The Day the Music Died? Not Yet

By: Jay Minkin
Date: 04/03/2008
Times really are a changin’. Actually, I should be quoting Don McLean. I tend to receive holiday gift cards to stores that sell books and music—for obvious reasons. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Sometimes, I’ll even send an extra thank you note (in like July), after using some of my card balance on a special purchase.

Recently, I walked into my fave store with list and card in hand, only to find that the shrinkage of their allocated space to music had reached Titanic proportions. I said to myself “The Day the Music Died” and walked out empty handed.

In addition, the well respected music magazine No Depression will cease publication this May after 13 years. Advertisers in the industry were cutting back and the publishers decided it was time to move on. Nobody covered American music like these folks, and they will be missed. For readers who enjoy listening to artists who can’t be found on local radio airwaves, it will be even more challenging to discover the poets of my and my daughter’s generations.

Ah, but the world is not that bleak, my friends. Some of you may remember growing up in homes with a “tenna-rotor” to receive television signals before getting something called cable television. Radio is going the same route—about 40 years later.

Satellite radio is here and offers outstanding commercial-free music and programming. Interview sessions, in-studio live performances, and some outstanding DJ’s— which include the likes of Bob Dylan and Tom Petty—are scattered across their dials. Many new cars have satellite radio and the streamline audio of your favorite channels can be heard online with your subscription. Portable units allow you to listen when hooked into the car, plugged into your home stereo, and even while walking your dog.

In addition, local radio stations are getting ready to unveil a high definition signal, which will be a separate “sister” station that can only be heard on a special HD radio. One advantage for satellite radio is when you travel out of the Northeast Ohio area you continue to stay locked into the signal.

I’ll turn you on to some great musical finds next time or we can chat if you attend the Cleveland Women’s and Family Expo. I’ll be at the Mimi booth on Sunday, April 6th from 11-2 at Michaud’s in Strongsville. Or maybe I’ll see you next week at the Jesse Malin concert. Buddy Guy? Dale Watson anyone?

Reach Jay at blues4bird@aol.com.

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