Posted by John Lightning on September 30, 2009 at 11:00:43:
In Reply to: Rock and Roots Radio posted by Barry on September 30, 2009 at 10:23:12:
Imaging for a station that is somewhat eclectic and relatively diverse such as FUV has got to be more than a tad tricky.
Although often described as Triple A, that hardly seems to be the case. The station has always struck me a blend of mostly softer rock with folky and country flavorings added. How one markets such a format has long been their problem, and I cannot fathom how ‘Rock and Roots’ solves that dilemma.
When I hear the word ‘roots’ it conjures up the image of a station playing music that could be considered the ‘roots’ of Rock & Roll. As examples, Elvis Sun sides, Big Joe Turner, or the early Western Swing bands that helped shape what was to come, go quite unheard on WFUV, although musicians who have taken their cue from such artists and those influenced by them surely do get airplay there.
So what the heck does the word ‘roots’ signify? As one who listens to the station occasionally because it exposes me to new music by good new artists and some old favorites that are ignored by commercial rock radio, and because it does not recoil in horror at playing country and ‘roots’ rockin’ reggae at times, I find it a valued and necessary station.
But this new tag does not seem to accomplish the goal of branding the station in a particular or unique way. And I doubt it would compel anyone to want to check WFUV out. City folk was meaningless and had little connection to what the station played, ‘Rock & Roots’ hardly improves upon that bad tag. Your comments required and appreciated.