In the early '90s, KCOU's main sports segment broadcaster was considering starting his "Triple Threat Sports" segments with a new theme. He asked if I had any suggestions.
I recommended Soft Machine's "Nettle Bed." At the time, I thought, "This would be a strong signature theme that would get listeners' attention."
I still think "Nettle Bed" makes strong theme music. Upon further reflection, however, it isn't fit for sports segments. It works better as the intro for an early '70s TV newscast or as needle drop music in a "Saturday Night Live" "Sprockets" sketch featuring Mike Myers as Dieter.
In retrospect, I understand why the sportscaster, upon hearing me play the record in KCOU's production room, said, "Yeah, I don't know about that."
Lesson learned. There's a reason why sportscast themes don't usually sound like Kraftwerk. You can't always force a piece of music you like to work in any context.
