These clips were uploaded to the site earlier  but I have been able to improve the quality of the digital transfer and have included some additional content. Time permitting I may post updated and improved versions of other early uploads to the site.

The first clip provides a good look into the rock radio dial in Western New York during the summer of 1982. Things get started with selections played on the Import/Export show on WCMF FM – Rochester, New York with Unkle Roger hosting. Alternative rock and some of it never played in Toronto (cuts by The Dream Syndicate, Fleshtones, The Cramps and Chesterfield Kings). CFNY was not big on this type of garage rock but WCMF’s Import Export and WUWU gave well deserved exposure to the genre.

You also hear a bit of mainstream AOR by way of WCMF and 97 Rock from Buffalo All of the tracks are recorded off the radio but the announcements for some are missing unfortunately,

The best part of the clip is near the end when we hear Jeff Gordon on WUWU playing a comedy cut by George Carlin and a special dance mix of Our House by Madness called Madhouse.  Creative programming could still be heard in some quarters in 1982 and Jeff Gordon’s segment is a great example.

Listen also for a syndicated segment from Pete Fornatale of WNEW FM. He was one of the legendary free form Jocks and in later years hosted the “Mixed Bag” program on WNEW and WFUV.

The second clip features an interview on CFNY by Jim Reid with the Mael Brothers of Sparks during their 1983 tour with Rick Springfield. Their single Cool Places had been released recently and they discuss how they got together with Jane Weidlin of the Go Go’s and their work with the Belgian group Telex. Some interesting and prescient comments about rock videos at the start of the MTV revolution.

An XMAS set taped off Toronto’s Q107 and CFNY during December 1982. Taken from the same tape and the quality is not great. The CFNY segment was taken off two separate broadcasts.

You can listen to a longer and better quality CFNY XMAS broadcast on the site here and I still have part two of that one to post in the future.

Here’s a clean and longer segment of Q 107 from 1982 and some long stretches from the early 90’s here and here. There a bit more Q content on the site with more to come.

***A note to air check traders. Please do not record these air checks and try and trade. I have the original tapes many of which I recorded myself and thus the authenticity can not be in doubt and can be easily traced.

Another interesting air check from the Boston area AOR/Top 40 Hybrid WVBF FM from 1973. The first 17 minutes are all from one air check but the remainder consists of fragments. DJ’s featured include Ron Robin, Big John Gillis and Bud Ballou.

Listen for the commercial break starting at 9:30. I think that’s the Fortunes singing for coke and right after that you will hear an ad for the current Sly and The Family Stone album.