It's unusual for most commercial radio stations to have the same format and call letters for 30 years. As of today, however, St. Louis's modern rock station, KPNT 105.7 FM, has stayed the course all that time.
When 105-7 The Point debuted 30 years ago today, I didn't expect it to last three decades. Given the ever-changing nature of the format and its audience, I thought that the station would have changed formats by now. To its credit, it didn't. In honor of The Point's longevity, here are five of the best songs I've heard on KPNT and its Pointessential CDs:
- How Do You Feel About That?-Ken Kase (This is one of the most tuneful ways I've heard to tell someone, "I used to love you, but now, you drive me crazy." Tempered exasperation is tricky to pull off in a song, but Kase does it successfully here.)
- Philosophy Machine-The Groupers (This is more acoustic and folk rock-ish than much of what I've heard on The Point. It's unusual to hear a strong introspective tune that's played and sung this fast, but this St. Louis band pulls it off. "Philosophy Machine" contains one of my favorite choruses, "I've been walkin' by myself. I've been talkin' to myself--to an audience of one, who would rather be at home." Kudos to KPNT for playing this back in the day.)
- Shine-Liberty Horses (I first heard this during Les Aaron's "New Music Sunday" show in early 1994. I've listened to it as a pick-me-up many times since then. For days when you're loving life, "Shine" reflects that mood. On days when your mood is more downcast, the band's "King Of A Rainy Country" might match your outlook; it might also remind you of XTC's more accessible songs.)
- The Symmetry-Erik Voeks (After playing "Throw Me Out A Line" on KCOU a year or so before hearing this, I figured Voeks had a promising future. This is a highlight of a strong power pop CD, "Sandbox." With vocals and jangling guitar playing like this, Voeks should have had more national acclaim.)
- This Is Why-Paramore (After highlighting four songs from the '90s, it feels right to praise a more recent standout. This title track from Paramore's February 10 release establishes a commanding groove from the first note. In addition to a tight, catchy chorus, the lyrics make a convincing case for being a recluse who mostly abstains from social media.)
