It’s hard to believe that it’s a true coincidence each and every one of us here at The Wounded Jukebox used to DJ for the same radio station.  For all six of us, the memories of WUSO 89.1 The Berg are one of the biggest parts of our college lives.  It provided a slip n’ slide into musical growth and surrounded us with like-minded people who lived to explore and share music.  So, if you would allow it, we’d like to share some memories that honor WUSO, and to point your ears towards a station that STILL plays great alternative music.

Allison

I wuv WUSO.

Oh the Berg. That panic room in the bowels of Firestine Hall. How I remember the intimate hour I spent with you each week.

Your switchboard carved with initials and the ever-popular angular block “S.” The lopsided rolly chairs where my ass would ache on your cushion-less seats. And the ominous Hot Box. The collection of bands where I played a constant game of musical Russian roulette. One can never tell a CD by its cover.

For a semester I co-hosted the Callie and Alli Show. Preparation involved one of two things: obscenely large Coke slushies from Speedway or multiple 99 cent margaritas. Badgered friends would listen and if we were lucky, call for a request. But mostly we spent the time in your good company.

For you, I write a haiku.

Station frequency,
transmit my heart beat quickly.
Damn, locked out again.

Volcano, I’m Still Excited!! — Green

Cole

A Journey: WUSO 2003-2007;

by Cole Downs

It’s safe to say when I was told that I could not only have my own radio show at the mere age of 18, but that I could even play the music I wanted, that I was slightly ecstatic. At that time, my hometown wasn’t known for its music diversity and my favorite bands were 90’s staples like Green Day and Oasis. Solid stuff, but far from the best music that was available at the time. I started a show Freshman year with my friends John and Evan, where my music choices routinely got vetoed for the likes of bands such as Pixies, Sigur Ros, Pavement, among countless others that I had never even heard of. Through my newfound friends and the seemingly endless supply of CD’s at the station, I embraced music and WUSO became my new home. It’s not far from the truth to say I spent the majority of my freshman year in the concrete walls of the station, and I wouldn’t change that for a thing.

First song I remember discovering that I loved thanks to WUSO: “The Rat” by The Walkmen

Glenn

Oh the days back in the WUSO studio deciding who got to talk into the good mic. I think the best part about being in the WUSO studio was that you could basically do whatever you wanted. Anyone could get a show, and all you had to do was not cuss too much and you were set. I never actually had my own show, but I guest hosted quite a few sessions. Matt’s show was the most consistent, when he would open every show with Jimmy Eat World, “Sweetness.” I probably still have some of the mixes I made for the show.

My favorite experience in the WUSO studio was with Mr. Mark O’Brien. We were out on the town have a good time, and mark decided it would be a good idea to go to the WUSO studio around 1am in the morning. No one had a show then, and all you needed was a swipe card to get in. We went in and played a few impromptu songs and talked about a girl that Mark had a crush on, and then went back to the party. The beauty of WUSO.

I would say that my favorite songs during the WUSO days would have to be Sun Kil Moon “Carry Me Ohio” and Andrew Bird “Oh Sister,” a Bob Dylan cover.

Sun Kil Moon — Carry Me Ohio

Matt

For me, WUSO was more of a weekly therapy session.  We ALL know the life of a College Student is unnecessarily stressful and full of hardships.  SO MUCH Frisbee-Golf and Ultimate Frisbee to play.  But to walk down those steps into the Berg basement, and to smell that potential dangerous potpourri of mold meant that you were on your own for a little while, with nothing but music and a potential audience.  I learned the radio art by watching others, and hosted a show with a few different partners, Glenn being the most complimentary and sexually attractive.  It was altogether thrilling and intimidating and self-absorbed to sit in a studio and play the music that you loved.  And I think it trained me a little, to share for sharing’s sake without reward.  Though I think everyone of us at TWJ would smile, just a little, when we found out someone had heard our show and the songs we played.

Rogue Wave — Endless Shovel

Sean

If I was passionate about music before my time at WUSO 89.1 FM (I was), my time working in college radio turned me into a full-blown audiophile. When I heard there was something called the “CD Review Committee” — a group that met once a week and divvied up all the CDs that had been sent to the station that week to write short, helpful reviews to help DJs make selections in the booth — I jumped on board. After four years of being a part of the station, I’d developed a thirst for new and undiscovered music that’s nearly unquenchable, and truthfully, led me to start The Wounded Jukebox in 2009. I missed the thrill of cracking open a new album from a band I’d previously never heard of and being delighted by what I heard. I missed talking about all the music I loved once or twice a week on the air. Basically, I yearned to constantly tell people about music again. I owe that level of passion to WUSO.

I remember opening up The Avett Brothers’ Four Thieves Gone: The Robinsville Sessions on a cold, gray day in Wittenberg’s student cafe. When I got it back to my apartment, I heard “Talk on Indolence”, the album’s opener, and thus began a years-long courtship with a band that continues today. I owe that — discovering a band five years before they became a Grammy performer with Bob Dylan — to WUSO as well.

The Avett Brothers — Talk on Indolence

Shiloh

<3            <3     <3        <3   <3<3<3<3      <3<3<3
<3            <3     <3        <3   <3               <3         <3
<3            <3     <3         <3    <3<3<3      <3          <3
<3    <3    <3     <3         <3              <3     <3         <3
<3<3   <3 <3      <3<3 <3<3     <3<3<3        <3<3 <3

If this isn’t enough of an explanation from Shiloh, see her Photo Essay, here.

Los Campesinos! — You! Me! Dancing!

You can listen live to WUSO RIGHT NOW from your iTunes and call in to request a song at (937) 327-7030!

-THE WOUNDED JUKEBOX