How a Radio Station Turned the Beat Around

**Bernie** · June 2nd, 2003, 01:04 PM

Here's an old, but interesting story that appeared in the NY Times about the rebirth of New York City Disco radio station WKTU after a 12 year absence.

http://sree.net/stories/disco.html

**NickNack** · June 2nd, 2003, 01:42 PM

Hey Bernie --- I remember when that switch took place. AT&T still had a presence in the Murray Hill/Berkeley Heights area of New Jersey, which is way east of where I am now. We could pick up KTU in the office. People weren't this excited about radio since CD-101.9 (WQCD) had come into play years before, introducing Smooth Jazz via CD's instead of vinyl. EVERYBODY had KTU on the dial.

I remember a group of us going out to lunch one day and on the way back "Cocomotion" (yes, that's right Marky :D , "COCOMOTION") came on the car radio. It was like being in a club again, all of us screaming and carry-on like fools.

Wish radio would get it's act back together.

**markydefad** · June 2nd, 2003, 02:50 PM

Originally Written by NickNack

I remember a group of us going out to lunch one day and on the way back "Cocomotion" (yes, that's right Marky :D , "COCOMOTION") came on the car radio. It was like being in a club again, all of us screaming and carry-on like fools.

.

Nicky,

I hope you had insulin in the car with you!!!! :P

WARNING: Ultra-Sugary Content--Do Not Listen To If Diabetic!!!! Could cause Coma, Vomiting, Bleeding from orifices; Impaired Vision and DEFINITELY IMPAIRED GOOD TASTE!!!! :P :lol: :P :lol: :P :lol: :P :lol: :P :lol:

"C'mon let's do the co-co-mo-tion" :roll:

**NickNack** · June 2nd, 2003, 04:50 PM

Originally Written by markydefad

"C'mon let's do the co-co-mo-tion" :roll:

Oh, so that's where your problem lies? Well, this is one disco song where you need to by-pass the "birds" in the background. Get into that bassline. It's dark, sensuous, close to 'nasty' but just a little too 'nice'. 8) It makes you wanna wanna, boyfriend.

The melody is soothing; the orchestral accents are sharp, with fierce string rushes. Plus, when the music drops out and all that's left is the bass (playing half it's original line)and drum... whew! And NOW you should listen to the girls as they whisper, "Do it". Pour that over a somewhat stripped melody and very soft sound effects: It's like sex on the beach.

Hell, I can't explain it to you --- either you got the jones for it or you don't. I just loved watching the floor when I mixed that intro --- strings soar, high hat chatters and snare drum snaps for one big rush. Cue screams, dreams and creams. :lol:

**markydefad** · June 2nd, 2003, 05:08 PM

Nicky, my man...If only El Coco had you doing their P.R.--they'd have been as big as...uh...(fill in the blank).

You made your case extremely well.

I guess it is the cooing girly vocals that turned me off. Plus this was the time when this "Cooing"-Girly-Euro stuff was replacing the Soulful voices of Disco. I must be holding a grudge!!! :roll:

**NickNack** · June 2nd, 2003, 08:12 PM

Originally Written by markydefad

Nicky, my man...If only El Coco had you doing their P.R.--they'd have been as big as...uh...(fill in the blank).

You made your case extremely well.

I guess it is the cooing girly vocals that turned me off. Plus this was the time when this "Cooing"-Girly-Euro stuff was replacing the Soulful voices of Disco. I must be holding a grudge!!! :roll:

I agree with you on Euro and it's cooing girls back then. So much of the music had that formula I remember a write up in one of the trades chastising the sound. A lot of it worked so well though: Cerrone's girls on "Love In C Minor", Boris Midney's girls (USA/European, Caress), the women vocalizing for Voyage. These were good, but like you, I could have done without, "Come on let's do the cocomotion". Sounded more childish than sexy so I never let it stick.

**BrunoRepublic** · June 2nd, 2003, 10:04 PM

I agree that the fluffy lyrics detract from what is otherwise a phenomenal track. And we're not the only ones who feel that way; Rick Gianatos' 1979 remix is mostly instrumental.

**discodoc** · June 3rd, 2003, 12:26 AM

I don't live in NY so I don't have the good fortune to be able to listen to this station. I do check out the playlist, however. It looks like they are playing Hip Hop now right along with dance music. Is this true, or are they playing dance mixes of hip hop songs? I sure hope it's the latter! I'd be sad if a great station like this has begun to sell out.