Adventure 4 - What's on the Radio?

As a teenager I was listening to bands like Led Zepplin, Supertramp and April Wine.  When I moved to Calgary it took about three years and I was a Country Music convert.  It was about the mid 80's when that happened and thirty years later I'm still listening to Country with a bit of light Rock on the side.  Lately, over the last year or two, my radio has been turned off and and replaced with CD books by the dozen.  I found myself with no CD's to play and when I turned the radio on it was not quite on the station.  That gave me an idea for another adventure.  Let's give Calgary radio a once over. 

 

I'm scrolling through the radio one station at a time, each station for one day during my commute to and from work. 

 

February 3 -Shine FM 88.9

• Tag Line - Safe and Fun for the Whole Family
• Comments - Easy listening, Christian based music.  Advertising is based on Fun Family and Church.  Although I was baptized Roman Catholic, I don't follow any particular religion, but I did fine it uplifting .

February 4 - AMP Radio 90.3

• Tag Line - Playing all the Hits
• Comments - First song out of the gate - Lady Gaga.  This is a new station for me.  Times are changing.  Party music and ads for things to do in Calgary.  The world snowboarding even is at COP on Satruday and I just happen to be going there for a bobsled ride.  Maybe I'll check it out.

February 5 - CJSW 90.9

•  Tag Line - None that I know of
• Comments - This is an independant station from the University of Calgary.  Orchestra music is heard at 6:00 AM.  The sound of clapping lets you know the song is over.  The students are still asleep?  In the afternoon it seems to be jazzy or older style.  I'm not really up on what they were playing.  A mix of commentary (someone needs an 'uh' counter), and a little music for good measure.  I'm sure it's fun for the DJs.  I wonder what the size of their audience is.

 

February 9 - CJAY 92.1

• Tag Line - Calgary's Best Rock
• Comments - This reminds me of when I was in my 20's.  I would have been listening to this station then.....not now.  Parental Guidance Required.  From the grandmother of 6:  When the kids are in the car change stations. 

February 10 - X92.9

•  Tag Line - Calgary's New Rock Alternative
• Comments - From the music to the weather man, everything SCREAMS on this station.  I was relieved to hear the commercials just for the break.  Not for me. 

February 11 - CKUA 93.7

• Tag Line - CKUA - Original Radio
• Comments - Interesting facts about this station.  First in Canada to go online.  Out of U of A since 1927.  Listener supported and Non Profit.  Music ranges are Blues, Jazz, Classical, Celtic, Folk, Contemporary and Alternative.  I like the fact that they have a Celtic program between 6:00 and 8:00.  Read the 'About' page at their website.  I think I'll program this one.

February 13 - The Rig 96.7

• Tag Line:  The Rig, Whitecourt's Rock Station 
• Comments:  Whitecourt is in northern Alberta but can be picked up in Calgary.  Good rock tunes but I don't need to know what's going on up north.

February 14 - 96.9 Jack FM

• Tag Line: Playing What We Want
• Comments:  I worked this weekend and was listening to the Sunday show.  It was okay.  A good mixture of music.

February 15 - 16 - Mix 97.7

• Tag Line: Calgary's Mix Radio?  Not sure.
• Comments:  I really liked this mix of music and decided I would give this station an extra day of listening.  I may program my radio too. 

February 17 -  VIBE 98.5

• Tag Line:  Calgary's #1 Hit Music Station
• Comments - A lot of DJ chatter leaving less time for the music.  I find that happens a lot during the commute times.  There were a few songs I enjoyed.