New traditional soft AC

[passtheword]

This one is in my own backyard, too! WEZZ-FM in Birmingham "Easy 97-3" signed on yesterday. And yes...the EZ artists ARE on their playlist. I have heard Neil Diamond and Kenny Rogers; Barry Manilow is playing right now. Haven't heard Barbra Streisand yet, but I imagine if these artists I just mentioned are being played, her music is floating around somewhere on their playlist. Here's the link to the Easy 97-3 website and listen link:

http://www.easy973.com

 

[vchimpanzee]

This one is in my own backyard, too! WEZZ-FM in Birmingham "Easy 97-3" signed on yesterday. And yes...the EZ artists ARE on their playlist. I have heard Neil Diamond and Kenny Rogers; Barry Manilow is playing right now. Haven't heard Barbra Streisand yet, but I imagine if these artists I just mentioned are being played, her music is floating around somewhere on their playlist. Here's the link to the Easy 97-3 website and listen link:

http://www.easy973.com

What about Sinatra and friends?

 

[passtheword]

I haven't heard Sinatra played on Easy 97.3 yet, but since he is considered more standards, they might not have his music on their playlist. I believe that WDUV and WFEZ, though, do play Sinatra from time to time, albeit very sparingly. Who are "friends" in "Sinatra and friends"?

 

[vchimpanzee]

I haven't heard Sinatra played on Easy 97.3 yet, but since he is considered more standards, they might not have his music on their playlist. I believe that WDUV and WFEZ, though, do play Sinatra from time to time, albeit very sparingly. Who are "friends" in "Sinatra and friends"?

Literally, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin. Tony Bennett would be on the list too, along with Michael Buble, Steve Tyrrell and Diana Krall. And Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole and Perry Como. I have a feeling Rod Stewart is already on the playlist but I don't mean THOSE songs.

 

[Gregg.]

Here's what WEZZ has played so far this hour (3pm 3/6/14), according to the website:

Dan Hill--Sometimes When We Touch
Taylor Dayne--Love Will Lead You Back
Temptations--My Girl
Atlanta Rhythm Section--Spooky
Eagles--I Can't Tell You Why
Rupert Holmes--Escape
ABBA--Fernando
Jack Wagner--All I Need
Spiral Staircase--More Today Than Yesterday
Kool & The Gang--Too Hot
Kenny Rogers--You Decorated My Life
James Ingram--I Don't Have The Heart
Mamas & Papas--California Dreamin'
Van Morrison--Moondance

Interesting that a major owner, Cumulus, would try this format. I see in the Jan. ratings that WEZZ is #17. But it started at no ratings a couple of periods ago (I think it was Sports until last fall) so it's steadily climbing. And it only runs 1000 watts, while most big FMs in Birmingham have 100,000 watts.

I wish it the best!

 

[Gregg.]

Correction. WEZZ is owned by Summitmedia, which owns several Birmingham stations and has stations in a few other markets.

 

[Avid Listener]

Not that the opinion of a listener matters to anyone, not even the opinion of an avid listener, but I personally like "soft rock", no matter what sort of label you hang on it. However, I like soft rock songs performed by artists who are not traditionally known as "Soft AC/EZ Listening/Adult Standards" artists. This song is by an act that doesn't have a "soft rock" reputation. But I sure sounds to me like a Soft AC song. Same with this song. And this song. Then again, this artist is on the list above of artists who fit the format, but this song sure doesn't fit.

So, based on those examples, and many more that anyone could easily find or remember, why do radio stations pigeonhole artists based on a few of their songs, instead of deciding what to play based on whether or not the individual song fits into the rest of the songs?