I often talk about my days in college radio at CiTR as the host of The Morning After Show. Oh the times… circa 1998-2003, playing Canadian punk, metal and indie rock.
When I started there… I was young and dumb. But it was really fun learning new bands and hanging out with Vancouver’s most groovy folks.
The show before the MAS was called Vengeance is Mine. It was a PUNK show hosted by a guy named Trevor that had a leg dedicated to tattoos of villainous logos… “Decepticons,” The “Empire” from Star Wars, and “Cobra” from G.I. Joe. He dropped out of radio school (hey, I was going to radio school in the fall!) and he was a cook at the Atlantic Trap and Grill back when it was more divey and cool and less touristy and near the arena and stadium (but actually, still a fun place!).
Trevor was very friendly, loved music, was in a band, and was a huge inspiration on 18 and 19 year old Jeremy. One of his favourite bands that quickly became my new favourite band was Winnipeg’s Propagandhi.
Propagandhi made the kind of punk rock that punk rockers talk about making but don’t, or sell out.
In 2001 they released Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes. The album very quickly became the most played record on my radio show. In fact, almost every radio show started with “Back to the Motor League.” The times when I couldn’t make the show and Paul flew solo, he played the song first!
Propagandhi – “Back To The Motor League”
Download MP3 >> motorleague
At the time… the song was a party anthem for me. But I was also 21 and stupid. Listening now, the song still gets me fired up, but the message remains. The track talks about the co-opting the punk rock culture by corporations.
Generally Propagandhi are pretty politically charged… so being lectured every song isn’t for everyone… but I find the songs to be a great inspiration, and the energy to be positive. “Back to the Motor League” remains a favourite party rocker and usually a first play before a big night.
Go with yourself.
The Morning After 