What is your favorite classic hits station? Mine would have to be WLS-FM/Chicago. Maybe because it's more of an oldies station (afterall they are a Scott Shannon true oldies channel), they are 60s-70s based with minimum 80s (i love not hearing songs like Jack and Diane). It sounds like they have a HUGE library. I like that they play lot's of one hit wonder acts. For example they played two songs I love Blues Magoos-We Ain't Got Nothin' Yet into Bob Lind-Elusive Butterfly. Lot's of Oh Wow songs. I also like the jingles and imaging. I see they are doing great 6+, I don't know if they have any 25-54 numbers but this 25-54er loves this station! (and all stations that carry true oldies channel). So what's your favorite Classic Hits station and why?
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Favorite Classic Hits Station
- Thread starter Jay F
- Start date
C
classic_rocker
Guest
WLS-FM IS AN OLDIES STATION!!! Do not degrade them by calling them "classic hits". WCBS-FM and K-EARTH are good examples of classic hits. Just compare CBS-FM's playkist to WLS-FM and you will see what I mean.
I do not have any favorite classic hits stations. All they are is oldies morhped from pre-fab 60s and into MTV 80s.Basically 1965-late 80s with heavy emphasis on the late 70s disco crap.
I do not have any favorite classic hits stations. All they are is oldies morhped from pre-fab 60s and into MTV 80s.Basically 1965-late 80s with heavy emphasis on the late 70s disco crap.
There are actually two classic hits formats today. One is as Classic-Rocker describes with some traditional oldies mixed with disco and MTVish 80s. Then there are those with a very restrictive playlist that are really a "lighter" version of classic rock. I prefer the first by a mile.
Perhaps no surprise here given my signature but my personal favorite is WCBS-FM. These guys had an extremely difficult challenge and they didn't use this as an excuse. They used it as a goal to create something quite good and formidable and in the process, I believe they have given the format opportunity to survive well into the future.
The other day, the station celebrated it's 2 year return from being "jacked." It wasn't an easy undertaking to win back core listeners who really wanted oldies and grow the station at the same time to attract more in the 25-54. They did it by playing a lot of great 60s music and not overdoing the 80s. I give them credit for not forgetting the greats like Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and tons of pre-Beatles music. This is featured in a lot of their special programming.
I've actually taken a liking to a lot of the 80s music as well and some of this is "new" to me. Minus new stuff, the station comes as close to mass appeal as you can get and I like that approach. Radio has gotten way too fragmented and that does not really reflect personal music tastes. Look at anyone's mp3 tunes and my point is made. They have taken the position that a hit is a hit is a hit and so it's not unusual to hear country cross-over hits, Manilow and AC favs along with Brit invasion, Motown, soul and good 'ol rock 'n roll.
Their music library is so big that it took a week for them to air it and they even skipped songs. I guess you all can tell, I'm not only a fan - I just love all the effort they put forth every day. Their stellar talent roster is great as well and it's good to hear jocks actually sound like they are enjoying themselves. They earn great numbers in a very tough market and they have earned every listener they have. What a great station. I wish we had more acorss the country like WCBS-FM. Where I live, nothing comes close but I keep hoping one day that will change!
Perhaps no surprise here given my signature but my personal favorite is WCBS-FM. These guys had an extremely difficult challenge and they didn't use this as an excuse. They used it as a goal to create something quite good and formidable and in the process, I believe they have given the format opportunity to survive well into the future.
The other day, the station celebrated it's 2 year return from being "jacked." It wasn't an easy undertaking to win back core listeners who really wanted oldies and grow the station at the same time to attract more in the 25-54. They did it by playing a lot of great 60s music and not overdoing the 80s. I give them credit for not forgetting the greats like Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and tons of pre-Beatles music. This is featured in a lot of their special programming.
I've actually taken a liking to a lot of the 80s music as well and some of this is "new" to me. Minus new stuff, the station comes as close to mass appeal as you can get and I like that approach. Radio has gotten way too fragmented and that does not really reflect personal music tastes. Look at anyone's mp3 tunes and my point is made. They have taken the position that a hit is a hit is a hit and so it's not unusual to hear country cross-over hits, Manilow and AC favs along with Brit invasion, Motown, soul and good 'ol rock 'n roll.
Their music library is so big that it took a week for them to air it and they even skipped songs. I guess you all can tell, I'm not only a fan - I just love all the effort they put forth every day. Their stellar talent roster is great as well and it's good to hear jocks actually sound like they are enjoying themselves. They earn great numbers in a very tough market and they have earned every listener they have. What a great station. I wish we had more acorss the country like WCBS-FM. Where I live, nothing comes close but I keep hoping one day that will change!
classic_rocker said:
WLS-FM is now up to 4th in the Chicago ratings.
CBS-FM by a long shot, excellent and large music library. And guess what, they'll still play some late 50's and they have good specialties on some weekends (like the recent Z to A). These guys are not afraid to go above and beyond and try new things! Other classic hits stations, like KRTH are good, but are far more restrictive on their playlist and are hesitant to try new approaches on music presentation.
I, too, LOVE WLS. Scott Shannon's format sounds great.
I also like KLTH in Portland, OR which has a 60s/70s focus. Also, KCCL in Sacramento, CA doesn't play any 80s. At least they didn't the last time I listened several weeks ago.
I also like KLTH in Portland, OR which has a 60s/70s focus. Also, KCCL in Sacramento, CA doesn't play any 80s. At least they didn't the last time I listened several weeks ago.
Listen to WLS-FM in the evenings. Dick Biondi from 7PM--11PM CDT plays some 50s music and on Fridays he plays all requests.
K
kenrayc
Guest
The best Oldies/Classic hits station in Central CA is KABX 97.5 they have a bigger playlist and plays alot more 60s than the competitor KHIT 107.1, which sticks to mainly 70s hits.
kenrayc said:
Do they stream?
K
kenrayc
Guest
radioman148 said:
Unfortunely they don't ,they should because they are the only station that plays 60s in Fresno and all of Central CA ,including the Bay Area, that has No Classic Hits/Oldies stations at all since KFRC was switched to a Simucast of KCBS-AM News Radio., Sacramento still has KCCL 92.1.
KHIT 107.1 that plays mostly 70s doesn't have a Stream either.
kenrayc said:
Too bad. I'd like to listen.
I absolutely agree with John about there being two kinds of classic hits formats these days. Well-said!
Oldies/Classic Hits: WLS-FM
Classic Hits: WCBS-FM
As a lover of oldies/classic hits here in Phoenix, I've been impressed by both (and both stations are like a breath of fresh air these days). Oh how things change...
Oldies/Classic Hits: WLS-FM
Classic Hits: WCBS-FM
As a lover of oldies/classic hits here in Phoenix, I've been impressed by both (and both stations are like a breath of fresh air these days). Oh how things change...
KOOL Listener Lauren said:
Let's hope they stay that way.
Lauren, thank you for the complement. I don't want to give the impression of trying to split hairs to a ridiculous degree so I'll explain a bit more as to what I was trying to originally say.
From what I observe, there are distinct differences in the format depending on market. I agree that a WLS-FM has more oldies elements to it in regular programming then let's say CBS-FM. However, CBS-FM does occasionally go deep into the playlist and play tunes we can all call oldies to include early 60s and late 50s. I read somewhere that even CBS-FM doesn't consider themselves a true classic hits station and I agree. They are a hybrid as many are today but they just use classic hits designation as a marketing brand.
CBS-FM is way different and better than the classic hits station we have where I live. In my town, classic hits is limited to Mac, Elton John, Eagles, Steely Dan, Chicago etc. as the core of the music. They don't play Motown/Soul, Beach Boys, 4 Seasons, roots of rock 'n roll and virtually no pop hits. I suppose there is room and a need for that kind of classic hits station but to me, it's too narrow and boring.
There are a number of markets across the country that offer more than one type classic hits station. It's good to see listeners do have choices in some parts of the country.
From what I observe, there are distinct differences in the format depending on market. I agree that a WLS-FM has more oldies elements to it in regular programming then let's say CBS-FM. However, CBS-FM does occasionally go deep into the playlist and play tunes we can all call oldies to include early 60s and late 50s. I read somewhere that even CBS-FM doesn't consider themselves a true classic hits station and I agree. They are a hybrid as many are today but they just use classic hits designation as a marketing brand.
CBS-FM is way different and better than the classic hits station we have where I live. In my town, classic hits is limited to Mac, Elton John, Eagles, Steely Dan, Chicago etc. as the core of the music. They don't play Motown/Soul, Beach Boys, 4 Seasons, roots of rock 'n roll and virtually no pop hits. I suppose there is room and a need for that kind of classic hits station but to me, it's too narrow and boring.
There are a number of markets across the country that offer more than one type classic hits station. It's good to see listeners do have choices in some parts of the country.
H
hornet61
Guest
Classic Hits Format .......yuk!!
Regarding WLS-FM, alot depends on when you listen. They play mostly 60s, 70s, & some 80s during most of the day. However, Dick Biondi during his show will throw in 50s and play more 60s than the other day parts.
M
MsMusicRadio
Guest
Q105 in Tampa
F
Fredrated
Guest
Jay F, try KXOA/Sacramento. 60's and 70's with a very limited amount of 80's (no techno-pop from the 80's). Format is Rock And Roll & Soul. Website is www.147kxoa.com
Fredrated said:
Thanks for the link. Another station I like is KMGV/Fresno (MEGA 97.9). They are a very unique station. They play mostly 70s/60s soul crossover songs (which I love). Even the occasional 50s like "I Only Have Eyes For You". Plus they play some 70s pop like early Chicago and "Wlld Flower" by Skylark, pop songs with soul. What a great station.
Interestingly I do like some 80s songs. But the 80s product classic hits stations play tend to be my least favorite/most burned out songs of the decade.
I realize "Kokomo" fits the format well, but I got tired of it as a current and never need to hear it again. I really dislike the Kenny Loggins movie songs such as Footloose (although I do like his non-movie theme music). I don't care for John Mellencamp (except for his early pre-Jack and Diane singles). Yet if a station had an 80s alternative speciality show I
could totally get into it. I also like early 80s Soft AC that classic hits stations would never play because it's too wimpy. I also love early 80s soul. I also like early-Mid 80s AOR songs like "Fantasy" by Aldo Nova just to name one of many,JACK stations tend to play a lot of that stuff. I love 80s Country. You get the point just about any 80s music that is not played on classic hits stations.
I realize I have unusual tastes. I don't expect any one station to appeal to them, that's what Ipods are for. Still I have noticed that classic hits stations that play too much 80s don't do as well as those with limited 80s. Too much 80s just waters down the format. Although I appreciated when classic hits stations play 80s songs that weren't huge hits at the time but sound good with the format. The Romantics "That's what I like about you" is a great example. CBS-FM does the best job filtering in 80s songs of any classic hits station IMO.
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