Bringing Back the Best of the ’80s on the new KDAT

By now, you've likely heard (and seen) some of the changes we were talking about a few weeks ago -- it's the "new" KDAT. The new sound isn't drastically different from what we've always done, there's just a little extra "spice" to liven up our sound.

Many of these songs are from what used to be called the "new wave" format back in the day, and that's where I come in -- literally! I knew my reputation as somewhat of an '80s nut was cemented around here when Chris Carson emailed me a list of songs he wanted to bring into the KDAT mix, knowing I would have the majority of them before tracking them down himself.

Being in radio, you have to familiarize yourself with as many types of music as possible, regardless of the format you work in, or you won't do very well. But, that doesn't mean you can't have a personal preference and mine is unquestionably the '80s. Why? Well, you may have heard the Bob Seger lyric, "today's music ain't got the same soul..." So true. Plus, I just prefer what I grew up with as I near 40. (Did I just say that out loud?) It is so necessary to maintain a sense of fun and frivolity with all the stress and turmoil around us and it doesn't get much more fun or frivolous than "The Safety Dance". So many great songs. It's impossible to settle on a few favorites but I've included a playlist of my most up-to-the-second favorites from the decade of "Reaganomics".

It was awesome to revisit my '80s CD collection -- you know, those round plastic things that have music on them that people used to listen to before the digital age? Yeah, I still maintain a pretty vast collection of those things. So when you hear "The Final Countdown" or "Friday I'm In Love" (which is actually a '90s song, but you get the point), that's all me. You're welcome.

If I've piqued your curiosity to listen more intently for these subtle changes, you can always listen live at our website, of course, and when you're on the go, look us up on the free RadioPup mobile app.

Most importantly, thanks for listening and enjoying the New 104-5 KDAT. It's today's best mix!