Knowledge (magazine) asked me to compile a list of top ten pirates most influential to the jungle / drum & bass scene. Where do you start? How do you choose? Lists are often difficult since they're highly subjective. People tend to big up a station as it's the one they've always listened to - even if only out of habit. Does longevity rule over cultural significance? Or are the best stations the ones which broadcast passion, music and vibes, attracting and retaining an extremely loyal following?
The best stations weave compulsive musical webs through our lives. Switch on and magic floods out your speakers. The underground music we know and love would never of reached the global prominence it has without the support of the pirates.
Most listeners will be unaware of all the shenanigans involved in keeping a pirate radio station on air. Government agents from Ofcom whose search and destroy mission it is target illegal broadcasters, admit a certain admiration for pirates: "It's not easy to set up a station and broadcast, yet they achieve it, week in, week out."
See his top 10 at:
http://www.kmag.co.uk/editorial/features/top-ten-pirate-radio-stations.html
(info via Mike Terry, radioanoraksuk)
Radio Caroline features in the top 10, while the rest are from the urban/dance music scene in London from the early pioneers in the 1980s up to today. There is video and clips from some of these stations.
How about a top 10 of shortwave pirates?? Most influential, best programmes, best audio etc .... Any thoughts? Leave your suggestions in the comments box.
11 comments:
My favourite was Westside Radio/Ozone Radio as I loved the obscure heavy rock/metal vinyl records that Prince Terry played and all the anecdotes and stories he told while on-air.
On the otehr criteria of professionalism DLR and Radio Fax would have to rank up there....honourable mention to Radio Ability from England for interesting programs in the early 90's
Laser Hot Hits for consistancy....
here are a few of my stations. flashback radio uk station.radio rainbow from ireland with the free radio show. radio free london.
I agree about with comments about Westside / Ozone... and will add:
UK Radio and WFRL.
Laser Hot Hits for their 24/7 programmes and doing so much for free radio
WMR ticked a lot of the boxes. Bogusman was an "interesting" listen too. Will we hear Mr Ozone/Prince Terry ever again?
Prince Terry got rid of the TX many years ago so I don't think he will be heard again.
UK Radio was a genuine nice guy, along with John Redmond of Capitol Radio - both gone before their time.
Except for Invicta & DBC,who were both real pioneers and great stations,the rest of the stations on his list are crap.
There are many much better stations on the air now and Point Blank must be the best.
""
Never say never)))
The above comment was referring to Prince Terry.
Are the mouldy oldy vinyl's going to be heard again?!!
It would be brilliant to hear Prince Terry back on the air.
M
Australia
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