x92.9 Calgary's New Rock Alternative?

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by calf

Thing I liked about Sonic that I noticed when I was there in September was when the played "Furious" Frank Sinatra at 5...simply fantastic.

Ya I agree, I love when they do that. Last year they almost pulled it actually, as a bunch of morons were calling in and complaining how stupid they thought it was, and how awful the music was, and then immediately afterwards theyd request to hear some generic, played out song that had already played like 8 times that day, hilarious. So one day they had a "referendum" for the segment, where they put it to a vote to keep it or not, and the "Yes" side won in a virtual landslide.

[kevman]

X is still on the radio? Is anyone still on the radio? Who the hell listens to the radio anymore???

I would love a radio station that plays the music I love all the time with tons of variety and no repetition. Even better yet would be the option to turn on the radio at any time and hear music...not DJ's or commercials. Finally, when the DJ does speak they only discuss the music they just played or are going to play. Man would that be sweet...

Oh wait...that sounds like my podcasts...Gone are the days of listening to 20 minutes of morning show just to hear NO music. Gone are the days of listening to the same songs every day. Gone are the days of endless Spence diamond commercials. Gone are the days of...well you get my point.

X was great when it started, but then it got old...it got old real fast! Like someone else said X is no better than CJay just without the classic rock so it's even more repetitive. Somehow X even manages to be more repetitive than Q which is an amazing feet considering there is no new "classic rock".

What I really don't understand is how X still falls flat on it's face when trying to get around the CRTC's 30% Canadian content limit. I complain, but understand, when Q has to play the tragically hip every third song cause they're better than Rush but X should not have this issue. With a slogan such as the "New Rock Alternative" X should have opened the door to HUNDREDS of GREAT CANADIAN local bands. Somehow CBC Radio 3 can put together an entire radio station based solely on independent Canadian Music and X can't figure out how to get through the day without playing the same song twice.

I don't need to get started on the DJ's cause apparently that was covered.

I could probably rant about this all night for I have passion of hate towards radio as a whole since working in retail but I'll just walk away before I get too worked up.

[fredr123]

As if to mock me (don't they know I've risked scorn and ridicule from those who have better tastes in music by defending them?), I've been unable to tune in to x92.9 on my office radio all week. I cut them some slack when they first started but this kind of thing is unacceptable.

[foofighter15]

Originally Posted by kevman

X is still on the radio? Is anyone still on the radio? Who the hell listens to the radio anymore???

I would love a radio station that plays the music I love all the time with tons of variety and no repetition. Even better yet would be the option to turn on the radio at any time and hear music...not DJ's or commercials. Finally, when the DJ does speak they only discuss the music they just played or are going to play. Man would that be sweet...

Oh wait...that sounds like my podcasts...Gone are the days of listening to 20 minutes of morning show just to hear NO music. Gone are the days of listening to the same songs every day.

Not all of us have a hook up for our iPods you realize. And I listen to my iPod/iTunes all day at work, and it get so repetitive, and I have no lack of music.

And before you see it, yes I have a CD player like the majority of people do, but that is even more repetitive.

Radio is very much alive and well, and still important

[surferguy]

Originally Posted by fredr123

As if to mock me (don't they know I've risked scorn and ridicule from those who have better tastes in music by defending them?), I've been unable to tune in to x92.9 on my office radio all week. I cut them some slack when they first started but this kind of thing is unacceptable.

I got an email this morining from X stating that there antenna got wrecked in the snow storm this week so there signal has been weak. I guess the X engineers are working on it to get it fixed.

[Hack&Lube]

All radio in Calgary eventually turns into a crap clone after the requisite 1-3 months of being original. And I think a lot of people don't realize just how "Country" Calgary and surrounding area is. I worked in a few places where they would only play country. I wanted to die.

Going through Junior High and Highschool in the late 90s, I generally hate everything about the 90s. The clothes, the music, etc...basically what radio labels as alternative or rock I can't listen to anyway. If I want some good music in the background, I listen to the 1.fm radio network. Usually I'm tuned into Chillout Lounge, Smooth Jazz, Club 1, or 80's-US (which is hilariously from B.C. so there's Cancon stuff there too, even though it's online - but I am the biggest fan of Platinum Blonde anyway haha).

I would highly suggest that for stuff to hear that's new/free/constantly streaming because there is so much choice and you can always pick the type of station you want with your mouse. Sadly, since there's no internet connection in my car, I can't listen to these stations.

http://www.1.fm/

Beats radio anyday for old stuff or new stuff.

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by foofighter15

Not all of us have a hook up for our iPods you realize. And I listen to my iPod/iTunes all day at work, and it get so repetitive, and I have no lack of music.

And before you see it, yes I have a CD player like the majority of people do, but that is even more repetitive.

Radio is very much alive and well, and still important

It's also the easiest way to hear new stuff for free (and without having the CRIA/RIAA on your ass).

[foofighter15]

Originally Posted by fredr123

It's also the easiest way to hear new stuff for free (and without having the CRIA/RIAA on your ass).

and even old stuff you might not have found.

[Deelow]

Originally Posted by kevman

What I really don't understand is how X still falls flat on it's face when trying to get around the CRTC's 30% Canadian content limit. I complain, but understand, when Q has to play the tragically hip every third song cause they're better than Rush but X should not have this issue. With a slogan such as the "New Rock Alternative" X should have opened the door to HUNDREDS of GREAT CANADIAN local bands. Somehow CBC Radio 3 can put together an entire radio station based solely on independent Canadian Music and X can't figure out how to get through the day without playing the same song twice.

Guess what? CBC radio 3 is not a commercial radio station. They are not trying to make money and they don't make money...it doesn't really matter what they do. Apples and oranges.
Hundreds of great local bands? You have got to be kidding me? There are only a handful of bands in Calgary that have gone through the process of actually professionally recording their music. Some dude walks into the radio station and hands the Music Director a crap CDR that he made in his mom's basement of course it's going to go into the garabage where it belongs. I am not positive but I believe that X is required to play 40% cancon which puts them at a disadvantage in relation to CJAY and other stations in the market. Of course they are going to make sure that the songs they are playing have the biggest impact.

Wintersleep
Attack In Black
Stars
IllScarlett
Alpha Galates
Dudes
Hot Little Rocket
New Pornographers
Alexisonfire

are all Canadian artists in X's top 50 that never would have recieved a single spin in Calgary 12 months ago. The expectations some of you have are not realistic.

[foofighter15]

Originally Posted by Deelow

Guess what? CBC radio 3 is not a commercial radio station. They are not trying to make money and they don't make money...it doesn't really matter what they do. Apples and oranges.
Hundreds of great local bands? You have got to be kidding me? There are only a handful of bands in Calgary that have gone through the process of actually professionally recording their music. Some dude walks into the radio station and hands the Music Director a crap CDR that he made in his mom's basement of course it's going to go into the garabage where it belongs. I am not positive but I believe that X is required to play 40% cancon which puts them at a disadvantage in relation to CJAY and other stations in the market. Of course they are going to make sure that the songs they are playing have the biggest impact.

Wintersleep
Attack In Black
Stars
IllScarlett
Alpha Galates
Dudes
Hot Little Rocket
New Pornographers
Alexisonfire

are all Canadian artists in X's top 50 that never would have recieved a single spin in Calgary 12 months ago. The expectations some of you have are not realistic.

I have no problem with the local stuff. I love it. I'm a local musician, that's not what I'm complaining about. I'm complaining about the continuous playing of all pop crap that they play

[Deelow]

Originally Posted by foofighter15

I have no problem with the local stuff. I love it. I'm a local musician, that's not what I'm complaining about. I'm complaining about the continuous playing of all pop crap that they play

Like what?
Many people would call Foo Fighters a pop-rock band?

[fredr123]

Getting off topic a bit, but I wish X92.9 would secure the rights to release an album of all these X-Sessions. For those that may not know, the station gets some of the bands they're promoting to come in and play a semi-private show at their studio the afternoon before a concert. Groups like New Pornographers, illScarlett, Tegan and Sara, and others play a couple songs unplugged. Really cool.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Deelow

Like what?
Many people would call Foo Fighters a pop-rock band?

Uh........ohhhh!!!








*Waits for Foofighter15 to read post*

[FurnaceFace]

I'd listen more if they actual had a signal. I lose it in so many spots (even downtown) I find it hard to bother. I will be giving Fuel a try instead.

I really wish someone would resurrect the MX1060 format from the mid to late 90s. Now there was a great radio station that played a ton of "alternative" (at the time) stuff. Was also great because you could get it everywhere. I fond memories of driving back and forth from Regina frequently and being overjoyed to hit Medicine Hat as I could pick up 1060 on the west side of town. Made for a more pleasant 2.5 hr drive back here.

[Deelow]

Originally Posted by flameswin

Uh........ohhhh!!!








*Waits for Foofighter15 to read post*

I am a huge Foo Fighters fan too. I guess I am not afraid of the word "pop". That's exactly what set Nirvana apart from the other bands of that era. Dave Grohl took notes because songs like Learn To Fly, Everlong, DOA, Times Like These are all great pop songs.

[Deelow]

Originally Posted by FurnaceFace

I'd listen more if they actual had a signal. I lose it in so many spots (even downtown) I find it hard to bother. I will be giving Fuel a try instead.

I really wish someone would resurrect the MX1060 format from the mid to late 90s. Now there was a great radio station that played a ton of "alternative" (at the time) stuff. Was also great because you could get it everywhere. I fond memories of driving back and forth from Regina frequently and being overjoyed to hit Medicine Hat as I could pick up 1060 on the west side of town. Made for a more pleasant 2.5 hr drive back here.

Mix 1060 was awesome. It sucked when they switched. check this out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlR2gCixnhI

[foofighter15]

grrrr

[foofighter15]

see this is why you guys shouldn't post when I'm at lunch.

I have no problem with people calling the Foo a pop rock band. I don't think of them as a pop rock band, but since they are popular because they rock it kinda makes sense. Although I wouldn't call Everlong a pop sound I agree with the other ones you said.

[PsYcNeT]

I just wish they would stop playing that damn Tegan And Sara song, Linkin Park, and GODDAMN PEARL JAM

Other than that, the rotation is pretty good, and the exposure segments are great

[stuck_in_chuk]

Originally Posted by Deelow

Guess what? CBC radio 3 is not a commercial radio station. They are not trying to make money and they don't make money...it doesn't really matter what they do. Apples and oranges.
Hundreds of great local bands? You have got to be kidding me? There are only a handful of bands in Calgary that have gone through the process of actually professionally recording their music. Some dude walks into the radio station and hands the Music Director a crap CDR that he made in his mom's basement of course it's going to go into the garabage where it belongs. I am not positive but I believe that X is required to play 40% cancon which puts them at a disadvantage in relation to CJAY and other stations in the market. Of course they are going to make sure that the songs they are playing have the biggest impact.

First off, most of the bands that I know who record a demo CD produce some artwork for it so that they have something more than a 'crap CDR' to hand in. Recording demos these days is so much easier than in the analog days, and it is easier (and cheaper) to produce a professional quality recording now than it was 20 years ago.

I can remember bands such as Sloan, Barenaked Ladies, Treble Charger, Pursuit of Happiness, etc. getting radio play (even, in some cases, high rotation play) even before having a major label debut. BNL received a lot of buzz and radio play based on their self-produced tape, for instance (IIRC, it was the first indie tape to go platinum). Early versions of such songs as Underwhelmed, If I Had $1000000, Red, Even Grable, and I'm An Adult Now all were indie hits which were re-recorded when the bands signed to a big label. The fact is, there are some gems out there in the demos and it is the responsibility of the so-called "alternative" stations such as x92.9 to present them. Instead, it is places like CBC and campus radio that have to test market indie music. It seems to me that songs that if a song has a proven following, it's not really "alternative" anymore - just a different flavour of pop music.