Airwaves

by Brian Goslow

In this age of raves and retro, it's easy to become nostalgic for music that tried to make a difference in the modern world, not help escape it. Jason Willoughby, host of the Indie Show, heard Sundays from 10 p.m. to midnight on WCHC (88.1 FM), hopes to add a little social activism into his programs. "This summer I was involved in an internship with the AFL-CIO, working with unions and the working class," the Holy Cross sociology major told listeners during last week's program. "It's something I'm really interested in." He's on a mission to find material with a progressive and political edge.

It was hard to tell if his tongue was firmly in cheek when he played Sleepyhead's "The Communist Love Song," but there was no doubt what side he was on when he introduced the Clash's "Spanish Bombs" to a new audience along with Billy Bragg's "Which Side Are You On?" and "The Haves and the Have Nots." But it was the Strike's "Kicking Ass for the Working Class" that provided the night's best inspiration. Featuring lyrics like "From the first factory to the last, she's kicking ass for the working class," the song not only encourages raising a ruckus in the workplace but makes you laugh and pogo around the room at the same time.

Of course, finding anyone truly devoted to socialism is nearly impossible, so most non-commercial DJs settle for the next best thing, the chance to discover an artist they can call their own. Willoughby's current "secret" fave are the melodic Vehicle Flips and their "Formula Rejection Song." "I find this song very amusing," he said. "I think they're a great band. I don't think enough attention's paid to them. I've never heard anything about them, I just know I like them." Other groups who make his show a must-hear include Tullycraft ("Look How We Killed the Riot Grrrls"), the Mr. T. Experience ("Love Is Dead"), Go Sailor ("The Boys Who Sailed Around the World"), and Eric's Trip ("Secret for Julie").

Each Indie Show features a healthy dose of "old-school punk," including the likes of the Undertones, Jam, Velvet Underground, Modern Lovers, and Minor Threat ("Pro-punk as the kids like to call it") and bands who refuse to give up the "Spirit of '76," such as Ramones' cousins Furious George, who recreated Queen's sound on "Betty Crocker, Punk Rocker." "It's not really one of the old-school punk-rock bands, but they sound like it."

WICN'S FALL PLEDGE DRIVE kicks off next Friday. The public broadcaster (90.5 FM) hopes to raise $55,000 before the drive ends on October 26. The station recently announced the line-up for this season's Mass Jazz Festival, which it's co-sponsoring with Music Worcester. Chick Corea and Gary Burton are slated to appear at Mechanics Hall on November 5, followed by the Cyrus Chestnut Trio on January 16 and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band on April 18.

ACOUSTIC MUSICIANS continue to be spotlighted on Rich Fox's New Traditions program every Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. on WCUW (91.3 FM). Chris and Meredith Thompson appear on October 21, promoting their October 25 performance at the Vanilla Bean Café and their new CD, Shadyside. The duo formerly performed under the name Gemini 28. They've recently relocated to Connecticut from Pittsburgh, where one reviewer compared their voices to the tiny women who summon Mothra in the Godzilla movies.

CLASSIC-ROCK PIONEERS YES are featured on the October 13 Sunday Night Concert Series on WCUW. A compilation of their two Boston Garden appearances airs at midnight.