Maybe "Standards" needs a new name

[Chuck]

When I think of "Standards,” I think of a particular group of songs, not necessarily a particular performance of the song. There are a lot of modern artists who delve into the world of the "Great American Songbook." A lot of this is actually "Today's Music." Case in point, John Pizzarelli, Michael Buble, Diana Krall, etc. Even Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifa, Elvis Costello and Eric Clapton have tested the waters.

This does not have to be "old farts" music. I know "Red" in St. Louis was an attempt to bring this music into the spotlight. It failed, but I think they had a good idea. I'm surprised how well it can be received. My guess is there are still people out there who know a good song when they hear it. Whoever gets this right might make some money.

 

[BlueHen]

Maybe go the route that country music took. All the country stations today seem to be the home of "today's hot new country" and country music has sure reinvented itself. So how does "Rediscover Today's Hot New Standards" sound?

Or Modern Standards or Contemporary Standards... anything but Adult Standards.
(MSR - Modern Standards Radio)

Michael Buble, Diana Krall, or Rod Stewart's interpretations of The Great American Songbook would qualify as Modern Standards. Barry Manilow's rehashed 50s & 60s pop hits would not. There's a difference.

 

[oaktree]

"Vintage" Standards says it for me, though I'm not much into "labels."

But here in "Wine Country" on California's Central Coast ... I saw Blue Hen mention "Vintage" in another post ... and that's the word I use now.

People,here, understand the difference between "Vintage" and "Old."

Your analogy between Diana Krall, Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow ... hits the nail right on the head.

 

[dbdigital]

"Vintage" Standards says it for me, though I'm not much into "labels."

But here in "Wine Country" on California's Central Coast ... I saw Blue Hen mention "Vintage" in another post ... and that's the word I use now.

People,here, understand the difference between "Vintage" and "Old."

Your analogy between Diana Krall, Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow ... hits the nail right on the head.

How about taking a page from the programming geniuses (and I use the term loosely here) who came with 'Jack' and 'Jill' and call it Frankie?

Takes the whole issue of age right out of the picture.

db

 

[Chuck]

How about taking a page from the programming geniuses (and I use the term loosely here) who came with 'Jack' and 'Jill' and call it Frankie?

Takes the whole issue of age right out of the picture.

db

I think someone did a format called "Frank." XM used to have "Franks Place." I never though it was very good. They dropped it for their "High Standards" format which is even sleepier. The term (not the band) "Asleep at the wheel" comes to mind.

One station in Carmel, CA called itself "The Sinatra Station." I think it has flipped formats, but it was a good station for a while. I'm not sure how the Sinatra Estate liked the use of the name.

 

[dbdigital]

How about taking a page from the programming geniuses (and I use the term loosely here) who came with 'Jack' and 'Jill' and call it Frankie?

Takes the whole issue of age right out of the picture.

db

I think someone did a format called "Frank." XM used to have "Franks Place." I never though it was very good. They dropped it for their "High Standards" format which is even sleepier. The term (not the band) "Asleep at the wheel" comes to mind.

One station in Carmel, CA called itself "The Sinatra Station." I think it has flipped formats, but it was a good station for a while. I'm not sure how the Sinatra Estate liked the use of the name.

Actually, my suggestion was tongue-in-cheek and I was thinking of Frankie Valli not Sinatra. But it wouldn't surprise me if a format with that name has already been tried.

Vintage seems a little too old to me, like Cab Calloway doing "Minnie the Moocher" instead of Sinatra singing "Come Fly With Me."

Time to break out my book of synonyms.

db

 

[Chuck]

Vintage seems a little too old to me, like Cab Calloway doing "Minnie the Moocher" instead of Sinatra singing "Come Fly With Me."

Time to break out my book of synonyms.

db

Yeah, me too. I can see how it would fly in California's wine country.

As a car guy, "vintage" is usually a term applied to really old cars, like a 1902 Oldsmobile, or something similar. Next came the “Brass Era, followed by the “Nickel Era”. Then came the “Classic Era” which is pretty well defined as 1925-1948 give or take. By those definitions, even “Classic” is too old. Still it may be as close as we get. Most of the music I'm thinking of is really the non-rock hits of the 50's and 60's, combined with new releases by contemporary artists who are performing songs that were popular (or written) during that time period. That doesn’t really have a term in the automotive world, although a lot of people say that “classic” defines it. It is really the tail fin and Martini era. Of course, some songs you might play go back to the 30's and 40's, but they are in the minority.

On our station, we banter around the term "America's Original Classics" which was anointed on us by a listener who occasionally posts here. It's close, but really doesn't explain why we play a lot of modern artists.

 

[dbdigital]

Vintage seems a little too old to me, like Cab Calloway doing "Minnie the Moocher" instead of Sinatra singing "Come Fly With Me."

Time to break out my book of synonyms.

db

Yeah, me too. I can see how it would fly in California's wine country.

As a car guy, "vintage" is usually a term applied to really old cars, like a 1902 Oldsmobile, or something similar. Next came the “Brass Era, followed by the “Nickel Era”. Then came the “Classic Era” which is pretty well defined as 1925-1948 give or take. By those definitions, even “Classic” is too old. Still it may be as close as we get. Most of the music I'm thinking of is really the non-rock hits of the 50's and 60's, combined with new releases by contemporary artists who are performing songs that were popular (or written) during that time period. That doesn’t really have a term in the automotive world, although a lot of people say that “classic” defines it. It is really the tail fin and Martini era. Of course, some songs you might play go back to the 30's and 40's, but they are in the minority.

On our station, we banter around the term "America's Original Classics" which was anointed on us by a listener who occasionally posts here. It's close, but really doesn't explain why we play a lot of modern artists.

As a car buff myself that is exactly what the word "vintage" conjures up for me, a Ford Model N instead of a tri-five Chevy. But I can see where "vintage" radio would work in the wine producing regions.

Actually, your 'tail fins and martinis' description would be a great name for a web radio station or regular program. "You provide the martinis we'll provide the Les Baxter."

Probably already been done.

db

 

[Chuck]

As a car buff myself that is exactly what the word "vintage" conjures up for me, a Ford Model N instead of a tri-five Chevy. But I can see where "vintage" radio would work in the wine producing regions.

Actually, your 'tail fins and martinis' description would be a great name for a web radio station or regular program. "You provide the martinis we'll provide the Les Baxter."

Probably already been done.

db

I didn't know so many of us liked old cars. There are a couple of others who come here that also have the same incurable disease. I guess we just appreciate things with some history. I think that's great. History is a very good teacher.

I'd sure like to own a Model N Ford (at least for a little while). Maybe we could all meet at the Hilton Head Concours. It's the first weekend of November. I'm one of the judges.

It is amazing to me that Hilton Head Island doesn't have a station like we are talking about. Seems like a "no brainer" to me.

 

[oaktree]

You guys are, uh, "Fabulous."

I really appreciate your interesting and encouraging input. Actually, as has been noted, the wine region here is big on "vintage" meaning "fine" ... but I certainly catch your drift.

Hell, maybe I just change it to KFAS (which were the call letters of Frank's station in Arizona) and be done with it.

Actually, to update it, I have many fine album covers of Diana Krall. Maybe KRAL might help those male demos...

 

[bub]

When I think of "Standards,” I think of a particular group of songs, not necessarily a particular performance of the song. There are a lot of modern artists who delve into the world of the "Great American Songbook." A lot of this is actually "Today's Music." Case in point, John Pizzarelli, Michael Buble, Diana Krall, etc. Even Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifa, Elvis Costello and Eric Clapton have tested the waters.

This does not have to be "old farts" music. I know "Red" in St. Louis was an attempt to bring this music into the spotlight. It failed, but I think they had a good idea. I'm surprised how well it can be received. My guess is there are still people out there who know a good song when they hear it. Whoever gets this right might make some money.

Sir Charles: Maybe you already gave "Standards" a new name with "America's Original Classics." There's nothing more profound than an idea whose time has come.

 

[dbdigital]

As a car buff myself that is exactly what the word "vintage" conjures up for me, a Ford Model N instead of a tri-five Chevy. But I can see where "vintage" radio would work in the wine producing regions.

Actually, your 'tail fins and martinis' description would be a great name for a web radio station or regular program. "You provide the martinis we'll provide the Les Baxter."

Probably already been done.

db

Maybe we could all meet at the Hilton Head Concours. It's the first weekend of November. I'm one of the judges.

I'd love to but I'm Southern California based. The best I could do is the Pebble Beach Concours in Carmel.

db

 

[oaktree]

I'll gladly join you. I'm only two hours away. First martini is on me...

 

[Chuck]

I'll gladly join you. I'm only two hours away. First martini is on me...

You just missed Pebble Beach. It was two weekends ago. The martini sounds like a good idea though....

 

[oaktree]

Dang...next time! Thanks, Chuck!

 

[Chuck]

Dang...next time! Thanks, Chuck!

You're welcome, but if I get to the San Luis vicinity, I'll be looking for that martini....

 

[oaktree]

You better stop here before getting back to Carmel, Chuck. Two martinis on me, now!

I was listening to your station yesterday and hear a vocal by, I want to say, Diana Krall and another female about "Mo' Better" ... they were talking at the end about girls shopping at Saks, etc ... for that second martini...who was that? A GREAT song...and perfect for the format! Thanks ... and continued best wishes to you, Chuck. - oaktree -

 

[klutch00]

When I think of "Standards,” I think of a particular group of songs, not necessarily a particular performance of the song. There are a lot of modern artists who delve into the world of the "Great American Songbook." A lot of this is actually "Today's Music." Case in point, John Pizzarelli, Michael Buble, Diana Krall, etc. Even Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifa, Elvis Costello and Eric Clapton have tested the waters.

This does not have to be "old farts" music. I know "Red" in St. Louis was an attempt to bring this music into the spotlight. It failed, but I think they had a good idea. I'm surprised how well it can be received. My guess is there are still people out there who know a good song when they hear it. Whoever gets this right might make some money.

Well, I do ballroom dancing (where they feature a live big band) at least one night a week. While I'm 42 and 'one of the pups' there, I'm not the only one and I think a number of younger people might be attracted to this music on radio.

Nevertheless, I propose reviving an antiquated term: Middle-Of-the-Road (MOR). Other terms which might work could include 'MOR/standards', 'MOR/nostalgia', 'Traditional MOR' or 'All-time Standards'. I would not suggest the term 'classic' though. Just some thoughts.

 

[Chuck]

You better stop here before getting back to Carmel, Chuck. Two martinis on me, now!

I was listening to your station yesterday and hear a vocal by, I want to say, Diana Krall and another female about "Mo' Better" ... they were talking at the end about girls shopping at Saks, etc ... for that second martini...who was that? A GREAT song...and perfect for the format! Thanks ... and continued best wishes to you, Chuck. - oaktree -

It's Natalie Cole and Diana Krall , called "Better Than Anything." I think the album is called "Ask the Woman Who Knows" by Natalie Cole.

 

[oaktree]

Thank you, sir!