If you are of a certain age, and I am, and listened to Cleveland radio back in the heyday of WMMS you will be flooded with memories from this book.
It's a big book - 8.5 x 11 - and that's great because it is primarily artwork of the iconic WMMS Buzzard.
The story of how David Helton came up with the character and how his complaint letter to WMMS about shortening a radio program led to its adoption is a classic.
Modern radio listeners have no idea how grassroots (un-corporate might be a better word if it existed) FM radio of that era was. The producers and DJs were basically making it up as they went along and as counterculture figures (Rock and Roll!) that led to irreverent and provocative marketing and advertising.
Every listener of the time knew what "catching a buzz" meant. The Buzzard was even drawn holding a joint in some of these images.
The drawings are presented chronologically for the most part and have just enough text to explain things and offer interesting factoids.
As one of those who voted hundreds of time in the Rolling Stone polls for WMMS as best radio station and a regular at the Agora on weekends and Coffee Break Concerts (not to mention the World Series of Rock and the rest) I had a blast going through the book and saying "Oh yeah - that was so cool" or "I didn't realize that."
Today's Internet radio or stations owned by a single big entity just don't have the personality. If you didn't get to live through those days, check it out to see what you missed out on.
Reviewed by Dan Hanson 12-2024
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