Left Coast Versus Best Coast

I was born and raised on the East Coast.
In 1983 I moved to California.
I listen to NPR almost all day.
It is my best source of news and new music, anywhere.

The shows on the local NPR affiliate, KCRW (Santa Monica College) are wonderful. 'Says You ' & 'Left, Right & Center' are just two of the shows I follow regularly.

While I have been a supporter of KCRW for the last seven years I just recently changed my listening and monetary support affiliation.

WFUV - which is Fordham University's station. plays the absolute best new music on the planet.
They have many people on their roster who are the Grand Names in the NYC music scene. Listening to WFUV can be very reminicient of early NY FM radio (WNEW, anyone?) - I keep expecting Allison Steele, 'The NightBird' to introduce the next tune.

It may just be the difference between the coasts in that the Left Coast prides itself in being at the bleeding edge of new and hip. To the point where the daily play list is a hit or miss affair. Half the list will flat out stink & sink.
New bands with no following can get air time, which is laudable - exposure for new talent is a beautiful thing.
But someone composing the play list needs to exercise a touch of discipline and not play every single piece of drek produced in the name of 'new.'

On WFUV, the play list is well thought out and engaging. It is a rare day in which I find myself flipping the dial for "something else." And to dispel the notion that the list is not bleeding edge, a recent show featured such artists as Neil Young, Corrine Bailey Rae, Florence and the Machine, Citizen Cope, David Byrne and Brandy Carlile.

The only thing WFUV lacks is a easily navigated web site. There is no listing of current on air songs - they take a day to publish lists. The opening page is cluttered and confusing. Too many choices with no guidance. Many times, you must try the button to discover its function.
The DJs are also somewhat lacking. They seem, for the most part to be without enthusiasm. Some of the DJs sound as though they loaded up with Valium prior to going on the air.
Even though Allison Steele breathed her sultry voice over the air, her passion for the music was never in doubt.
These complaints are very minor...easily overlooked because of the great music they play.

I urge anyone who loves good music, not to mention unbiased news to support the NPR affiliate of their choice, no matter who it may be.