When I think of the variety station used to have, it's stunning. Punk, new wave, classic rock and heavy metal would never be on the same station now, for example. But before massive market consolidation, it was a regular thing. The Philly market had three different rock stations in the 80s. 2
And they were different! WMMR was the middle of the road classic and contemporary rock. WYSP focused on metal and more guitar rock. WIOQ was album-oriented, playing deep cuts. 91.7 played prog rock. And college stations played fringe stuff. 3
Is this another 'the Reagan administration removed restrictions on an industry and ruined it' complaint? IT IS. I realize this is like every Scooby-Doo mystery, where you find out the Galloping Ghost was just some jerk farmer trying to scare people off. But, you know, it's true. 4
Which isn't to say stuff didn't go overplayed in summer's past...we just didn't declare with hubris that 'Pass the Duchy' was the Song of Summer (tm pat pending). It was just a song you were TIRED OF HEARING. [thus concludes the old man yells at clouds rant]. 5
I mean, if you dig the songs, COOL. I just think it's silly that news outlets are like 'the song of summer is dead' and I'm like 'guys, democracy is under assault. Maybe this isn't the big thing you want it to be.' 6/6