NMTM Listeners Demand Fresh Music!

Coming off our stellar return show last Friday, Jim and myself (Mike Pop) are proudly presenting our 36th installment of Never Mind the Mainstream, only on 88.3 KUR. This week, you can expect some oven-fresh tunes from real up-and-comers in the genre: The Cribs, Japandroids, Kings Of Convenience, The Tallest Man On Earth, and The xx. We've also got the latest from the legendary Peter Gabriel, who will be releasing a compilation of covers titled Scratch My Back due out February 15th. We've also have plenty more modern tracks mixed in with our usual blend of classic alternative and indie rock tunes from yesteryear. Don't miss as we also spin songs to our favorite segments, including "The Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week", "The Mighty, Mighty Boss-Tune", and "The Punk Trunk!". Feel free to call into our studio line: (610)-683-4058 or IM us @ KURRequest. Folks, you're all in for another huge serving of great college radio this Friday 6-8 PM on KUR (and streaming live @ kur.kutztown.edu). Do not miss this program! Shout out to New York's 101.9 RXP Sunday night DJ, Rich Russo, who had a role in this week's "Punk Trunk!" selection.

Radiohead - "Optimistic"

1 Half Of NMTM On RXP Tonight!

A dream has come true for yours truly, if only for one night. Remember my ranting in months past about how New York City's 101.9 RXP saved my faith in mainstream rock 'n' roll radio? Well, Sunday night DJ and host of Anything, Anything, Rich Russo, has invited me to come in and see his show live tonight, from 9-11. I'm hoping we get the chance to talk a bit about college radio, the state of rock music, favorite artists, and more. It should be one experience I'll never forget and certainly a late Christmas present. Tune in tonight via their web-stream at 1019rxp.com. And for more on Rich's show, visit his site here. See ya then!

'Mats Chat With A Great DJ

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to get in contact with a great New York City DJ on the one-and-only 101.9 WRXP ("The Rock Experience"; by now, you know this is my favorite FM station). His name is Rich Russo and he hosts "Anything Anything", a show that plays obscure and underground alternative rock that spans decades and sub-genres, which airs on Sundays at 9 PM. We talked via e-mail about favorite bands, the direction of college radio, and future aspirations. It's always cool to hear professional disc jockeys talk about your favorite bands. This guy is awesome for being so connected with his audience and it's a rare characteristic I try to emulate with our show (remember our show?).

Here's what I said to him:

"Dear Rich Russo,

Excellent program, sir. The show makes my Sunday nights. You really do playing anything AND anything. I'm very impressed. And The Replacements - that band is my everything."

I said more, but do you really want to read about me gushing? No. You don't. Here's the response from the man himself (who also would love to have Paul Westerberg on his program in the future):

"the replacements are a special band and it's sad they couldn't get their act together, when i watch bands like wilco finally start to get recognition and get bigger and bigger, i just realize how big the mats could have been and even 20 years later, they'd be playing 5 nights at the garden...

thank for the kind words about the show and i have the best gig in commercial radio and i realize that, playing whatever i want on the airwaves in NYC."

I agree: the 'Mats at MSG!? It'd be bliss. And we'll just see how Wilco does with their fame; although, I don't think they had the edginess that Westerberg & Co. had which made them a classic alternative rock band (a good thing to an extent?) Tune into "Anything Anything", every Sunday on 101.9 WRXP, starting at 9 PM.

The Replacements - "I'll Be You"

The Replacements I'll Be You
Uploaded by Celtiemama. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Pinfield Back On RXP! & A Big Birthday!

After a brief stint in rehab, the legendary Matt Pinfield returned to radio and is back on the morning show and rockin' the airwaves on NYC's own 101.9 WRXP. What a great day for radio. Welcome back, Matt. We've missed you!


In other great news, I TURNED 21!!!

(Not me, but I did outlast my twin brother in a shots contest)

And while I was being served legally at a sports bar, I heard this song play over and over in my head throughout the night and all the way into the bitter hangover the next morning. Drinks on me, folks. I'll bring the beers.

The Clash - Spanish Bombs

Now off to being drunk and broke for the remainder of the summer.

Jim Adair's Take on IBS 2009!

"NMtM ain't afraid of no ghosts"

As Mike already mentioned, the IBS Conference in NYC was a blast. A lot was learned and more was drank. The conferences I attended will do nothing but benefit the station and our show in particular. They were:

• Friday, 5:00-5:55 : Social Networking at College Radio (a lot of cool ideas and info).
• Friday, 6:10 : Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex Tour (Springsteen's '57 Chevy Bel Aire? Yes, Please).
• Saturday, 9:30-10:25 : Voice Workshop (good info, but I was still half asleep).
• Saturday, 10:35-11:30 : Indie Labels and Your Station (great info, contacts, and a cute Asian girl).
• Saturday, 11:45-12:40 : Special Events For Your Station (okay session, guy repeated himself quite often).
• Saturday, 2:30-3:25 : Software Solutions for the Production Director (holy shit was this one good, I am so pumped to use that stuff he told us about here).

As Mr. Pop also mentioned, some beer was drank, and for that I'd like to thank our friends at the Blarney Rock, the unofficial NYC Bar of KUR.

Zombie death eyes for all.

All in all, it was a great time, with great people and great information for everyone involved. Even the shitty hotel room with the broken door and leaking toilet couldn't ruin it. Next year will be a blast as well, but until then, we are going to use everything we learned to make our show the best we can.

Three Days!!! Woo-Hoo!

We're only 3 Days away from the first show of the semester!!!

How does that make me feel?

Woo-Hoo!

Blur - Song 2

We Got Our Schedule! Same As Before! Repitition!

Believe it or not, this little number was a painstakingly long process.
I need to hire someone to do legit Photoshop jobs for us.
Wait: Blurry, too? Fuck this...

Okay, so some important things happened today:

1. President-elect Obama got sworn into office.
C-ya later, Bush. You were absolutely horrendous.


2. Ted Kennedy's health is sinking fast.
Another dead Kennedy. Not good.


3. Oh, and NEVER MIND THE FUCKING MAINSTREAM IS BACK!!!

!!!

We're excited. Can you tell? You know what's also sweet? I don't have to re-write too much, because we're on at the same time and day as last semester! Lucky us. But more importantly, luck you. What a momentous day. Fun posters and music news to come. People, nation, citizens, rock lovers, enjoy this hand-me-down post while I go grab a beer:

We got a pretty solid time slot and we're going to use it to the best of our advantage. Now, we're only on once a week, so get your alternative and indie rock dosage when you can. Here it is:

Every Friday: 6-8 PM!

Wanna know how to listen? Of course you do. Here are all the fascinating ways you can do so:

88.3 FM & 1670 AM (If you're in the Kutztown, PA area)
Service Electric Channel 24 (Kutztown, PA)
Hometown Utilicom Channel 41 (Kutztown, PA)
On The Web (via our web stream) @ http://kur.kutztown.edu

For more information and other fun stuff, head over to KUR's official website here.

We're excited. We're pumped. We're going to rock. And we're going to be on the air on...

JANUARY 30, 2009 (6-8 PM)!

You do not want to miss this. More to come. Peace.

David Bowie - DJ

We are DJs. We are what we play.

KUR Student Shows Go Live Next Monday!

Where the hell are we in this picture?

We're one week away from the students getting back into the KUR studio, folks. A lot of close friends of mine are getting excited to be back on the air, and for Never Mind the Mainstream, we have a lot of big plans. Like, a live band? Sick in the head, right? It's going to be epic. Keep it here for further updates. Also - requests? Comment and let us know!

R.E.M. - Radio Song

What a Great Year to be a Philadelphian.

First the Phillies, and now NMTM,; Philadelphia is just winning everything left and right. (Let's not talk about the Eagles).

Philly vs. NYC Show (Pushed Back 1 Week)

VS.

Only one can win. And your votes decide the winner!

Mike Pop will play music only from NYC and Jim Adair will play music only from Philadelphia.

Which is the better city?

THE SHOWDOWN BEGINS NOVEMBER 21st @ 6 PM!

The Fourth...on the 3rd!

Freak out! It's NMTM!

Hey everybody, be sure to catch the fourth installment of "Never Mind the Mainstream" tonight at 6 PM on Kutztown University Radio. Once again, to catch the live web-stream, go here: kur.kutztown.edu.

The show goes on 'til 8 and we have a stacked playlist of new tunes and premieres: Kings Of Leon, We Are Scientists, My Morning Jacket, TV on the Radio, Oasis, Cold War Kids, and much more!

Tell a friend! Hope to hear from you! (IM us at KURRequest or call in at (610)-683-4058).

September 26, 2008 (Playlist)

September 26, 2008 (Playlist):
"Our Third Show!"

*Jim's songs are indicated by the "J", and my (Mike's) songs are indicated by the "M".

1. M: The White Stripes – You Don’t What Love Is (You Just Do As Your Told).
2. J: Of Montreal – Du Og Meg.
3. M: Pinback – Blue Harvest.
4. J: The Manchester Orchestra – Wolves At Night.
5. M: Noah And The Whale – 5 Years Time.
6. J: Bon Iver – For Emma.
7. M: Coheed & Cambria – The Suffering.
8. J: Bayside – The Walking Wounded.
9. M: The Godfathers – Birth, School, Work, Death.
10. J: Black Flag – TV Party.
11. M: We Are Scientists – It’s A Hit.
12. J: Say Hi To Your Mom – Blah Blah Blah.
13. M: Jane’s Addiction – Been Caught Stealing.
14. J: Gogol Bordello – Wanderlust King.
15. M: The Offspring – Can’t Repeat.
16. J: Aesop Rock (Feat. John Darnielle) – Coffee.
17. M: MGMT – Electric Feel.
18. J: Belaire – Through The Air (Kanye West Cover).
19. M: Interpol – Obstacle 1.
20. J: Bruce Springsteen – No Surrender.
21. M: The Replacements – When It Began.
22. J: Billy Bragg – A New England.

*Background music consisted of various Explosions In The Sky songs from the following albums: "How Strange, Innocence", "Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever", "The Earth Is Not A Cold, Dead Place", & "All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone".

Thanks to all those who listened to us Friday evening! Don't be shy about calling in or IMing us your requests/shout-outs. We'll put you on the air! Plus, we're really nice guys.

September 19, 2008 (Playlist)

September 19, 2008 (Playlist):
"Our Second Show!"

*Jim's songs are indicated by the "J", and my (Mike's) songs are indicated by the "M".

1. J: Pela – Cavalry.
2. M: Tokyo Police Club – In A Cave.
3. J: Coconut Records – West Coast.
4. M: Death Cab For Cutie – Your New Twin Sized Bed.
5. J: Elliott Smith – Ballad Of Big Nothing.
6. M: Sufjan Stevens – Dear Mr. Supercomputer.
7. J: Pixies – Debaser.
8. M: The Breeders – Cannonball.
9. J: The Thermals – Pillar Of Salt.
10. M: CSS – Rat Is Dead (Rage).
11. J: M83 – Kim & Jesse.
12. M: Black Kids – Hit The Heartbrakes.
13. J: Bruce Springsteen – Darkness On The Edge Of The Town.
14. M: Sea Wolf – Middle Distance Runner.
15. J: Psychedelic Furs – Love My Way.
16. M: Echo & The Bunnymen – The Cutter.
17. J: The National – All The Wine.
18. M: Pearl Jam – Jeremy.
19. J: Vampire Weekend – Exit Music (For A Film) (Radiohead Cover).
20. M: Gnarls Barkley – Run (I’m A Natural Disaster).
21. J: The Mountain Goats – This Year.
22. M: Motion City Soundtrack – Even If It Kills Me.

*Background music consisted of various Radiohead songs from the following albums: "OK Computer", "Kid A", "Hail To The Thief", & "In Rainbows".

Thank you to everyone who tuned in! Tune in next week for another great set. And don't forget to call in or instant message us - we take requests all show long!

The Second Show is TONIGHT!

(This is 100% copied from an annoying Facebook message I sent to everyone in the group):

Hey guys, the second installment of "Never Mind the Mainstream" is tonight from 6-8 PM on Kutztown University Radio (KUR). And some of you have said, "I don't have a radio, so I can't listen". So, 1, get a radio (no home should be without it). And 2, you don't have to (and almost shouldn't) listen on FM or AM. Here's what you do:

Go to kur.kutztown.edu
Click on "Click Here To Stream KUR"
And that's it. You're all set.

It's going to be a great show. We got a great line-up on new and classic alternative tracks by some great artists and bands. Death Cab For Cutie, Echo & The Bunnymen, M83, The National, and Pearl Jam, just to name a few. So don't forget to tune for the entire two hours!

Also, feel free to talk to us on the air! Call (610)-683-4058 for our studio line, or IM us on AIM (our screen name is KURRequest).

Hope to hear from you. Enjoy the program!

Our 2nd Show Is Tomorrow, People!

6-8 PM tomorrow night. What the hell are you going to be doing? I'll tell you: you're going to be tuning into "Never Mind the Mainstream" on Kutztown University Radio!

Make sure you tune-in @ kur.kutztown.edu via our web-stream!
Or these other fine choices:

88.3 FM & 1670 AM (If you're in the Kutztown, PA area)
Service Electric Channel 24 (Kutztown, PA)
Hometown Utilicom Channel 41 (Kutztown, PA)

We got some new tracks, some oldies, but overall: we got one son-of-a-bitch-of-a-show. So listen to us for the entire 2 hours!

"The best alternative and indie rock on college radio."

September 12, 2008 (Playlist)

September 12, 2008 (Playlist):
"Never Mind the Mainstream Debut!"

*Jim's songs are indicated by the "J", and my (Mike's) songs are indicated by the "M".

1. J: Arcade Fire – Headlights Look Like Diamonds.
2. M: Public Image Limited – Rise.
3. J: The Hold Steady – Stay Positive.
4. M: Vampire Weekend – Campus.
5. J: Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin – I Think I Wanna Die.
6. M: Miracle Legion – The Backyard.
7. J: Throw Me The Statue – Lolita.
8. M: R.E.M. – Man-Sized Wreath.
9. J: Barton Carroll – Brooklyn Girl, You’re Gonna Be My Bride.
10. M: Kevn Kinney – MacDougal Blues.
11. J: The Knife – Heartbeats.
12. M: Santogold, Julian Casablancas, & N.E.R.D. – My Drive Thru.
13. J: The Smiths – Still Ill.
14. M: Dodos – Fools.
15. J: Built To Spill – Big Dipper.
16. M: Conor Oberst – Souled Out!!!
17. J: Of Montreal – Know Your Onion! (The Shins Cover).
18. M: The Ting Tings – Shut Up And Let Me Go.
19. J: Pattern Is Movement – Right Away.
20. M: Bloc Party – One Month Off.
21. J: Björk – All Is Full Of Love.
22. M: Radiohead – Videotape.

*Background music consisted of instrumental tracks from Bloc Party's first and second albums: "Silent Alarm" and "A Weekend In The City".

Thank you to everybody who tuned in to the left of the dial to hear the premiere. It was a great first show with a wide variety of different tunes from yesterday and today (and tomorrow!). Thank you for the calls and instant messages, too. Those were great. Tune in next Friday (6-8 PM) for another great set. And as always, for more information, keep checking this blog frequently. Talk to you again soon!

TONIGHT, TONIGHT!

This is it. We go live in less than 6 hours. How does that make you feel? We feel great about it. Here's how you can tune in to catch the greatness:

Go to kur.kutztown.edu
Click on Listen Live! (Back-up Stream)
Click away
Open your ears
Enjoy the noise

It's very basic, but man, is it going to be something else. We'll have a re-cap and playlist posted sometime after the show. Hope to hear from you! (AIM: KURRequest; Studio Line: (610)-683-4059).

Something glorious is going to happen!

WE GO LIVE! - TOMORROW!

That's right! 6-8 PM tomorrow night on Kutztown University Radio!

Make sure you tune-in @ kur.kutztown.edu via our web-stream!

GET PUMPED! You will not want to miss the best alternative and indie rock on college radio! It's "Never Mind the Mainstream"!

Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's Our Schedule!

Hey you, listen to this!:

We got our schedule for "Never Mind the Mainstream" on Kutztown University Radio (KUR). We got a pretty solid time slot and we're going to use it to the best of our advantage. Now, we're only on once a week, so get your alternative and indie rock dosage when you can. Here it is:

Every Friday: 6-8 PM!

Wanna know how to listen? Of course you do. Here are all the fascinating ways you can do so:

88.3 FM & 1670 AM (If you're in the Kutztown, PA area)
Service Electric Channel 24 (Kutztown, PA)
Hometown Utilicom Channel 41 (Kutztown, PA)
On The Web (via our web stream) @ http://kur.kutztown.edu

For more information and other fun stuff, head over to KUR's official website here.

We're excited. We're pumped. We're going to rock. And we're going to be on the air on...

SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 (6-8 PM)!

You do not want to miss this. More to come. Peace.

Microsoft Paint 95 - you never cease to amaze me.

Something Glorious Is About To Happen...

Greetings,

This here be the "introduction post" for our new radio show that airs exclusively on Kutztown University Radio (KUR). Here's a bunch of different ways you can hear us:

88.3 FM & 1670 AM (If you're in the Kutztown, PA area; otherwise, you can't hear shit.)
Service Electric Channel 24 (Kutztown, PA)
Hometown Utilicom Channel 41 (Kutztown, PA)
On The Web (via our web stream) @ http://kur.kutztown.edu

Eventually, we will get going on a Podcast. So look forward to that.

A little about us? Ok. Well, we are both students at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (middle of nowhere, but so what?) Jim is a sophomore and myself (Mike Pop) am a junior. We both met and got to know each other through the radio station here and realized our similar tastes in alternative and indie rock (as well as other interesting genres of mainly rock music). This blog was created to give our audience some insight on our show, post our own opinions/thoughts/feelings on radio, music, people, places, events, life, (whatever, etc.) and to give us something constructive to do when we feel the need to blog. This should be pretty fun.

We look forward to starting up our show (dates and times to come on an upcoming post) and hopefully taking this blog to a really cool and potentially popular level. So join us!

Before I save this post and publish it as our very first, here is a video of my buddy Jim and I (among a few other KU friends) at a recent Bloc Party show in Philadelphia. They played at the TLA in front of a smaller crowd and completely blew everyone away. We are big fans of these UK

P.S. I am seen at 3:09 stretching to the height of the Statue of Liberty on top of some fellow Bloc Heads, while Jim is seen crowd-surfing at 4:10. Keep watching: you'll see more of our friends dancing, surfing, and going nuts to the greatness that is Bloc Party. post-punk/dance shy-guys and have seen them twice. This song in particular "The Pioneers" is a fan favorite and album closer on their first LP "Silent Alarm" in 2005. Enjoy.