't say who you are until I'm 100% sure. How sad...I thought we were "friends". I can handle anything you want to say to me. Next time don't do it on the "The Rope" where so many losers reside. That is of course if you are indeed who I think you are? Wow...Cagle...you have a couple of friends out there. Well...maybe? I was checking out the stats for today for this site, and I noticed a viewer was referred by The Velvet Rope. I've never been on it...never seen it, and find it curious that someone posted my piece from Monday about Cagle. That would be DevilsAdvocate/Diamond member/Tinseltown. Then some scumbag named teverett/ Diamond member/Los Feliz-adjacent decides to call me an idiot and restructure the piece. That is followed by Maxx/member/Century City says "poor JL radio" (it's Radio), I come across as "one bitter, hollier than thou, ex-Cagle employee. Boo Hoo". First, let me say thanks to DevilsAdvocate for spreading the JL Radio website. To you teverett, you can call me an idiot behind your computer. You wouldn't to my face. You obviously sucked Cagle's dick...I saw you under his desk one day. Oh...and Maxx... you took it up the ass. Ok...now that we have all the name calling out of the way...you have my url and you can find my e-mail address. Be a man/woman and directly tell me and my readers what you really think. I almost can figure out who you are...really. Welcome Hot AC panel to the community. Look around the site and you will find info that is useful regardless of format. Lots of search things such as lyrics, Mojam's live concert listings, even the above world clock. Click on it and it will give you real time in over a hundred or so countries. There is plenty more...so please explore. Feel free to participate whether it is a question of the week or open forum. Next week I will be adding the entire Top 40 panel also. Music is music...the way I look at it. Have fun...JL Number One of the year! The award goes to...WOXY.com That's INTERNET radio station of the year, according to PLUG Independent Music Awards! ( Winners list here: http://www.plugawards.com/award_winners.php ) In doing so, we won over some pretty recognizable stations; KCRW.org, KEXP.org, 3WK, etc.. Here we are barely 6 months into cranking this baby back up, and now this. We would have even went to the awards had we known we were gonna win, but that's only part of the good news here: Let me give you a quick update of what's happening at The Future Of Rock And Roll: - SIDE CHANNEL: THE HISTORY OF MODERN ROCK WOXY.COM is this close to rolling out a side channel to compliment our (can I say 'award-winning'?) main webcast. We're flexing the muscle of our music library to unleash a comprehensive channel of nearly anything and everything "Modern Rock" from the late 60's through the mid 90's with a heavy emphasis to '77 - '91: VU, Pistols, Clash, Heads, Cure, REM, Femmes, Replacements, and so on. I'm heading up this project myself and I can tell you, it's gonna be Huuuge! (final name still pending, btw) - WOXY.COM @ SXSW we're partnering with Karma Download to throw a Texas-size bash at the Blind Pig Pub on St. Patty's Day, March 17th in Austin. In the spirit of the day, an Irish band will headline...check it: The Frames (anti-) The National (beggars banquet) Earlimart (palm) Feist (interscope) Giant Drag (wichita) Nicholai Dunger (overcoat) The Cribs (wichita) So OK, we're having a party...us and a ton of others...but we'll be WEBCASTING THE WHOLE EVENT LIVE ! Embracing the new technology, we are. It won't matter if you're in Anchorage, Anaheim or Aberdeen...it'll seem like you're in Austin for a great day of music. Yee-haw Go Braugh! WOXY.COM LOUNGE ACTS blessed are we to have had some outstanding performances in our studio, most recently: Low, Mosquitos, Shesus, and soon The Kills, Heartless Bastards. It's been gratifying to have labels reach out to us & trying to arrange to get their bands in here, aside from our own wish list. If YOU have an act coming anywhere near our Cincinnati studios & would be interested in having your band play to a worldwide audience of upwards of 3000 listeners at once, please holla. SO MUCH MORE.... to say, but that's enough for now. Our audience has never been bigger & has been growing daily. Internet radio is happening, my friend. Don't get left behind. I no longer send out regular, weekly e-mails of our new adds & playlist info. Our MD Matt Shiv handles that so if you'd like to get on that list, let me know. Yours In Great Radio Mike Taylor Program Director WOXY.COM Cincinnati, Ohio 513.621.0012 Phoenix institution is closed! http://www.masonjarlive.com I was checking to see if they added New Model Army to the calendar and found this unfortunate news. I'm not sure of the details yet, but am greatly saddened to hear this news. Anyone that has been part of the Phoenix music scene, and even beyond knows of the Mason Jar. For decades it has been a stable provider of live music, local music support, and even more importantly doing everything in their power to offer "ALL AGES" events in a safe environment. I have been to several memorable shows there, so many I can't even remember what the first show I saw there was... Well, I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Kristoffer in Phoenix P.S. Looks like NMA has been moved to the Big Fish Pub. This is an update from last week. Very sad news. For my 9 years in Phoenix and even before I moved up from Tucson...The "Jar" was always the place to be, regardless of how scuzzy of a club it was. The LA date Kristoffer mentioned last weekend still stands. That is two music landmarks that have closed in recent weeks. Club Rio just a few weeks ago closed their doors. February 18 Yoko Ono Birthday's today: Matt Dillon, Helen Gurly Brown, Milos Foreman, Shawn Estes, Toni Morrison, Sholom Aleichem 1859-1916, Wendell Wilke 1892-1944 End...so it goes...the forum is closed. Here you go. I think it's fairly provocative for a "consultant piece." Jim Kerr Contemporary Rock Radio Formats in Crisis Legendary rock radio stations are falling by the wayside. In the last three months, major market stations like KSJO, KLOL, WHFS, and this week WZTA have all changed formats. According to the New York Daily News, rock is “wheezing.” The Washington Post recently chimed in and stated that rock radio is “crumbling.” It is tempting to dismiss these proclamations as just one more round of the “Is rock dead?” debate, a refrain we’ve all heard numerous times in the past. But this time things seem different. Rarely has the underlying framework of the rock genre and radio formats that rely on it been in such a precarious position. The recently released fall Arbitron ratings paint a bleak picture for rock radio. A vast majority of stations saw their ratings slide, and, in many cases, the slide was significant. The best rock format in the fall was Classic Rock, and even that format saw 47% of its stations drop in the ratings. Classic Rock and classic hits had their troubles, but it’s a far cry from the devastation seen at contemporary rock formats: well over half the Alternative and Active Rock stations were down. Certainly there are plenty of excuses that can be thrown around to explain away the fall book: “It was a ‘news/talk’ book with the election and hurricanes in Florida.” “Rock formats never do well in fall.” “The Christmas music formats just kill rock radio.” And so on. These are, indeed, factors that affected all radio in the fall book, but it isn’t quite so easy to explain why they are affecting rock radio much more significantly than other formats. There is something else going on. You can put part of the blame on Arbitron having difficulty reaching 18-24 year old and 25-34 year old men. There are also questions about whether stations are defining their music research parameters too narrowly. Certainly, some of the decline is due to an evolving media landscape that affects contemporary rock formats first. You can also blame the music. But the most significant reasons for the rock radio’s decline are self inflicted. Alternative Radio Alternative radio, the darling format of the nineties, may now be the poster child for rock’s decline. The format book-ended the nineties with two powerful and galvanizing music trends: grunge from 1991 to 1996 and harder rhythmic rock that first hit in 1999. But ever since Kid Rock and Fred Durst became better known for who they’re dating than the music they have released, the Alternative format has seen its relevance decline every year. In the past, the Alternative format was able to ride one musical trend to another, turning on a dime as it leveraged its currents to maximum effect. Alternative radio may see swing music as a somewhat embarrassing legacy of its recent past, but swing music kept Alternative relevant and fun for the summer of 1999. The seeds of Alternative’s decline were planted in 2000-2001, when hard rock became a true music trend of real power. This trend, however, was one that Alternative radio had to battle another format for: Active Rock. The result was that Alternative stations across the country gave up any semblance of balance and became de facto Active Rock stations. As harder rock music started to lose steam, Alternative radio found itself without the anchor that sustained it since the ‘90s: A mass-appeal center of pop-based rock songs. This led directly to many Alternative radio stations fleeing the hard rock position entirely and moving into a much more Alternative and indie music base, a reactionary movement that represented everything the format shed in the early ‘90s—deep tracks by unfamiliar bands, a reliance on gold, uninspired production, and jocks that are musicologists and not entertainers. Alternative looked to the future and saw 1988. Today, the situation is so bad that Alternative radio has become more and more gold-based, sadly trying to recapture the past more than evoke the excitement of the future. But, with a gold library that only goes back fourteen years, a reliance on gold is a tenuous long-term strategy. Even worse than a reliance on tenuous gold, however, is the inability of Alternative radio to learn from its mistakes. Alternative programmers were burnt so badly by the Active Rock crossover music that they have reacted too far in the other direction, ignoring the kind of mass-appeal hits that defined Alternative for over ten years. When programmers proudly state that they won’t play Staind on their radio station, when Staind has the number one song in the country, the only word that is applicable is “overreaction.” For all that, the Alternative format isn’t dead. Simply remembering the lessons of the past rather than just playing the music of the past would be a huge first step. Here are some other keys to the revival: 1) Musically, restoring a sense of balance to the Alternative format is a must. Focusing solely on indie music is simply the same mistake that the format made in 2000, only from the opposite direction. The question shouldn’t be what is and what isn’t Alternative. It should be what is the great new music that 21-34 year-old listeners want to hear. For instance, when the new Coldplay CD comes out shortly, will Alternative programmers concede it to Hot AC stations? Why impose an arbitrary litmus test on what is considered real Alternative music rather than letting the audience decide? In essence, this means that Alternative has to return to its nineties mass-appeal roots. Alternative radio has to be a big tent, welcoming a wide range of mass-appeal styles and sounds. It’s the only way to maintain and grow the format’s dwindling cume while also best preparing the format for the next big thing. 2) At the same time, Alternative radio has to be aware that its core sound has always been mass-appeal pop rock. If not enough great new music exists today, then it certainly makes sense to embrace more gold, but these decisions need to be made within the context of a longer term strategy. Alternative is a contemporary format, and a gold-based approach is a short-term band-aid, not a long-term solution. 3) Alternative has dramatically changed its music since 2000, but the production is the same. Now, some stations that have tried to make a change have overreacted and stripped out all of the entertainment value. There is no excitement, no pizzazz, and very little of what this approach is purportedly trying to sell: “sincerity”. Ironically, the real lesson to be learned is from the Jack stations, where humor and the ability to poke fun at one’s self have created the most compelling imaging of the past few years. The cutting edge of imaging used to be the sole possession of Alternative radio. How sad is it that a gold-based Hot AC format has replaced rock’s most daring practitioners? Active Rock Radio Active Rock, which faces many of the same problems as Alternative, can at least say that it has been consistent. Throughout the nineties, Active Rock struggled with how to deal with a dizzying array of Alternative sounds that just didn’t seem to fit the narrow Active Rock world. From ska to lilith to swing, Active Rock could never find itself comfortable enough to play in the Alternative radio sandbox. This strategy paid off in 2000 when Active Rock took advantage of a new music style that was right in the middle of its musical sweet spot. The trouble is that being successful in this focus covered up the long-term problem that had been nagging the format throughout the nineties: its inability to broaden its sound enough to remain mass-appeal outside of its gold. While the gold library gives Active Rock radio more tried and true classics to lean on, the new music typically worked by labels to Active Rock radio has been, and continues to be, too narrowly defined. This format will not be around in 3 or 4 years if it doesn’t quickly get away from the narrowly defined parameters of the Active Rock formula. The prescription for Active Rock is simple, embrace the big tent: 1) First of all, we need to abandon the fake boundaries that are limiting Active Rock radio’s ratings growth. This myopic view has become so damaging that many think that a name change for the format is in order. “Active” Rock has a connotation of a format that is too hard and too narrow for its own good. “Active Rock” should just be rock. Play the genre not the format. 2) In this regard, just as we recommend a big tent music philosophy for Alternative radio, we suggest the same for Active Rock radio. Every competitive market situation is different. If you have a large number of rock stations in your market the “Law of Category” still applies—if you can’t be first in a category create a new category to be first in. But this has two important subtleties: * If everyone is narrow, being broad is a legitimate category. Once again the Jack stations have illustrated this all too well. This is not to say you should be broad, but know that it is a legitimate choice. * Similarly, if your market gives you a wider playing field than elsewhere, why not take what you can? If your competitive situation is more wide open there is no need to be narrowly confined by label and industry format boundaries. 3) Look beyond the standard fare. To prove our point that the industry definition of Active Rock is just too narrow, we went back over the past year and found only 10 really essential songs among all the songs that were label priorities at Active Rock in 2004. This pales by comparison to Hip/Hop formats, where sometimes four or five great new tracks appear in one week. This state-of-affairs requires Active Rock programmers to throw off the artificial boundaries, think Big Tent, and when a band like The White Stripes, Muse or the Killers releases an excellent track, irrespective of whether or not it’s being “worked” at Active Rock, give it a shot. Otherwise, you may only get 10, 12 or maybe 15 essential tracks again this year. 4) Big tent does not mean play everything or to be the same as everyone else but all successful Active Rock stations share a wider Big Tent philosophy. These stations look for big cume and are not niche players. Rock radio is in critical shape, but its condition isn’t terminal. Contemporary rock stations just have to remember to shed their self-imposed limitations and build the big tent. Pollack Media Group www.pollackmedia.com I agree...I disagree...I agree...I disagree...I don't know, this is a lot of words :)-LOL IS INDY A FUCKING FOUR LETTER WORD...OR A SEVEN LETTER WORD? It was as always a pleasure speaking to you today. As we were discussing the new rules put forth by some broadcast companies about not speaking to indies, all I want from them right now is some answers to some very basic questions. However I have yet to speak to anyone at these companies that can give me clear answers. As a business person, self employed, I am certainly concerned that they are hindering my chance to make an honest living. Yes I do mean honest. I know that if a major radio advertiser , such as a McDonalds or Pepsi suddenly decided to not do business with one of these radio companies, without any explanation, there would be a lot of noise and most likely a lot of lawsuits taking place. I don’t want to sue anyone…I just want an explanation. I represent for the most part independent artists and small independent labels. They do not have a staff to promote themselves or their artist. I am their voice. All I am asking is for the opportunity to speak to the Programmers and Music directors of the stations and tell them about the artist and the music. I am not offering promotions for adds, I am not offering any incentive other than the chance to be involved in furthering a talented artist career by playing their record. If you don’t like the record or it doesn’t fit, tell me that. But at least give me the outlet to do that. The silence is deafening. I thank my lucky stars every day that I have been able to work with great AAA stations, commercial and non comm., who I speak to every week and show such great passion for music. They make it great to get up every day and head to the basement and work. But I am also disappointed that every week, there are people I have known for years and that I can no longer speak to. What also is sad, is that many of these people are friends. We talk about more than just music. We talk about family, sports, getting fat, the same things anyone talks about. I have hired many independents over the years and the vast majority are hard working, passionate people. Now that I am one, I have not only a new found respect for what they/ we do, but it has also rejuvenated me. I get to be involved with music and artists I love and want to work with. There are many artists that owe a certain amount of their success to independent promotion people. Because, lets be honest, how many times was the label ready to write the artist off had it not been for the hard work of these people So why banish a very important part of the music industry without a real explanation or at least some guidelines. So answer me this someone, How does the artist on a label with no promotion staff get their record promoted to the decision makers? How does the label with no promotion staff get a fair shake from the radio stations? How does the artist with no label promotion staff get radio involved when he/she is on tour? Hmmm, if I wanted to buy a flight of spots for one of the artists I am working, are you going to refuse to talk to me or take my money because I am an independent? If I wanted to buy a banner on your website, is that not allowed because I am an independent? Is it just independent record promoters or is it all independents? What about independent or contract engineers for the station? What about other outsourced people that you work with/ Or for that matter that you hire? Are you still dealing with ad agencies that represent a number of clients or are you now only speaking directly with the advertiser. Because having been a programmer at radio I remember a lot of favors going back and forth with the agencies to get buys from specific advertisers. ( but I admit to having been in radio for awhile so maybe those practices don’t exist anymore) Are you represented by an ad agency who promotes your station/ company to a variety of potential advertisers? Hmm sounds like an indie to me? What if one of the artist I am working is coming to town and the station wants involvement. I am the person they need to speak to… are they going to call me? Is that the plan…don’t call us , we’ll call you? I could go on and on, but my guess is that no one is going to answer these questions any time soon. I would like to ask all of these programmers and music directors how many times did an independent record promoter help you out in getting tickets to shows for your station, help solve problems with the labels, assist in getting bands for your shows, even something as simple as getting you cd’s for the station when the label had decided your market was too small to get involved with? They were your voice to the major labels. Ok , I have gone on long enough. I love what I do, and I love speaking to radio every week. Yes you can make me frustrated, but mostly I enjoy just talking to you about anything. I like the laughs. I like hearing about what new records you have heard. I just want to be able to keep doing what I love to do. I am not pointing fingers. You may have a very legitimate reason for this policy. If so, I respect your decision. But I can’t respect it under the “No questions asked…no questions answered “ policy. This is my livelihood. This is what supports my family and my children. I will fight for that. In the end I just want someone at any of these companies to answer my questions. Then I will leave you alone…until I have a record you need to be playing… then I will find away to get to you…even if I have to stand outside of your station in a thong and with a sign…( and you really don’t want that now do you) Jeff Appleton Marathon Entertainment 3043 Herd Rd Metamora, MI 48455 jeffappleton@marathonentertainment.biz 810.797.2287 810.797.2288 IM-jammedup3 What's pissing me off all about this is that small to mid size labels are being shut out. So company's only want to deal with major labels? That's complete bullshit. Yep, restraint of trade! Not allowing people hired to do the job they were hired to do. I smell some lawsuits coming if this doesn't blow over soon. Many more people are going to be out of work. I understand the the broadcast companys cowering down to the FCC investigations...but regrow some balls...will ya! Jeff, I remember back in the mid-nintie's when I took off a year of full-time radio and did promotion and KROQ's Gene Sandbloom said to me nicely..."Jon, if you have a record on MCA...please don't bring it up, I already have 3 others from the label talking to me...but...if you have a smaller label, by all means let's talk about it." I said sure...no problem. Now..that was fair...but what's going on now is unjust and warrants an upheavel! The programmers, at least some, are embaressed that they can't speak with people such as you and I...and many others trying to make a living the honest way! The most important thing to remember...small labels don't have a staff, that's why they hire subcontracters to help them...you knuckleheads! I wonder if Mel was still there if there would have been a better defination as opposed to a complete shutout? A good lead in... so I think I'll pimp the artist I'm working to radio right now. Sunny Ledfurd I have a great morning show/afternoon drive show song for you. I'm not pushing for "adds"...all I want you to do is play it and see the reaction. Remember Rupert Holmes song "Pina Coloda"? Well, Sunny does "Red Bull & Vodka". It's from the album "Imported Sounds From North Carolina". I'm only sending MP3's...so ask for me for your copy, and also check out the website at www.sunnyledfurd.com If you do play it...please e-mail me when you did and how many times. That's not asking very much...right? Stations dabbling as of this writing; WPBZ West Palm Beach, KRAB Bakersfield, and KUCD Honolulu. More to come. Her Two Cents! Well here goes...my two cents is the sad state of 1) Programmers who don't trust their seasoned jocks to put on a great show within the parameters of the format.. Margie, some still do...you wanna find out who they are? Naw...it would take up years trying to find them all. 2) As someone else on this site mentioned, the lack of drive/sleep/motivation of the "up and coming talent" to give all they have to get started in this business. Back to number 1...O.K., granted in the "old days" many of us abused the old card file method of picking songs for our shows..we saw a song we hated, we dug a few cards back for the particular category. For the "hot" formats, where new songs MUST be played every 2-3-4 hours, digging is not acceptable. Same goes for recurrents. BUT my beef is with Rock radio..I mean COME ON... we are gonna be in the "golden oldies" AM radio dust pile if we don't do something to make it more interesting than Stairway to Heaven. Programmers are SO freaked out by corporate that they won't take chances with anything. Let's face it, any station that plays music that the 30+ audience will listen to CAN take some chances...be it current music or a "oh WOW" tune. The MAJOR exception...jocks without a proven ratings/research track record. Programming HAS to start coming up with more promotions that sound GREAT on the radio, not just for a client. And #2..Those of us in the biz 15+ years know, as my first P.D. Jim Ray put it.."radio isn't a job, it's a lifestyle." I could write a book, suffice to say my 1st 3 years in radio I NEVER had a day off; when I wasn't on the clock I was watching someone else on the air, in the production studio, helping with research..ad naseum. Anyone that wants to get on the air and be SUCCESSFUL must be ready to deal with the reality, or go work at Circle K or get a degree in Quantum Physics. I feel much better now.... Margie Rye KLPX Tucson margierye@worldnet.att.net Note to Name witheld for fear of reprecussions...someone noticed your plight. February 17 Denise Lee Richards Birthday's today: Michael Jorden, Luc Robitaille, Mary Frances Berry, Sir Alan Bates 1934-2003 Yes, the open forum is still...open The Public defender I must reply to your comments about Jacqueline Saturn. She is an awesome person. I don't know what your relationship with her is like, but based on the series of events you described, I can only say that if she ever said bad things about you to Gerry Cagle you probably deserved it because she's not one to throw around things lightly. Perhaps you got under her skin or something once. It happens sometimes between people, no big deal. Just let it go and move on. That said, whatever was in that "file" on you, I sincerely doubt that anything she said was out of line or classless. It's not her style. It's also not like her to hold a grudge. I am sure she probably doesn't even give it much thought. If you want to call out the actions of bad people, that's one thing. But Jacquie is one of the good ones. Lenny LaSalandra Combat Rock Promotions, Los Angeles CA I admire you sticking up for a friend Lenny. Saying I "probably deserved it" wants me to smack you upside your head bro. But...again...you are a "nice" guy, and I fully understand your response...after one read. I suggest you should read it again. *And...so he did. What follows an instant message back and forth after this e-mail. Lenny: ok, I re-read it. So it went like this: Farber: a couple of labels raised a red flag with me about hiring you. Do you have any idea whom? Want to give me a name? JL: Jacqueline Lenny: ok, now I see what you were saying. You weren't slagging Jacquie per say, you just thought she might be the one who raised a red flag to Farber? JL: correct Lenny: well, with that in mind, what I meant to say was, whatever your issues with Jacq in the past, I don't see her being the kind of person who would take it even further & take those issues & keep you from getting a job. What did Farber say when you brought up Jacq's name? (I tried to find that in the re-read,but couldn't) JL: she just smiled at me, and then asked why-and I said that thing about selling all those years. Lenny: well...this is where it gets a little muddy. Did Farber confirm it was Jacquie? A smile is not admissable in court! JL: lol-ok Lenny: and that said...did Jacquie call her personally or was Farber going off Cagles' "file"? JL: I'll never know-unless someone shows or confirms it. Lenny: if there was more specific info, I'd say ok...but there's a lot of heresay in this situation JL: what-are you Perry Mason? Lenny: nah...I'd make a terrible lawyer. I'm too honest JL: lol Lenny: you were the one who asked me to re-read the situation, so YOU opened the door for me to ask questions. You gave me the greenlight to be Perry Mason JL: yep Lenny: glad we got that settled JL: good-me too So..ok...after being grilled like a cheese sandwich...it still stands what I wrote...nothing changes on my end...Lenny can sleep tight knowing he defended Jacqueline's honor. I suggest to anyone..when you read something...always read it again and again until you really come to a firm conclusion before reacting. That goes for anything you read anywhere anytime. Why would I want to piss anyone off? Really? Hi, I have two suggestions on topics....and I'm sure you can really piss people off by this. 1. Ratings.....have they truly gotten better since the format quit playing so much current music? (would love to hear feedback on that) This question is for all you programmers out there, not me. My humble answer would be that radio has created it's own robotic listening habits where only X amount of songs exist to listeners. They don't know all the other music available to their ears that they will most likely never hear. I am not talking about people that don't just rely on radio...they find other music from many other sources. If anyone has an intellegent answer to this please come forward. 2. Kinda goes hand in hand with.......why do we pass up so many talented worthy young bands now a days? Relationships with labels? Promotions? Corporate PD's? I honestly do not want to participate in this....( I don't believe I think like most of them), would just love to see where some PD's are coming from when it comes to music and why they play what they play and leave some bands alone when it's clearly a hit. Next thing ya know the band is touring successfully from hard work and then we all want a piece of it. Name witheld by request (major market programmer) I think I will stay away from this question, I'll withold my feelings by request. The real Brian Jones still lives on, and rolling stoned Here's something I thought you would be interested in checking out on my site: http://www.shala.com/brian_jones.htm Robert Allen Shala Music , New Jersey Very cool stuff Robert. Yeah..and take that! Here's all I have to say. Death Cab For Cutie's cover of "World Shut Your Mouth" on the b-side of the radio single "Title And Registration" is AWESOME! 3 night champ of our 9:00 Cockfight so far. Austin Davis WUBZ 1884 Port Matilda Highway Radio Park Philipsburg, PA 16866 Call times: Wednesdays 10am-Noon EST at 814.342.2300 An excited programmer. Good to know there are still some out there discovering new stuff on their own. Of course...the original was done by Julian Cope. Arizona Bound OK, here's my question: My girlfriend and I are planning a vacation. A lot of people we know have been vacationing in southern Arizona. So, we're considering doing the same in the next few weeks. Not looking to play any golf, just a place where it is warm, go for a swim and be in a reasonable driving proximity to explore other areas. Can you suggest any resorts that we should check out? Scott Lowe B104 Allentown, PA Yes I can Scott. In the Tucson area you might try the well known Westward Look Resort at www.westwardlook.com and in the Phoenix area it would have to be the Arizona Biltmore. You also might want to check into the Sedona area. A pretty magical place. Just do a web search on Sedona. Tired of speaking to lousy tech support??? Of course you are. You have to check this out. Another funny look at the tech support world. Thanks to Victor Lentini for sending this. http://crapshoot.tv/sd2.html February 16 Sonny Bono 1935-1998 Birthday's today: John McEnroe, Jerome Bettis, Charley McCarthy (Edgar Bergen) 1903-1978 Open Forum Chronicles continue Rejection First off, will relocate and work for food!! Now that that is over with, but still on the subject ... for crying out loud call back those who sent you a package when you posted a job. At least send an e-mail. Most of us can handle a rejection letter, and we won't bother you any more. Professional courtesy. Cops do it all the time. Don Kelley New Mexico Don, I think we all can handle rejection...but the unprofessional part I totally agree with. Simple logic would be for that person to respond...but many don't live by logic. Now to prove I am not-one dimensional, if not given the funds for research, what would you do to make sure the music you were playing was right on for your market? Where would you go? What would you do (Scarlett)? Aside from looking at soundscan after the fact? Peace. Don Kelley New Mexico I can tell you where to go...straight to your gut feeling. Oh, wait...owners/GM's don't trust that...do they? And that was when radio was cool...and...blah...blah...blah. Anyone out there care to answer that question? Is rejection a touchy subject? Here's a touchy subject. Since I have been in the job search mode, I would like to vent about something relevant. Aside from spending time and money sending out packages, we go through an elaborate interview process in which we are asked to jump through many hoops. The process includes the basic application, answering involved questionnaires, submitting format specific research and programming philosophies, writing station specific programming and marketing proposals, several oral interviews and finally the time consuming fly-in for a face to face meeting and tour of the facilities. The process which could be spread over a few weeks, has consumed quite a bit of time, energy and effort. At the end of the day, you wait in anticipation for a well deserved answer. No matter if the answer is favorable or not, at this point you at least expect to hear some word one way or another. And you wait, and wait, and then you read in the trades that the job has been filled. When someone has busted their ass to show their sincerity and talents in seeking employment, not getting a simple letter or personal phone call to let you know the outcome is annoying, rude, unprofessional and just plain discourteous. People in positions of power who exhibit this behavior don't deserve to be called professionals. Willobee Hartford CT Wow...what a lead in for me to tell my story. I handle rejection maybe more than most. Most of my career has incorporated rejection, so I'm kind of hardened by it. What I don't accept are unprofessional decision makers. Soooo...I'll give a blow by blow description of my recent rejection...which was totally unprofessional. I feel for ya Will. I’m sure many of you out there have undergone the same painful process of both Will and Don. You out there can respond to this. Because you can relate to it. This past Sunday I was raving about Scott Lowe’s package. It was magnificent…yet I wonder if all the people he sent it to was looked at and listened to? I recently had an experience with unprofessional-ism. It had been years that I had to undergo the interview process. The last in 1995, although that company wanted me…so it was just a formality. But prior to that it would be 1988 at KUPD. So I am not really a pro at going for interviews. When Max Tolkoff announced to me back in September of last year he was going back to radio, he said I should go after the Alt editor gig at R&R. I thought about it and decided I would. He told me to put my ego on the shelf and lobby hard for it. There was something about she “likes persistence”. I was called in for an interview almost immediately. I felt the interview went very well. It lasted an hour. There were some curious questions she raised with me though. One was, did I know how to read Arbitron? Excuse me Ms. Farber…you have my resume right in front of you…duh…yeah, I had 14 years of radio programming. (I didn’t say it out loud…I was thinking it.) I said nicely, yes I had 14 years of programming and I know Arbitron inside and out. To recover, she asked me about some software that Arbitron uses. Did I know how to operate it? I replied, no…but I’m sure if someone shows me the software I would pick it up quickly. Another was whether I had any relationship with Jacobs Media? I replied, yes…Bill had tried to hire me back in 1993 at The Edge in Phoenix …I had spoken with Paul a couple of times and I know Dave Beasing pretty well and have the highest respect for him. That wasn’t a bad question on her part…it was actually a good one. The one that really comes off bad, depending on what way you want to look at it, was a couple of labels” raised a red flag with me about hiring you”. Wow…a bazooka. (Make an explosion sound!) I looked her in the eyes, didn’t get nervous, and just responded naturally, “well I’m sorry to hear that”. She then slid another bomb inside the bazooka and fired away again. “Do you have any idea whom? Want to give me a name? I quickly popped out that maybe...Jacqueline Saturn? See…Saturn had said bad things about me to Cagle, according to him 3 years ago that went into my file. To this day I don’t know the content of what she said or why she and I never jived…although in defense of both of us…we did try. I only know she tried to hurt me because they told me so. I really don’t know if it was her coming back to haunt me again with Ms. Farber? If she did…then she has a major problem. I haven’t seen nor spoken with this person in 3 years. I take that back, maybe at a convention or show where we gave each other the obligatory “phony” hug. I summed up Farber’s question with…”I’ve sold millions of dollars for my past company…and I’m sure there has to be some out there that were getting tired of me selling them each week for years. Hey…I don’t blame them. My last year I was bullied into “stepping it up”, as well as any of us selling the different formats”. I still think the question was bullshit, but I suppose she had to ask it anyway. Okay, that was the interview process. Next up was the near month long wait, until she finished the interview process. I knew most of the names, and I’m sure there were many I didn’t. In the meantime I’m speaking with Kevin Weatherly,