By mid May everything had been submitted to the presser. We had done it. There was a sense of relief knowing everything on our side of the project had been completed. All the artwork and audio files were with the powers that be. We just had to wait the projected eight to twelve weeks, and then the 97X-LP would be here.

The waiting part has been a roller coaster to say the least. At first, it was reminiscent of the anticipation of Christmas morning as a kid. Lately, waiting for the record to arrive has been felt more like the feeling of complete anxiety and fear when someone tells you, “we need to talk.” There have been more than a few sleepless nights worrying if the 97X-LP will arrive by Friday for our 97X 40th Anniversary Party at RIBCO.

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What would we do if it’s not here on time? We have put so much of our heart into this project, as have so many others. The last thing we want to do is disappoint Farley, Mark, all the talented bands who gave their all to this project, the radio station, and last but not least, the listeners by not having the LP in hand on Friday. The biggest struggle with this is this last part has been nothing we can control. All the rest of the project we had control over and could help with. This part we just had to trust and have faith that the record will get here.

But let’s back up a bit. So, remember that eight to twelve weeks that was projected? I noticed on my account towards the beginning of June that the projected date had been pushed back. I waited and then in July, it was pushed back some more. What was the issue? Had we done something wrong?

Fast forward to earlier this month and the projected delivery date was somewhere in the ballpark of early November. I entered full panic mode. Several phone calls and emails later I was assured that the albums would be delivered to the station by Friday. I could handle that. Friday was cutting it about as close as possible, but the record would be available to distribute as planned. Unfortunately, then on Monday, I found out that the press itself had actually broken down. What will this mean.

I don’t care what we have to do to get this album in hand. I’ve even gone as far as to suggest to my rep at the presser that I drive the 14 ½ hours to Philly to pick up what vinyl they have finished. I’d have to leave Thursday morning in order to make it back in time, but it could be done if absolutely need be. His response was, “I must say willing to pick these up is true dedication!” Clearly this guy has never met me. Will it be here? I guess we’ll just have to wait until Friday night and see.

I would like to thank everyone involved in this project. Farley from Skylark Recording, Mark from The Lucky Workshop, Danny from Mrs. O’Leary’s Art, Dwyer, Michaels, Goose, Becky our Market President here at TSM QC. Miller Lite for sponsoring such a unique idea. All the bands (in no particular order: Alborn, Been There Done That, The Last Glimpse, The Common Faces, HeavyWeight, High Five Sinners, Modality, Lost Wages, Riding Atlas, and Northbrook. Thank you to 97X and to all its listeners. This has been a blast. ~Klinger

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