I had other shows I considered putting together, including one solely focused on Texas music, but I threw it to our live audience and AM Gold was the strong favorite pick. Maybe we’ll do some more crowdsourced shows for upcoming episodes.

AM Gold – it’s more than a Time-Life compilation. It’s a mindset; it’s a way of life. WSTU 1450 AM was the soundtrack to my childhood memories in Stuart, Fla. In my mind, it’s always breezy, 80 degrees and “Tighten Up, Pt. 1)” by Archie Bell & The Drells is on the radio.

These songs have staying power. DJs remix them. Bands cover them. Maybe there are even a few AM stations out there still playing some of them. I think the common theme is joy. You might also find some joy in my mid-show equipment/mental breakdown, too.

Back to Archie Bell & The Drells: They would fit in a Texas music show, too. The band proudly identifies themselves from Houston, and Bell had roots in Henderson, a town I spent a few years in, too. Jessica picked up a copy of Tighten Up for my birthday a few weeks ago at Tiger Records.

Notes

• Shuggie Otis was a stretch, but that is too great of a recording to ignore  

• Trying out some different program lengths and formats. Let me know your thoughts.

• I stopped off at a beach access spot on Hutchinson Island once and randomly ran into one of the original WSTU program directors. I didn’t catch his name, but I could tell he liked hearing someone enjoyed his format. 

• I’m embarking on a health kick – this pandemic is taking a heavy toll to the scale. I’ll be sure to keep you all updated. What gets measured gets improved.