NEW AFFILIATE---WELCOME REWIND45

First of all, sorry I haven't blogged lately. Busy time.

Second, WELCOME to our newest affiliate...Rewind45, across the UK and around the world on the 'net, and via Itunes. They're also available on stand-alone internet radios, through Reciva.

Here's their website http://www.rewind45.com

Thanks Alan, and everyone at Rewind45

Show 67

Show 67 is complete! It starts with an amazing Mynah Bird...Johnny's guest on the Tonight Show. Later there's southern rock from Molly Hatchet AND The Outlaws, as well as the original theatrical trailer from Star Wars (which is actually dreadful! It's amazing anyone went to see it!) The show airs on most affiliates in a couple of weeks, or you can catch a preview of it now at this link http://www.theproductionroom.net/latestshow.ram

Castaways Escape Gilligan's Island...it's in Show 65

The Castaways escape Gilligan's Island, at the first of Show 65. The show begins with a clip from the 1979 TV movie about Gilligan and the gang. Hear show 65 (or the latest show) here http://www.theproductionroom.net/latestshow.ram

Welcome Pennine 235

At Saving the 70s we warmly welcome our newest affiliate, another UK station, Pennine 235 http://www.pennine235.com/







Details on air-times, etc. are being worked out. More later!

Show 64 is now ready

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. It's been busy here in the studio.

Show 64 is now ready. Preview it here http://www.theproductionroom.net/latestshow.ram

Show 64 will air on most affiliates in a couple of weeks.

Show 62 is ready for you!

Show 62 is complete. Listen here http://www.theproductionroom.net/latestshow.ram (note, if you listen past August 14 2009, this link will play whichever show is most recent).

Welcome WRSG!

"Saving the 70s" has another new affiliate! Welcome WRSG, 91.5 FM in Middlebourne West Virginia! The show airs on our first West Virginia affiliate Sunday nights at 7pm, beginning August 16. For a complete list of affiliates, go to Saving the 70s Dot Com http://www.savingthe70s.com

You can listen anywhere, as most of our affiliates stream their audio with great-quality sound! You can also hear new shows at our website at full CD quality!

61 Big WAYS Charlotte--one of the greats!

Here's a collection of videos saluting "61 Big WAYS"...one of the great radio stations ever.

The "Pass the Loot Club"...Murphy in the Morning lampoons Jim and Tammy Faye Baaker's "PTL Club", also in Charlotte. This is one of Big WAYS most famous running bits http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QJYjHVgLUI

"Dialing for Dingbats" TOO MUCH SEX CAN MAKE YOU DEAF! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UtW5HW-6g8


WAYS format change in 1982 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRKb8qB5sF0

I'm still looking for an aircheck of Jay Thomas (legendary DJ and actor...Karla's husband on "Cheers", among others) doing mornings on WAYS in the mid-70s. I'll post it when I find it.

Now for something completely different

Here's a video made by a (legally) blind man...as my wife and I visited the New River Zoo in Ashe County, NC last fall http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG9rySluV9U

The quality's not great, but it was a fun day, and the animals are loved and spoiled. Great fun!

I was interviewed on the radio!

I was interviewed on the radio tonight (Sunday, August 2) on the WBTM Radio Network in Wilmington, Deleware http://www.wbtm.info

They have graciously consented to let me stream the interview from my website, in case you missed it. Here's the link http://www.theproductionroom.net/wbtm.ram

In other news, I've neglected you, and I am so sorry! Show 61 is IN THE CAN! Most affiliates will air it in a couple of weeks!

If there's something you'd like to hear, or if you have a comment, e-mail me at savingthe70s@aol.com

Thanks!
Mike

Show 58 'n stuff

Show 58 is almost done, I'll put the finishing touches on it tomorrow (Friday July 9). There's some "tasty" stuff in this one, including classic clips from 'All In The Family' and 'Sanford and Son', along with "Uncle" Walter Cronkite giving us the lowdown on Three Mile Island. Did the world end? Listen to find out! Show 58 will air in a couple of weeks on most affiliate stations.

How to listen to the latest show on your internet radio

I'm a radio nerd. I love new radios. And last Christmas my wife got me a new KIND of radio...a stand-alone internet radio. It's the Revo Blik, a wi-fi radio based on "Reciva" technology.

Although you can listen to stations without using your computer, for the really neat stuff, like programming your own stations and streams into the set, is accomplished at the Reciva website, at http://www.reciva.com

If you have one of the Reciva-based radios, here's how to listen to the latest installment of "Saving the 70s" from our website. Just copy and past the following link into the "My Streams" section of the site, while logged in with your user-name. Here's the link http://www.theproductionroom.net/latestshow.ram

That's the link of the Real Audio "ram" file at out website. The "ram" file is merely a text file that tells the RealAudio player where to find the audio. If you're into "geek-stuff", here's what the text looks like in the "ram" file:

http://theproductionroom.net/realaudio/latestshow.ra

To explain, The Production Room Dot Net is the master website of "The Production Room", my radio prodution business, and the home of "Saving the 70s". "RealAudio" is the name of the folder on my site where streaming audio files are stored. And "latestshow.ra" is the actual name of the audio file. Pretty simple, right? You'd be surprised how long it took me to get streaming audio to work reliably, and sound good!

Show 57 & Random notes

Show 57 is in the can. It will air on most stations in a couple of weeks. Note: Saving the 70s is available on many affiliates...including AM, FM, and internet-only stations. Most terrestrial stations that carry the show also stream online, so you should be able to hear it most anywhere with a broadband connection. And if all else fails, you can stream the latest show from our website at http://www.savingthe70s.com or simply click here http://www.theproductionroom.net/latestshow.ram

The show streams from our website in CD-Quality Real Audio with AAC encoding. Side-by-side with the original master of the show, it's really difficult to tell the difference...the audio is that good!

Happy Birthday America! We're 233 years old!

Show 56, My Mom, etc.

Last week was very difficult. My mom died of cancer at age 73, and was buried. This week production resumed on the show. Show number 56 is nearly done. It should be completed on Friday June 26. Show 55 will air in a few weeks on most stations.

I was saddened to learn today of the passing of pop icon Michael Jackson, AND pop-culture icon Farrah Fawcett. Having suffered a recent loss, I understand fully what both families are experiencing. The work of both has been featured on "Saving the 70s", and will of course continue to be featured in the future.

Show 54

Sorry I've been neglecting the blogging a big. Illness in the family has kept me away from my keyboard. As a buffer a "classic" episode was moved into the schedule (see if you can tell which one!). Production of the show never stopped, but the "classic" was moved into the schedule in case I need to be away for a time...so there's a longer "buffer" between when shows are produced, and when they air.

At any rate, most affiliates will air Show 54 in three weeks, and it's a good one, loaded with songs that have never been on Saving the 70s before, and haven't been on your radio in a LONG TIME! Plus there's ACTUAL audio of the Apollo 13 mission...including those famous words spoken by Tom Hanks in the movie!

What would you like to hear on the show that you're not hearing, or haven't heard? PLEASE tell me! I take requests, and delight in giving you WHAT YOU WANT! As desperate as that sounds, it's actually true!

Again, welcome to English-speaking listeners in Spain, and public radio listeners across Alaska. Let's keep "Saving the 70s!"

Show 52

Show 52 is "in the can", and will air in a couple of weeks. Also this weekend our show will air for the first (and second) time on "Choice FM", an English speaking classic hits (oldies) station in Spain. Welcome!

And one for the road---ANOTHER "NEWEST AFFILIATE"

We just added another affiliate..."Choice FM" in Spain. And yes, they're in English! Check them out. This just happened, details have yet to be ironed out. When I know more (time, etc.), I'll pass the info along.


By the way, I just finished "Show 50". Listen for cuts from "The Godfather", "Welcome Back Kotter", and a snippet from a classic interview with Linda Ronstadt. This show will air on most affiliates in two weeks.

Show 50

Today I began production on Show Number 50! Highlights include what sounds like a gender-bender from Jim Stafford, but really isn't. Also there's a clip from Saturday Night Live early on, and more classic Top-40 Jingles from the glory days of personality radio.

I talked with Scott Edwards, Operation/Program Director of Big River Public Broadcasting in Alaska yesterday. What a great guy. What a fascinating place! We're pleased to be heard on KIYU Saturday nights after "A Prarie Home Companion", and soon on a network of stations across Alaska! Best wishes Scott, and thanks for making the time to take the annoying call from N.C.!

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST AFFILIATE!

"Saving the 70s" can now be heard above the arctic circle! Welcome to KIYU in Galena Alaska, a public radio station. "Saving the 70s" now follows "A Prarie Home Companion" on Saturday nights at 7pm. But the news gets better...soon KIYU will serve as the anchor of a six station network that will carry the show that celebrates our favorite decade across Alaska. Pretty darn cool, right? To quote Alaska's governor...."YOU BETCHA!"

Show 49 IN THE CAN

Show 49's in the can, and accessible now at our website http://www.savingthe70s.com

Show 49---Tommy Who?

Production began today on Show 49. The first segment features "Couldn't get it right" by the Climax Blues Band, and one of those great sweet soul songs..."In the Rain" from The Dramatics. Another highlight of the first segment, a song that immortalized "Tommy Mattola"...record executive, and future (now past) husband of Mariah Carey. Remember it? "Cher Chez Le Femme" by Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band. If you got that one, you truly are a 70s music GENIUS!

YES THAT IS MY DESK-Geek Stuff

To answer a question I recieved via e-mail, YES the photo at the top of the blog IS taken at the desk in my studio where the show is produced.The show is done on Adobe Audition 3. The photo shows the "Edit" window. Many bits are recorded and "sweetened" (tweaked for best sound quality) here. Mixing is done in the "Multitrack" window, using the automated "flying faders" mixing option, which remembers and recreates fader moves.

Once the file is mixed to stereo, final audio "sweetening" is added to even out levels and provide maximum impact, plus any necessary edits are performed in the "Edit" window.The completed show is saved as a Windows Media LOSSLESS file, which takes up only half the hard-drive space as an uncompressed .wav file, but with no loss in quality.

Files downloaded by stations are encoded at 320kbps mp3 using a custom preset tweaked for best sound, and made available for download by affiliate stations "officially" on Thursday, but usually as early as Wednesday of each week.

Show 48's "in the Can"

Show 48 is "in the can". Actually I completed it Friday May 8, but it was a busy day so I didn't have time to update the blog.

Highlights include "Alice's Restaurant" from Arlo Guthrie in Segment 02.

Today is Monday, when I usually begin production on the new show. But due to appointments this afternoon, production will be postponed until tomorrow.

If there's something you'd like to hear, something you'd like to suggest for the show, or any comment, please let me know. Your comments are welcome. They ARE moderated, but only to prevent things like foul language, personal attacks, etc...never to prevent criticism or stifle debate. I merely ask that comments, criticism, and debate be limited to the show, the music, and 70s culture. For other topics, start your own blog!

Cheers!
;)

Show 48 begins

I just produced segment one of show number 48. Highlights are a clip from "The Bionic Man", The Sanford Townsend Band's "Smoke from a Distant Fire"....one of the all-time great summer songs, and a snippet of the great "Spam" routine from a 1970 episode of "Monty Python's Flying Circus". I played that many times when I was a light-night FM jock back in the late 70s!

Also featured in segment one is a clip from the great coming of age film "Summer of '42". This show will air in a couple of weeks. I hope you'll listen!

Producing the show in pieces

Saving the 70s isn't done the way you may think. Live radio shows are done in real-time, and ALWAYS include mistakes, and things that didn't go exactly according to plan. I did a live radio show every day (usually six days a week) for 24 years...1974-1998. And being a perfectionist, I almost always left the studio angry at myself over some tiny little thing that went wrong...an event (commercial, song, promotional announcement, whatever) that didn't fire when it was supposed to, a segue (transition) between songs that wasn't as smooth as I'd expected, a time when I got tongue-tied, was short with a caller who irritated me (I always put tons of callers on the air live...reacting in the moment to what others say or do was always one of my strengths as a personality, so I tried to surround myself by people who would create events, or express opinions, or talk trivia, anything that I could react to.

How does this relate to "Saving the 70s"? Since the show isn't done live on a radio station, but pre-produced and then aired on many stations, I had to re-think how I worked. I decided that since pre-production was mandated, I would make "Saving the 70s" a real production piece...in an attempt at satisfying my self-critical, perfectionist side. I would make sure every "talk-up" over a song intro was perfectly timed, every segue between songs was exactly "on the beat" and made musical sense, and use other production techniques (editing, mixing, processing) I've learned through the years to make "Saving the 70s" the "perfect" show I was never able to do live. And NO I don't think it's perfect. That's why I put it in quotes. But it is more consistently "ont he money" than anything I was ever able to do live. Since perfection is something I'll never attain, I suppose that will have to do.

For the first several months of production, I did the show all in one "spurt" on a Monday morning. That is until one Monday I had so much commercial production work that there wasn't time to do it all in a day...so I only did the first (of four) segments on Monday. Tuesday was busy too, so I did segment two on Tuesday, and segments three and four on Thursday. Know what? The show was better! I was able to take whatever creative ideas I had, sit down and put them "make them real", then walk away while my mind was still fresh. I've done the show that way ever since.

Segment one is produced on either Monday or Tuesday, segment two the following day, and segments three and four later in the week. On Thursday or Friday I apply the final "sweetening", getting the audio quality just right, evening up the levels, and making any last minute edits. Then I burn the show to a cd, and listen to it in the car over the weekend as my wife and I drive around...absorbing it as a listener would, and observing my wife's reactions. She's just what I need...brutally honest, and always ON MY SIDE!

I work two to three weeks ahead of time, so the show I'm working on this week will air in a couple of weeks. When I finish the production process, "Saving the 70s" is one long, unbroken file. On Mondays I split the show that's to be aired that week into the four component segments, save each as a losslessly compressed audio file on my computer's hard drive, then convert each to high bitrate mp3 format for upload to my website, where sations can download for airplay.

Blah, blah, blah...TOO MUCH INFORMATION, right? Isn't that what blogs are for? Feel free to ignore ALL OF THE ABOVE, and simply enjoy the memories. THAT IS, after all, what the show is for!

Hear the show here http://www.savingthe70s.com

WELCOME TO SAVING THE 70s!

Welcome to the new Saving the 70s blog. On this blog, I'll share notes about the show, and about individual installments...including information about the music, about affiliate stations, etc. And of course, I welcome your comments!

First some news...Saving the 70s this week added two new affiliates...internet station Old Wolf Radio http://www.oldwolfradio.com and a biggie...Talk Radio Europe http://www.tre.fm

See our web site for a complete list of stations and times. Any comments about the show? Come on, let's hear 'em!