All Karl. All the time.
On one fateful day, Lianne walked into the AUS Office and informed everyone that was present that XFM is now, or at least temporarily, "All Christmas Music, All The Time". We were all shocked. Not that anyone liked the station or will miss it, but, surprised at the sudden format change. I mean the owners must have been losing $$$ big time to make this decision.
I remember the buzz and aura created upon the arrival of this station. To promote it, much like today with the Christmas format, the station was blaring "alternative music" with no commercial 24/7. It was nice. I was anticipating the second coming of the old Coast 1040 format. I am probably revealing my old age at this moment. Way back when 1040 on the AM dial had Coast. Its format consisted of what is now termed "alternative", although back then I remember calling it either "underground" or "college" music. This was a time when "The Fox" and "101 CFMI" were pretty much the same, but, "The Fox" played way more metal and hard rock. A time when "LG73" was the #1 station in the lower mainland and almost all their DJ's were named "Hitman 'Something'". Sure, CiTR was around, but, I was not aware of its existence and could not get it on my crappy radio.
So this was the type of anticipation and expectation I had for XFM. I wanted a radio station that would play underground cutting edge music. What did I get when the format and DJ's were in place? The '90s type Z95.3 version of 99.3 The Fox. What the fuck!?! It blew! Their DJs were annoying and NOT FUNNY. Perhaps during the twilight hours they might play the obscure shit I'm into. Nope.
I'll give an example:
My ex-coworker was working the graveyard shift at his other job, the detox in the downtown eastside. He's listening to the radio to pass the time. XFM has requests because that's what radio stations do to fill dead air at that time. Being that he was an old-school punker from Montreal, he wanted some truly rare track, plus he too wanted to test how really "alternative" XFM claimed to be. So he requests some Killing Joke. Anything from Killing Joke, he didn't care what song; he just wanted to hear some Killing Joke. He was denied. Apparently, Killing Joke is not "radio friendly." Radio friendly? The only people listening at this time of the day are other graveyard shift workers!!! "Alternative" and "radio friendly"? What kind of "alternative" radio station was this?
XFM played the same songs, all time. The same songs you would hear on The Fox, Z95, and the Beat, not to mention the American stations. They were pretty much Z95 without the R&B. How sad is that? They couldn't even emulate 107.7 The End from Seattle. Everything XFM tried, both The Fox and The End did better.
So, what did XFM Bring to the table?
Music? Nope. The music selection was what everyone else was playing. Even their spoofs and parodies sucked. As stated above, it was done by other radio stations and it was done properly by these competitors.
DJs? Nope. Quite frankly, I hated almost every single one of them. The exception being Pam Stevens, who was from Z95 but I remember her for her cameos in the now defunct "Complaint Department" on Rogers Cable Access. Why do I hate them? They kept reminding of those people that were not cool in high school, but, kept insisting they were. Not in a good way either mind you. More like they tried to be funny by belittling people and the only ones laughing were them. Bastards. They were not funny. As much as they tried, they could not make me laugh. The most guilty of this offence was their morning show. Oh the pain I wanted to inflict upon that duo. They lacked innuendo, subtext, satire, or even sarcasm. How were they friends with George something-or-other from Much? Again, emulating another radio station and failing miserably. They were not Larry and Willy. As old as they were, they made me laugh. Crash and Pepper were/are/will always be lame. At least one-half of that duo is of the air. The other got a job at The Fox when Larry and Willy jumped ship. Damn. At least I can listen to Jack FM in the mornings.
If I were to give an analogy to illustrate my point, XFM was the "Vanilla Ice" of "alternative" rock stations. It started strong with a lot of hype and hoopla. However, when it came down to it, it had no street cred whatsoever.
Was there any good to come from the XFM experiment? Yes. This station forced all the other radio stations to re-examine themselves and adapt. It also, showed that there are untapped listening markets in the Greater Vancouver Area.
Who changed?
The Fox & Rock 101:
For the longest time, these 2 stations fought and battled for the rock audience in Vancouver. XFM came and threatened to blow them both away. This could have occurred. Unfortunately for XFM, but, fortunately for us CHUM bought CFOX, CFMI, CKLG, & CKNW. Each of these stations were allowed to revamp their identities (perhaps not CKNW). The Fox & Rock 101 were now allowed to chase after 2 separate demographics in regards to rock music. Rock 101 was now concentrating on an older audience with classic rock. However, The Fox was now focused upon the younger "New Rock" audience. Similar to before, minus the Led Zep, ACDC, etc. Furthermore, their programming was far superior to XFM. In addition to Larry and Willy, there were shows that catered to all niches. I mean they were playing hip hop on The Fox! I never thought I would see the day that would happen. Not just the odd Eminem or Snoop track either. They have a show dedicated to it. I think it is/was hosted by one of the guys in the old "Northern Touch" video. Now dear to my heart, they have their punk content hosted by Jenna Chow (she still doing it?). She actually tries to pimp local, Canadian, underground, and new acts. I'm sorry, but, you were not going hear bands like Bouncing Souls, Tiger Army, cub, or Young Canadians on XFM. They might not be "radio friendly" enough. And by far my favourite segment is this show that originates from Toronto. "The Ongoing History of New Music". This show brings everything full circle. It illustrates the influences and evolution of today's music and musical trends. Of course I'm a history major and into that sort of shit.
New stations?
Mojo:
Previously LG73 "Today's Hit Music", "Today's Best Music Mix", and for a brief period of time CKNW2. This station has gone through a lot since being the #1 radio station in town and having Z95 steal your format and audience, whereby, getting fucked royally. Now it is radio for men. I liked it when they had Tom Lykis. I went to the listening party. You know, for a sausage fest I sure saw a lot of tits that night. I even have pictures if anyone wants to look. At least, Bill Courage is working again. But, basically "The Man Show" meets radio. No one's thought of this sooner?
The Beat:
For the longest time, the only outlets for hip hop on Radio was via CFRO, CKZZ, Citr, and the American stations. So basically, you had to wait for the hip hop specific shows on college and coop radio or you needed good enough reception to get the American stations. As for Z95, my younger brother had a rule of thumb: If it is getting airplay on Z95, then he is no longer allowed to listen to that song no more. After many grueling years of petitioning and organization, Vancouver now has a hip hop station. Hopefully, they will learn from XFM and not fuck up. Plus, their old school lunch programming is pretty funkin' awesome.
Jack FM:
I believe someone said, "Holy shit! LG73 moved to FM!!!" The radio station of my youth is back. Sure there is no Constable Bob and his Morning Zoo, but, Larry and Willy will suffice. I guess the station's original KISS FM baby-boomer fan base is dying out.
TEAM Radio:
Coast 1040 has finally settled upon a radio format that may stick around and make money. Sports all day, all the time. If I need to listen to a game not offered by CKNW, then I can tune into here. I'm happy.
Happy Festivus & Later Days,
Karl
