FUV Essentials

So many variables determine what makes an artist or band “essential” — longevity, impact, influence, history. On-air and online, we celebrate the musicians who have shaped our cultural soundtrack for the past fifty years. Let’s love these FUV Essential artists while they’re here, and honor those who have departed too soon.

Neko Case: Throwback Thursday 2009

For FUV's Throwback Thursday 2009, morning host Corny O'Connell celebrates Neko Case's Middle Cyclone, her wild and windswept

Neko Case's Middle Cyclone album cover

Beck: Throwback Thursday 1999

For FUV Throwback Thursday 1999, midday host Alisa Ali writes about Beck's Midnite Vultures, an album that is not only a funky

Beck's Midnite Vultures album cover

Lou Reed: Throwback Thursday 1989

For FUV Throwback Thursday 1989, evening host Eric Holland writes about Lou Reed's New York, an album that perfectly captured

Lou Reed's New York (1989 New York City photo by Sérgio Valle Duarte via Wikidata [CC BY 3.0]

Lou Reed's New York (1989 New York City photo by Sérgio Valle Duarte via Wikidata [CC BY 3.0])

The Clash: Throwback Thursday 1979

For FUV Throwback Thursday 1979, afternoon host Dennis Elsas writes about The Clash's London Calling, an album that is still a

The Clash's London Calling (safety pins wallpaper courtesy of Pixelscrapper)

The Clash's London Calling (Safety pins wallpaper courtesy of Pixelscrapper.)

Santana: Throwback Thursday 1969

On this FUV Throwback Thursday 1969, Darren DeVivo writes about Santana, one of many albums that made a significant impact tha

Santana's debut album (background art courtesy of Wallpaperplay.com)

Santana's debut album (background art courtesy of Wallpaperplay.com)

Elliott Smith

Remembering Elliott Smith, on what would have been his 50th birthday on August 6, 2019. He forged haunted whispers and delicate guitar into astonishingly intimate songs ... and he's one of our FUV Essentials.

Photo from An Introduction To... Elliott Smith, Kill Rock Stars, 2010

Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead

Jerry Garcia passed away nearly 24 years ago, on August 9, 1995, but his legacy continues to jam in the afterlife. He would have turned 77 on August 1, 2019 had the fates been kinder (and his appetite for self-destructive habits quelled), you could easily imagine him still on tour with the Grateful Dead. We're remembering his music, with and without the Grateful Dead, as one of our FUV Essentials.

Jerry Garcia (Original photo via Wikipedia by Mark L. Knowles, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Jerry Garcia (Original photo via Wikipedia by Mark L. Knowles, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Dave Matthews Band

If rock bands were seasons, the Dave Matthews Band would be summertime. The group, which has made philanthropy its key mission, is one of our FUV Essentials.