the Peanut Whistle

Stop the Ringing!

2012-01-11T10:07:00.000-05:00

So long, 2011. Let’s bring on the new year. The last few posts have been few and far between; so sue me.

I go through cycles of obsession and revulsion with my interests: my four blogs included. Since October, blogging in general has been cast aside for the noise of the holiday season that began with Halloween and ended around January 9th. Last year still ringing in my ears, I swear ‘12 will be a moving forward year concerned with the here and now building a better future for my family. The Peanut Whistle will attempt to reflect the change.

2011 overwhelmed me with looking back at my past; so I have, at least metaphorically, turned down the static. I will continue to post articles that inform young readers who have an interest broadcasting based on my old war stories (after all, that is the subject of this blog.)

Speaking of blogs, let us welcome into the Peanut Whistle archive all of last year’s posts from the Board and Gospel Aircheck, both of which I have discontinued. I’ve cut back the workload from 4 to 2 weblogs.

As promised, I will tell about my most recent radio related foray which unfolded last Autumn. With some of the events yet to play out, it seemed premature posting it. In fact, the experience soured me on the radio subject in general. (This may be the reason this blogger needed a sabbatical.)

Stay tuned

Warts and All

2011-11-15T12:52:00.001-05:00

Imagine knowing with absolute certainty that the good ‘ole days really were not all that good. One of the best tools I have had over the years is an audio tape diary I kept in my teens. The most consistent batch of these tapes sweep a two month period in the spring of 1984, just prior to my high school graduation in June of that year.

The kid on those tapes is alien to me: moody, overly-sensitive, and rigid. Not at all like I am in my “maturity”.

Most people do not have the luxury of actually replaying their youth in crystal clear stereo. The obvious topic of the diary is my fledgling radio career. Each daily entry features a scoped aircheck of the day. Looking back, I was an ungracious host for my listeners on my afternoon gospel music radio show. “I’m tired of playing this song,” I’d complain openly on-air, “It has one more chance.” When you made a request to my show you were almost punished for calling the station. I was learning to juggle a new career, the pressures of graduation, and teenage social drama.

I cringe at the thought of my formative years. By the next year, with school behind me, I had ironed out many of the rough edges having learned through self-critique. Man, it’s painful now listening to those old shows. To my credit, I was making it up as I went along. At this first station, the deejays had free reign minus any accountability. Honestly, I wouldn’t have lasted very long at a real radio station.

In 2011, the diary still serves a purpose: honest reflection, warts and all.

Stay tuned.

The Bridge

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Although it was (and still is) a great idea, Christian Country failed to make an impact on Religious radio when it first emerged in the late 80’s. The notion of mixing musical styles and creating a new art form is how many great genres got started. Rock-n-roll would have gone nowhere without a solid foundation of Rhythm ‘n Blues and Hillbilly influences; throw in Gospel rhythms for good measure. Christian Country blended Southern Gospel and CCM producing a hybrid that sounded a lot like progressive Country music not dissimilar to modern artists like Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum, and others.

Traditionally Southern Gospel, The Dixie Melody Boys (at the time known for their hits, Antioch Church Choir and Good ‘Ole Boys ) moved toward a more contemporary direction, introducing a decidedly more electric sound. The band had flipped from a very traditional quartet to Rock-meets-Country and now called themselves the DMB Band. Under that moniker, they produced at least two albums, Run Little Brother and Streetwise, both very good records (probably their best.)

Unfortunately, Christian Country was a flash in the pan, and DMB Band reclaimed their former identity.

Today’s audio post is a commercial I voiced for a DMB Band concert held at a venue I provided: my home church. Turnout at the show was great, but my conservative pastor was soured by the experience. He had seen a roadie smoking a cigarette, outside on the church grounds and vowed that they’d never host a similar event again.

Additionally, the promoter had hired a no-name local SG group to sing on the bill along with DMB. The clash in style and quality of presentation was evident. It was Nashville polish meets wannabe garage band. I enjoyed the show, but was embarrassed for DMB due to a perfect storm of poor planning. It was not the crossover bridge I had envisioned (lesson learned.)

DMB Band Tonight

Stay Tuned.

What’s the Frequency?

2011-10-24T08:14:00.000-04:00

Back in September 1986 my station put me, at age 20, in charge of conceptualizing how our new CCM format should sound. I did my best coming up with new imaging. In reality, using a young guy on such an important task was probably a setup. Should the new format fail, who else was to blame but the kid. I tried duplicating the sound of popular FM stations across the dial who had professional voice-over artists produce their jingle packages. Using top CCM hits of the day, I made a few low budget station legal ID’s; adding my own personal touch. Presented today for the first time. Download here or press play below.

J900 Legal ID’s

Stay Tuned.

Instant Lost Aircheck

2011-10-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

Overlooked for years, today’s recording is a gospel aircheck from September, 1984. Being a deejay in a mild coastal climate has its perks, like hurricanes. This capture of WWJD 900 AM in Savannah, Georgia illustrates how Hurricane Diana threatened the Coastal Empire back then. Fortunately, the storm passed over the area without significant damage. It also demonstrates a first attempt at instant play requests: just another day at the office. Download here or press play below.

10 September 1984 WWJD 900 Khz (scoped) Panasonic RX-5030

Stay Tuned.

Navigate G.A.

2011-10-17T11:30:00.000-04:00

Here’s a note for all readers: the newly remodeled Gospel Rewind blog site is full of multi media content, especially audio. Make sure to link on over to the actual page for the full experience. That goes for those of you reading from Facebook, a reader, or even e-mail. Currently I have the latest half dozen or so posts just under the header. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page you’ll find nearly all the Gospel Rewind shows we’ve done since 2009. In the sidebars we will be adding new stuff occasionally as well. Happy blogging.

Stay tuned.

Rocktober’s Silver Anniversary

2011-10-16T16:31:00.000-04:00

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the last official board mix aircheck I recorded at gospel radio home number one, “J900”. Listen below or download here.

16 October 1986 Unscoped J900 Aircheck Neal Rhoden

Stay tuned.

Full Circle

2011-10-14T09:01:00.000-04:00

Today I was looking back on my youth. (So what else is new.) In “Rock Even a Mom will Love”, a post from 2009 we talked about a pivotal concert going experience I had in 1985. A newspaper reporter observed those 26 years ago that although this was your typical smoke-and-mirrors rock show, comparable to Michael Jackson or Madonna; it was a show where he remarked, “area kids…[took] mom and dad to a rock concert.” At the same time parents exposed their children to “loud, modern music with a Christian message.”

In 2011 there is no major Contemporary Christian Music crossover acts comparable to 1985’s Amy Grant or Stryper that I can take any of my 4 kids to see. Currents CCM artists just don’t do the big shows anymore. Despite the critics who called these acts sellouts, I think it was good for our kids and culture at large. Christian music needs exposure outside our churches and into the big venues again. Listen to the radio commercial for the 1985 CCM show; slick production values with secular crossover appeal.

14 Oct 1985 Amy Gran Concert

Stay tuned

Tradio Radio

2011-10-05T08:44:00.000-04:00

While reviewing old posts I stumbled on this gem from 2009 about a unique feature of many small radio stations across the rural USA—Swap Shop. I realized one glaring omission: I failed to mention the Swap Shop on my third radio home, WDCY. By September, 1990 management decided we start one of these shows. Along with morning obituaries, the Birthday Club, and birth announcements we were the ultimate small market cliché.

If you have 15 minutes to spare, gospel radio home number four is shown on this YouTube video I made a couple of years ago. There is a brief segment shot during Swap Shop.

The Grand Tour, WBKI in 1993

Stay Tuned.

Technorati Tags: small market radio

Dead Links

2011-09-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

No I’m not talking about breakfast; although some Hillshire Farm ‘Lil Smokies® or Polska Kielbasa sausage sound good about now. The kind of links I mean are the audio samples oft times featured in Gospel Aircheck. Basically there is a file sharing service that I use to store my audio and it provides an Internet link so you can either download or play directly from the blog.

It irks me when one doesn’t work—the dreaded dead link. I depend on a file to be 1oo% playable all of the time. Last post I presented an old commercial that no longer plays. What’s funny is that the adjacent file is just fine. What a mystery.

This is a round about way of saying that it would be nice to receive feedback when this happens. It keeps me on my toes. I have already discovered a few more bad links myself and am in the process of firing the culprit. Links will be repaired when and if possible. For now, I’m hungry. Pass the syrup.

Stay tuned.

Re-imagined

2011-09-26T09:47:00.000-04:00

Like anyone with a somewhat artistic temperament, once I create something I am never finished with it. Recently, we warmed up the old Gospel Aircheck studios to revisit an ancient piece of copy I wrote in 1984 for the inaugural Christian Youth Skate we discussed last time. The script became a 30 second spot that I also provided the voice-over for. The Music bed was an overlap mix of two songs our management restricted from airplay because they were judged too hot. It’s hilarious that Water Grave by the Imperials and Home of the Lord by Sandi Patti (duet with Russ Taff) were taboo because they sounded a lot like rock music on a mostly Southern Gospel station that in reality played everything from the Happy Goodmans to Amy Grant. Gospel 90 had an inconsistent standard when it came to music selection, to say the least. Label the format more “psycho variety” than anything else.

Anyway, the point is that I used my music bed selection as a deliberate stab against this hypocritical system. Somehow, if a song had a strong drum beat or an electric guitar solo, it was a no-no. The Youth Skate gave me license to rock (yeah, right.)

Back to the present: not necessarily in this order, I remixed the original music bed, taking bass licks and drum beats, digitally enhancing and looping them. Next, I added stereo effects (laser blast stingers) and manipulated the sound by re-panning some of the original elements until the music sounded unlike it ever did before. I didn’t use my 1984 reading of the copy. We used a Sennheiser MD-421 mkII (mid-90’s vintage); the same type microphone I had at the station for the new vocal track. In 27 years my voice has changed quite a bit, so it can be considered a completely reimagined version done just for the heck of it. The 1984 original can be downloaded here and the newly redone skate commercial here. Or just click below. See what you think.

1984 Original Christian Youth Skate, press play

2011 Reimagined Christian Youth skate, press play

Stay Tuned

Ready to Roll

2011-09-24T21:44:00.000-04:00

My first Christian skate parties have been crazy fun writing about, but what leads up to the actual parties is also what makes my teen years so captivating in my, ahem, 40’s.

I forget exactly how I, with only a year deejay experience, am chosen to host the Christian Youth Skate in that summer of ‘84, but my personal theory is that at 18 years of age I am considered a natural for the job. My intestinal butterflies notwithstanding, the show goes on without a hitch.

Todays post is about my “controversial” music selections, all of them still in my archive these 27 years later. My station manager gives me an enormous stack of CCM albums our predominately Southern Gospel format excludes—a windfall for me. My favorite discovery: Sweet Comfort Band, Perfect Timing (I occasionally listen to that record now.) These record company freebies, courtesy of Gospel 90, also include the phenomenal Age to Age by Amy Grant (especially the crowd pleaser song, Fat Baby). This set of promotional Lp’s also adds Petra's wonderfully bizarre Not of this World, one of my early ‘80’s favs.

Some of the crowd (represented by buzz-kill adult chaperones) are not pleased by the heavily rock and pop-influenced Contemporary Christian I play. But, who can dance or skate to elevator music? In response, I crank-up the speakers to drown out the fuddy-duddies. If its too loud, you’re too old, pal. Not that I am a rebel; to the contrary, I have a hard time shedding my shaped-note, four part harmony heritage as well: mixed emotions. But I maintain an open mind. It sounds closer to the current top-40 I, as a teen, secretly listen to. Looking back, in those days most local church youth groups have yet to emerge from stodgy traditionalism. To them CCM is merely a substitute for “evil” secular music. The beat, in and of itself, is seen, by association, as of the Devil. (A famous television evangelist makes that assertion in a CCM magazine interview and, ironically, falls from grace amidst a very public sexual scandal in 1988. Many church leaders of the era consider his views Gospel.)

Not to cast stones, I never have understood why many Southern Christians reject, and downright fight this Wonder Bread wholesome style of music performed by Honest to Goodness Believers and I probably never will. Another theory: this televangelist sees CCM as a threat to his livelihood, at the time peddling his own brand of gospel records. Everyone has a hidden agenda.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil”—1 Timothy 6:10 KJV. Translation: greed is evil, not matter what Wall Street says.

The skate parties have sparked a life-long love of the genre. The Youth Skate only lasts a summer, but the musical treasures remain—priceless.

See the original post that inspired this story at our sister blog: Aircheck.

Stay tuned.

What Now?

2011-09-23T13:26:00.001-04:00

Unfortunately, nothing good (luckily also, nothing bad) lasts forever. The Peanut Whistle will go on but I am afraid radio broadcasting as I have known it is on its last legs. I have been blessed to spend a relatively short time in the industry. Roughly from May, 1983 until August of 1995—12 years. Even in 1983 radio, particularly AM, begins a terminal decline. However, it isn’t until 1996, following the consolidation of radio when I see the final nail in the coffin. Large conglomerates are now allowed to gobble up little stations in all markets into a cookie cutter clusters centrally programmed via satellite, voice tracking, the list goes on.

Stations like my first are victim of “consolidation.” The memories only remain.

The radio dial pre-1996 is a wonderfully diverse place. Yes, there are some really bad ones thrown in with the good; at least, to me, the diversity makes this ancient business much more appealing then than now.

The point is moot. Internet services like Pandora (which I use more than real radio for music, anyway) are actually getting better ratings in our top ten markets than over-the-air broadcasting. The future is on the Web, obviously.

The Next few ‘Whistle posts will chronicle my 2011 journey back to the present day: my futile struggle getting back into radio. Maybe you can’t go home again.

Stay tuned.

Joyful Noise

2011-09-20T19:29:00.000-04:00

Recently I attended a music convention held for the last decade or so in Louisville, Kentucky. Previously, it took place in Music city USA—Nashville, Tennessee (from 1971-1993). It began in various towns all throughout the southern United states including Memphis, Birmingham and my home town Atlanta, Georgia.

The National Quartet Convention is a week long event aimed at Southern Gospel music fans. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007 and shows no sign of slowing down. Music overload, jam-packed with everything SG. I’m wore out, but loved every minute.

One more item off the old bucket list. In 2012, the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards® return to Atlanta, this blogger intends to be there as well.

Keep it in the red.

All Together Now

2011-09-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

What first sold me on the 2011 National Quartet Convention, although I’m not a huge SG fan per se, was the fact that the Gaither Vocal Band were hosting an Afternoon Showcase performance. Not only were the current lineup singing, but it was a reunion of all the past members (except for Guy Pinrod, conspicuously absent.)

Angie and I made it just in time for the show having traveled six hours from Atlanta. Thank God for GPS. Cracker Barrel, and rest stops. Boy was it worth it! The impromptu nature of the set was thrilling to hear; as though Bill Gaither was arranging as they went along. For us this Thursday Session was the highlight of the whole convention. Gaither Vocal band has always successfully blended southern and more progressive sounds. I have followed GVB since their early ‘80’s inception and continue to be a fan although they were a little more Contemporary Christian in the beginning. This is a group not easily pigeonholed. In the early 90’s Gaither shifted his emphasis in a more southerly direction. But, that is alright.

Most fans are familiar with the Reunion video series. Gaither has done an excellent job preserving the best of our southern heritage. On Friday, the NQC presented the entire Reunion cast in a heavenly choir. Despite the cramped seating in Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Expo Center the whole experience, at least musically, was a lifetime dream fulfilled. More on the other performances in future posts.

Stay tuned.

Four Part Harmony

2011-09-19T12:23:00.000-04:00

for long time readers of Gospel Aircheck, welcome back! I felt this was the perfect time to return to one of my favorite topics, southern gospel.

As a youth I was knocked out by Contemporary Christian Music at a time when most of my peers had never heard of Petra, Amy Grant or the Imperials.

Up until then I had cut my teeth on the likes of the Oak Ridge Boys, The Happy Goodman Family, and especially Andrae Crouch. In those days it was all gospel music to me. The various styles had yet to splinter into the sub-genres we know today. These days it seems that the Dove Awards are the only place the divergent forms mix—never mingling on the radio anymore.

The older I get, the more the music of my formative years draws me back. Don’t get me wrong I still love to rock but the soothing nature of voices in harmony against a simple musical accompaniment comforts these aging bones.

Recently my wife Angie and I spent our second honeymoon at the 2011 National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. We had a great time. Both of us share a love and passion for gospel music. Like Donnie and Marie Osmond she’s a little bit Country and I’m a little bit Rock-n-Roll (rest easy, the two of us aren’t related.) The point is one balances the other. The NQC has been something I wanted to do since I first heard of it nearly 30 years ago. The next couple of posts will detail our adventure.

Stay tuned.

Positively Rockin'

2011-08-28T09:21:00.000-04:00

Not that anything I know about broadcasting is applicable in today's Internet/computer driven business model, it does ignite some spark for my new show Positive Rock on the World Wide Web.

Will it detonate or be a dud?

The Board will share the process as it unfolds. After all, this is only my part-time gig.

Keep it in the red.

Burying the Needle

2011-08-27T19:31:00.000-04:00

Vinyl's resurgence lately has me scouring local thrift stores for records that I got rid of many years ago when I decided to switch over to CD's. Good news: I have found many that I discarded (or sold) in haste yea those eons ago; now in 2011, all of them were less than a dollar! And a few were still unopened in their original shrink wrap. I don't know who would keep a record unopened for 30 years, but...thank you.

Humans run on analog sound. Currently there has been a backlash from audiophiles fatigued by the clinical precision of digital. Me? I see value in both methods of sound recording. Analog for its forgiving nature (often adding flattering colors to original sound) and digital for its ease of editing without generational loss.

Not intending to revise history, 25 years ago I really saw the compact disc as a step forward. Nostalgia is part of the needle-in-groove mystique; right now I am all wrapped up in the good old days.

Keep it in the red.

Bailing Wire and Duct Tape

2011-08-01T10:05:00.001-04:00

Two years ago I posted Beam Me Up Scottie. It was about a the raggedy little 5kw radio station where I got my start as a disk jockey and button-pusher. There we faced numerous challenges, including frequent power failures due to thunderstorms; so frequent, in fact, that one of my associates on the FM side once quipped, “someone could pee down the street and we’d go off the air.”

I never quite figured it out. I don’t believe that our chief engineer was necessarily bad. The owners were cheap.

Case in point: one time our studio location (not the tower site) had a power failure that would have crippled us for several days. Our engineer remedied the situation by installing a generator. The problem was that he had to use a very small gas powered affair that was more suitable for a campsite rather than all our office lights and equipment. Every time I played a commercial from a cart machine the audio was comically slowed down and the lights dimmed (the electrical load was just too much for the little putt-putt generator.)

Like a surgeon forced to use a butter knife, our engineer did the best he could with the resources our frugal owners provided.

Stay tuned.

A Higher Education

2011-07-16T14:37:00.001-04:00

Coming from the School of Hard Knocks has its advantages. There is also a downside: gaps in knowledge. Take my old radio career. I was not a rube. I picked up a lot on the job, but I always felt something was missing. In 1983 I was trained by someone who himself had learned on the job—no formal broadcast education. He was opinionated and ill-informed in a lot of ways. His attitudes and beliefs rubbed off on me, this impressionable 17 year old. Most of my real education came from the trade journals of the day, including: Billboard, Radio World, Broadcasting and countless other specialty publications; just like I had learned how to hear with a critical ear from Stereo Review, Audio, Mix and EQ magazines. For a while after graduation I interned at a very small recording studio supplemental to my disk jockey work. I assumed college would be redundant. After all, I was enrolled in the University of Life majoring in my own cherry-picked curriculum.

By 1989 I was at radio home number 2. At this time the station hired a hot-shot station manager that was going to turn around our failing enterprise. The owners had, by this point, exhausted two other managers who had big dreams too. The station had been for sale since 1987 and I was ready to throw in the towel. The new guy was different. He had a real college education with a degree in communications—the only associate of mine ever with that distinction. Thankfully he filled in a few gaps in my understanding by patiently working with me. My on-air performance grew to the point that I no longer resembled the nervous teen of only 6 years previous. I finally matured and sounded pro. In 1990 the station sold. The new owner never appreciated the best manager that station ever had, eventually demoting and firing him. By 1991 my role diminished, so I left as well.

By 1992 I was working with my favorite manager again, still learning from him. Regrettably, the station was on a weak signal in a very small town so all efforts were basically in vain. A year later radio home number four had become a memory.

Today, the public library and the Internet have become my university. Many of the remaining gaps are quickly filling; too little, too late. Now it’s all academic.

Stay tuned.

Back to the Money Room

2011-07-13T17:07:00.001-04:00

“This room pays the bills.” One of my 1980’s radio cohorts used to say. Amen to that; the radio production room is where the local commercials are recorded and prepared for broadcast (except the agency spots produced by outside studios, which are dubbed to another tape for airing).

Spending the majority of my radio experience in the religious format stations shielded me from the dishonest practices of my secular counterparts: payola, shady barters, etc. We had to fight for every dime of revenue and often leaned on the crutch of brokered time preacher show for an overwhelming majority of it. A good 30-40% of our day was preacher shows. That gave me plenty of time to hone my production skillset.

I learned an amazing amount in a short period of time on the analog gear of the era (not state-of-the-art even then.) My limitations were actually better for my development in the long run. 2011 digital whiz-bang gadgetry would have stunted my growth; I’m thankful in retrospect.

Having said all that, here is a concise look into my typical production method(s).

Start with the copy (or script of the commercial). It is usually typed, double-spaced and in all CAPS, read through a few times. In 1993, I began practicing reading copy into a small Panasonic tape recorder before the actual production began. Prior to this I would do a cold read or two into the Reel-to-reel in production. If I got it in one take: done. If not: record over and over again until “perfect.” The practice reads were a real time saver. Literally. 30 second spots had to run exactly 29.5 seconds 59.5 for a 60.
Then, choose a music “bed.” Most of my stations had purchased large libraries of cheesy royalty free background music and sound effects on vinyl albums. Many of the stations I worked for used real music, probably illegally, I plead ignorance.
Next, I set the levels. The vocal first with the ubiquitous tape delay echo. Then, the music bed (if any) set so it did not drown the messenger.
Now I would record to the “master” tape. ¼ inch tape running at 7.5 or (later) 15 ips.
With all of this assembled I would dub the master take to another tape, a broadcast cartridge (or “cart”) for use on the air. Although in later years, for better quality, I skipped the reel-to-reel and went direct to cart.

With all of this rigmarole taken care of, I forgot to make an archive copy for my demo reel. Often I would make cassette copies of the carts for posterity; they are few and far between. The cassette dubs were sometimes muddy third generation copies until I had the foresight of going direct to cassette simultaneously with the open reel or cart direct recordings. In the late 80’s I felt cassette was the best archival medium, due to the impending obsolescence of reel-to-reel. I have only a miniscule fraction of my total production output committed to the archive. With hard disk drives today I suppose all my commercials would be saved. God help us.

Stay tuned

Say Again?

2011-07-12T10:24:00.001-04:00

It’s summer, time for re-runs. For our younger readers: back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, new television shows were seen in a season that lasted from about mid-September (coinciding with new car model introductions) until late-May (when we all were excused from our studies for summer break.) During the summertime, TV repeated the previous season’s episodes; these shows were re-runs.

For a TV nut such as myself, summer was miserable waiting for the fall return of my favorite shows. On the flip-side, I seldom recall a show airing a repeat episode during the regular season. Today’s TV is different, re-runs are telecast throughout the regular season and new shows are regularly aired in the summer. Some of the new shows are exclusively premiered during these hot months.

Angie and the girls are enjoying the new season of Big Brother on CBS while I excuse myself to nap. I had rather sleep than watch this crap. I can’t wait until September when the real season starts.

Stay tuned.

Retro Modern

2011-06-24T16:02:00.001-04:00

Here I go again. Going forward with my Hi-Fi Console idea.

First some (very brief) history: For many years from the early 1950’s up through the mid-70’s various manufacturers; General Electric, Magnavox, Curtis Mathis, Zenith, and many others made all-in-one stereo cabinets. Usually these units resembled fine furniture. What set apart these credenzas from their solid wood counterparts was what they concealed. Underneath their lids were automatic record changers, AM/FM radios. Some hid behind faux drawer fronts reel-to-reel and 8-track cartridge tape players. Some contained color TV sets flanked with fairly large loudspeakers.

They had a warm, soothing, booming sound most people associate with tube electronics (although the newer consoles were solid state.) Credit the large, hollow cabinet space for most of the boom boom.

Inspiration for my idea comes from an article I read in Stereo Review many years ago about a woman who had such a console updated with audiophile quality components and speakers, replacing the old works while retaining the original appearance. It was like dropping a 351 cubic inch v-8 in a Ford Focus. Ever since then I have been inspired to do a similar project (both with a compact car “sleeper” and a stereo, I might add.)

The record players, amps and speakers in these vintage units were not all that special to begin with. For example, I hate record changers. They are overly complicated, mechanically. They are noisy. And changers damage vinyl records by stacking them one on top of another.

But I love the look and finish of these consoles. The furniture aspects are aesthetically appealing. Why these units fell out of favor is a mystery. Blame component rack systems and the public’s desire for portability. Whatever the case, this retro look can’t be beat. Instead of chasing an original unit I have decided to design and build my own console stereo. Here are some of my ideas:

make it a “modular” design so components can be swapped.
conceal the components while providing adequate ventilation and access.
use standard 19” rack mount professional electronics: tuner, amps, CD player, etc.
utilize heavy duty drawers to slide electronics in and out of the cabinet, especially for a turntable, due to the need for easy top access

By the time I am finished the project it will probably evolve into a custom entertainment center cabinet. Here’s to the process!

Stay tuned.

The Hi-Fi, Final Chapter

2011-06-21T13:49:00.001-04:00

Appraisal

The project is underway first with the rat’s nest of wiring. The half century old harness is in surprisingly good shape; all solder joints still intact. Very little rust is present. Dust and grime are abundant. Using this unit daily would be problematic, so I choose to trash this fire hazard wiring.

When I energize the unit in 2009, the radio performs well on both AM and FM although the switching between sources is quite scratchy and inconsistent (volume, tone and selector switches need contact cleaner). The ancient tube amplifier powers the built in speakers just fine with more than acceptable fidelity. Audio out of the left side of the cabinet is distorted on bass sounds (I suspect a cracked woofer.) The left loudspeaker is water damaged beyond repair. I keep the right one for a souvenir. The automatic record changer is useless. Even when new it was not exactly state-of-the-art. By 2011, I need a new game plan as far as the electronics are concerned. I decide to purge the contents and start with an empty carcass. What is left concerns me.

Conclusion

On close inspection the hi-fi actually looks better than it is. The unit is made with birch plywood with a rosewood veneer, mostly ½” with a few ⅛” panels. The only solid wood appears to be a long board that reinforces the back and the 4 tapered legs turned in late ‘50 modern style. The top is distressed from years of storage and abuse. The finish has long lost its sheen. A peek underneath the lid reveals what the cabinet must have been in its former glory.

The deeper I dive into the console, the more I am convinced to scrap it altogether before drowning in an unrewarding money pit. Realizing that the old GE console is more of a family relic than a truly vintage representation of hi-fi art, my mission now is to find a better example then restore it. Better yet, I will design and build my own.

Stay Tuned.

The Hi-fi, Part 2.0

2011-05-31T09:58:00.001-04:00

I have returned to my entertainment center as a project that combines my woodworking skills (or lack thereof), electronics knowledge, and radio wiring expertise.

This stage in the game is my planning phase: taking photos and making measurements. Some of the crazy things that I have considered for the 50 year old cabinet are; a complete restoration of the original tube electronics, dropping in new “guts”, replacing the old works with a professional grade turntable of the period, or just modifying the case for a more universal purpose.

Considering budget and the fact that the console was water damaged during long storage, the latter option was the preferred route. I intend to reinterpret the design and use the hi-fi as a home for my present am/fm receiver, speakers, HDTV, and Blu-ray player.

Stay Tuned.

Click on photos to enlarge in new window.

The Money Room

2011-05-05T01:00:00.000-04:00

Continuing our tour of my second radio home, let’s walk in to the adjacent “Production Room”. This is the money room. All of the commercial spots were cut here. Shoebox shaped, the area accommodated up to two announcers (2 booms with Sennheiser microphones).

Effects were limited to vocal compression and tape echo. But the studio sounded superb thanks to the Urei board, Otari and Tascam tape decks. Vinyl playback was on the coveted Technics SP-15 Turntables. Most commercials were mastered on ¼” tape, then dubbed to the Audicord Cart Recorder; although, sometimes I would go live to cart. The station was all balanced professional broadcast equipment. No consumer level gear was used. (That’s me rocking the mike in 1988 from production.) I spent the majority of my work day there. More freedom and creativity spurred my affection for this place.

Despite its small size the WSPZ production room was, in a word, cool.

Stay tuned.

Technorati Tags: Broadcast Radio Equipment

Virtual Tour

2011-05-04T13:21:00.001-04:00

Today is the first installment of what will become a permanent page on our companion Aircheck Blog. Since no video tour was shot of my second radio home like WBKI on YouTube was, Peanut Whistle presents a look at my control room from radio home number two in Atlanta (Douglasville, GA), WSPZ in still photo(s). The owners had just remodeled the station with new equipment. I was in Hog Heaven.

Here’s a brief list of the Goodies:

Urei 1683 8 Channel Stereo Console (control)
Urei 5 Channel Stereo Console (production room)
Otari MX 50-50B 2-Track Analog Tape Decks (2)
Tascam 122B Audio Cassette Decks (3)
Belar Modulation Monitor
Electro-Voice Sentry 100a Studio Monitors (4)
Technics SP-15 Turntables (4)
Sennheiser MD-421 Microphones (2)
DBX 160x Compressor/Limiters (2)

Enjoy the tour.

Stay Tuned

Technorati Tags: Broadcast Radio Equipment

Restomod

2011-05-03T16:02:00.001-04:00

I was inspired by car restoration hobbyists for my most resent idea: “restomod.” You see, some people actually have enough cash to turn a junk yard jewel (hint: sarcasm) and transform it into a true classic. Rust buckets all over the world have be resurrected. Purists insist on ground up restorations with “numbers matching” parts. In other words, these cars are returned to factory fresh condition with original parts.

Another camp of car enthusiasts subscribe to a different philosophy—modification and restoration or restomod. Basically, they obtain a donor car (usually just a body) and build it up with modern high performance parts. The resulting car winds up resembling the original, but it drives, handles, and performs on par with modern state-of-the-art vehicles.

On to my idea. This combines two of my passions, cars and broadcast radio equipment. What if I find an old fashioned radio mixing console, gut the electronics and replace them with today’s best professional audio components. Most of those old boards were very roomy inside, like a ‘57 Chevy, and would lend themselves to extreme modifications. The exterior would be restored to original factory fresh appearance and function; the best of both worlds, classic ergonomic design with stellar 21st century sonics. I would fill my fantasy studio with such equipment, like the console pictured above. It’s an old Broadcast Electronics Spotmaster, the one I learned on. It was maintenance deferred, sounded like crap, but was easy to “drive.”

Recently, I stumbled on a guy who has done this. Here is a link to the site for photos and more information.

Stay tuned

What’s a Chirbit?

2011-05-01T16:21:00.001-04:00

So I am toying with a new service on the Internet that has been billed (by an anonymous source) as the audio equivalent of YouTube. Well, Jim O’Neal (my one time radio moniker) has a new account with this site. It is called Chirbit. Listen here or press play in the side bar (available for a limited time.) This is a promo done by the famous Speer Family for a southern gospel music show on my second radio home.

Stay tuned

Audio Alchemy

2011-04-28T15:08:00.001-04:00

During my first 4 years in radio I worked in a studio wired for monaural sound only. Stereo aircheck recording was not feasible with the available equipment. However, in 1985, I used a small “disco” mixer to make stereo mix tapes for personal use. Previously, I experimented with re-routing the left and right outputs of a single turntable to the two mono pre-amps then into program and audition respectively; successfully recording in stereo. This method was cumbersome because the left and right inputs were controlled by two separate knobs on the board (one routed to audition, the other to program.)

The studio’s Technics SP-15 turntables audio cords were re-routed from the usual phono pre-amplifiers to the small (cheap) stereo mixer. The diagram on the right is a speculative idea of what if I had used this set up to record an actual aircheck. Using this type mixer would have been real world challenging due, in part, to its inability to switch on and off monitors and microphone.

By 2009 I had the ability of digitally isolating the live vocal portions of my original aircheck recordings and carefully synchronizing in stereo music from CD’s and other digital files (mp3, wav, etc.) It was impossible to remove all unwanted mono audio. Some “phasing” between the new stereo and old mono occurred.

With this in mind an alternate wiring path would have been preferable for future “stereo rebuilds”. The simple diagram to the left illustrates an easy method of electrically isolating the DJ microphone from the (mono) music and other prerecorded elements of my shows. The isolated vocal tracks could have been later used to assemble a true stereo mix, either analog or digital.

Stay tuned

Rockin’ the Mic

2011-04-20T11:46:00.001-04:00

Once again the Peanut Whistle returns home. Last post I shared the news of my newest venture in voice, a small production at my home church honoring the Easter season called the Choice. We’re pleased with the results. Friday night’s performance went off without a hitch, although the turnout was less than expected (about 110 attended besides the cast and crew.) Sunday’s event played to a near capacity crowd. Considering that we only had a week and a half to prepare the play was well executed both times. As far as my narration, Friday felt better. Video was recorded; I hope to review and share it here at a later date. If the play has been posted I will share some highlights here.

Stay tuned.

Back in the Air Chair, Sort of

2011-04-13T11:23:00.001-04:00

A few days ago Peanut Whistle took the “Traveling Microphone” (thanks Paul Harvey) to metro Atlanta Georgia. It seems I have been asked to narrate an Easter presentation for my church. So far the process has been a bit more challenging than previous endeavors.

When working with volunteer talent one is faced with various levels of expertise. One thing learned over the last several years is patience with those, shall we say, less experienced in the arts. It is a big theatrical presentation that our director, the music pastor (also in the role of Jesus), has taken on the unenviable task of overseeing. As for me, the narrator’s booth is really the most cushy job I’ve had, except for the mentioned patience challenge. As we say in the South: “Bless their hearts.”

Stay tuned

Stalled in the Blogosphere

2011-04-07T09:23:00.001-04:00

Two years ago we intended to write much more frequently. The Peanut Whistle was originally a way to present my war stories from the world of small market radio and my other pursuits that stemmed from it. Now it’s 2011 and most of my stories (many of them 25+ years old) have been told (and often retold.) What now? Make new stories.

In 2009 we started an experimental Internet radio station called the GRIN. It flopped after a short time; although, along the way, we gained a few loyal fans of my particular radio show. Some local folks never knew I was in radio, not expecting me to be the big voice behind the mic. As a result of my recent exposure on the web I have been asked to narrate the Easter program at my church. I will once again be in the booth reading copy--this time around actually seeing my listeners. I begin practice tonight.

Stay tuned.

Phoning it In

2011-03-14T13:59:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the Peanut Whistle. I am phoning it in today. No, I am not being lazy, this is just a test of the Blogger post via text.

Stay tuned.

Flirting With Country

2011-02-03T12:35:00.001-05:00

In 2010 we posted the following aircheck recording. It is 2011 and the 20th anniversary of this particular show for my alter ego, Jim O’Neal. Just a bit of insight: most of the radio staff had been fired and I was now on-air 6 days a week. The station’s boneheaded owner was flipping our religious music format to Country. The change was a closely guarded secret. Monday, February 4, 1991 (the day of the format flip) is on the second half of the recording which is preceded with O’Neal’s last Saturday Morning Addition Show to feature Southern Gospel music. Download here or press play below.

Feb 2 and 4, 1991 Jim O’Neal Morning Edition

Stay Tuned

Polar Opposites

2011-01-21T16:12:00.001-05:00

Long ago I prepared a show that I intended to air. The goal in my young mind was an in depth expose into the debate hot, at the time, among Christian believers—musical style.

In the final analysis, there was no clear winner. Some felt that my station should play only one genre of Gospel music typical of which was lots of Country twang and four part harmony. Another style rich in tradition; represented by soulful singers such as Mahalia Jackson, the Winans, and Shirley Caesar. Then there was the Top 40 derived Contemporary Christian Music that, at this time, was very hot nationally. Amy Grant was queen and had just seen major crossover appeal into the mainstream (secular) market with exposure on the Top 40 outlets of the day. Additionally, a few CCM artists actually had their hits played on MTV. Arguably, the mid-1980’s was the apex of the genre’s popularity.

September 1986, my station was about to flip to a Contemporary Christian format in the afternoons. Today’s Gospel Rewind Podcast is the culmination of a quarter century of prep work. My listeners were passionate in their beliefs. Hear the debate in their own words for the first time anywhere from the request lines 25 years ago. Down load here or press play below.

Gospel Rewind “CCM Debate”, Episode 1, season 3

Stay tuned

Format Wars

2011-01-21T08:53:00.001-05:00

Right now we are in the planning phase for our first podcast of the 2011 season. Here is a peek:

Several years ago this blogger hosted an afternoon music show on a radio station reputed to be a mixed bag of divergent religious formats. Many listeners were subjected to: Southern Gospel, Black Gospel and CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) blended on the same show. Infighting among believers over music is not new. We hope to tackle the polarizing affect musical style has had on the Christian community. Most of what Peanut Whistle has learned is from my personal audio tape archive in addition to print and Internet resources. Forever the instigator, In 1986, I filled a 90 minute cassette tape with candid listener comments on this issue. Callers from both sides of the aisle chimed in; so far, the discussion plays back as an intelligent and balanced debate. Distilling all this information into a 15 – 20 minute podcast is a challenge.

Stay tuned

Forge Ahead

2011-01-04T12:58:00.000-05:00

Inexplicably, radio has beckoned me. In 2011 the radio bug's bite is less potent. First stung in 1983, I grew into my late 20's certain that my radio career would never end. 1995, now 29, a new retail career captured my attention. Little do I know, the next 13 years are spent away from radio entirely. In my mid-40's, real radio in decline, I begin a blog retelling my teens and twenties in broadcasting.

2009 I start the GRIN, an experimental Internet radio station from home along with its companion podcast. I scrap the 24 hour stream and concentrate on an irregularly scheduled podcast show. Ultimately, I lose interest in both.

It is 2011. This year the Peanut Whistle podcast intends a rebirth, of sorts; refocused and re-imagined. Stay tuned to this channel for the new show. I promise less retrospective, more entertainment. That is all we will reveal, so...

Stay tuned.

Last Minute Reprieve

2010-12-27T00:00:00.004-05:00

Due to a last minute spike in our ratings, The Peanut Whistle has been brought back from cancellation. Also, this weblog has become easier because of the addition of another author: my sweet seven year old daughter, Abbey. Yesterday she wrote about our first white Christmas in the typically mild climate we live. There has been no measurable snowfall on Christmas day since 1882, that's 128 years. If it can snow on Christmas in Atlanta, then I can change my mind about this blog.

Stay tuned

My First White Christmas

2010-12-26T08:49:00.003-05:00

Yesterday it snowed. It looked so beautiful. Me and my brother played in the snow. we made two baby snowmen and Luke made a snow angel.We cleaned off the snow covered cars.

Yesterday was the best Christmas ever!

Duh

2010-12-06T19:26:00.001-05:00

About this time every year—at least here in the Northern Hemisphere—it gets cold. To most thinking people this climate change comes as no surprise. The mercury drops naturally in late autumn into winter. This would seem logical to most people. That is what we call “common sense.” The news media treats the transition as if this is something completely novel. This morning I was watching my local ABC affiliate pronouncing, “It’s cold, but it’s really colder than that.” What on Earth does that mean? Yeah right, Wind Chill Factor must have been the meaning of this charming non sequitur. Give me a break. I know it is cold; just walk outside.

Stay tuned

Get a Job, the Final Chapter

2010-12-02T10:40:00.001-05:00

A short while back in the Whistle I wrote about a job interview that I participated in. It has come to my attention that the individuals who interviewed me for the position had done very few, if any, of these sessions where a panel of four would ask questions. They were pre-written inquiries that each department head asked. With due respect to the job, its requirements were less of a challenge to me than almost anything I had ever done. I believed that the job would be a shoo-in.

My qualifications were more than enough. My answers were quick, concise and honest. But the company, call them “Acme”, went another direction. They didn’t even have the courtesy of a return phone call. In times past, I was on the other side of the interview being the one who hired. My training dictated that we remain neutral during the process—not giving up hope or despair to an interviewee, no matter how good or bad he seemed. We were instructed to say to each applicant at the close, “Thank you for coming in, we are interviewing others and we will make a decision soon. If you have not heard from us in five days then assume that we decided to hire someone else.” That is one policy my former employer got right. Finding a good job seems impossible these days. Acme Corp needs to get their act together. In fact, corporate America should invest in the best person for the job without regard to age (especially) or any other factor. I say damn the quotas! Get some experienced individuals in position.

Now I’ll step down off my Acme® Soap Box.

Stay tuned

What Now?

2010-11-30T19:31:00.001-05:00

Here we are at the end of another month. My, time flies. Keeping up a daily blog is a chore this time of year. I feel like it is in a constant state of development and evolution. Right now, I am considering 2011 and how the Peanut Whistle will change. One thing is for sure; we will become a more “general interest” weblog. Along with my original Aircheck blog this little enterprise will have a broader appeal relying less on themes that had previously captured my attention. True to my nature, this blog will reflect my own constant flux. I have gone through many phases and suppose this won’t change as I mature.

Stay tuned

Mugshot Bull

2010-11-15T20:27:00.001-05:00

For the last decade and a half, I have worked in specialty retail wearing many hats. Most of that time was spent as a manager of some of craziest characters around. In 2007, One particular individual stands out. This guy named Richard, 81 and still working, claimed to have spent his youth running Prohibition Era booze for Al Capone then dashing off to WWII, having lied about his age.

His stories were very entertaining. Looking back, my research (and some basic math) have proved that the gangster stories, at least, were apocryphal. You see, Capone was active from the early 1920’s until 1931. If my friend was 81 that means he was born in 1926, making him five when the Boss of the Chicago Outfit was imprisoned. Unless Richard was Indiana Jones and Forrest Gump rolled up into one, his stories just do not add up. By the way, I have some beach front property in Nevada to sell.

Stay tuned.

Jack Wagon

2010-11-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a commercial from Geico Insurance that I love. It reminds me of the Eagles song Get Over It, especially the line: “I’d like to find your inner child and kick its little a—”

But I digress. The anti-psychobabble sentiment of this ad is the same.

R. Lee Ermey Geico Commercial

Stay tuned.

Get a Job, Part 2

2010-11-11T15:19:00.001-05:00

The recession has done a number on each of us. In years past many found work quite easily. Many of us in our prime are faced with taking jobs for which we are way overqualified. And recently, I heard of new college grads taking starter jobs that would seem beneath us a generation ago. I do not envy these kids. A degree is no guarantee (to coin a phrase.) I entered the job market during a recession. Fortunately, we had Ronald Reagan to rescue us.

Stay tuned

My Story

2010-11-10T11:30:00.001-05:00

Here is a article written in 1966 from an Atlanta newspaper by a friend of my dad’s. It gives some background into my story. It is clippings such as these that provide some great family history research for my book project (in the making.) View and download here.

Stay tuned

Little Peanuts

2010-11-08T10:57:00.001-05:00

Last weekend was a blast! The kids had the best Halloween, ever. With the three youngest ones now all old enough to truly enjoy the holiday, they have really been a pleasure to watch. First on Saturday, the 30th was dress up for “Trunk or Treating”; then, on the 31st they found a—ahem—well to do neighborhood for traditional “trick-or-treating”. They all made out like bandits. Special thanks go to our 15 year old who helped mom get them there.

Our middle daughter was positively giddy going as Frenchy from her favorite movie, Grease. Our boy and baby girl were a hit as Mario and Luigi from the popular Mario Bros. Nintendo video games.

Stay tuned

Peanut Promo

2010-11-07T15:42:00.002-05:00

Here is our latest "shameless plug" of this blog. Take a look or go YouTube for the video if you have trouble viewing.

Stay tuned

©2010 Neal Rhoden, The Peanut Whistle Weblogs. All rights reserved.

A Thousand Views

2010-11-06T16:39:00.001-04:00

For many of you keeping track—and it’s really sad if you have—the YouTube video tour of one of my radio homes has reached well over 1,000 views. Link on over to my channel, Jim O’Neal has added a couple new videos there. Here’s to a million!

Stay tuned

Brrrr!

2010-11-05T08:34:00.000-04:00

Although it seemed the day would never come, cold weather is here! Global warming: yeah, right.

Stay tuned

Click to Play

2010-11-03T11:55:00.000-04:00

Make sure to explore the contents of this blog. If you currently subscribe through a reader we invite you to follow this link to our site. We have the podcast archive, pages,links and more for you to see.

Stay tuned

Big State, Little Store

2010-10-30T12:59:00.001-04:00

We all have dreams. Some come true. Such is the case of my late grandparents. My mom's parents Ekron and Grace spent several years running their own neighborhood store in Lufkin, Texas. The article we're sharing today is from their local newspaper. I added some photos took on a visit out there in the early 90's. The store remained unchanged every time I returned. The store is no longer there, but serves as a charming throwback to a bygone era.

Download the article here.

Stay tuned

The Beatles of Gospel

2010-10-28T08:15:00.000-04:00

Repost from Gospel Aicheck blog December 2009:

A super group took the stage exactly two years to the day prior to my entry into the world. Jake Hess and the Imperials, a hand picked gathering of superstars of the gospel music industry. A band of ringers that included: Jake Hess on lead, Gary McSpadden on Baritone, Sherrill Nielsen tenor, and the incomparable Armond Morales with his trademark silky bass. The night was January 16th, 1964 in Hadleyville, Alabama, Jake’s home town. Gospel music was never again the same. This group was different, they sounded modern. A little too different at first for some. Jake is quoted as saying, “I don’t think we’re going to do it.” Armond lent some encouraging words, “Don’t limit God.” In a March, 1989 article from CCM magazine celebrating the groups’ 25th anniversary, the late Jake Hess concludes, “…If it hadn’t been for those three little words I don’t think there would be an Imperials today.”

Although singers came and went the Imperials sound remained consistently great. They backed Elvis Presley on stage and record, accompanied Jimmy Dean and many other stars of the music industry. The group has numerous Grammy and Dove awards; and in 1998 they were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. They’re the Beatles of Gospel.

Founding member Armond Morales suffered through a battle with cancer a while back and relinquished the Imperials’ name to son Jason and a new generation of singers. Now the original group is known as the Classic Imperials. Following a miraculous recovery, Armond continues the heritage began in ‘64 along with Dave Will, Rick Evans and Paul Smith.

In 1983 I made my first Lp purchase for my new stereo. The record was Stand by Power by the Imperials featuring then new lead singer Paul Smith. The album produced many hits including: Lord of the Harvest, Because of Who You Are and Stand by the Power. I have been a fan ever since.

Of course I knew of the group through my dad’s record collection. He had a scratchy mono Lp copy of the first record, Introducing Jake Hess and the Imperials. As a teen I was thrilled to spin their new record that was in itself another triumph in redefining the Christian music art form. Somehow they managed to outdo themselves with every new album just as No Shortage, One More Song for You and Priority had done.

In December 2009, I had the opportunity to chat with new lead singer Rick Evans. We had a delightful conversation via Facebook about the forthcoming new album. I asked Rick how the new project was going, he said, “[It’s] a long process, but we are getting closer each day.” I replied that I could identify seeing that the creative process can be time consuming, my radio days and nights were often spent in countless hours on one 30 second spot. “We are lucky to be have a record company that is willing to take the time to make this right,” Evans continued. I asked if he could give me any glimpse into the songs included on the project. Rick replied, “Very different. We used some of the best writers in Nashville. They came up with a work of art. The record will actually be a journey of a person’s life. It is a cool concept and will be wonderful introduction back into the music marketplace.” Kind of like Styx and some of the other “concept” bands of the ‘70’s I jokingly referred. Not missing a beat the Classic Imperials new lead singer responded, “No actually you are on the right track. It is more like the Beatles and the Lonely Hearts [Club] Band thing. It will be GREAT!”

“It was twenty years ago today,

Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play

They've been going in and out of style

But they're guaranteed to raise a smile.

So may I introduce to you

The act you've known for all these years,

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.”

Funny how the Classic Imperials started about the same time the Lads from Liverpool made it big in the USA. The good news is we still have the Beatles of gospel here and now. Thanks to Rick and all the Classic Imperials for not only entertaining us, but more importantly ministering in ways those other guys never attempted.

Stay tuned.

Light Chop on the Inland Waters

2010-10-27T10:50:00.000-04:00

One of the fond memories of broadcasting in a coastal climate is reading the marine forecast. "Choppy waters tonight" must have been important to our fishermen, although I never understood the term. Today we are reposting a blog from August of 2009 concerning one of my radio heroes and adding a sample of his work that we recently found and edited for podcast on YouTube.

The radio station I listened to most as a kid was Z-102 in Savannah, Georgia. Now, I realize that the station was only another Z-100 New York clone. This CHR format over populated the FM dial all across the USA in the 1980’s. Yes it was derivative but I enjoyed the station and copied their style often when I became a Contemporary Christian Music DJ. One unique element of good old WZAT-FM was Burl Womack. His show “Breakfast with Burl” was on my car radio every morning on my way to high school. Burl was allowed to play Southern Gospel music along with Adult Contemporary and hits of the day. Strange combination of styles but it worked! Burl had the number one show on the number one station in the market for years.

Womack was a mature man with an easy going style and mellifluous baritone. He’d get to a point in the show where he would pour another cup of coffee (a sound effect from a cart tape, no doubt) address the topics of the day, read the school lunch menu and, as best as I can recall, played his choice of Gospel music until at least 8:00 AM. He seemed to be actually having breakfast with you. The show was aptly named. To this day I wonder why he didn’t make the jump to television, he reminded me of David Hartman, one time host of ABC’s Good Morning America. Here is a brief sample:

I met Burl on two separate occasions once at at the Savannah Skate Inn roller rink where I hosted a Christian Youth Skate and then again a few months later when he emceed a Dixie Melody Boys concert at a private school auditorium in Garden City. What struck me most about the main was his vocal power in person. His speaking voice was laid back and boomed even though he spoke softly. I was intimidated and our exchange was minimal, after all what did I as an 18 year old upstart have to offer? It was a mystery to me why he was at the skating rink and at the time I felt he gave me the brush off although he was probably hurried or surprisingly, shy. A few months later at the Gospel concert he did a splendid job as emcee and I saw a humorous side to the man not always evident on his radio show. That night I was asked to stand as representative of my radio station during the concert. Typical of me I was embarrassed, quickly stood, waved, said nothing and sat down.

Burl was nominated in 2009 for a lifetime Career Achievement Award by the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame. Mr. Womack, however deserving, did not win. His many years on the Savannah airwaves are fondly remembered by many, including me.

Stay tuned.

Lazy Sunday

2010-10-24T09:42:00.001-04:00

I was very surprised this morning when I checked the statistics for our companion blog, Gospel Aircheck. It has seen the single biggest jump in readership since I started the dang thing 19 months ago. The funny thing is that we have no idea how that happened. The only difference is that more audio clips have been featured. Maybe it is due to offering more frequent posts. Just how big a jump, you ask? Well, about 50 times the readers on average over the last two days alone! The amount of new international guests to the site is staggering—many of them from countries that are traditionally non-English speaking. Internet discovery is a very tricky thing; you can’t make people find you. I think it’s luck. Here’s to many more posts to come.

Stay tuned

Wings Over Atlanta

2010-10-16T19:02:00.002-04:00

Every other year Dobbins Airforce Reserve base in nearby Marietta, Georgia, puts on an awesome air show. In 2008 we didn’t get to attend the show, but living within a few miles of the base we were able to get a glimpse of the jets’ acrobatic displays. I was very excited this year when my son, Luke, went with me to get up close to the action. The best thing of all, the show was free. My best buddy and I packed our lawn chairs 7:00 this morning and bounded for Wings Over Atlanta. Off site parking was available with free shuttle buss service to the base. I had not seen the Navy Blue Angels since 1979 when I was 13, so I was probably more excited than my 6 year old.

The first show was at 10:00. It turned out to be only a preview. The Blue Angels would not perform until 3:00 in the afternoon. Luke had become bored by this time, so we left and were shuttle-bussed back to our car by noon. The show we saw did not compare to the one I attended in ‘79, but Luke was thrilled nevertheless. We had a great time. I missed the Blue Angels this time; we’ll try again in 2012.

Stay tuned

Get a Job

2010-10-11T13:16:00.001-04:00

This weblog provides a great hobby for me. But, it does not pay the bills. I’m ok with that. With my last little one in school Mister Mom is compelled to go back into the workforce.

A couple of years ago Angie and I decided to switch roles. She would work while I kept our four babies in check at home. Guys, being a house-husband is not easy! On Monday I reported for an interview that I believe will produce a j-o-b for this blogger.

I have worked most of my teens and all my adult life, so returning to work should be a breeze. The thing is this is only the second time I have had a panel interview. The company that is considering me had four, count them four, supervisors drill me on work related questions. None of the inquiries were yes/no, I was expected to give in depth essay answers. when I was younger thinking on my feet was second nature. The problem is that a majority of my days are spent with the kids. I have fallen out of practice conversing with adults. Quickly I acclimated to their questions: I felt grown-up again. We’ll see…

Stay tuned

Bye Bye Bell

2010-10-06T19:06:00.001-04:00

Call me an old fogey, but I just don’t understand what is all the hubbub about phones these days? I just want to talk. I don’t need my telephone to take pictures, display email or repave the driveway. I remember a time when only private eyes, doctors and rich guys in Rolls Royce Silver Shadows had a mobile phone, now everybody has a cell (unrelated to the old fashioned mobile phone.) The first cellular phones were the size of a small suit case; thank God for miniaturization.

Although I got my first cell phone in ‘96, I’ve been resistant to getting on the “smart phone” bandwagon. And, I have refused to let go of my landline—until now.

Angie and I have agreed to drop landline service forever and go total wireless. Now you can have a home phone and a cell through Bluetooth® technology. New to me is a base unit phone that has two extensions than run via your wireless provider as long as your Bluetooth enabled phone is within range. So cutting the cord will be less painful. Now this old fogey can talk on a conventional home set (with talking caller ID, mind you) while permanently freeing myself of Ma Bell.

Stay tuned

Z Marks the Spot

2010-10-04T11:38:00.001-04:00

“Lock it in and rip the knob off!” Clever imaging, listenable music, and personalities characterized my favorite radio station as a 1980’s teenager, Z-102 WZAT in Savannah, Georgia. I have written about this station previously in a post called “Breakfast with Burl.” The FM station began life in 1971 as a top 40 automated station. Many FM stations began this way as an offshoot of a more popular AM sister. In those days AM was king. FM was merely a curiosity. By the early 80’s AM music formats almost disappeared having been dethroned by its protégé, FM.

It was during this time I really got into listening to popular music and Z-102 was the station I tuned my Walkman to most. The station was unstoppable in the market and constantly led in the ratings. Now, in an unprecedented boneheaded move, the current owners have decided to drop music and go all sports. It has been at least 16 years since I last visited the area and heard the station live. Through the magic of the Internet I have occasionally listened to their stream. What a waste of a huge signal. Just a bit of my youth is gone. Rest in Peace Z.

Stay tuned

Nathan

2010-10-02T15:13:00.000-04:00

Meet my new brother-in-law, Nathan, a four year old long hair Dachshund. My mother-in-law brought him over today to see how well he will play with the kids. So far, so good. My middle daughter is spooked so easily by his bark. All Abbey needs to do is learn that he is only trying to say hello. The other kids have acclimated to him fairly well. Welcome to the family!

Stay tuned

©2010 Neal Rhoden, The Peanut Whistle. All rights reserved.

Rock On

2010-10-01T07:23:00.001-04:00

Welcome to October or as I like to call it, ROCKtober.

Yesterday I rambled on about my first encounter with the Compact Disc. Although every effort has been made to proofread each post, sometimes an error will slip through. Previously I wrote:

“Christmas 1982 the audiophile community was all abuzz over the shiny 12 millimeter disk that would revolutionize sound forever.”

The date is correct, but it should have read “12 centimeter disk.” Recalling the original press reports of 1982, designers of the CD made the disks 12 centimeters as an homage to the 12 inch Long Play vinyl record album. Further, they made the 74 minute capacity of the CD standard length because it is roughly the length of Beethoven's fifth symphony, which was very popular among the Japanese, who through Sony partnered with Phillips to invent Compact Discs.

Stay tuned

Ones and Zeros

2010-09-30T10:20:00.001-04:00

Christmas 1982 the audiophile community was all abuzz over the shiny 12 millimeter disk that would revolutionize sound forever. The CD or, as originally known the Digital Audio Compact Disc, was billed by Sony and others as “perfect sound forever” and I had to have one. By 1983 I was in the showroom of my local high end audio shop Audio Outlet. I was 17 and newly employed so all I could afford then was only a listen. CD players cost as much as my first car and CD’s themselves were about 18 bucks so buying one was not feasible. The technology was so new that most people would have to wait at least a decade before CD’s would be common in homes and 15 years, the late 90’s, before most cars were equipped with players.

Looking back on 1983 at my first audition, I didn’t believe my ears. The sound of instruments was clear and distinct with life like separation as though the musicians were actually performing live. I forgot that I was listening to a recording and transcended to a different setting altogether. As good as that first session was, none of the music I liked was yet available on the new format so I had to continue buying vinyl for a while. As much as I wanted one I told the eager salesman that “My ears loved it but my pocketbook couldn’t take it.” It would be four more years before I got my first CD player. That was 1987 and CD’s were still about $18 a piece, worth every penny however scarce. As time progressed the hardware and software became much cheaper. For me, though, recording digitally on CD was only a pipe dream. My hobby, and by then profession, was recording. I did everything in an analog world.

The best thing about digital sound is not what it adds it is in what is missing. Freedom from noise, tape hiss, immeasurable wow and flutter, extended frequency response and wide dynamic range are all earmarks of the CD. Many sound enthusiasts claim that digital sound is harsh and bemoan the loss of what analog added to the signal. Most call this “warmth.” Modern recording engineers agree that analog is better and attempt to replicate the sound in software. I would have seen this trend as a step backward in my youth, although now I appreciate both approaches to recording sound.

Analog reminds me of how 35mm film makes an image warm and inviting while digital is akin to the look of live video, realistic and stark. Both technologies continue to coexist. Since no technology really is “perfect forever” blending both is the way to go. The best attribute of digital is its ability to archive without any loss of quality on the shelf. Analog tape, on the other hard, degrades over time. Cassette tapes, especially, lose high frequency content over time. That is why I have been transferring my analog originals to digital with a few recordings made into CD’s. Most of the transfers exist on my hard drive. I began my digital migration in 1995 with the now defunct Sony Mini Disc then to CD and finally Mp3 files. A Peanut Whistle subscriber has suggested that I transfer my dad’s old recordings to CD. Thanks, I’m way ahead of you. I’ve been doing just that for the past 15 years.

Stay tuned

File Under: Audio

2010-09-28T06:35:00.000-04:00

The dictionary defines an audiophile simply as “an audio enthusiast.” A short, all too simple definition for my lifelong obsession with sound. Thanks go to my dad for getting the ball rolling on my aural hobby. As early as age three I remember his portable reel-to-reel and microphone recording me in one of his interviews with me his toddler son barely old enough to talk. Flash forward a few years later I had taken up the hobby recording sound effects—doors slamming, thunder clapping—with a stereo cassette boom box and an electret condenser microphone. Just like Daddy I had been bitten by the audio bug.

Age 17, I began and continued a career in radio only as an excuse to play with all the knobs and switches that shaped sound. It was never for the purpose of money or fame. I was also a very young and capable soundman in church often wearing my emotions on my sleeve because older folks often lacked the deep understanding of audio I possessed. In time I learned to put my hobby in perspective: got a real job, learned how to deal with ignorance, developed diplomacy and generally became less of a nerd. As the short dictionary definition proves, society as a whole cares much less than I do for audio. That’s alright we all have our interests. If only I could combine my experience and attitude now into my teen ears.

Stay tuned

This is the Spot

2010-09-20T08:55:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the best kept secret on the Internet—my weblog known as the Peanut Whistle!

Try not to keep it under wraps too long. Looking at the statistics for my blog they show a either a flat or very slow growth. If you have enjoyed reading my posts, please comment. Remember I am a big boy, so if you haven’t enjoyed it, comment as well. I have allowed our domain name to expire due to lack of readers. The blog has returned to its former Blogspot address. Right now you are invited to catch up on the blog by scanning the archive for posts that you may have missed. Thanks…

Stay tuned

Today in Yesterday

2010-09-12T08:56:00.001-04:00

Previously on the peanut Whistle…

I found the song, inspired by the Lennon and McCarthy original Yesterday, called Calvary. The Winans rearranged the words in a delightful gospel version to the unmistakable tune of the Beatles classic. It seems that the family of singers had grown up singing it, but, to the best of my knowledge had not recorded it. In the early 90’s the entire Winans family, including Bebe and Cece, were special guests on the Oprah Winfrey Show Christmas special. I thought they had sang without musical accompaniment although there was a grand piano providing the music. See the very brief video on YouTube, just search “Winans – Calvary”.

Stay tuned

Yesterday

2010-09-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

“Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away

Now it looks as though they’re here to stay

Oh, I believe in Yesterday”

—McCartney & Lennon, The Beatles, 1965

My favorite Beatles song has the most cover versions of any song ever written according to Guinness Book of World Records. One particularly good version of the song is a gospel interpretation that I heard one day about 20 years ago on the Oprah Winfrey Show. As far as I know, it was never recorded. The very popular group, The Winans were guests on the show one day. In the episode one of the Winans brothers sang the tune a cappella. It was a gorgeous version of the song retold as a salvation story. One of these days I hope to find it.

Stay tuned

Muzac of Your Life

2010-09-08T11:09:00.002-04:00

Does anyone remember elevator music? The company most famous for providing innocuous string arrangements of popular tunes was Muzac®. These sleepy arrangements could be heard in doctors’ offices, banks, grocery stores, and of course elevators.

Today I continued my audition of several cassette tapes made by my late father. His hobby was recording reel-to-reel and cassette audio tapes of anything and everything. He captured music, conversations, sermons, airchecks, sound effects and spoken word diaries. He was blind so printed labels of the tapes were not a priority. You can imagine the challenge it has been weeding through his hundreds of tapes over the past 19 years following his passing. Just a moment ago I was listening to myself as a teen discuss training my 12 year old sister how to drive. My mother, panic stricken in the backseat threatened, “I’ll jump out, if you let her drive!” My dad loved to record us with our guard down a la Allen Funt and his Candid Camera approach to recording conversations.

Some of his tapes are a hodgepodge with no apparent theme or direction. A sermon on one side then on the next side a section of conversation, some things recorded off radio. He never left a moment blank on a tape. Usually he’d put some dreadful elevator music at the end of a side for no reason other than filling out the tape. It was not your usual Muzac® fare. No, these elevator gems were popular hymns and gospel songs he found on a long forgotten FM Christian radio station owned by Moody. They were apparently an automated not-profit broadcaster bent on putting listeners to sleep. My dad was a fiery Pentecostal preacher whose musical leanings were more upbeat; I will never understand why he listened to this station. Maybe he had found an insomnia cure.

Stay tuned

Mr. Microphone

2010-09-03T19:09:00.002-04:00

“I’ll be back to pick you up later,” the young man announced from his convertible to the blonde stranger standing on the curb. His voice had been mysteriously amplified over his car stereo. One of the wonders of the late 1970’s, Mister Microphone was one of those $19.95 as-seen-on-TV wonders that everybody had to have. A toy, really, it was a cheap wireless mic that sent a signal via FM that was tuned in on a nearby radio affording many hours of fun—such as picking up chicks. I assure you no young woman has ever been wooed by one of these novelties. Sorry Romeo.

Stay tuned

It's All About me

2010-09-02T13:12:00.000-04:00

Constantly taking inventory of the who, what, where and when this blogger sometimes asks the question: why? The purpose of the Peanut Whistle is simple; compose a record of my life now and provide examples of an earlier time that explain what brought me to the present. More often than not my radio career is at the forefront. A goal of mine at the dawn of 2010 was to delve into the relevant topics of the day, but something from my past continues to intrigue me.

This is a great time in my life. Having started a family in my late thirties has kept me on my toes for the last decade. The down side is that since I am, shall we say, more mature keeping up with three little children and a 15 year old is more of a challenge. By the time my parents were in their late twenties they had three kids. A possible advantage to the age gap shared with my kids is a better perspective on life. Nevertheless, I wouldn't change anything.

I had been out of radio officially many years before my crew were born. I played one of my aircheck tapes in the car of a radio show I did at age 19. My six year old son asked, "Is that you, Daddy?" It dawned one me: they have no idea that I had a life before them.

So, why write the Peanut Whistle? It is dedicated to my children should they ever have interest in their old man; what he accomplished, how he lived, what his life was like in the old days. Being relevant is less important than drawing a vivid portrait of my kids' heritage. Hopefully, along the way the masses will appreciate my posts. But if that doesn't happen I'm satisfied with this somewhat autobiographical picture of my story.

Stay tuned

Parental Musing

2010-08-30T09:28:00.001-04:00

Usually when someone says, “I know what you’re going through,” there is no possible way he can without experiencing it. For example, when I was much younger I would hear parents complain about their kids’ destructive uncooperative behavior. Up until that time my only experience with raising kids was watching my sister babysit. Now with four children of my own I fully understand what other parents go through. I comprehend the mysteries of child rearing in a way that was impossible as a single when I empathized but lacked any depth of experience.

As a child I fought—sometimes literally—with my siblings. Now I am getting back the behaviors in my own young ones. A lesson that I have learned: yelling does not work. Each child is an individual and responds differently to correction. I am increasingly more aware of this as we raise our four. Keeping mindful that most kids aim to please; these little folks have fragile egos as well, so handle with care. Since becoming aware of these principles I have seen subtle, but appreciable changes in all our babies. It seems obvious now: my behavior effects theirs in every way. Now if we could solve the bedtime blues.

Stay tuned

The Blog Beat

2010-08-29T14:44:00.002-04:00

Summer 2010 was fun. Facing an empty nest for the first time I am returning to the blogging beat in earnest. In the coming few days we at the Peanut Whistle are gathering a host of ideas both in written and audio form, maybe even video with our YouTube account. I’m playing it by ear. Speaking of video, take the old studio tour as we celebrate over 1,000 viewers on http://www.youtube.com/user/jimoneal1520

Our goal is to combine all of the Peanut Whistle stuff into one website: the blogs, podcasts, radio station and video. If you explore this blog in depth, most of these things will be at your fingertips.

Before I close today, congratulations are in order to one of my former radio homes that is located in Bremen, Georgia. After a couple of decades as a gospel station they have flipped to an oldies format and are streaming online at http://www.1440thetrain.com What a great era we live in! The present owners took over the station 17 years ago, shortly after my time there. They struggled with the Southern Gospel format for years. Best of luck to them. I consider that station one of my radio babies. My friends David, Corky and I laid groundwork which we moved from our metro Atlanta radio homes into the original “Peanut Whistle” out in rural west Georgia. I have listened, they seem to have some great imaging packages and I like the new nickname, the Train. Daddy’s proud. I’ll be listening Monday to their—hopefully live—Morning Show, expect a review in Gospel Aircheck.

Stay tuned

Daddy Daycare

2010-08-02T10:16:00.001-04:00

Man, with the economy in the dump how does anyone, of a certain [middle] age, get a job? God only knows. If I hadn’t been depressed before, then the time is now. Strangely enough, I am not. The cure for my melancholy moods has seemed to be effective for over eight months. The answer: stay busy. The summer has been a blast with the kids; water parks and all sorts of amusement has kept us busy. Now it’s time for a new school year. My first and second graders are eager to get started. I never enjoyed school; maybe they get their smarts from Mom.

Whatever the case may be, I am so proud of all my kids: ages 4 to 15. I have three beautiful girls and one rambunctious boy. Now that all but the four year old have returned to their studies, I am getting back to The Peanut Whistle and my endless search for a job. I am a full time Mister Mom. What’s next?

Stay tuned

Roughing It

2010-07-01T13:37:00.001-04:00

Oh how spoiled we have become in this modern age! For a few days I have been borrowing high speed internet from the public library and other municipal services that provide free Wi-Fi. God forbid I have to leave the house to get my Internet fix. Right now we’re stuck with dial-up Web. That was ok 10 years ago when no one had high-speed—but, come on.

Fitting nicely in my intent to become more active—or maybe yet another hinderance—mobile Internet allows me to see the outside world while not missing my electrronic “friends.” A few months back, in the Spring, I coined a new term for myself—eBreak—which is a vacation from all electronic devices: cell phones, computers, the Internet. My eBreak was an amazing success. For an entire week I abstained from all eMails, Facebook and other electronic distractions that had begun to overwhelm me. I highly recommend an eBreak to everyone. It’s just about time for another. Incidently, for my car guy friends: I know that an e-brake is shorthand for emergency brake, but my new word is spelled b-r-e-a-k; just so you’ll know.

Stay tuned

1999

2010-06-28T14:24:00.002-04:00

“I was dreamin’ when I wrote this, so sue me if I go too fast,” Prince once penned, “But life is just a party and parties weren’t meant to last.” Well, life is passing these days at breakneck speeds—so rapidly that the once future date 1999 seems ancient now. When Prince wrote those lyrics in the early 1980’s the year 2000 seemed far, far away. I clearly remember humming the tune when it was new. I feel so old.

These days it seems necessary that I put together a book of my life that includes my family story that we can keep as a memento for future generations. My young children have absolutely no clue of their heritage. So my “book” may fill the need for a competent history. Much of my free time has been spent doing serious research, not just writing my anecdotal observations. The book my take more than just the two years I have already invested. I have only drafted one 15 page chapter so far—writing a book is more difficult than it seems. How does Stephen King churn out one 600 page tome after another? I don’t know: focus, determination, talent?

stay tuned

The New Thirty

2010-06-04T08:01:00.002-04:00

“Forty is the new thirty,” I’ve heard it said. Well, from personal experience, that is quite true. The expression may refer to how we perceive that people seem to mature at a slower rate or that we remain more youthful into our advanced years. Whatever the case may be, I feel better now at 44 that I did at thirty! My mind is clearer, I have more energy and I have the luxury of 15 years more experience under my belt. Don’t get me wrong; competing in the Iron Man Triathlon is not in the cards any time soon, but I am getting closer—probably not.

All you forty-somethings take note: stay active in mind, body and soul. Challenge yourself. Get up off the couch.

Stay tuned

E93

2010-06-01T23:16:00.003-04:00

My first misadventure with Gospel 90 behind me, I returned to thoughts of life after high school. I was wrapping up the 11th grade supposedly college bound needing some sort of diversion for the coming summer vacation. Returning home from one of our—probably last minute—tape delivery runs to the radio station that spring, my dad and I began listening and talking about the broadcast we had only recently started airing on WEAS-AM.

We noted that the DJ was running a phone-in contest involving listeners guessing the number of eggs contained in his imaginary Easter basket. They would offer a guess then he played a tape of a presumably randomly generated number. The DJ was prone to stammering and often at a loss of the right words that he delivered with a slight lisp. Knowing of this DJ’s skill with the English language my dad asked, “You think you could do that, Neal?” It was a loaded question for sure. I didn’t know weather to be honored or insulted. He obviously lacked the skills of the FM DJ’s I was accustomed to. “I guess so,” I replied weakly. “Well, if you’re interested, then I can talk to the ‘acting’ station manager for you.”

“If Neal wants the job, then it’s his,” the manager later phoned Daddy, “So I can [honestly] tell this other guy that the position’s filled.”

She had listened to the voice-over introduction I had taped for the Jesus is Lord Broadcast and claimed to like it. Retrospectively, I was a cheaper button pusher. The Easter Basket DJ trained me. Much of what he taught took me years to un-learn, especially when I moved to the Atlanta market four years later. Only the basic mechanics of radio were part of his curriculum.

We became fast friends, though. We could talk shop for hours visiting each other at work over the years. I last saw him on a return trip to the new studio facility in 1988 when I had considered coming back to my original radio home. I never saw him or any of the AM jocks equal to our counterparts at our sister FM, E93.

Magic E-93, as it became known, was the consistent number one radio station year in and out. Its music format appealed to the market’s predominant population. Featuring songs by the Gap Band, The O’Jays, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, The Commodores, and Prince, E-93 brought soul to all the Coastal Empire.

In those days prior to the invasion of Rap and Hip Hop I actually listened. The initial appeal of working with my Gospel 90—ironically, a mostly white Southern Gospel station—was that it shared quarters with a station I secretly tuned in at home.

I witnessed first hand the likes of E-Man, Don “Casanova” Jones and “Stormin’ Norman” Wright weaving word tapestries of Funk, Rhythm and Blues. I was star-struck.

Like the famous reveal in the Wizard of Oz, I eventually saw behind the curtain. But, that’s another story.

Stay tuned

We will take an extended break from radio topics for the time being and delve into more relevant fare, next time…

A DJ Saved My Life

2010-05-30T22:16:00.002-04:00

I was nervous. My dad had prepared a cassette tape of the first two weekly episodes of the Jesus is Lord Broadcast—a half hour brokered time preacher’s show on local 5,000 watt WEAS-AM in Savannah, Georgia. In a scene reminiscent of the 1987 movie Broadcast News, the tape was rushed—hand delivered— to the station just in time for the 12 noon airing that first Saturday we went to air. It was a small miracle that I got there in the first place.

Finally finding it, the station was not at all what I expected: located in a residential neighborhood, a fairly large two story clapboard house. A large wide wooden staircase led up to a screened porch and an unlocked front door to the reception area. Somehow I found myself on the upper floor having been misdirected around the obvious studio downstairs by a musical commotion.

I heard loud music from a direction that I assumed was emanating from the studio. I never forgot the song playing: Indeep’s “Last Night a DJ Saved My life”. “Please,” I thought, “Somebody save me, I can’t find the studio!” It was a ghost town in there. Now clear as crystal, I realized the music and disembodied DJs were from a stereo cabinet the FM used to monitor their air. But, where was the studio? I tried a couple doors that opened into empty offices. Nothing! Time was wasting. I felt like a cat-burglar. Had all the DJ’s, like Elvis, left the building? Maybe I could steal all those gold records and certificates of live remotes promoting something called a “Budweiser Beer Bash” proudly displayed on the office walls. What sort of Christian station allowed such vulgar trophies in the first place? In the mind of a conservatively raised 17 year old Bud and Gospel Preaching did not mix. But, I digress.

Gospel 90 and its 100,000 watt FM were sister stations in the same building. Obviously, the FM dominated the decor choices. Had my dad seen what I saw that day he would have turned tail and run. But our sponsor—Manning’s Discount Furniture—was counting on us to deliver a product. So, I resumed my search. It was one minute to show time when I discovered stairs leading down into a pit of ugly brown carpeting; both on the floors and the walls located inside a haphazardly constructed addition encased in cinder block and plywood. The place reeked of cigarette and God knows what other type smoke, both legal and not. To the right was the FM control room. In the middle was the “Production Room.” And to the left was my future work home, WEAS-AM, “Gospel 90.” The doors were unlabeled; my ears had to determine which studio to enter. I chose wisely.

3, 2, 1, cue tape! Jesus is Lord was broadcast via 5,000 watts from the AM side. Our premiere went on without a second to spare—literally. Dennis; the DJ on duty, sighed relief as he politely waved me away returning to conversation with another visitor, presumably his wife. I was happy. Then I questioned, “How do I get out?”

We will continue the story of our FM soul sister next time on the Peanut Whistle. Read about E-Man, Casanova Jones, Stormin’ Norman and the other DJ’s who shared our space. Until then…

Stay tuned

Radio on TV

2010-05-29T15:06:00.002-04:00

Here is a fun re-post of a recent Gospel Aircheck blog entry:

“Baby if you ever wondered / Wondered whatever became of me / I'm livin' on the air in Cincinnati / Cincinnati WKRP.”

Over 40? You remember the show in first run like I do or maybe you became a fan later in re-runs on TV Land. Whatever the case WKRP in Cincinnati is one of my favorite TV shows about radio.

At the start of my radio career the show was still on CBS and I'd often compare the situations and characters to real life at my little dysfunctional radio family. There was a Mr. Carlson, a real life Venus Fly Trap, a Herb Tarlek and a few mini Doctor Johnny Fever's running around. We even had our version of the Loni Anderson character, the hot receptionist Jennifer Marlowe. Never mind who took on which role; the show was spot-on with realistic social interaction.

While WKRP was somewhat accurate in its depiction of radio culture I thought the equipment props and the way the actors handled the technical details of broadcasting fell short. It's a silly quibble―I know―the show is dang funny and makes up for these “short-comings.”

WKRP basis was a real radio station, my hometown, Atlanta's WQXI-AM. Their “Skinny” Bobby Harper was the Dr. Johnny Fever prototype. WQXI (known locally as “Quixie in Dixie”) was a popular Top-40 outfit in the late 60' and early '70's. Many of the episodes are based on actual events experienced by series creator, Hugh Wilson, former Atlanta ad man.

That brings me to wonder what other shows that I can remember that had radio themes. Most obvious is Frasier on 11 seasons with NBC. With a much more high brow appeal than 'KRP, the series chronicles the life of psychiatrist / radio talk show host Frasier Crane played by Kelsey Grammer. The show had some of the best written episodes of any show, period. It remained an excellent example of great TV and proved consistent over all eleven seasons. What I loved about Frasier was that it involved more than just radio related themes with deep character development and very funny situations. The production values were unequaled and satisfied my technical side with real identifiable radio equipment props that satisfied the techno geek in me.

This is far from an exhaustive survey of TV shows about radio; I've only touched on two. Others that come to mind are: News Radio on NBC in the mid-90's staring Saturday Night Live alum Phil Hartman who was murdered in 1998 by his wife in real life. (The show only lasted one more season following his untimely death. It was never again the same without his comic genius.) A 2008 show on CBS; Gary Unmarried, involves recently divorced Gary Brooks, played by Jay Mohr, who finds himself switching careers from a house painter to his dream job as host on an all-sports station. Unfortunately, the show has been canceled by CBS despite well written scripts and a great cast. It's all about the ratings, baby!

Stay tuned

Coming soon to the Peanut Whistle "E-Man: A DJ Saved My Life": How my first radio home dealt with two radio stations of opposed formats crammed into one facility and my inauspicious introduction to "E93"

©2010 Neal Rhoden, The Peanut Whistle. All rights reserved.

Radio Reflections

2010-05-26T00:00:00.003-04:00

The author c.1987

Reflecting in 2010 on the state of what was I feel quite fortunate to have worked in the radio broadcast arena when I did.

Today radio has become irrelevant. I've covered this topic many times in the past on the Aircheck blog; so, I don't feel it necessary to go down that road once more today.

Often when one's supposed purpose in life is questioned a change of season or scenery is in order. In 1995 I had already spent 12 years of my life in broadcasting in virtual anonymity and felt that I had done all I could do in the field and escaped to 13 years in retail never seriously regretting my decision in light of financial reasons not due to any love loss.

Someone influential in my formative years warned that, "Once radio gets in your blood it is impossible to cure." He was right. But, what choice does one have once bitten by the "Radio Bug" when the whole industry has been turned on its collective ear?

The answer: redefine the skill set and adapt in a 21st century setting.

Again, I believe that my generation of broadcasters were the last of the breed anchored in the heritage of the medium while yearning for the new digital technologies so common today. The same technologies that have killed radio as we knew it. Rest in peace Radio.

Stay tuned

More Freebies

2010-05-25T13:43:00.001-04:00

Back again on the Internet beat the Peanut Whistle has returned with some great free forever software and services many of you can use.

One of our faves is Picasa™ from Google. For electronic photo sharing and storage and—did we mention?—it is free. Google offers a full gigabyte of storage of your priceless pics. Instead of the photo software native to our computers the Whistle has opted for Picasa. Check it out at http://www.google.com/picasa

For photo editing try Paint Dot Net; a surprisingly comprehensive and feature laden image editing software 100% no charge forever. Many of the things you can do in Photoshop™ are done just as well with Paint Dot Net. Follow the link above or: http://www.getpaint.net

Finally, the Peanut Whistle has found a wonderful file storage site that is totally free; we now use it for all our audio storage. The sound clip elements on this and our sister blog, Gospel Aircheck plus the Gospel Rewind Podcasts are handled by DivShare. You get 5 Gigs of storage and 10 Gigs of monthly downloads. They offer more storage for a fee, but we highly recommend the free starter package. So far, so good; they promise storage is forever. Recently that offer seemed very attractive due to a failure with another so called free storage site that erased all our sound files because their 90 day inactivity policy. Do not use File Factory get DivShare.

Deal Me!

2010-05-24T20:11:00.000-04:00

What a fantastic time was had by all! Last Friday night I played announcer for a live version of the classic game show Let's Make a Deal!

The butterflies abated at show time; I was once again in my element, although this type of audience participation show never entered my repertoire until then. I brought along my "Traveling Microphone" (thanks Paul Harvey) to get that larger than life blast out to the traders.

I think we surprised everyone who once thought I was an unassuming bench warmer in the church that hosted the game show fund raiser. I noticed a few puzzled faces in the crowd trying to reconcile that voice with my face.

Our "Monty Hall" was one of our regular musicians in the church who is used to the live audiences and is not shy. He kept the crowd well entertained with deals donated from some of our local businesses. Of course I provided the Jay Stewart to his Monty Hall. We referred to each other by our new found stage names. One thing I learned: the TV pros make it look much easier than it is.

It was all in good fun, though. We'll need some tweaking before it's ready for prime time.

Stay tuned

©2010 The Peanut Whistle. All rights reserved.

Rabbit Ears

2010-05-21T06:41:00.003-04:00

Wow! I love the new technological age we live in now — especially High Definition TV. What I like about it is, digital TV returns free television — truly no cost — back to all of us with just old fashioned “rabbit ears”.

With digital the signal is delivered with astounding picture and sound quality never experienced in analog.

One thing Washington got right — for a change — was mandating the Switch to DTV last year.

Living in the Metro Atlanta area we can receive over 30 channels of free over-the-air TV — most of them in HD. This is all without a cable bill. I said, “Goodbye and good riddance” to Comcast months ago when I discovered this secret cable companies don’t want us knowing. Plus, suppose I install an honest to goodness roof-top setup — I believe many more channels would come in. You see, each TV station has the ability to transmit one or more additional channels along with their primary signal. There is one local station that has 10 or so extra “virtual” channels.

Digital TV has a few quirks; signal strength is important. Make sure your antenna is pointed correctly. This process is fairly easy, though. Search YouTube for more information under, “Homemade HDTV antenna.” I opted for Walmart™ and a less than $50 price point.

Before I go, here is one more thing about cable you should know. You’re not getting real High Definition TV on 99% of your channels, when you subscribe to basic service; true HD costs $100 more a month with an additional cable box. Simple rabbit ears feed genuine HD to that new plasma or LCD screen when the stations’ signal allows — 100% of the time.

Stay tuned

Wheeling and Dealing

2010-05-20T09:23:00.002-04:00

This week I have been invited to help out with Family Fun Night at my church as a booth announcer for a live version of the classic TV game show Let’s Make a Deal. It sounds like a lot of fun is in store for families. Donated prizes are promised and, of course, there will be “Zonks.” Will it be curtain number one, two or three? Our live version will only have two curtains, but the game is the same.

I’ll take lots of photos and post them here. I can’t wait to see all the crazy costumes, which you’ll see here on The Peanut Whistle. Look out world.

See my Facebook profile for the details. If you’re in the area come and join us!

Stay tuned

Today's Radio Rant

2010-05-18T15:52:00.001-04:00

Mark Twain once quipped, "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated," after his premature obituary had been published in the New York Journal. His exact quote has been a matter of academic contention over the years but I quote (or paraphrase) him today to prove a point about radio.

Reading the radio trades these days can be a bit discouraging; they're constantly reporting its demise, especially in Internet forums. They bemoan the corporate take overs, the absence of local talent with hometown appeal, and lack of public interest as causes. While these are valid arguments, radio isn't dead -- yet.

My podcast hobby has been a mostly effective panacea for my radio jones; much like reading about the Superbowl and actually being there, my hobby pales next to the real thing. I'm strictly an armchair quarterback. In fact, hordes of radio people with more marketable resumés are unemployed or in unrelated fields now.

Surely careers have died, but the industry as a whole will continue to exist--only in a different form. Music and information will be delivered in a way unknown currently to AM, FM and even TV professionals. The recent switch to digital TV from analog last year is only the beginning of change. Traditional radio is on life support; but, I'm afraid as soon as cheap (or free) high speed wireless Internet is available to the masses (on a scale equal to the ubiquitous transistor radio of old) the plug will be pulled.

In other words: the end will be when these new media technologies are truly mobile and free everywhere, just as radio has been for generations.

I believe my anonymous grandchildren will witness this event in their lifetimes. However, this grim prognosis was forecast when television debuted in the late 1940's. MTV threatened in the '80's. Radio kept on kicking. Bottom line: who knows? Like the Digital Mandate illustrates, our government authorities will continue to press us all into the 21st century like it or not. Radio is not immune.

Stay tuned

Is There a Doctor in the House

2010-05-04T19:51:00.000-04:00

My search for the reset button continues. The summer coming on with four kids in tow is going to be very exciting; time to dust of the home gym and get into shape. I got the weight off about 15 years ago and kept it off; for the most part. Ten years ago I gained back a few pounds. Long story short, I dropped the extra baggage when, at age 40, I developed acute appendicitis and required emergency surgery. Usually, much younger people have trouble with their appendix. Leave it to me...

I don't recommend this sort of diet plan. But it turned out as a blessing in disguise. We got a funny story out of it.

You see, my wife Angie was 9 months pregnant with our baby daughter. One Tuesday morning during this time I developed an intense pain on my lower right side. To say it was intense is an understatement. Anyway, I went on to work. My work ethic is so strong (or maybe, I'm stupid or just fear doctors) that I suffered 8 hours in awful gut wrenching pain. As I was to learn later my appendix had already perforated. I could have died, but this gets funnier. Pain pills had no effect as the symptoms grew worse. Angie, with resolute calm drove me to the nearest emergency room. By the time we were called the attending nurses swarmed...Angie. "Let's get you up stairs immediately, honey!" they addressed my wife, visibly expecting. "No, it's my husband!" she replied. Hours passed and the next day I had laproscopically delivered my appendix to the world thus upstaging my wife and new daughter by just a week or so. On a serious side; I am forever in my wife's debt for her unselfish companionship during this scary episode four years ago.

Stay tuned

Freebies

2010-04-19T13:20:00.000-04:00

If you are as cheap as I am then you are probably looking for good deals all the time.

To be even more similar to me you like to find free software on the Internet. Two very useful programs that I have found are 100% free to use forever, no strings attached. They are free of ads as well. I give my personal recommendation.

If you need an awesome free word processor nearly equal to Microsoft Word ® try Open Office. Download at http://www.openoffice.org

If you like to tinker with digital audio then get the beta version of Audacity for multi-track recording and editing. I find it very reliable and easy to use, weather you're a beginner or an experienced pro. I have been using Audacity for about five years. There was a slight learning curve in the beginning. With the on-line users manual, all features are comprehensively explained. I am not a beginner; audio has been a serious hobby of mine for 30 years: in radio production for a dozen years and church sound since I was 14. Devices and fads have come and gone, but I can truly say that Audacity is the most useful tool ever. It does things impossible for even state-of-the-art analog production studios when I began in radio. The only criticism: there is no real time preview of plug-in effects. Hey, it is free after all. You may download at http://audacity.sourceforge.net

Where's the Reset Button?

2010-04-16T10:08:00.000-04:00

I've been a bit leisurely lately. This blog has not demanded the attention as it once did. That might be a good thing,

Over my 44 years I have seemed to go through many fads not staying with them long. As a youth I played sandlot football and became obsessed with the sport; parental oversight prohibited me from actually playing in high school. "You could get hurt," my mother would often warn. Compliant children such as I listened only to regret much later what NFL franchise would have beckoned. In reality, officially competing would have been too much work for a clumsy nonathletic clod. I went through many phases: gym memberships, tennis, bicycling, on and on. Finally, I decided that "bodily exercise profiteth little" so after a few years the fitness craze languished. I realize today that taking scripture out of context can be counterproductive.

With my pollen filled lungs I have decided to be more proactive with my health lately. It may be a phase; but a 40 year age gap with such young children it's apparent that we couch potatoes must abandon leisure and get with the program. Wish me luck. Summer, here we come!

Stay tuned.

Random Rant

2010-04-02T08:41:00.000-04:00

Today’s post might not be popular, I don’t care.

I was listening to the radio this morning; one of those typical man and woman hosted fluff shows. It does not matter which station. It proved why I elected years ago to listen exclusively to CD’s when in the car. The show was so sappy that I literally felt nauseous. Let me explain.

About 25 years ago a smart programmer in New York City took a struggling radio station, invented the Morning Zoo format and turned it into the number one Z-100 phenomenon popular to this day. FM radio was never again the same. In the place of a single DJ several hosts contributed to the morning show with well crafted wit and interesting banter. This format was cloned with varying success all over the country. Over the years many popular stations reduced the size of their morning shows down to typically one man and one woman; I think to increase their female listeners. In the age of political correctness these shows were biased to the female perspective. Male bashing has been en vogue for many years and these shows have reflected this upside down trend. As a result these male hosts have been emasculated ad nauseam.

The contrast between the sexes is what makes life interesting. Why then do I have to hear a man’s voice oozing pseudo-sensitivity from my car speakers? We have gone too far. It’s time to man up! Radio programmers take note: women actually like real men.

Stay tuned

800 Views

2010-03-26T12:29:00.001-04:00

I feel silly calling it a milestone, but my Peanut Whistle videos on YouTube have had over 800 views. Woohoo! I don't know how the site calculates the number. I do suspect that the tally may be considerably more since demographics data is included in the "insight" profiles. How would YouTube know such info without each counted viewer signed in? Yeah, the number is small compared to all the silly cat videos that get a million plus hits; let me have my moment. With that in mind I figure that more people have seen the video tour of my fourth radio home than we had total listeners at the time the station was on the air. Click on the link above to see my YouTube channel. Make sure you subscribe while you're there.

Stay tuned

Brush with Country

2010-03-24T13:02:00.000-04:00

In the years since today's audio post I have learned to actually appreciate some of the music my radio bosses had me play. Below is the final Southern Gospel aircheck that transitioned into the first with a new Country format on my 3rd radio home. Please allow a moment for the mp3 to load, then press play.

St.Paddy's Day

2010-03-17T00:00:00.003-04:00

Oh, how I enjoyed growing up in Savannah, GA; especially this time of year. The climate was mild as Spring entered. And, everyone was Irish (at least for a day.) Are you wearing your green?

We were told that our Saint Patrick's Day Parade and celebration was second only to that of Chicago. The way I saw it ours was much bigger considering the comparable sizes of the cities. All three network TV stations had live coverage. I assume that it's still a big deal down in the Coastal Empire although I can't prove it. I haven't visited in over 16 years. Well, maybe next year. Happy Saint Paddy's day everyone! Erin Go Bragh.

Stay tuned

Spring Forward

2010-03-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

Just a very brief reminder for those of us in the United States in certain time zones; let's spring forward. Yes, it's that time again to advance our clocks one hour forward. Supposedly this was an attempt to save energy by making the daylight last an hour longer thus switching on our house lights later. That's probably no longer a valid reason, but I see it as the time of year when I cheer up considerably; spring is right around the corner! So, this Sunday morning at 2:00 AM set your clocks and don't be late for church.

Stay tuned

Rocktober

2010-02-28T00:00:00.002-05:00

Back when Contemporary Christian Music first became commercially viable in the mid 80’s with artists such as Amy Grant; I started my own CCM disk jockey show on a local 5,000 watt AM in Savannah, Georgia. The program concentrated on the current Christian top 40 plus recurrent hits and traditional Gospel with a modern beat. Today I present an unscoped original aircheck from October 1986. The month was known as “Rocktober” thanks to a promotional poster hung on the control room wall from Sparrow Records label. Enjoy the show!

Fluffy News

2010-02-19T11:39:00.001-05:00

Give me a break! Is this Tiger Woods infidelity issue hard news? The man’s many fornications have been presented to the American public as if they were more important than real news. I don’t know who is pulling the strings at ABC news; but, did they really think that a 15 minute press conference with the golfer was in the national interest? Was it really a “Special Report”? Yesterday in Austin, Texas, an idiot deliberately flew a small plane into the IRS building and that story didn’t get as much press. What an upside down world we live in today.

The Woods story should have, at best, been covered on Entertainment Tonight. This is not hard news!

Through out my years in radio we covered many stories: Soldiers leaving for Desert Storm, The Olympic Committee announcing Atlanta would host the 1996 Games, a school on fire, and various stories in the public interest. And as just an observer over the years; when TV news interrupted normal programming, something bad had happened. I remember in ‘86 when the space shuttle exploded. In the early 80’s when President Reagan was shot and the horrible events of September 11th, 2001 unfolding live in a Special Report.

I was home today when my heart sank; the Special Report graphic came up on my screen. Who died? Did something explode? No. It was a pro athlete apologizing for cheating on his wife. Friend, this is not special.

Stay tuned

Snow Day!

2010-02-13T09:57:00.001-05:00

Woo who Snow in North Georgia! So much for global warming; here is a shot of my baby girl's tricycle. Weather reports on our local ABC affiliate WSB TV state that as much as 6" of snow fell yesterday and overnight. What great fun for the kids! Go to my Facebook page to see all the photos I snapped today.

Get On Board!

2010-02-09T12:05:00.002-05:00

Here at the Peanut Whistle I take a great deal of pride in the work accomplished over the years with various audio projects: the band demos, radio airchecks, commercials, and the podcasts. You’re invited to join this blog as a subscriber (did I mention it’s free!) While you read and visit click play on the mp3 players on the side column. You can subscribe by clicking on the “subscribe” button. You may have to scroll down a little. If you are viewing this via Facebook or in a reader, make sure you visit us at our website http://www.thepeanutwhistle.com for all the media content we offer. Interact with the Whistle; you may contact me at gospelrewind@yahoo.com

A Win is a Win

2010-02-08T08:34:00.001-05:00

Congratulations Saints fans! Coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans team made the most gutsy call I’ve ever seen in a Super Bowl. The on-side kick recovered was the pivotal moment for the NFL championship. On the other hand, Peyton Manning’s interception blunder in the fourth quarter sealed the Colt’s fate.

The true winners last night were the fans. It has to be one of the most exciting Super Bowls I have witnessed in 30 years following the sport.

Stay tuned

Super Sunday

2010-02-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

What are your predictions for tonight’s game? I’ll go out on a limb; the Who will probably sing 3 numbers and break a guitar on stage at half time. There will be some funny new commercials. And, if you’re lucky, there will probably be a football game.

The Super Bowl is usually a very one sided affair and often a boring game; last year was an exception with the Steelers exciting 27 – 23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

I am thrilled that the New Orleans Saints made it this year despite my sworn “hatred” for the franchise that has been rivals of my beloved Atlanta Falcons. Following a remarkable recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina the Big Easy has bounced back nicely with a team the city can be very proud of no matter what the outcome tonight.

My wishful thinking prediction has the Saints winning by a field goal in overtime. Peyton Manning and the Colts are going to give Drew Brees and the Saints a real nail-biter. If New Orleans expects to win then they must play a flawless 4 quarters. If not, I give the Indianapolis team the victory 35 – 24.

Stay tuned

Listen to Daddy

2010-02-04T16:08:00.001-05:00

How often I have jumped to conclusions without having all the information. Today's post is an example of my not listening to that still small voice...

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:3-7 KJV

Many years ago I received some life changing advice from my then pastor; he said, "Live by these five words, what does the Bible say." He was referring to the best process of vetting the various guidance one receives in life. Sift the wheat from the chaff according to the Word, the one true authority. This pastor urged us to always check even him against this gold standard. He would also detail the hooey we've come to believe that is patently unbiblical. Since then I have been searching for a church that taught the truth in an unpretentious, very down to earth way. Following my time at this particular place, due to divorce from my first wife, I moved on to another affiliation and quickly grew tired of its church as usual mentality; thus my quest began for a congregation unbound by silly traditions.

After ten years I have found such a church! You may have read a previous post in which I was somewhat indecisive, but my reservations were wrong. I was leaning on my own understanding of partial facts and I had relied on an incomplete picture of the situation; so, I whole heartedly apologize for any misunderstanding of what I have written. I have edited the earlier post to reflect changes. My only regret is that I didn't find this church a decade ago.

Stay tuned