Rod Stewart & Ron Isley - This Old Heart of Mine

[carolinaradio]

Does this track get much attention on classic hits stations?  It's always been a favorite of mine.  I guess it might be considered too new (1989), but features two staple artists of the classic hits format so I thought some stations might make an exception.  I think it fits with the format and was just as popular, if not more, than the original.

I think it'll be a staple as the format evolves.

[andrewduong77]

I know our local Classic Hits KLUV here in Dallas plays "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart from '88. The Classic Hits KOMA from my hometown Oklahoma City also plays "Forever Young".

KOMA also plays "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals from '89. WOCL/Orlando also plays "She Drives Me Crazy" as well, I'm not sure, but I think WCBS-FM/NY plays "She Drives Me Crazy" as well.

I believe it's a great fit for the Classic Hits format. Remember the format can play music up to 1989 at this time. I don't think there's anything wrong with a song from '89. Entercom's AC WLMG/New Orleans has been spinning "This Old Heart Of Mine" by Rod Stewart & Ron Isley quite some times.

[carolinaradio]

I agree.  I heard WOCL play "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles from '89, which actually charted in '90.  As classic hits evolves in to the 80s and the AC format starts to focus on more aggressive tracks from that era, I think we will see the classic hits format pick up a lot of the 80s tracks that AC will "move on" from.

I wish so many of CC's classic hits stations didn't still resist the 80s...

[andrewduong77]

Yeah, especially KLOU/St. Louis, they didn't even touch one 80s song either and it's 2012 already!

Speaking of how CC's stations are old leaning, for some reason, I keep on believing that Renda's stations are very old leaning as well. Most of their AC's including KMGL, WEJZ, and WSHH still do 2-3 70s per hour. Their Hot AC WSGL-FM/Naples-Ft. Myers, FL still play like 1-2 80s per hour. Their Classic Hits KOMA/Oklahoma City still play a fair amount of 60s.

Just like CC's stations, Renda's stations aren't slow either. Most of their AC's including KMGL, WEJZ, and WSHH are jumping quick onto currents already. Their Classic Hits KOMA are jumping quick onto 80s songs already like "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" by Bill Medley with Jennifer Warnes from '87, "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals from '89, "Drive" by The Cars from '84, "Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor from '82, "Your Love" by The Outfield from '86, and such.

The funny thing is that KOMA had embraced a lot of 80s songs while still playing a lot of 60s and 70s songs. At the same time, it's sister KMGL had embraced a lot of currents while still playing a lot of 70s and 80s songs overlapping large percentage of it's sister KOMA playlist. Wow! That is just crazy!

[carolinaradio]

Yeah, a common feeling here seems to be of frustration when the 80s infiltrate in to classic hits, but I say bring it on.  70s and 80s are my favorite eras for music, and it's neat to have them both on one station.  I find the evolution of the format in to the 80s exciting.  60s I can do with or without but would still play a little on classic hits.   WRIT/Milwaukee, WODC/Columbus, and even KLTH/Portland don't play any 80s either to my knowledge, all are Clear Channel.  I wish I knew why their classic hits stations seem to resist the 80s so much.  The 60s and early 70s tracks they play are so burned out. 

I think classic hits shouldn't hesitate to play 80s material from Rod Stewart, Phil Collins/Genesis, Steve Winwood, Hall & Oates, The Police, Huey Lewis, Elton John, Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, Chicago, Cyndi Lauper, Journey, Heart, etc.  Any track from a big 80s film I'd be on as well (like 'Time Of My Life').  All compliment and flow with the 70s material very well, and a lot of these artists started in that era.  I might hold back on some of the new wave, rock, and be somewhat selective with artists like Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson (post "Thriller").  "Forever Young", "Young Turks", "Time After Time", "You're The Inspiration", "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues", "PYT", "Higher Love", "If This Is It", etc...all perfect fits for classic hits.  Get on the ball, CC!

Seeing how the format has evolved on a lot of stations, as I said it seems that a lot of classic hits stations are picking up on the softer 70s and early 80s tracks that AC stations play/have played, as well.  Seems like some of these soft 70s and 80s songs still have quite a bit of life left in them, yet.  I think a time will come when classic hits is sleepier than AC, seeing how things are going with that format!

[carolinaradio]

Oh, speaking of duets, I've heard KXKL in Denver play George Michael and Elton John "Don't Let The Sun Go Down."  Not a favorite of mine, but I suppose it does fit since both are established artists with the format (especially EJ).