Abracadabras- Be Still Be Cool

The magic has ended.

One essential fact is getting overlooked amid all the hand-wringing about the format change of Kansas City radio station KYYS. It's still an oldies station. The Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, the Eagles, Led Zeppelin and the Steve Miller Band remain in heavy rotation. But Foghat, Styx, Kansas and Foreigner have been supplanted by the Clash, U2, the Talking Heads and the Dave Matthews Band.

It's going to be a shock for listeners when the station starts playing new music. So they might as well begin with a local act like Abracadabras. As heard on "Be Still Be Cool," the new local band recalls the tough pop of the Kinks, Bowie's glam and R.E.M.'s jangle. They're a natural fit for KYYS' new format.

Besides, it's in the best interest of the station to champion a handful of local bands. As radio veterans know, such symbiotic support affords them ready access to talent for promotions and remote broadcasts.

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My review of Friday's concert by Chris Brown, Bow Wow, Soulja Boy, Sean Kingston and Lil Mama is here.

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Curious There Stands the Glass trainspotters should know that one of my resolutions for 2008 is to occasionally feature new MP3-only songs.

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Kansas City Click: Ambitious contemporary country duo Vandel-Snook continue their unlikely tour of area eateries tonight at Rancho Grande Cantina in Parkville.