Radio station 100.3 FM going all vinyl for Jan. 21*

Radio station 100.3 FM ("The Sound") will do its part to usher along the resurgence of vinyl with a day of programming on Jan. 21 devoted to music on those circular black discs of yore. The album-oriented rock station will offer "Album Sides Wednesday" starting at midnight. It follows what was described as a successful test run of the concept in November, when albums including U2’s “The Joshua Tree,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” and Bob Marley’s “Exodus” were aired in their vinyl formats.

Station officials are allowing listeners to send requests for which albums to play during the 24-hour period, which will not be streamed, on the The Sound’s website. “In keeping with the spirit of radio,”  officials said in a statement, “the daylong program will only be heard via the airwaves.”  A spokeswoman said the plan is to continue Album Side Wednesday every other month.

-- Randy Lewis

*An earlier version included a typographical error on the date "Album Sides Wednesday" will happen. It will run for 24 hours on Jan. 21.

Comments

[Lee]

I've always detested compact discs. Sure, they don't warp when you leave them in the car. Yeah, yeah, they're easier to access tracks (no flipping it over.) And I guess the extra video information on some are okay. But they sound sterile. Especially on the low end. Bass should be a big roundhouse to the gut; not some quick karate chop. And even though the sonic engineers scream about "digital precision", the missing analog "warmth" renders their argument moot as far as I'm concerned. Like an inserted poster in your cd? They fold out to 12" X 18". Kinda missing that 2' X 4' Dark Side Of the Moon artwork that hung on your wall back in the 70's? You betcha. And speaking of "artwork", there were companies like Hipgnosis which made album jackets literally speak to fans. So, if you haven't thrown out all of your vinyl and they've been sitting patiently in your closet or garage waiting to be enjoyed again, by all means delve into them. Missing a turntable? There's been a resurgence by manufacturers and most are relatively inexpensive. And thanks to 100.3 for doing their part in putting the argument for vinyl on the front burner. A few ticks and pops never hurt anybody. Did I mention there are still some stores in the Southland which stock thousands of these orphans at ridiculously low prices? I won't be purchasing any because I already own roughly 5000 of those puppies... but my loss is your gain! Enjoy!

[Lee]

I've always detested compact discs. Sure, they don't warp when you leave them in the car. Yeah, yeah, they're easier to access tracks (no flipping it over.) And I guess the extra video information on some are okay. But they sound sterile. Especially on the low end. Bass should be a big roundhouse to the gut; not some quick karate chop. And even though the sonic engineers scream about "digital precision", the missing analog "warmth" renders their argument moot as far as I'm concerned. Like an inserted poster in your cd? They fold out to 12" X 18". Kinda missing that 2' X 4' Dark Side Of the Moon artwork that hung on your wall back in the 70's? You betcha. And speaking of "artwork", there were companies like Hipgnosis which made album jackets literally speak to fans. So, if you haven't thrown out all of your vinyl and they've been sitting patiently in your closet or garage waiting to be enjoyed again, by all means delve into them. Missing a turntable? There's been a resurgence by manufacturers and most are relatively inexpensive. And thanks to 100.3 for doing their part in putting the argument for vinyl on the front burner. A few ticks and pops never hurt anybody. Did I mention there are still some stores in the Southland which stock thousands of these orphans at ridiculously low prices? I won't be purchasing any because I already own roughly 5000 of those puppies... but my loss is your gain! Enjoy!

[Patty]

this seems to be a growing trend. several stations around the USA have tested. at the very least, it gets good press. we'll see if the audience notices anything!!!

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