Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine, 8-23-1988, 12M-1AM (59:37)

. . . This is the only time you'll ever hear two Bobby Sherman songs in the same half-hour . . .

The Record Pig question is Who discovered Bobby Sherman. The Playback is 1968 (Rascals, People Gotta Be Free) and enjoy the wacky old-time weather jingle at 41:32!

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine, 8-23-1988, 1-2AM (59:39)

. . . just ahead of much more mucus and The Dave Clark Five . . .

Almost a Beatles Twin-Spin, Flashback Playdate is 1966.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine, 8-23-1988, 2-3AM (59:39)

. . . Take your love life somewhere else, don't do it on my time . . .

Flashback Playdate 1963, Record Pig Question: What was really the first Monkees chart record? Jay explains the difference between mono records and stereo CDs.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine, 8-23-1988, 3-4AM (59:44)

. . . Drop whatever you're doing, or whoever you're doing . . .

Lots of Monkees and lots of wrong answers to the Record Pig question of the previous hour. Flashback Playdate is 1970.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine, 8-23-1988, 4-5AM (59:37)

. . . What is Radio City going to be called when we're gone? . . .

Randy the Producer gets a lesson on interrupting jingles, the Flashback Playdate is 1967.

Jay Sorensen, Don Imus, WNBC NY 8-23-1988, 5-6AM (01:03:02)

. . . from Worship World's new adult films division, 'Touch This' . . .

Jay opens and closes Part Six of The Time Machine for August 23, 1988. The Playdate Flashback is from 1965. Charles McCord is featured with news.

The sixth hour of these overnight WNBC archives contains an extra treat from Don Imus. Every quarter-hour counts! No slackin' off for the I-Man between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. Bits include "George Harrison" and Billy Sol Hargis with The Last Temptation of Hargis. (Don Imus first appears at 35:45.)

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-24-1988, 12M-1AM (59:32)

. . . is that a disco song? That's disco? Stop it. . . .

Jay seems somewhat grumpy (bitter?) for the second show of this week, and he's also a bit rude to The Hues Corporation. The Playdate is 1970. The Record Pig Jingle is out in the open and the RP Question is: Who was the backup band at the Garden Party?

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-24-1988, 1AM-2AM (59:38)

. . . I want to kill this jingle . . .

To The Letter, Big Jay (35) follows the format, which thankfully included "personality segments". (Liner cards not included.) Yes, he knows the Time Machine is a short-timer. He says he's "a little tired." The Playdate is 1967, and a request for Tiny Tim produces an amusing response. After The Amboy Dukes, before Lee Dorsey, (about 56:15) he reveals he's having trouble sleeping because he hears the WNBC jingles in his head.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-24-1988, 2AM-3AM (59:39)

. . . That's when I sleep. They could bring back Soupy and Joey, and I still wouldn't wake up . . .

Jay Sorensen continues to have fun in the last days of The Time Machine. In Hour 3 (2-3AM) on Tuesday, August 24, 1988: Playdate is 1965; "There's nothing more important than Sports", Donovan needed professional help, and a new Record Pig question: "Where could you find a sign that was lean, clean and bluesy?"

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-24-1988, 3AM-4AM (59:37)

. . . Does that offend the guy who wants to hear "Angel Baby," or not? . . .

I must admit to enjoying Jay's pointedly cynical performance in this hour. He recommends that those listeners who want to hear "doo-wop" check out the "guys down the street." He knows he'll be pounding the pavement soon but will NOT play Seasons In The Sun! This hour is a lot of fun and includes a few surprises mixed in with (unfortunately) overplayed standards. The Playdate is 1962 and the Record Pig question from the previous hour is NOT yet answered! And personally, I would much rather have heard Lenny Welch!

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-24-1988, 4AM-5AM (59:40)

. . . Oldie fans usually have pot bellies and a beer in their hand . . .

Listen to the Tommy James and Badfinger records for special treatment by Big Jay Sorensen in the 4AM hour of The Time Machine on WNBC, from August 24, 1988. The Record Pig question from the 2AM hour remains unanswered, and the Playdate is 1966.

Jay Sorensen, Don Imus, WNBC NY 8-24-1988, 5AM-6AM (1:07:57)

. . . Mitch Green claims that Don King owes him some money. Can you believe that? . . .

Unable to get to an answer, Big Jay abandons the 2AM Record Pig question, leaving us to wonder if we'll ever know the answer. Don Imus (begins at 42:13) welcomes Cecil, "the most prominent independent black producer in the free world". Mike Tyson, who broke his hand in an early-morning altercation at Dapper Dan's, provides plenty of material for the I-Man and his newspal Charles McCord before the tape turns off a few minutes after 6AM.

Jay Sorensen WNBC Time Machine 8-25-1988, 12M-1AM (59:32)

. . . Ouch! . . .

It's Thursday, August 25, 1988, and it's raining in midtown New York as Big Jay Sorenson begins another Time Machine on WNBC. Lightning-induced static is evident throughout this recording, and it seems as though Jay is listening off-air as he comments at least once on the electrical noise and even exclaims "Ouch!" at one point. The Record Pig question from the previous day is repeated (but not answered in this hour) and the 1962 Playdate feature introduces a great oldie by Claudine Clark.

Jay Sorensen WNBC Time Machine 8-25-1988, 1AM-2AM (59:42)

. . . There's a history behind that chime - if you knew what they had to do to get that chime . . .

The atmospherically-produced static (and some digital noise) continues with Big Jay Sorenson, his WNB-CD player, and hour two of The Time Machine for Thursday, August 25, 1988. Jay finally gets an answer to the Record Pig question that started the day before. The playdate is 1968 and Jay features a Supremes Double-Play. And (naughty!) he stops Dusty Springfield to hit the post.

Jay Sorensen WNBC Time Machine 8-25-1988, 2AM-3AM (59:41)

. . . ixnay on the eezerwhay . . .

Big Jay Sorensen continues with the third hour of The Time Machine for Thursday, August 25, 1988. The Playdate is 1966 and Jay introduces a new Record Pig question: "What was called the official souvenir of The Beatles first visit to America?". And did you ever notice that Friend And Lover were singing "Reach Out IN The Darkness", but the record label read "Reach Out OF The Darkness? There's nothing easier you can do than layin' around, doin' nothin' - and enjoying another great hour of The WNBC Time Machine.

Jay Sorensen WNBC Time Machine 8-25-1988, 3AM-4AM (59:40)

. . . that's where Emmis is located - that's their headquarters - the people that are taking us over and firing me . . .

There's lots of YELLING on the phone in the fourth hour of the WNBC Time Machine for August 25, 1988. Big Jay Sorensen tells listeners not to call for requests - "they're already on tape." The Record Pig Question continues ("What was called the official souvenir of The Beatles first visit to America?") and remains unanswered, and Jay features a few Seldom Heard not-so-hits (Jefferson!) The Playdate is 1963, but the real Cliff Hanger of this hour is Good Lovin'. How will it end?! You'll have to tune in for our next installment!

Jay Sorensen WNBC Time Machine 8-25-1988, 4AM-5AM (59:44)

. . . What's Mookie Wilson's Batting Average? . . .

Jay opens the hour by completing Good Lovin' from the previous hour - what a great idea, *expect* listeners to continue listening from hour to hour... The Record Pig question, What Was the official souvenir for the Beatles first visit to America, remains unanswered and this hour includes sparsely used Summertime and Sing The Song jingles. The Playdate is 1970, and we can't help but wonder if Mungo Jerry 's Have A Drink, Have A Drive lyrics should be played on radio today.

Jay offers a thoughtful tribute to the historic WABC sign-off when he plays Imagine.

Jay Sorensen, Don Imus, WNBC NY 8-25-1988, 5AM-6AM (1:09:23)

. . . some of the biggest wackos I've ever heard . . .

The Record Pig question, "What was the official souvenir of The Beatles' First Visit to America" is finally answered and the Playdate is 1967. This exhibit features the last 30 minutes of Jay Sorensen on The Time Machine, and the first 39 minutes of Imus In The Morning for Thursday, August 25, 1988. We're treated to a rare "Sixty Six Rings Your Chimes" jingle, news from Charles McCord and a funny, funny Imus bit called 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (starring Elmer Fudd as Dan Quayle, starts at 51:00.)

And yes, Imus is right: That Gary U.S. Bonds record sounds like it was recorded with one mike in a garage — possibly the worst sounding #1 oldie of all time.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-26-1988, 12M-1AM (59:32)

. . . Do I have to play the goofy Animals jingle . . .

Here's the first hour of Jay Sorensen on the WNBC Time Machine from Friday, August 26, 1988. A last minute equipment substitution encouraged a higher-fidelity processing and encoding procedure, so this one sounds extra sweet. The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown is not only hot, it's crisp!

The Playdate is 1963 and that's an excuse to be treated to a Four Seasons Twin Spin. And there's a new Record Pig question: What were most of the world's great artists on?

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-26-1988, 1AM-2AM (59:39)

. . . certainly a lot of black-light-listening to that song . . .

The Record Pig question from the first hour, (What were most of the world's great artists on?) remains unanswered in the second hour of Jay Sorensen's WNBC Time Machine from August 26, 1988. The PlayDate is 1970, and the payoff is the loooong version of one of those songs that was SO COOL to play on AM radio back in the day.

Not to be overlooked are the NBC newscasts on these recordings. The 1988 elections were heating up and it's helpful to remember that petty political crapola has been presented as "news" for generations in American media. And the caller who talks about the "Bulletin Board" charts and "Kasen Kasen" has been seen entering comments on REELRADIO since 1996...

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-26-1988, 2AM-3AM (59:40)

. . . I'll show you mine, if you'll tell me about yours . . .

The Record Pig question from the first hour, (What were most of the world's great artists on?) continues to be unanswered in the THIRD hour of Jay Sorensen's WNBC Time Machine from August 26, 1988. The Playdate is 1967, and except for the potential overdose of Beatles and Apple, there's a great variety here that is becoming increasingly difficult to hear on the "public" airwaves.

Producer Randy is heard commenting on Jay's appearance and Full Moon Phone Callers. Who was this "Randy" dude? Is he still around? Will he see this exhibit description and enter a COMMENT, below?

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-26-1988, 3AM-4AM (59:39)

. . . The Dead of Night only lasts for 15 minutes in New York City . . .

The Papa PlayDate is 1965, and the correct answer to the Record Pig question, "What were most of the world's great artists on?" eludes every caller, even the part-time DJ.

Do you know anybody on Zenith records? Do all Ricky Nelson fans have a problem with donuts? Lots of older oldies in this one, and when that Grass Roots dude does the bit after the jingle into the Grass Roots record, I'm reminded how much I enjoyed the "show" in radio.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-26-1988, 4AM-5AM (59:37)

. . . Once we get past like a half-hour of wrong answers, it gets goofy . . .

Are you hoping for an answer to the Record Pig question, "What were most of the world's great artists on?"? Your hope will continue to inspire us all.

In this hour, we learn that 78's were not LPs. Jay also says the name of Radio City Music Hall should be changed since NBC is leaving, perhaps to "Radio-Less City Music Hall". (He does sound a little bitter about it.) Wish I could share Jay's enthusiasm for Hey Jude, one of those topping my "most-burnt" list.

Jay Sorensen, Don Imus, WNBC NY, 8-26-1988, 5AM-6AM (1:06:39)

. . . I could listen to you for hours. I don't, but I could . . .

The Playdate is 1962 in the featured half-hour of Jay Sorensen and The Time Machine from WNBC.

Don Imus and newsman Charles McCord are featured in the second half of this exhibit from Friday, August 26, 1988. Imus presents a bit with Bud Spurlough, who discusses his efforts to provide an affordable fast-food family restaurant.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-27-1988, 12M-1AM (59:51)

. . . It makes me feel like I'm underground . . .

The inimitable Irving R. Levine is credited twice in the opening NBC newscast, but otherwise, The Sultan of Swine is back with the Record Pig question: "What were most of the world's great artists on"? And even though Jay doesn't take any new guesses, he does review all the wrong answers.

The Playdate is from 1965, and we also get a Western Union and Four Seasons twin spin. The Time Machine is off to a great start for Saturday, August 27, 1988 with Big Jay Sorensen.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-27-1988, 1AM-2AM (59:41)

. . . Don't curse at me! . . .

The Playdate is 1962, and there is some great music in this hour, just about the most enjoyable we've heard.

First, there's The Esquires. Who hasn't wanted to sing the "Get on up" background on this R&B classic? And then, there's Jay Sorensen's extended version of Rock 'n' Roll Heaven! If you've never heard this, you'll be surprised how many memories it ignites. It's exceptional and very powerful. (starts at 15:10)

The Record Pig question, "What were most of the world's great artists on" continues unanswered, but the joy in this hour is the music.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-27-1988, 2AM-3AM (59:39)

. . . I'm just a grumpy old DJ - what can I tell you? . . .

Wow. Dick Bartley and The Rock 'n' Roll Oldies Show gets a promo right after the network news, complete with the network logo.

The Playdate is 1968, and there a few not-so-common oldies treats in this hour, too.

Two Record Pig segments, but the question "What were most of the world's great artists on" continues unanswered. (Big Jay's listeners didn't have the advantage of the REELRADIO spoiler comment 18 years later...) Who wants to bet they guess it in the next (3AM-4AM) hour? I haven't listened, I dunno.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-27-1988, 3AM-4AM (59:40)

. . . Do they still make Cocoa Marsh? ... Remember, with that little squeeze pump? . . .

Finally! The Record Pig question "What were most of the world's great artists on" is answered! But, not before His Bigness Jay Sorenson asks Randy and Justin for a rapid-fire recount of the previous guesses.

And there's a NEW Record Pig question in this hour: A famous seventies band evolved from the nucleus of a band that two brothers formed. Name the brothers, and what was so sweet?

And then, there's Freddie And The Dreamers.

Jay Sorensen, WNBC Time Machine 8-27-1988, 4AM-5AM (59:39)

. . . We're going to have a mass compact disc, album, cassette burning of the Dirty Dancing soundtrack because of that song . . .

No correct answer to the NEW Record Pig question in this hour: A famous seventies band evolved from the nucleus of a band that two brothers formed. Name the brothers, and what was so sweet? — but the opening triple-play of R&B oldies is SUPER sweet. Remember when they "sampled" Bach for popular songs?

The Playdate is 1963, and of all the truly great oldies of that year, the answer, my friend, is Blowin' In The Wind.