Listen to a guy talk on the radio long enough, and you think you know him. Such was the case with WFMB's John Levin, a host on the AM station's afternoon sports talk program. He seemed an intelligent sort, but more than a bit of a sports wonk. I didn't imagine him having many interests outside the realm of athletic competition. So I was quite surprised when he revealed that he not only knew that Shirley Manson is the lead singer of indie supergroup Garbage, but that he is also familiar with the work of Juliana Hatfield and is a connoisseur of indie rock. Now, I know that some will argue that Juliana lacks the necessary edge to truly be called indie, but she's always held a special place in my heart. And by association, I now have a new respect for Levine.
It's interesting to know that a guy who can give an honest assessment of the talent level of Virden's sophomore class of baseball players could also, if asked, opine on the Blake Babies discography. It's probably safe to say that a majority of people in Springfield don't know who Juliana is, and a vast majority of SportsRadio listeners. So Levine is definitely ahead of the hipness curve.
I'll report back on this post if Don Trello references the lyrics to a Sonic Youth song during one of his tirades against Cardinal manager Tony Larussio (sic).
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2 comments:
Came across your site through a Technorati search on Juliana Hatfield....Knowing that a celebrity is into indie rock makes them so much cooler in my eyes ... like when I read somewhere that Andy Richter(ex-sidekick of Conan O'Brien) was an indie/alt music fan and I believe is a big fan of The Wedding Present!
I am surprised in your "surprise" at Levin's preference in music. While one could probably figure that the vast majority of those who watch NASCAR on TV listen to country music and would not enjoy "alternative" or "indie" rock, it is a stretch to blanket many groups, especially anyone in the media field, in this category. It sounds like the ramblings of a "music snob". I personally am in a field that is dominated by the mainstream music lover, however there are those of us who are into the extreme outer reaches of music appreciation and take offense at anyone's attempt to put us in a "box".
Tread lightly Danielson.
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