Your excellent retrospective on WXRT (“Radio Daze,” Nov. 16) posed the question: “When is the last time you heard a song on WXRT that made you stop and say `Wow!’?” For me, it was just weeks ago when, amid a killer set of all-time favorite artists, I heard a captivating new release by Beth Orton that sent me combing the record stores for the CD. The world will always need the variety and good taste of ‘XRT.
Diane Drake, Genoa
I just finished reading the article on ‘XRT, which confirmed most of my suspicions regarding why their play list had become so drab and dated in the last few years. Before Q101 was hatched, ‘XRT was far and away the coolest station in the country. They had introduced Chicago to a whole assortment of bands like Nine Inch Nails, Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine. Unfortunately, they no longer play bands like that, let alone anything “new” or “experimental.”
For all their bravado of being on the cutting edge, they sound just like another classic rock station. Perhaps those “idealistic hippies” over on the Northwest Side are more concerned about the bottom line than quality radio.
Marc Addis, Northfield
As one of those early fans of ‘XRT, I really appreciated the article. Upon my recent return to the Chicago area after an eight-year hiatus in South Florida (read: “the radio wasteland of the U.S.”), it was quite comforting to tune in to 93.1 and find so many of the voices I had grown up with were still out there mining the nuggets of the new amongst all the garbage. For my money, WXRT has always been–and always will be–Chicago’s finest rock. Keep on keepin’ on!
Tim Mattlin, Naperville
I too say “God bless ‘XRT.” The station is really an exploration. From “Saturday Morning Flashback” to the “‘XRT Files” to the Regular Guy to “Local Anesthetic,” ‘XRT helps you explore the world of rock `n’ roll expression. I suppose what it comes down to is that the staff has convinced me they actually believe I play an active part in the station. In other words, listening to ‘XRT isn’t just listening.
One big problem with your article: no picture of (newscaster) Kathy Voltmer.
Steve Nelson, Oak Park
It has been a long time since I have tuned into WXRT. It seemed for the longest time that about every third song was either by REM or U2. The station bragged incessantly for introducing REM. They all but took credit for creating the band. It got to the point where WXRT’s ego was bigger than the airwaves it filled.
Mike Volgesburg, Chicago
I’m surprised that your article made no mention of WCBR-FM 92.7. In many ways it’s like ‘XRT first starting out. It’s the only station I know that seems willing to give lesser known artists of all genres a spin. I especially enjoy their alternative folk/acoustic artists, and am surprised that other stations–WXRT in particular–are not giving these artists air time. Thanks for the interesting and thoughtful article.
Sue Fink, Chicago
To me, ‘XRT is like family. It’s what a radio station is supposed to be like. Turnover of the deejays just doesn’t happen because they love their jobs, and it’s obvious that the listeners love them. I was one of the many who used to send postcards to Terri Hemmert during my travels and she read them on air! Although I stray to other stations once in a while, I always go back to that familiar “old shoe,” ‘XRT.
Jim Wilson, Wilmette
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