Listeners who tuned into Drive 105 this morning were probably quite shocked to hear their alt-rock replaced with nostalgic 60s-80s fluff.

Star Tribune reports why.

The reason Drive 105 got pulled should be no surprise. Low Ratings. The low ratings should be no surprise: Three fucking radios stations. 105.1 105.3 and 105.7 depending on where you are in the cities. For someone who primarily listens to radio in my car (If I listen at all) I can tell you that I was rarely able to listen to the station. It seemed no matter where I was in the city, all three stations sounded like ass. It has been that way since 105 was born as Rev 105 (Revolution Radio) and reborn as Zone 105 (The Edge).

The playlist for Drive 105 wasn't the greatest, but it certainly was one of the best in town, which just goes to show you how bad terrestrial radio has become. I laughed every time they said they were "taking chances" The fact is, I didn't hear much on 105 that didn't already have some buzz or a Seal of Approval from Pitchfork et al. They could have tried harder to be different, and they certainly could have played more local music.

It's too bad that one of the better radio stations in town got turned into a clone of the new Jack 104.1. No doubt the massive success of Jack (A completely mediocre station which only thrives because everything else sucks so much) has spurred 105 to switch. Hey, Maybe the tagline for the new 105 can be, "We're Playing What We Want TOO!"

For those lamenting the demise of Drive 105, don't feel too bad. Check out Radio K instead 106.5 /100.7 and punctuate your listening with some White Stripes and Cake, and you will be fine.

...and don't even Talk to me about The Current.

Here is a Million Dollar Idea: How about a Radio station that only plays songs from Independent Labels? Here is a Ten-Million Dollar Idea: How about a Radio station that ONLY PLAYS LOCAL MUSIC? That same station could broadcast live shows every night from a different bar. There is so much live music here in Minneapolis, I think people really have NO idea.

Why can't any people with money think of these things?


Blog on,
-CZ

Labels: Million Dollar Idea, Music Industry