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.