Some classic rock stations are boring and stale and rely on the same 300-400 songs played over and over again. The good classic rock stations, in my opinion, are the ones that will mix the popular anthems with the occasional obscure track and isn't afraid to play something from the '90s that may fit in with the core '70s tracks. The major difference between classic rock and oldies, aside from the music, is the target audience. I think while oldies has constantly been adjusting to play more '70s and '80s songs to keep that target 35-64 demo, classic rock stations, for the most part, have been keeping the timeframe of the music more or less the same while the demo keeps getting older and older. However, one major adjustment for classic rock is the addition of older hard rock/metal songs from the 70s from bands like AC/DC and Black Sabbath, and dumping mellower artists like Billy Joel and Elton John, and even the Beatles to some extent. Perhaps classic rock stations are trying to attract younger listeners by playing the harder tracks. In addition, over the past decade there has been the crop of "classic rock that really rocks" stations or "The Brew"-type stations that focus on late '70s, '80s, and '90s songs, but I don't consider these true classic rock stations. I think Sirius/XM's "Classic Rewind" has it right by the mix it plays, not focusing too much on the hair metal of the '80s but actually playing what was on the Album Rock Tracks chart, like Steve Winwood, Journey, and the Police. I wouldn't be surprised that in about 5 years or so, there will be a major overhaul of classic rock as we know it, as the target demo will be getting smaller and smaller (not to sound too morbid), or that many traditional classic rock stations disappear. But for now, light 'em up and let's hear "Freebird" again!
Jacko
