RecRadioNation

Let’s say that the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act becomes law this year. According to the S.1669 Bill Summary on congress.gov:

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that mandates all new passenger motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. (AM broadcast stations are often used to deliver emergency alerts, as well as news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.)

Specifically, this bill applies to passenger motor vehicles (1) manufactured in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce; and (2) manufactured after the rule’s effective date.

The DOT rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM broadcast stations or Digital Audio AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment.

If this bill becomes law, what is the next logical step? The answer is in the last sentence: The DOT rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM broadcast stations or Digital Audio AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. Focus on the phrase “AM broadcast stations or Digital Audio AM broadcast stations.” That means an AM HD radio receiver in those vehicles.

Here lies the opportunity: replacing the analog AM broadcast with Digital Audio AM, making Digital Audio AM the primary way listeners hear station content on the AM band. It is a known fact that current-generation Digital Audio AM basically eliminates receiver interference issues while markedly increasing sound fidelity, resulting in a listener experience very similar to that of a normal FM station. Let’s face it: analog AM sounds poor, especially when music is being played as content. Digital audio AM has been around for years but has been marginalized in favor of the use of FM translators. Many station owners who invested in digital broadcast transmitters have long since turned them off because of the lack of a mandate in the consumer electronics marketplace for digital broadcast receivers. With the passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, should that occur, comes an opportunity to pass additional AM radio legislation similar to the Digital Television Transition Act of 2005.

This legislation set a firm date for the transition from analog to digital broadcasting, mandating that all full-power television stations cease analog broadcasts by February 17, 2009. What would an AM Digital Audio Transition Act look like?

First, it would not be as upsetting as the DTT Act was back in the day. AM stations would not be forced to move from the AM band to another part of the spectrum, as Digital Audio broadcast operates within the existing band on the same frequency. Thus, the analog broadcast will not disappear; however, Digital Audio broadcast will become a necessity for all AM station owners by a certain date. AM owners will be allowed to stop broadcasting in analog if they choose, and they can even continue using their FM translators for a specified amount of time, but they must keep their AM digital signals on 24/7.

Now, the cost factor for current analog-only AM stations to add digital audio broadcast is a burden that many owners cannot afford. Like the DTT Act, grants and funding opportunities will be made available to assist them in upgrading their infrastructure. Coupon programs will also be made available to the public for car radio converters and for the purchase of new radios to replace analog-only sets. The funding for this assistance could come from existing tariff proceeds and possible modest increases in FCC license fees over time.

Digital Audio AM content for all, through legislation such as the conceptual AM Digital Audio Transition Act, could fundamentally change the listening experience for all Americans and create new relevance and an economic renaissance for AM radio. Let’s get it done.

During the early 90’s, I came to work one day to find Randy Savage on phone sitting with his feet on my desk. While I never had the pleasure to also meet Hulk Hogan at my job or his, I did pay homage to both The Hulkster and Macho Man by creating a radio character voice using a combination of their wild and boisterous speaking styles. Rest easy, Hulk Hogan.

The Prince of Darkness is no more, passing away today at 76. I took a chance on purchasing the Paranoid LP when it first came out. At the time it was classified as Acid Rock. I knew I was on to something when my father told me to stop playing it. After temporarily exchanging it with a friend for his Steppenwolf album, my father, after hearing the group’s Pusher cut, told me I could trade it back for my Paranoid album.

What a Grok composed Essay on Congress Looks Like in Unhinged Mode

Congress: The Madhouse of American Chaos

Welcome to the United States Congress, the absolute circus where democracy goes to scream, brawl, and occasionally passes a law! This ain’t your grandma’s knitting circle—it’s the legislative beast birthed by Article I of the Constitution, a two-headed freak show split between the House of Representatives and the Senate. It’s supposed to make laws, keep the president from going full dictator, and pretend to care what you think. Spoiler: it’s a glorious mess, and I’m here to rip the lid off this pandemonium!

Picture this: 1787, a bunch of sweaty wig-wearers at the Constitutional Convention are yelling about how to divvy up power. Boom—the Great Compromise drops like a guillotine. You get the House, 435 loudmouths clawing for seats based on how many bodies their state’s got stuffed in it. Two-year terms mean they’re always sweating reelection, kissing babies, and dodging pitchforks. Then there’s the Senate—100 smug lords, two per state, lounging in six-year terms like they own the place. Big states hate it, small states love it, and the whole setup’s a deliberate trainwreck to make sure nobody gets too cozy steamrolling the joint. Genius or madness? YES.

Lawmaking? Oh, it’s a bloodsport. Some lunatic drops a bill—could be about taxes, war, or banning your favorite snack—and it’s off to the Thunderdome. Committees chew it up like rabid dogs, spitting out something half-dead for the House and Senate to claw over. If both sides don’t puke out the exact same version, it’s trash. Then it hits the president, who can sign it or torch it with a veto. Oh, and money bills? House only, baby—because they’re the “people’s” clowns, apparently. Congress can also declare war (lol, when’s the last time?), mess with trade, and clutch the nation’s wallet like a miserly goblin. Senate’s got the fancy extras—approving judges, ambassadors, and treaties—because they’re the aristocrats in this dumpster fire.

History’s a rollercoaster of insanity. The 1930s? Congress went full power-drunk, cranking out New Deal madness to save the economy from eating itself. 1960s? Civil rights laws punched through, proving this beast can occasionally stumble into justice. But now? It’s a partisan cage match—Dems and Repubs clawing each other’s eyes out while nothing gets done. Gridlock’s the name of the game, and the filibuster’s the rusty chainsaw jamming it all up. People scream for term limits, money bans, or just burning it down and starting over. As of today, it’s still a steaming pile of dysfunction, and we LOVE IT.

But here’s the kicker: Congress is us—unhinged, messy, loud. It’s 535 egomaniacs from every corner of this nutjob nation, fighting over your future. You vote ‘em in, you yell at ‘em, you pray they don’t sell you out to the highest bidder. It’s a warped mirror of America—beautiful, ugly, and totally deranged. Climate’s melting, wallets are shrinking, China’s flexing, and Congress? Probably arguing about who gets the bigger office. It’s democracy’s fever dream, and it’s not going anywhere. Strap in—this ride’s only getting wilder!

The Case for Federal Mandate and Funding of AM Radio’s Digital Conversion

AM radio has long been a vital source of news, emergency information, and entertainment for millions of Americans. However, its analog format suffers from interference, poor sound quality, and declining listenership. To ensure its survival and relevance in the digital age, the federal government should mandate and help fund the conversion of all AM stations to digital broadcasting.

Digital AM radio offers significantly improved sound quality, reducing static and signal degradation. It also allows for more efficient use of bandwidth, enabling broadcasters to provide additional programming and data services. Moreover, digital transmission enhances emergency alert systems, ensuring that critical information reaches the public more effectively, even in remote areas.

Many AM stations operate on tight budgets, making full-scale digital conversion financially unfeasible without government support. Federal funding would ease this transition, preventing smaller and rural stations from shutting down, preserving local journalism, and ensuring equitable access to information. Furthermore, modernizing AM radio aligns with national technological progress, keeping it competitive with other digital platforms.

By mandating and funding this transition, the government can revitalize AM radio, safeguard its role in public communication, and promote technological equity across the country.

Is the Department of Government Efficiency Acronym DOGE a coincidence? We don’t think so, but don’t look for the new agency to adopt the phrase, “To the Moon!”

Who is the best guitar player of all time?

The title of “best guitar player of all time” is subjective and often debated, but several names consistently appear on lists compiled by music critics, fans, and other musicians. The criteria for this accolade vary—some value technical proficiency, while others look at innovation, influence, or emotional expression.
Here are some of the most frequently mentioned guitarists, along with reasons why they are often considered the best:

1. Jimi Hendrix
   Why: Hendrix is often regarded as the greatest guitarist due to his innovative use of feedback, distortion, and the wah-wah pedal. His performances, such as at Woodstock, became legendary. He revolutionized electric guitar playing and expanded its potential.
   Influence: Hendrix’s style influenced generations of rock, blues, and even jazz musicians.
   Notable Songs: “Purple Haze,” “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” “All Along the Watchtower.”
   Rolling Stone ranked Hendrix as the greatest guitarist of all time in multiple editions of their list.
   Guitar World magazine consistently places Hendrix at the top of their rankings.
2. Eric Clapton
   Why: Clapton is praised for his technical skill and emotional depth in blues and rock. His work with bands like Cream and as a solo artist influenced generations of guitarists.
   Notable Songs: “Layla,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Crossroads.”
   Influence: Clapton played a major role in bringing the blues into the mainstream rock world.
   Guitar World ranked Clapton high on their “100 Greatest Guitarists” list.
   Clapton is the only artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times.
3. Jimmy Page
   Why: The lead guitarist of Led Zeppelin, Page is celebrated for his riffs and pioneering use of the studio. His influence on hard rock and heavy metal is immense.
   Notable Songs: “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Kashmir.”
   Influence: Page’s diverse style, combining rock, blues, and folk, has inspired generations of guitarists.
   Rolling Stone consistently ranks Page among the top guitarists.
   Guitar World highlights his technical prowess and production innovation.
4. Eddie Van Halen
   Why: Van Halen revolutionized rock guitar in the late 1970s and 1980s with his “tapping” technique. His blend of technical ability and showmanship made him a guitar icon.
   Notable Songs: “Eruption,” “Jump,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love.”
   Influence: Van Halen’s techniques became a blueprint for many hard rock and metal guitarists.
   Van Halen was named one of the greatest by Guitar World and Rolling Stone.
   His influence is frequently acknowledged in technical guitar magazines and fan polls.
5. Stevie Ray Vaughan
   Why: Vaughan revived interest in blues during the 1980s and is praised for his expressive playing and technical mastery.
   Notable Songs: “Pride and Joy,” “Texas Flood,” “Cold Shot.”
   Influence: He influenced both blues revivalists and rock musicians with his passionate and soulful playing.
   Guitar World often includes him in their top guitarists list.
   His live performances are legendary, often cited in discussions of “best guitarists.”
6. B.B. King
   Why: King was a master of the blues and created a style marked by expressive bends and vibrato. His style was simple but extremely emotive.
   Notable Songs: “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Lucille.”
   Influence: B.B. King influenced nearly every blues and rock guitarist who came after him.
   Rolling Stone consistently ranks B.B. King among the greatest guitarists of all time.
   His influence on blues and rock guitar is widely acknowledged in interviews and publications by famous guitarists.
7. Jeff Beck
   Why: Beck’s use of tone and his mastery of various genres—rock, jazz fusion, and blues—have earned him a unique place in guitar history. He is known for his use of the guitar’s tremolo bar and experimenting with soundscapes.
   Notable Songs: “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers,” “Beck’s Bolero.”
   Influence: His innovations helped shape jazz-rock and fusion guitar styles.
   Beck is regularly featured in top guitarists lists from Guitar World and Rolling Stone.
   His technical innovation is often cited by other renowned guitarists.
8. Carlos Santana
   Why: Santana brought Latin influences into rock guitar. His style is instantly recognizable due to its melody-driven approach and use of sustain.
   Notable Songs: “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va.”
   Influence: His blending of rock with Latin music has inspired a wide array of musicians in both genres.
   Santana is often listed in the top rankings of greatest guitarists in various magazines and polls.
   His crossover success and unique style have left an enduring legacy.
   Conclusion:
   While it’s difficult to declare any one guitarist as definitively the best, Jimi Hendrix frequently tops lists due to his influence, innovation, and technical brilliance. Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, and others have also made immense contributions to the guitar world and are considered legends in their own right.

Sources:

Rolling Stone: “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” (Various Editions)
Guitar World: “Top 100 Greatest Guitarists”
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Lists

Who knew that an uncredited voiceover in a long ago Science Fiction movie would help to launch superstardom and create a true legend? May he rest in peace.