But What Was The Last Song?

Today, a great radio station was laid to rest. Those of you in the D.C. area that still listen to FM radio probably noticed it at some point during the day, but I didn't flip on Z104 until the evening commute home. When I was greeted to the soothing tones of some classical music instead of the usual mix of modern rock and pop rock hits that I've grown used to over the last few months, I knew something was up. Steve and I assumed that perhaps it was just a commercial, or an overriding signal from a brand new station. But, alas, as time went on, we heard the DJ welcome us to his new home on 104.1/103.9. The realization that it was a permanent change sunk in as I pulled into my parking lot, and it was solidified when I hurriedly checked the station's website, which only days ago held a plethora of playlist and artist information. It now hangs like a black and red memorial, thanking us all for listening. Wiki wasted no time in updating its related entry, giving us a little bit more insight into the whole situation.

I didn't move up here in time to enjoy the true power of WHFS before it turned into El Zol, but when Gina gave me the rundown of all the DC radio stations, Z104 quickly landed on my favorites dial. It always seemed to have the right mix for me, broadcasting songs over the waves from artists that I love but would never have expected to hear on the radio back home. The live Lounge broadcasts were amazing, too. What really makes me sorry is that I had just begun to discover what else the station had to offer on the weekends, like their block of brand new music on Sunday nights that cheated the usual radio rules. I might even go so far as to say that Z104 made me think that commercial radio could actually be good again.

I'm going to miss ya, Z. I'll try my hand at listening to some of the other stations some more, but I can't imagine they'll be exactly the same. I guess I'll have to wait until something else eventually comes along to take its place, assuming Clear Channel doesn't take over the entire universe. Either that, or it's time for some satellite radio.