06/26:  Song of the Day.  Wall of Voodoo–Mexican Radio

Today’s Song of the Day choice is inspired in part by the latest book I’m currently reading.  Border Radio:  Quacks, Yodelers, Pitchmen, Psychics, and Other Amazing Broadcasters of the American Airwaves is a work of non-fiction written by Gene Fowler and Bill Crawford and was published by University of Texas Press.  The book takes a close look at the history and the impact of the behemoth radio stations that began popping up in Mexico in the 1930’s and continued to operate all the way into the 1980’s.

These stations were so powerful (some operating as high as 1 million watts) that they could be heard not only all over the U.S., but also in such far-flung locations as New Zealand, France, and Brazil.  These border broadcasts would over time introduce the world to the Carter Family, the early roots of rock n roll and rhythm and blues, and to one of the most influential rock DJ’s of his time, the legendary Wolfman Jack.  In some ways these stations were the radio equivalent to the internet.  Expect a review of the book in the coming weeks, but for now here’s your Song of the Day.  [after the break] »Read More

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