sounds of WOXY 97X 1985

Did ’80s music suck? Not on Ohio’s modern rock WOXY 97X; what I heard there in ’85 alone was remarkable. Here—in 14 hours across 5 mixes—is how it sounded.

Throughout life, but perhaps most profoundly in our youth, we encounter things or people that click on a cellular level—a movie; a book; a group of friends that awakens, challenges or reflects our feelings or worldview in ways that help define our identity. For me, it was a radio station.

My brain constantly mashes up songs with things I encounter in the world. This time, Park and Vine, a shop in Cincinnati, receives an unofficial theme song.

Genius of Water statue, Cincinnati

For my peeps at home and away, here’s a mix of songs that mention Cincinnati, both explicitly and by subtle or casual lyrical reference.