k.d. and Ozzy and Squeeze, Oh My!

'XPN's Latest Countdown Offers More Eclecticism Than the Station Might Have Hoped For

DURING THE station's annoyingly self-satisfied fund drives, WXPN DJs and staffers hammer home that you hear music on 88.5 that you simply can't hear anywhere else on the radio. This is true, of course, and is a major reason why so many of us treasure 'XPN and why so many of us pony up some scratch to support it. But there are times when I feel 88.5 plays stuff simply because no one else is playing it. The latest in the station's series of "885" countdowns, of "all-time greatest artists," makes me think I'm not alone in this assessment. Mixed in with the k.d. langs and Shawn Colvins and John Hiatts -- the usual suspects, in other words, and deserving honorees, all -- are such unexpected acts as Black Sabbath, Rage Against the Machine, R Kelly, Barry Manilow, and Wu Tang Clan. I'm not saying that 'XPN should start adding hip-hop, speed metal, and schmaltz to its playlist, but I do hope that the station realizes that there is very enjoyable and musically adept pop that could be played from time to time without shame. Its ads proclaim a love for "real musical diversity," but by excluding mainstream stuff to the extent that 88.5 does seems to belie that mission.

As for the countdown itself, well, it's really nothing more than an audio parlor game. It's fun to listen along and lament how low one's favorite artist is on the list (Kirsty MacColl at a disappointing 608? And they choose "In These Shoes?" as a representative cut?), as well as to enjoy the surprises a list like this always produces. (The Smiths made it all the way to 72? The Police couldn't make it any higher than 71?) As No. 1 draws closer and closer, the expected artists -- Springsteen, R.E.M., the Beatles, the Stones, Dylan, et al -- will duck in and take a bow. What I really look forward to is that one jaw-dropping artist that makes the top 20, say, that no one saw coming. Wonder who it'll be?