What is it about a mind crushingly numb medium like commercial radio that makes it so popular? Although I should know better, I still listen to non-commercial radio with an emphasis on new and emerging music that is just a little more independent.

Sorry, but I cannot stomach the hit and memories format everyone else seems to find so nostalgic. As for Top 40, or mainstream “music”, again no, it’s just not my thing. When was the last time Kurt Cobain, or Massive Attack, were in the Top 40?

Mind you, even if you have no choice but to listen to commercial radio, there is no guarantee you will actually hear any music, of any variety, anyway. Matter of fact, chance would be a fine thing. There is so much chatter, non-stop jingles and endorsements, that the next news bulletin is due by the time the incessant carry on ceases.

I was on a bus the other morning and the driver kindly decided to pipe one of the city’s commercial stations through the bus speaker system. For the first ten minutes it seemed I was listening to talk back radio as advert followed news bulletin, followed weather report, followed endorsement, followed road and traffic update.

Finally they played some music. Supertramp’s “The logical song”. There is no doubting the band and the song matched the station’s listening demographic perfectly. Supertramp were around in the 1970’s (yes, they were), so anything in their repertoire would suit a hit and memories play list.

But then again, I wonder if they really are suitable? Take a closer listen to the lyrics. The song is virtually inciting social rebellion and is almost a contradiction in terms of the station’s commercial context. It seems to encourage some very dangerous thinking here, that is, independent thinking.

As a protest song though, it’s not too bad. Just unfortunate about the cheesy keyboard solo, which probably earned this song a place on commercial radio. Naturally it’s nothing Kurt Cobain couldn’t have put a better twist on of course!