

Today, there seems to be a little revisionist history is taking place as we begin to hear about some radio stations programming “classic” alternative, “classic alt.” So, let’s get going with the countdown.Ģ5. So, no, the stations would never play Black Flag or Dead Kennedys due to non-traditional vocalists along with the rawness of their music. Stations were constantly adding new artists to their playlists throughout the Eighties, so long as those bands did not stray far from the sounds of Journey and Loverboy. Personally, I never understood why radio “thought” no one wanted to listen to college rock music at the time. Quite honestly, these “modern rock” stations were the last gasp of terrestrial radio’s power to innovate.

College Radio played everything from the rock music commonly associated with college rock, along with rap, reggae, and even thrash metal music. Unfortunately, the only thing that all of the college rock artists had in common was a rejection by commercial radio. The medley made for a very interesting rock history lesson as his medley showed how these songs were all related. He was great with making a medley out of songs by Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, Marshall Crenshaw and himself. I found the young man very interesting in that he was a walking jukebox when he had his guitar. But, one thing that was fun was hanging out with a guy who created music in the vein of Elvis Costello and Marshall Crenshaw. That summer was notable for many things, much of which I will not discuss on here. Back during the Summer of 1983, I worked at a resort in Southern Wisconsin. I’ve discussed this in the past, but it is worth dredging up once again. Marshall Crenshaw, flanked by his first band
