First Listen: QRockRadio.Com
Written May. 26, 2009 by Sean Ross in Content + Internet Radio with 1 Comment
More than a year ago, we used the HD-2/Webradio launch of CBS' "new" WNEW-FM as an occasion to ask what other "throwback stations" our readers might enjoy. The more than 50 suggestions were mostly legendary major-market stations -- WLS and WCFL Chicago, WRKO and WBCN Boston, WFIL Philadelphia, KVIL Dallas, KDAY Los Angeles -- with a few cult faves like Long Island's WLIR thrown in. Only a few medium-market stations made it through, mostly big-signal AMs like WLAC Nashville, KAAY Little Rock, Ark., WTIX New Orleans, and WAPE Jacksonville, Fla.
But somebody has been carrying the torch for WKZQ Myrtle Beach, S.C., in its '70s and '80s incarnation. Thus the recent launch of QRockRadio.com, a broad-playlist '70s/'80s Classic Hits outlet meant to recall the station (now a Modern Rock outlet) in that era. Unlike a lot of the Internet radio stations of like intent, "Q-Rock Radio" has been hosted (on the two occasions we listened), has jingles, and is doing a more fully realized job than many of trying to sound like a real station that just happens to be on-line.
I've listened to Q-Rock twice now. (Market veteran The Freakin' Deacon is on the air as I speak and sending shout-outs to Newport News, Va., which had its own "Q-Rock" [WQRK] in the '70s.) At times, it sounds like one of those radio reunion weekends with everybody still getting their bearings again. Then again, so did WCBS-FM New York for its first few weeks back on the air. It's a project of definite merit. And for the many mourners of the seemingly unrelated KKSF San Francisco, it's proof that no heritage station's legacy need languish indefinitely on The Infinite Dial.
Here's Q-Rock at 11:40 this morning:
James Brown, "Living In America"
O'Jays, "I Love Music"
Abba, "Dancing Queen"
Michael Jackson, "Human Nature"
Badfinger, "Baby Blue"
Blues Image, "Ride Captain RIde"
Archie Bell & Drells, "Tighten Up"
Culture Club, "Karma Chameleon"
Grand Funk Railroad, "Bad Time"
Madonna, "Who's That Girl"
Bee Gees, "Jive Talkin'"
Olivia Newton-John, "Physical"
Molly Hatchet, "Dreams I'll Never See"
Joni Mitchell, "Help Me"
Barry Manilow, "It's A Miracle"
Reader Comments
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I've been listening to qrockradio.com since they launched last week and I have to say that they are the best radio station I've ever listened to! I LOVE the mix of music and the DJ's are awesome. I'm telling all of my friends about it and I can honestly say that once I figure out a way to listen in my car I will never listen to local radio again. I get tired of hearing the same 4 songs over and over and in the morning you can't find any decent music because of all the talk!