SOUNDTRACK: Y-Not Radio (2011).
I received an email recently from Josh Landow. I know, who? Well, he went on to tell me that he and some friends had started Y-Not Radio.
I’m still trying to piece together all the details, but Landow was a DJ for WXPN’s Y-Rock radio. His email states that he and a bunch of other DJs left (or were asked to leave?) WXPN and started Y-Not Radio as Philly’s “real alternative.” What they have going on is strangely impressive for a station that has only an online presence. There’s also a disclaimer that (despite lifting and modifying the Y Rock logo) they are not affiliated with The U of Pa of WXPN.
The YRock Branch of WXPN is still operational. And, looking at the music they still play, it’s not that radically different from the music of Y-Not Radio (in other words, it’s all great current indie rock and old school alternative music). So, basically what we have is an embarrassment of riches from alternative radio online. Of course, I don’t really like listening to the radio online (except at work). I only wish I could get them both in on my actual radio.
It’s all a fascinating fight about indie rock and online radio. Let’s see how it plays out!
[READ: March 12, 2011] Babymouse: Heartbreaker
The kids at the library love Babymouse. And since I am greatly influenced by the opinions of fourth graders, I decided to read it as well. This is the fifth book in the series (but relax, they don’t appear to have any kind of thread that makes it hard to follow).
The basic set up of the stories is that Babymouse is a mouse in school. Her classmates are other animals. It’ hard to determine very much about the school or even the setting of where Babymouse lives because this whole book is about Valentine’s Day.
The most fun aspect of the book for me was the dream sequences. I’m not even entirely sure if the targeted audience would get all of the references, but I sure liked them. For instance, while Babymouse is wondering if anyone will invite her to the dance, she has a Cinderella dream sequence and a Snow White Dream sequence (which goes astray) and, my favorite, a Dirty Dancing sequence (“Nobody puts Babymouse in the corner,”) complete with a Swayze quiff on the male mouse. (more…)
I Just Read About That... 