Can you hear WRAS now?

Since 1971, Georgia State University students have programmed music on Album 88 (WRAS-FM 88.5), one of the country’s leading non-commercial college radio stations. Back in the ’70s, that probably led to hours of album cuts from the Allman Brothers Band and Jeff Beck. Nowadays, it means lots of indie-rock, with occasional forays into hardcore punk, underground hip-hop and obscure electronica.

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For the past several years, Album 88 has held a December benefit show and anniversary celebration, inviting some of the city’s top musicians to perform. This year’s slate, held at Eyedrum on Dec. 2, included self-described “schizophrenic rock band” Moresight, hip-hop trio Psyche Origami, happy-dance rockers Boulevard, progressive electronic band Aerial 2012, ATL favorite the Selmanaires and Matthew Houck’s ensemble Phosphorescent. (By the way, doesn’t it seem like most Athens bands are fronted by some psychedelic singer/songwriter/musical genius?) Its sole out-of-town participant was Daedelus, an indescribable auteur from L.A.

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As the bands played, some 300 people enjoyed slices of a massive yellow cake with white frosting, or blew bubbles from small containers gathered on a card table. They bopped around in a post-rave style to Aerial 2012’s wildly rhapsodic set, settled down to gaze longingly at the Selmanaires and then analyzed Daedelus’ Power Mac-generated sounds in a slightly confused fashion, although they applauded appreciatively at the end. “It was a bit of a staring contest,” said the Los Angeleno after his performance.

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“Daedelus has been at the top of our playlists,” explained Cassie Smith, general manager for Album 88, in reference to his album, Daedelus Denies the Day’s Demise. She reports a relatively calm year for the station — it moved into a brand new studio in the middle of GSU’s university center, and is transferring its operations to an automated computer system. “Generally, they let us do our thing,” she says of the college’s administrators.

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Album 88 associate music director Mike Zarin introduced many of the acts that night. “It’s all about the music the students want to run,” he says. “The staff always rolls over as people graduate, but the station always stays the same.”

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THAT’S THAT: In an interview on Allhiphop.com, producer Michael “Mr. Collipark” Crooms announced he is parting ways with Ying Yang Twins. After seven years and many hit collaborations, including “Wait (the Whisper Song),” the duo is leaving his production company ColliPark Music. Their final album together, Ying Yang Twins’ Chemically Imbalanced, was released on Nov. 28. Meanwhile, Mr. Collipark will focus on his new acts, including rap artists Kadillak Boyz and P. Stone and R&B trio Taurus.

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RANDOM NEWS: T.I. told MTVNews.com that he won’t sign Da Great Yola to his Grand Hustle imprint after all. Although DG Yola had one of the year’s hottest ATL singles in “Ain’t Gonna Let Up” and even rocked Grand Hustle’s logo on his MySpace page, he and T.I. couldn’t work out a deal. ... Dreadheads: Portrait of a Subculture, the locally produced documentary on America’s post-Dead jam band scene, won Best Stoner DVD at the 6th annual Stony Awards. ... R&B singer Akon’s hit with Snoop Dogg, “I Wanna Love You,” occupies the top position of the Billboard singles chart. Meanwhile, his collaboration with Eminem, “Smack That,” sits at No. 3. ... Contemporary Christian singer Aliciadine will sing at the White House’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony and Parade of Peace celebration on Thurs., Dec. 16. ... R&B singer Lloyd, whose Spandau Ballet-sampling single “You” is smashing radio airwaves, will release a new album on March 13.

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CD RELEASES: Rock band Nova Milo introduces its Deadly Waterparks EP on Fri., Dec. 8 at the 585 Music Hall. Modern Skirts and Plain Jane Automobile also perform. ... Metal bands Colossick and Legion X celebrate new releases during a Sat., Dec. 9 concert at the Darkside. Colossick has a new DVD, This is My Attitude, while Legion X is supporting a new album. Noxious and Palace of the Fallen are also on the bill. ... Riotous punk band The Despised pushes Punk, It’s Not For Rich Kids Anymore! on Sat., Dec. 9 at the Star Bar. The Lucigores and Damage Report open.