Die, corporate radio 1396

Interesting.... I don't like the idea of a filter on my music, where a very narrow interest selects what I am able to hear. On the other hand, I don't have time to filter through all the crap myself, so where does that leave me? For years I've longed for a station that wasn't afraid to take chances and play something obscure and interesting. It's not on FM. And I don't think I could've convinced myself to go with satellite either, except for a few stations: XMU, which is their "college station" equivalent; Unsigned, which is their "great bands that can't get on FM" station; Special X, which is "music that doesn't fit any other category" station, and a couple of other eclectic stations. Their clbuttic rock stations, their decade stations, their alternative station, even the jazz and blues stations -- they're all better than FM, but not $10-month good, in my opinion. If that's all they had, I'd agree with you -- get a good CD changer and buy your own. Losing the commercials is worth a few dollars to me, but hearing weird obscure stuff is worth the full price.

I wasn't sure before I had it if it would be worth it to me -- I have a low tolerance for mediocrity in music. But so far I've been pleasantly surprised at the diversity, depth and quality on the non-hit stations. And even the pop stations are sometimes pleasing in a weird sort of way. When was the last time you heard "Billy, Don't Be a Hero"?

One drawback -- they have so much to choose from, the stations I listen to rarely repeat a group or song. So how do I know if I want their CD, or if they are a one-song band. Many have websites, so if I really love a song, I can search that way, I guess....

Sorry to rant on about this, it's just so cool to be able to listen to music again....