Another open letter to Lightning 100.

Dear Lightning 100,

It’s not like me to issue an ultimatum on a relationship. Ask pretty much any boy who’s had the misfortune to catch my fancy–I don’t linger on my way out the door once it’s established that’s where I’m headed.

I wanted to give you more of a chance, though. But, today, though I’ve written an email and taken your blasted surveys and given you fair warning, you made the choice to play a John Mellencamp song…er, I don’t even remember which one, as they all kind of sound the same to me. This, of course, was the last straw; I have other reasons–reasons that I keep typing a paragraph about and then erasing because it seems catty–that I think this is best for both of us.

Yes, the sticker came off the window. And 100.1 was removed from my station presets. (Well, that last part is kind of a lie, as it’s still there for the sake of my iPod car dock.)

We had some really good years, though, me and you. I used to look forward to your signal becoming clearer on my way in to visit friends here in Nashville–this was when you were that other station…the one before the current incarnation. I was in the middle of a musical taste sea change, and you were a refuge from the Nickelback-infused mundanity of “alternative” stations back where I was from.

I moved here a few years later, and you played Mat Kearney’s “Nothing Left to Lose” to welcome me. You introduced me to local songwriters, and you played the ones I’d met myself and let me squeal when I heard someone I actually knew in person on the radio. You played deeper cuts of Dylan and Neil Young when “classic rock” stations wouldn’t; you had DJs who knew who Gram Parsons was, and playing Gillian Welch was commonplace, and of course Ryan Adams was a staple. And I still love hearing Doyle’s Indie Underground picks, but I’m sad that they’re relegated to one hour on a Saturday night.

But now? John Mellencamp? He’s not the only one, of course–he just happens to be someone I personally cannot stand musically–but unfortunately, inclusion of such has become the rule instead of the exception. The Coug, for me, is really just synecdoche for the mushy-cold-oatmeal mainstreaming of what was once a standout station. I listened to WRLT so I wouldn’t have to hear John Mellencamp. Now, I turn it on, and I may as well be listening to Jack FM (no offense intended toward the latter–I’m merely contrasting the intended format).

Oh, but come now–let’s hug it out. It is nearly Christmas, after all. A breakup during the holidays truly is the last thing either of us needs, but soon it will be a new year, and it’s a good time to cut unhealthy ties. I’ve held on, hoping you’d change, but I now know you just have to be who you are.

I do, too. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Rufus needs some TLC. Er…yeah…we’re getting a little more serious lately. Hope that doesn’t hurt you too much.

I’m sure you’ll find a lover that won’t drive you crazy.

*ahem*

Thanks for everything,

Holly