If the sound of a needle drop gives you chills, and you’ve ever argued about the best cut after Side A… you’ve probably found your show.

Every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., WCOM listeners are treated to Deja Vu, a music program that channels the energy of classic underground FM radio and infuses it with decades of lived-in expertise. Hosted by longtime music aficionado Larry, the show blends deep album rock cuts and jazz fusion from the 1960s through today — with no apologies to the algorithm.

“I play deep album rock tracks and jazz fusion — the music comes from the 1960s to today,” Larry says. “I want to bring some of this music back to the airwaves.”

🎤 From Charlotte to Carrboro… with a Few Detours

Originally from Charlotte, NC, Larry spent decades in Washington, DC before moving to Carrboro and eventually finding a home at WCOM. But his radio roots go way back. In his teens, he was hooked on Charlotte’s “underground” FM stations, which later inspired a stint on-air at WIMZ-FM in Knoxville, TN, spinning album rock back when that meant full sides, not singles.

Now, he’s continuing that mission — one thoughtfully crafted playlist at a time.

đź“» How the Sausage Gets Spun

Each week, Larry curates a playlist the old-school way: drawing on his encyclopedic knowledge of music, guided by mood, texture, and storytelling. While Deja Vu leans into vintage vibes, Larry also keeps an ear to the ground — staying current through new releases on streaming services like Tidal and weaving in contemporary tracks that complement the classics.

Frequent guests on the playlist include:

  • Jefferson Airplane

  • Wishbone Ash

  • Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

  • Kansas

  • Porcupine Tree

  • Hot Tuna

  • Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express

“I hope listeners walk away with a real appreciation for this genre — one that’s largely absent from the airwaves today.”

🌟 Memorable Moments, Hippie Dreams, and Scientific Street Cred

A standout moment? Interviewing Jorma Kaukonen, the guitar legend of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, before his show at Cat’s Cradle.

And if you think Larry’s just a guy with a killer record collection — think again. He’s also got a Ph.D. in Sociology and spent years working for the National Institutes of Health. Talk about multidimensional. (Cue Porcupine Tree.)

When asked who his dream guest would be, he said:

“David Crosby. I met him several times over a 30-year period but never got to arrange a formal interview.”

Bonus memory: one unforgettable episode was derailed when the power went out mid-show — a true FM throwback moment.

🔥 Tune In, Turn On

Whether you’re a seasoned album rock lover or a curious new listener, Deja Vu is an invitation to explore a soundscape that modern radio forgot — but Larry never did. As he puts it, this one’s for “middle-aged or older album rock fans… and original unreconstructed hippies. And new ones too.”

Catch Deja Vu every Thursday from 6–8 p.m. on WCOM 103.5 FM or streaming at wcomfm.org.

And as Larry reminds us:

“Stand up for science.”
And maybe crank the volume while you’re at it.


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