One of the geographic advantages of growing up in Detroit is the proximity to Canada. Being a Detroiter in the ’90s and a fan of what became “alternative” music meant: 1) You had some Canadian money in your pocket or car at all times; 2) You crossed the border to take advantage of Ontario’s legal drinking age of 19; 3) You watched the Olympics on CBC (everything was broadcast live, and you got to see athletes from around the world- not just America); and 4) You listened to 88.7 CIMX-FM otherwise known as 89X.
Two weeks ago, 89X closed it’s US offices and let go of most of the on-air staff. The news was a shock because for 25 years it was THE main place to go to discover new music. When they started, they were different from everything on the air. I highly encourage you to read Lex Kuhne’s first-hand account of how the station got started. It’s a story that simply couldn’t happen in this era of online music, programmed corporate radio and Spotify logarithms.
When 89X hit Detroit’s airwaves via “The Cutting Edge” show which aired from 10PM — 2AM, it was what a LOT of teenagers and 20-somethings were looking for. The Electrifying Mojo which had the same time slot and played a few (but not many) of the same “alternative” artists was ending his run in Detroit, so if you were laying in bed listening to the radio, it was easy to turn the dial down to 89X. It had a powerhouse signal that reached Toledo, OH so there was no late-night static — just great songs. From bands and musicians that weren’t on MTV or in Rolling Stone. Of course it was successful and they eventually switched to the format full-time. Everyone copied them, but 89X always had a built-in advantage — they would mix in Canadian artists that US stations wouldn’t touch. I first heard Barenaked Ladies, The Tragically Hip, Sloan, The Gandharvas, Tegan and Sara, Sarah McLachlan and so many others on 89X. For the last decade-plus, Sunday mornings were appointment radio as Cristina would play “Time Warp” from 8–12. Four hours of deep cuts and “back-in-the-day” hits that an aging Gen X-er like myself would soak up during Sunday morning chores. (Fortunately, she has re-vived the Time Warp show online and blesses us with a new free mix every Sunday. You won’t regret subscribing to the feed.)
Many of the records I bought and am seeking to reacquire, I first heard on 89X. Many of the shows I saw these bands play, I won tickets from 89X. This project would look very different without them. So thanks for playing PJ Harvey, Belly, Lush, Smashing Pumpkins, The Farm, Cast, Pulp, The Smiths, The Cure, Blur, Weezer….
Random notes: My day job has entered the busy season, so I haven’t been as aggressive as I’d like to be. I’ve been in contact with the respective owners of Garbage’s “Only Happy When It Rains” 7" single, Elastica’s debut album and Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Singles Box Set, but haven’t been able to complete the transactions yet.
Record Store Day is April 22. If you’re reading this blog, most likely you knew that, but be sure to go out and support your independent record stores and your favorite artists. Buy them for the love of the music, not to flip on Discogs or Ebay.
