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Indielover
Guest
It was great (20 years later) hearing K-Earth sound great again..at least they should open up the playlist on the weekends...
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KRTH Z to A Labor Day Weekend
- Thread starter radio124
- Start date
Let us now rejoice.
The Z to A ended at about 6am Monday (I think they skipped some As to end on time) with "A Beautiful Morning."
In the pantheon of countdowns (of which I know) KRTH has the proud honor of being #7 and #8 in my countdown of awesome countdowns
#1: XM's IT countdown
#2: WCBS July 4, 2008 A to Z Countdown
#3: XM's Fred Essential 4400
#4: KLTH Portland mid-July 2008 A to Z Countdown
#5: KLOS Annual Christmas A to Z Countdowns
#6: KLSX A to Z's of the early 90s
#7: KRTH's Z to A Labor Day Countdown
#8: KRTH's Top 1001 of All Time
#9: JET's Top 70 of all 10 70s decades
#10: KROQ's History of KROQ A to Z from the mid-90's
Honorable Mention: KROQ's Groovy Hits of the Super Seventies (not a countdown, but a day-long, glorious April Fool's Day prank from the early 90s)
The Z to A ended at about 6am Monday (I think they skipped some As to end on time) with "A Beautiful Morning."
In the pantheon of countdowns (of which I know) KRTH has the proud honor of being #7 and #8 in my countdown of awesome countdowns
#1: XM's IT countdown
#2: WCBS July 4, 2008 A to Z Countdown
#3: XM's Fred Essential 4400
#4: KLTH Portland mid-July 2008 A to Z Countdown
#5: KLOS Annual Christmas A to Z Countdowns
#6: KLSX A to Z's of the early 90s
#7: KRTH's Z to A Labor Day Countdown
#8: KRTH's Top 1001 of All Time
#9: JET's Top 70 of all 10 70s decades
#10: KROQ's History of KROQ A to Z from the mid-90's
Honorable Mention: KROQ's Groovy Hits of the Super Seventies (not a countdown, but a day-long, glorious April Fool's Day prank from the early 90s)
scooty430 said:
Great list!! My all-time "countdown" was when KRTH played every L.A. #1 song in chrono order from 1955 to 1984, back during Labor Day Weekend 1984. A long time ago, but my all-time best.
WCBS A to Z in July, KDZA (Jet) A to Z in June and yes KRTH's Z to A would qualify as great countdowns too!!
Maybe someone, someday will play the top 3000 oldies / classic hits ranked on chart position or popularity, from #3000 to #1...just a dream...but hey...who knows??
By the way, what did the XM IT countdown involve, if you ranked it #1 ahead of WCBS?
oldies76 said:
The XM countdown (which they do annually) plays every charting song from the 1920s to the present in order. It takes about a month. The next one will actually be happening soon (assuming it isn't canceled due to the merger.)
And you'd like this, when it's over, they do a "victory lap" of every #1 song in order.
scooty430 said:
Which XM channel? I get XM on Direct TV (800's), so hopefully I can catch this mammoth countdown.
Also check this out:
http://wcbsfm.com/2008-Listener-Voted-Top-500-Part-1/2852643
Even Frank Sinatra made the Top 20! "New York, New York" (of course) and another one!! Check out this amazing list!
So many countdowns to try to hear this Labor Day..not enough time!
oldies76 said:
Ya, I recorded all of the WCBS countdown on my computer, and have yet to hear it. I actually voted in this one! WCBS really does spin way more Sinatra and doo-wop. The chosen "last song" when they switched formats to the hated JACK was "Summer Wind" by Sinatra. They creatively incorporated that into the relaunch two years later, having the song fade back in.
I really wish they had chosen "Hit The Road Jack" after that, but they did "Do It Again."
oldies76 said:
Geez, Brown Eyed Girl should be rested for six months and then
never played more than once a......year. ;D
This is where things get dicey for K-Earth - moving past 82. I was in high school when "Let's Hear It For The Boy" was a hit. So it, and similar songs from Sheena Easton, Cyndi Lauper,or Laura Brannigan's "Gloria" should technically be "my music."
But I would no way be able to sit through that song. "Brown Eyed Girl," a song I did like the first five hundred times I heard it back in the 80s, I can kind of block out while waiting for a more interesting song. But "Let's Hear It For The Boy" is fingernails on the chalkboard. It would make me stand up, walk across the room, and change the station.
(Eduardo, please don't chime in that the tested demo has shown a preference for that song and bla bla bla. The point is the broad appeal of the timeless music K-Earth has always played fades around the mid-80s. I'm not the only one who can tolerate Unchained Melody but barfs at Mickey.)
Anyhow, it's kind of ironic they've followed that massive A to Z countdown with a "Parade of Hits" weekend - a.k.a., the regular format. I do, though, appreciate when they announce a "parade of hits" weekend, because I then know not to bother turning on K-Earth all weekend.
Open question to Jhani Kaye (or anyone who may know): What exactly is a "parade of hits" weekend? I cannot tell in any way how it is different from regular K-Earth programming.
But I would no way be able to sit through that song. "Brown Eyed Girl," a song I did like the first five hundred times I heard it back in the 80s, I can kind of block out while waiting for a more interesting song. But "Let's Hear It For The Boy" is fingernails on the chalkboard. It would make me stand up, walk across the room, and change the station.
(Eduardo, please don't chime in that the tested demo has shown a preference for that song and bla bla bla. The point is the broad appeal of the timeless music K-Earth has always played fades around the mid-80s. I'm not the only one who can tolerate Unchained Melody but barfs at Mickey.)
Anyhow, it's kind of ironic they've followed that massive A to Z countdown with a "Parade of Hits" weekend - a.k.a., the regular format. I do, though, appreciate when they announce a "parade of hits" weekend, because I then know not to bother turning on K-Earth all weekend.
Open question to Jhani Kaye (or anyone who may know): What exactly is a "parade of hits" weekend? I cannot tell in any way how it is different from regular K-Earth programming.
I
Indielover
Guest
scooty430 said:
I expected a "parade of hits weekend" (aka regular format), they usually follow up good weekends they do with several weeks (if not months) of nothing weekends.
I remember hating "lets hear it for the boy" when it was out...still do..as for Gloria by Laura Brannigan it reminds me of the early days (1982) of Howard Stern on WNBC, when he played music... that song was played all the time, I don't mind hearing it or most Cyndi Lauper songs..
scooty430 said:
I think there's something to be said for the "timelessness" of 60s music. But I grew up in the 60s, so I'm probably prejudiced. For what it's worth, here's my theory about why 60s and early 70s music is still around on the radio 35 and even 40 years later: First, pop and rock music has certainly evolved and there are new forms (rap, etc.), but music really hasn't changed that much since the 60s. When I was growing up, rock sounded very different than pop or big band music from the 30s and 40s, or even the new pop music (Sinatra, Tony Bennett, etc.) that my parents were listening to at that time.
Second, today's younger adults (in their 20s, 30s and 40s) have grown up in a popular culture filled with 60s music - in movies, TV shows, commercials, piped into stores and businesses, etc.
But I think formats with 80s music might work now. Where I live, the first few 70s formats were a flop, too - K-Big in San Francisco ("The Biggest Hits of the 70s") in the early 90s never got ratings despite a strong morning show, good live jocks, and great formatting. But now we're hearing a lot more music from the 70s on stations like K-Earth, KFRC, etc.
You may not like individual 80s songs like "Let's Hear It For the Boy," but I can tell you that a lot of 60s and early 70s music was horrible. Did you ever hear "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, I've Got Love in my Tummy," or "Seasons in the Sun." Didn't think so. Be thankful.
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OCradiodude
Guest
I agree with you on this. There really hasn't been a lot of music change since the 1960s. Music from the 1960s has been everywhere. If though I didn't grow up in the 60s, I've always heard that music in commercials, movies, TV shows, etc.
I remember that not long ago, 80s formats were not doing that well. An example was the Point in Seattle. Ratings were so-so and soon that station was canned. At the time people didn't want to hear 80s formats.
I had read an article several months ago regarding songs of the 90s. The person who wrote the article wondered when we would hear NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys, and Britney Spears back on the radio. The person concluded that we should be hearing them around now. But still no sign of them. Reason? It could be that the 80s need to come first.
I remember that not long ago, 80s formats were not doing that well. An example was the Point in Seattle. Ratings were so-so and soon that station was canned. At the time people didn't want to hear 80s formats.
I had read an article several months ago regarding songs of the 90s. The person who wrote the article wondered when we would hear NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys, and Britney Spears back on the radio. The person concluded that we should be hearing them around now. But still no sign of them. Reason? It could be that the 80s need to come first.
Lkeller said:
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OCradiodude
Guest
This reply is out of order. Please bear with me.
I think it's entirely possible for KRTH to move past 1982. However, they must choose a direction and stick with it. Here are the choices: 80s AC leaning, 80s pop leaning, or 80s rock leaning. Personially I think they would have a better chance pulling off the 80s if they were AC leaning. But simply pulling out any and all AC songs from the 80s would be a bad idea. If not programed correctly, they have a chance of playing a lot of music that doesn't go with the 60s and 70s songs.
It's all about balance.
Comments?
I think it's entirely possible for KRTH to move past 1982. However, they must choose a direction and stick with it. Here are the choices: 80s AC leaning, 80s pop leaning, or 80s rock leaning. Personially I think they would have a better chance pulling off the 80s if they were AC leaning. But simply pulling out any and all AC songs from the 80s would be a bad idea. If not programed correctly, they have a chance of playing a lot of music that doesn't go with the 60s and 70s songs.
It's all about balance.
Comments?
scooty430 said:
B
BACKnUSSR
Guest
OCradiodude said:
To be fair....Seattle also dumped KBSG which was playing 60's, 70's music. So maybe that market is a bad example.
Responding to last few posts....
Great point about music basically being the same since the rock era began. It must have been amazing to be around when rock broke.
I think the reason the 70s only stations (like the "Eagle" in Boston) and the 80's only stations failed is that they focused on just one decade. Not enough good songs, and not enough variety in sound.
What has worked are things that span a longer period, such as Oldies going late 50s to early 70s, or the JACK format, which is basically 70s and 80s.
As for there being bad songs back in the 60s and 70s, well sure. I've heard Yummy Yummy Yummy AND Seasons In The Sun. Heck, I've heard "Like To Teach the World to Sing," and "Honey" too. When I was a little kid I loved "Convoy." What a piece of junk that is.
But I think the percentage of junk......or just mediocre stuff.....was much higher in the 80s. In fact, those "Night Chicago Died" type songs were great in a way because they were "so bad they were good." In the 80s, the bad music was more like Whitesnake, sappy Journey songs, REO Speedwagon.... Only a few of the songs were ridiculous - like Safety Dance, White Horse, Mr. Roboto.
But what's really missing are timeless songs. Where is the "Satisfaction", the "Hound Dog", the "Light My Fire?" There's good stuff, but not so much of it. And the good stuff is not quite as "great."
As for how KRTH should venture into the 80s......I'd have to say pure A/C would be a killer. "Islands In the Stream?" Ewww. Probably smart selections of pop, R and B, A/C, and some rock would work. Basically, KRTH is rock-ish (Steppenwolf, Doors, Stones, Beatles) and Motown-ish, so going too light is maybe not the best idea. Just my opinion....
Great point about music basically being the same since the rock era began. It must have been amazing to be around when rock broke.
I think the reason the 70s only stations (like the "Eagle" in Boston) and the 80's only stations failed is that they focused on just one decade. Not enough good songs, and not enough variety in sound.
What has worked are things that span a longer period, such as Oldies going late 50s to early 70s, or the JACK format, which is basically 70s and 80s.
As for there being bad songs back in the 60s and 70s, well sure. I've heard Yummy Yummy Yummy AND Seasons In The Sun. Heck, I've heard "Like To Teach the World to Sing," and "Honey" too. When I was a little kid I loved "Convoy." What a piece of junk that is.
But I think the percentage of junk......or just mediocre stuff.....was much higher in the 80s. In fact, those "Night Chicago Died" type songs were great in a way because they were "so bad they were good." In the 80s, the bad music was more like Whitesnake, sappy Journey songs, REO Speedwagon.... Only a few of the songs were ridiculous - like Safety Dance, White Horse, Mr. Roboto.
But what's really missing are timeless songs. Where is the "Satisfaction", the "Hound Dog", the "Light My Fire?" There's good stuff, but not so much of it. And the good stuff is not quite as "great."
As for how KRTH should venture into the 80s......I'd have to say pure A/C would be a killer. "Islands In the Stream?" Ewww. Probably smart selections of pop, R and B, A/C, and some rock would work. Basically, KRTH is rock-ish (Steppenwolf, Doors, Stones, Beatles) and Motown-ish, so going too light is maybe not the best idea. Just my opinion....
B
BACKnUSSR
Guest
scooty430 said:
Although that wouldnt account for contemporary stations like Top 40, Rhythmic, Alternative and Country all of which pretty much live in the decade they're in.
Is there any successful oldies station in America with 50's songs in rotation??
All subjective. Whitesnake, Journey and REO Speedwagon (all bands born in the 70's) probably sold more records and had bigger fanbases than many of the bands of the 60's and 70's you'd call "great".
Like "With Or Without You", "Born In The USA", "When Doves Cry", "Every Breath You Take", "Welcome To The Jungle"???
Have you heard KOLA 99.9? It is somewhat distinct from KRTH. I play both at my store. I would love Jack, but too many commercials and it's a little to hard and edgy to play in a pharmacy.
KOLA plays a lot more 80s than KRTH including songs like "Jesse's Girl" and "Jack and Diane". Most of their 80s is rock leaning tho. In fact even their 70s is rock leaning. You hear more stuff like "Hold The Line" by Toto. On KRTH, you still hear Diana Ross and The Supremes and older stuff that KOLA has pretty much dumped from their playlist. There is still considerable overlap between the two stations, but they are not exactly alike. I personally like KOLA better with a larger 80s selection.
KOLA plays a lot more 80s than KRTH including songs like "Jesse's Girl" and "Jack and Diane". Most of their 80s is rock leaning tho. In fact even their 70s is rock leaning. You hear more stuff like "Hold The Line" by Toto. On KRTH, you still hear Diana Ross and The Supremes and older stuff that KOLA has pretty much dumped from their playlist. There is still considerable overlap between the two stations, but they are not exactly alike. I personally like KOLA better with a larger 80s selection.
OCradiodude said:
BACKnUSSR said:
WCBS 101.1, mainly on weekends and weekday evenings
Would you mix in an occasional "new-wave" song in your 70's and 80's classic hits daily line-up? Songs like "Mr. Roboto", "Safety Dance", "Major-Tom", Duran Duran music..etc.. or would you stick to the basics like "Jack and Diane", "Downunder", "Jessie's Girl" or even "Woman" / "Starting Over" by John Lennon and similiar?
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