Radio Daze

Ick’s Radio Daze: Country Time – 102.5 KNIX

Welcome to week two of Ick’s Radio Daze. This week, I tackle Country radio. Not the Hank / Willie / Waylon / George / Johnny classic sort of country. We’re talking New Country – the unpleasant kind. Come on along as I spend an hour with a radio powerhouse here in Phoenix: KNIX…

Station: 102.5 KNIX
Format: Country
Type: Terrestrial (Phoenix)
Slogan: “Everything Country”
Date / Time: Jan. 11th, 2010 / 9:15-10:15pm MST
Commercials: 7 mins (nice!)
Streaming Online? Yes
Hot Chick on Home Page of Web Site? Does Taylor Swift count? Then yes. Two photos.
DJ: Unknown – honestly, the young guy talking between songs did not mention his name even once. And the web site doesn’t mention it.
Favorite Song: Lady Antebellum – “American Honey” [YouTube]
Least Favorite Song: Jack Ingram – “Wherever You Are” [YouTube]

Song List:
Easton Corbin – “A Little More Than Country Than That”
Randy Houser – “Boots On”
Toby Keith – “Cryin’ for Me (Wayman’s Song)
Miranda Lambert – “White Liar”
Eric Church – “Hell On The Heart”
Keith Urban – “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me”
Jason Michael Carroll – “Hurry Home”
Brad Paisley – “I Wish You’d Stay”
Luke Bryan – “Rain Is A Good Thing”
Billy Currington – “People Are Crazy”
Carrie Underwood – “Temporary Home”
Jack Ingram – “Wherever You Are”
Dierks Bentley – “I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes”
Mark Willis – “19 Somethin'”
Lady Antebellum – “American Honey”

Comments: I don’t listen to country radio. I did for a brief period in the early 90’s, when I lived in Colorado Springs. But “new” country, manufactured country, Nashville Country, whatever you want to call the calculated everyman stuff they churn out these days… just haven’t been a fan. But after a couple glasses of wine, I’m feeling open minded and receptive to whatever ol’ KNIX wants to throw my way tonight.

I’m a few songs in, and I’ve already heard a couple of “everyman” / good ol’ boy cliches. Figure I’ll grab a few zingers for you…

— “my cousin saw you on the street with a red head named Bernice”
— “well she’s heaven on the eyes but boy she’s hell on the heart”
— “i left a map on your front seat just in case you lose your way / But don’t worry, once you reach Sallasaw, it’s all interstate”
— “rain makes corn, corn makes whiskey, whiskey makes my baby feel a little frisky” [my favorite]
– “start warshin’ all our worries down the drain”

Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home” wins for downer of the hour. Orphans, dyin’ grampaws.. shit Carrie, ease up a little!

Surprise of the hour: Lady Antebellum. I had heard the name, but assumed she was some Gaga wannabe. Turns out Lady Antebellum is a country singer. And I’m pretty sure she doesn’t favor dressing like an evil beekeeper.

Unrestrained pop culture references of the hour: “19 Somethin'” by Mark Willis. This song contains shout outs to the Rubik’s Cube, Pac Man, Elvis, parachute pants, MTV, Stretch Armstrong, Daisy Duke, and Farrah Fawcett. Phee-yew. Seriously, check this out…

Honestly, it wasn’t so unpleasant. The subject matter is just so damn entertaining for the most part. The format definitely has a good chunk of America by the balls (and ladyparts). Speaking of ladies, the songs favored the fellas in this hour. Only 3 of the 15 songs were women: Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Lady Antebellum. The rest of the hour belonged to the good ol’ boys. Giddy up, and I’ll see you next week.

8 Comments

  • Mindy

    I don’t listen to country music radio either, in fact I usually say I am not the biggest country fan but I don’t mind it.

    Having said that, why have I seen almost every one of those artists live? LOL

  • KathyB

    Lady Antebellum is actually a group. The reason I know this is because iTunes had them as the free song of the week about a month ago. (I’m not intending to sound snarky–I actually like country music, although I’m much more into classic country and alt country.)

  • Gonzo

    Honestly, I’m sick of these name-dropping nostalgia tracks. “19 Somethin'” (which is new to me), Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long,” Bowling for Soup’s “1985…”

    I just find it annoying. It’s almost like they don’t have faith in their own music to be compelling enough for people to make deep personal associations with (that they will look back upon fondly in 20 years). Instead they load up on pop culture references to capitalize on pre-existing memories/associations/nostalgia. That’s my take anyway.

  • Gangsta Bitch

    KNIX 102.5 in Phoenix reports that the king of country has adopted a new family member: a Golden. … The ‘Here for a Good Time’ hitmaker’s new best friend has been named Jammer.

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