Friday, January 23, 2009
The Connection
My job is cool for alot of reasons, but one of the things I love most are the people that I meet through the radio station. I do interviews on Up Close and get a few e-mails about the Vinyl Years, and I've made a few friends through both. Jeremy Huff started e-mailing about the Vinyl Years right after we started the show. Shortly after he started e-mailing, I found out he was a drummer and had rubbed shoulders with some fairly big names during his time in California, so, I got him on Up Close. He and I developed a friendship, through our mutual interest in all things music and that led to an interview with Shannan Wright, the lead singer and guitarist in the band the Wright Brothers, which has it's roots in Concordia. Anyway.............................Jeremy called me last Sunday and said Shannan was at his house and they were jamming and I should come over. I knew they had been talking for a few months about getting together and "possibly" putting some material together and maybe performing again. Needless to say, I couldn't get there fast enough. What an experience! I stayed for about 2 hours and heard some of the most incredible sounds I've ever heard from two very talented musicians. These guys hadn't played together in 9 years, but had I not known that, I would have guessed they were still playing and recording together. Even more amazing than their playing was the connection they seemed to have. A look, a riff or a beat and one would play off the other. No cover tunes either; all original stuff! Stay tuned, because I would bet you'll be able to catch these guys playing somewhere in the near future and I promise you won't be disappointed!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Rock and Politics
I've been caught up in all the inauguration festivities, just like most of America over the past week. Regardless of how you voted or who you supported, it's tough not to feel hope and that a change for the better is dawning over this country. This isn't a political blog, so I'll keep my views to myself! If you want to know, ask me in person; I'm not shy about giving my opinion!! It's been alot of fun and sometimes very emotional watching some of the people that lived through the segregation and turbulence of the 60's as they now watch an African-American become President of the United States. I've watched interviews with Stevie Wonder andAretha Franklin; who by the way, was incredible singing America the Beautiful. It was very moving to listen to them talk about events that they went through just 40 plus years ago. I started thinking about music and how it's sometimes blends together with politics and events of the time. I think it really started in the 60's with Dylan, Joplin, Hendrix and the Dead just to name a few. Singers then spoke to a generation and got them to act and get noticed. Musicians also encouraged people to get involved, to speak up and vote; and that's a good thing! It's still going on today. Musicians often are very outspoken for whatever cause they might support or candidate that they back; and I think that's fine. If I was able to be in front of 10,000 people every night and had their attention, I would probably get plugs in from time to time. It usually doesn't change my opinion of the music or the musician. I don't totally agree with Ted Nugent's right-wing politics and I sure don't agree with the Eagles liberal slant, but I love their music. And, I'll usually listen if a musician I like is talking about a point of view that I may not agree with. Sometimes if you pay attention, someone might say something that makes sense, that you never thought about! And alot of times it makes for some great songs!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Radio For Grownups (but I can still work there!)
I listen to the radio for a living and it's a great job! I love radio and I always have. From a very early age, I can remember wanting to be a DJ when I grew up. I still do; want to grow up, I mean!! Anyway, when I was 12, my Grandparents got me a turntable/DJ set. Microphone, record board, the whole works. It was one of the best gifts I can remember receiving and I played with it until it was no more. I also wanted to be a cop, because I grew up around cops, so that never really left me. I went into law enforcement after a tour in the USAF and stayed with that for awhile. After a good career, I was just done with it. Rocky Downing, who has been a good friend of mine for over 15 years, gave me the chance to get into radio about 10 years ago doing color commentary for the Clay Center Tigers, and I was hooked. About 5 years after that, Jamie Bloom came to me with an idea for a 70's music show that I would host and Flip Thru the 70's was born! That worked into a full-time gig with KCLY, which is where I am now. It was a round-a-bout way to get here, but hey; I'm here and I love it! Where am I going with this? Who the hell knows! That's the cool thing about blogging; I don't have to go anywhere!!
I started listening to radio at a very early age. I can remember listening to KSAL 1150am when they played music. They're mostly talk now, as most AM stations are. 94.5 used to be rock/pop along with WIBW 97. 99KG out of Salina was also rock, but they played America's Top 40 on Sunday afternoons, so I listened to them alot. I think they're country now.
This will be a shock, but even though I work at KCLY, I do listen to other stations! I really liked 92.7 the Zoo from Salina, but I was shocked this past week when I found out they were dropping their classic rock format and going to all sports talk. I'll withhold judgement, but whatever! I also tune in to K-Rock out of Manhattan. Harder edged and more current than 92.7 was, but it gives me a chance to hear new bands and old bands that have put out new stuff. That said, I do listen to KCLY alot. Heck, I listen all day for that matter! I'm also tuned in most of the time between 6:00pm and 6:00am during the week and then all weekend. That's my job; I'm responsible for after hours programming, so I pay attention to what's going on! (hear that Rocky!!!!) In case you haven't been listening, and shame on you if you're not, KCLY has undergone some changes in the past few years. For a long time, the station played mostly country and contemporary Christian music. You'll still hear that, and on Sunday, it's all Christian music. But, when Jamie Bloom was program director, she started to mix in more "mainstream" music, once in awhile. She also started adding 70's and 80's music to the mix. As everyone knows, Jamie's photography business took off and she's no longer at KCLY. The changes that she started are still taking place and I think they're good ones. In fact, if you go up and down the dial, you won't find a better mix of programming anywhere. I know, I work there, I'm biased; but, from an un-biased view, I really believe that. I heard someone say recently, "where else can I tune in in the morning and buy a couch; hear Dobson at noon, and Detroit Rock City at night?" I love that line!
If you haven't tuned in lately, give us a listen! We're Radio For Grownups, but you can still listen and I can still work there!
I started listening to radio at a very early age. I can remember listening to KSAL 1150am when they played music. They're mostly talk now, as most AM stations are. 94.5 used to be rock/pop along with WIBW 97. 99KG out of Salina was also rock, but they played America's Top 40 on Sunday afternoons, so I listened to them alot. I think they're country now.
This will be a shock, but even though I work at KCLY, I do listen to other stations! I really liked 92.7 the Zoo from Salina, but I was shocked this past week when I found out they were dropping their classic rock format and going to all sports talk. I'll withhold judgement, but whatever! I also tune in to K-Rock out of Manhattan. Harder edged and more current than 92.7 was, but it gives me a chance to hear new bands and old bands that have put out new stuff. That said, I do listen to KCLY alot. Heck, I listen all day for that matter! I'm also tuned in most of the time between 6:00pm and 6:00am during the week and then all weekend. That's my job; I'm responsible for after hours programming, so I pay attention to what's going on! (hear that Rocky!!!!) In case you haven't been listening, and shame on you if you're not, KCLY has undergone some changes in the past few years. For a long time, the station played mostly country and contemporary Christian music. You'll still hear that, and on Sunday, it's all Christian music. But, when Jamie Bloom was program director, she started to mix in more "mainstream" music, once in awhile. She also started adding 70's and 80's music to the mix. As everyone knows, Jamie's photography business took off and she's no longer at KCLY. The changes that she started are still taking place and I think they're good ones. In fact, if you go up and down the dial, you won't find a better mix of programming anywhere. I know, I work there, I'm biased; but, from an un-biased view, I really believe that. I heard someone say recently, "where else can I tune in in the morning and buy a couch; hear Dobson at noon, and Detroit Rock City at night?" I love that line!
If you haven't tuned in lately, give us a listen! We're Radio For Grownups, but you can still listen and I can still work there!
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Soundtrack of Your Life
Hey, I'm back! I started this blog with the best of intentions, but................anyway; you know how that goes!!!! The other thing is, the Vinyl Years have been hit and miss lately because of holidays, vactions, etc., etc., so my e-mails about the show have been limited; hint, hint!!!!
I've always loved music, I think that has been established, and as I've grown older, I've started to realize how everyone has a soundtrack that is their life. So, I'm going to try and give you mine.
I was born in 1966 but my earliest memories of music were, obviously, a little later than that. I remember at a very early age, I had a radio in my bedroom because I couldn't sleep without it. It was always tuned to KSAL 1150AM on your dial back when AM radio used to play pretty good music! Anyway, I digress.......as usual! The first song on my soundtrack is from 1966 and it's the Winnie the Pooh song! I had a Pooh bear that played that song, (I still have the bear) and I vividly remember it always being with me. I'll also put in Strangers In the Night by Frank Sinatra, because that was the biggest hit of that year! Next we move on to the 70's, which was when I started really paying attention to music and buying 45's. Seasons In the Sun by Terry Jacks is the first record I remember buying and everytime I hear it, I think of that. Down By the Lazy River by the Osmond Brothers, If You Love Me by Olivia Newton John, and Tie a Yellow Ribbon by Tony Orlando and Dawn are next. Those are the first live concerts I ever saw and I've been hooked ever since. Next we have Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees because that's the first album I remember buying and I still have it. How Deep Is Your Love is on there because of Jr. High dances. Alot of my belt buckles were polished to that song! Shadow Dancing by Andy Gibb is on there. I used to listen to America's Top 40 with Casey Kasem with a good friend who died way too young. I always think of her when I hear Andy Gibb. On to the 80's and High School Years. Love Is Like A Rock by Donnie Iris, Magic Power by Triumph, and Beautiful Girls by Van Halen start things off. I'm a huge Van Halen fan, (with Dave not Sammy) and I listened to Van HalenII non stop in the cassette player of my El Camino! I could pick any VH song, but I'll go with that one! You've Got Another Thing Comin' by Judas Priest is next. I never knew Rob Halford was gay, I just thought he was a cool British guy that liked leather! Cum On Feel the Noise by Quiet Riot, Clones by Alice Cooper and Sister Christian by Night Ranger are also on this soundtrack. I graduated in 1984 and went into the Air Force. I'll skip ahead a few years now because things got a little hazy for me for a few years but I have to add Life In the Fast Lane by the Eagles along with Take It To the Limit, also by the Eagles and That Smell by Skynyrd. If you know the lyrics, then you know; but that's another blog. In 1992 I met Jolie Anderson and my life turned around. If Tomorrow Never Comes by Garth Brooks and I Love You by The Climax Blues Band are two songs that describe how I feel about her. In 1995 we got married and in 1998, Jace came along. Cats In the Cradle by Harry Chapin, because Harry; I know what you were talking about now! I also like Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith, because that's what Jolie used to sing to him when he wouldn't go to sleep; which was pretty much all the time! In 2000, my daughter Jalyn was born. I'll go with My Little Girl by Tim McGraw and In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride for Jbaby. Jolie used to sing Martina to Jalyn and she would go to sleep with her little head on Jolie's shoulder. Now that's a memory!!
So now, here we are. I think I'll end this soundtrack with two of my most recent favorites that describe my life today. Live Like You Were Dyin' by Tim McGraw and Don't Blink by Kenny Chesney. I'm a rocker by trade, but I love those two songs. They are great songs to live by and we would all do well to remember those lyrics.
So there you have it. That's the soundtrack of my life! What's yours?
I've always loved music, I think that has been established, and as I've grown older, I've started to realize how everyone has a soundtrack that is their life. So, I'm going to try and give you mine.
I was born in 1966 but my earliest memories of music were, obviously, a little later than that. I remember at a very early age, I had a radio in my bedroom because I couldn't sleep without it. It was always tuned to KSAL 1150AM on your dial back when AM radio used to play pretty good music! Anyway, I digress.......as usual! The first song on my soundtrack is from 1966 and it's the Winnie the Pooh song! I had a Pooh bear that played that song, (I still have the bear) and I vividly remember it always being with me. I'll also put in Strangers In the Night by Frank Sinatra, because that was the biggest hit of that year! Next we move on to the 70's, which was when I started really paying attention to music and buying 45's. Seasons In the Sun by Terry Jacks is the first record I remember buying and everytime I hear it, I think of that. Down By the Lazy River by the Osmond Brothers, If You Love Me by Olivia Newton John, and Tie a Yellow Ribbon by Tony Orlando and Dawn are next. Those are the first live concerts I ever saw and I've been hooked ever since. Next we have Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees because that's the first album I remember buying and I still have it. How Deep Is Your Love is on there because of Jr. High dances. Alot of my belt buckles were polished to that song! Shadow Dancing by Andy Gibb is on there. I used to listen to America's Top 40 with Casey Kasem with a good friend who died way too young. I always think of her when I hear Andy Gibb. On to the 80's and High School Years. Love Is Like A Rock by Donnie Iris, Magic Power by Triumph, and Beautiful Girls by Van Halen start things off. I'm a huge Van Halen fan, (with Dave not Sammy) and I listened to Van HalenII non stop in the cassette player of my El Camino! I could pick any VH song, but I'll go with that one! You've Got Another Thing Comin' by Judas Priest is next. I never knew Rob Halford was gay, I just thought he was a cool British guy that liked leather! Cum On Feel the Noise by Quiet Riot, Clones by Alice Cooper and Sister Christian by Night Ranger are also on this soundtrack. I graduated in 1984 and went into the Air Force. I'll skip ahead a few years now because things got a little hazy for me for a few years but I have to add Life In the Fast Lane by the Eagles along with Take It To the Limit, also by the Eagles and That Smell by Skynyrd. If you know the lyrics, then you know; but that's another blog. In 1992 I met Jolie Anderson and my life turned around. If Tomorrow Never Comes by Garth Brooks and I Love You by The Climax Blues Band are two songs that describe how I feel about her. In 1995 we got married and in 1998, Jace came along. Cats In the Cradle by Harry Chapin, because Harry; I know what you were talking about now! I also like Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith, because that's what Jolie used to sing to him when he wouldn't go to sleep; which was pretty much all the time! In 2000, my daughter Jalyn was born. I'll go with My Little Girl by Tim McGraw and In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride for Jbaby. Jolie used to sing Martina to Jalyn and she would go to sleep with her little head on Jolie's shoulder. Now that's a memory!!
So now, here we are. I think I'll end this soundtrack with two of my most recent favorites that describe my life today. Live Like You Were Dyin' by Tim McGraw and Don't Blink by Kenny Chesney. I'm a rocker by trade, but I love those two songs. They are great songs to live by and we would all do well to remember those lyrics.
So there you have it. That's the soundtrack of my life! What's yours?
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