Thursday, December 20, 2007
Mr. West Fan’s Strike Back
Labels: 101.9 The End, Chelsea Sucks, Mister West, Mister West Fired, Mr West Contract not renewed
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Change is inevitable, but this one hurts, and it is very significant when looking at the history of SLC alternative music stations. Salt Lake City has always had an unusually large group of alternative music lovers for a city that has typically been behind the times in other things. Mr. West has been an integral part of this history. I've listened to every permutation of this station since the KCGL days. KCGL, KRP, KRPN, KJQ, X96. I was at the Berlin concert the day KCGL died and Biff and the DJs got on the stage to say they'd be back. This was back when 99% of the world hadn’t heard of U2, and the word “alternative” hadn’t been coined to describe our music – New Order, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Joy Division, Thompson Twins, Yaz. I remember being crouched over the radio on Sunday nights when they could only afford a few hours of air time in the evening on some random station. But eventually, when the rest of the world clued in and alternative music became not so alternative, a lot of the core people came back and prospered. Infighting, feuds, and competing stations aside, there is a core group of people gave us music that for a number of years you couldn’t find in any store. Many of these core people have faded into different markets/professions, but some have continued to exist (at least up until recently) at 101.9 The End and X96. No station has ever lived up to KCGL standards, but then again, who could? The bar was set pretty high because the commercials were few and the DJs were playing the music they loved. They were gods to us; it was real radio. But you've got to make money to stay in the game, right?
Mr. West, you are missed. Together, you and Chunga had at times wit and timing that could make me laugh out loud. The Saturday Night Cold Case days were some of the best radio I've ever heard. We were always listening to you when we were out on the town. It was as good as Bill and Kerry's original KJQ morning show when Brett (Chunga) was their lackey. No wonder he has such an inferiority complex going. Unfortunately, without you, Chunga's act is weak, repetitive, juvenile and boring. He's just not funny anymore. I find his unfounded arrogance and name dropping too much to bear without you to balance it out like only you can. His acting is laughable (good luck with that endeavor there Brett, maybe you'll land a gig at a nice dinner theater somewhere if you really focus your boundless talent) and his lack of sincere self-deprecation in the face of his arrogance is his undoing. Unfortunately guys, my kids and I had to stop listening to you months ago when Chelsea started chiming in. She's a disgusting excuse for a woman and is witless. Chelsea, if are reading this, if you can in fact read, go DJ at a strip club where you belong. Actually, you and I both know you're not even qualified for that. I've started to listen to X96 exclusively now instead of switching back and forth during commercials. Gina, Bill, Kerry, thanks for letting me listen.
Parker, I find it hard to even waste my breath on you. Your ignorance and disrespect for the unique culture and history of SLC alternative music listeners is unforgivable. Will you please just run the station into the ground as quickly as possible so SLC can be done with you? Artie is 10 times the DJ and talent you'll ever be, because you're a no talent poseur. Artie, I'm sorry about your Mom my friend. May she rest in peace.
Mr., is there bad blood between you and x96, or could you maybe land a gig over there? Todd, Kerry, Bill, anyone listening over there? Isn't there a job over there for Mr. West?
I suggest that rather than anyone wasting time on an email campaign aimed at 101.9 that will fall on deaf ears on a sinking ship, maybe we can appeal to X96 to carve out a niche for one of their own. Anyone agree?
Parker grates on my nerves also. I hate Chelsea. What a whore?