Online Radio

One of the greatest things about the web is internet radio. We are so brainwashed by corporate radio, and the crap they're feeding us, we lose track of an entire world of good music out there.

For those with iPods, iTunes has a radio section. I haven't explored enough to see what kind of selection they have.

But the king of internet radio is Shoutcast.com. Shoutcast works with Winamp, the former best of all the media players. Winamp was an incredible free product before AOL ruined it. But version 2.91 is still available, drop me a line if you need a link to find it.

Here's some of the best of internet radio:

Radio Paradise. The most eclectic and engaging mix of music ever. From Billie Holiday to Billy Idol. From The Iguanas to The Eels. From Brubeck to Hendrix, Goldfrapp to Garbage, Johnny Cash to Pink Floyd to The Beatles to Beck. New, old, obscure, it's all here, and it's all good. Rate songs, and read the input and feedback from other listeners for great insight. Many different listen links.

The Current. I don't listen often, as it's not Shoutcast compatible, but it's still a great mix of music.

KCRW. A public radio station out of southern California, they play a great, urban-oriented mix of music. The only drawback is the lack of a playlist for reference.

KPIG. The original on-line radio station survives an alliance with Real. There is still a rogue Shoutcast stream out there - go to Shoutcast.com and search it up. If I try to describe it, it won't appeal to you. From the fringes of alt-country to blues to rock, The Pig is a shit-kicking mix of music. Not to be missed.

Bootliquor Radio. Thought you didn't like country music? Give it a listen, it may just change your mind. This is NOT today's "hot new country" this is WAY off the radar screens of corporate radio, and some excellent tunage. A little blues, rock, and classic stuff thrown into the mix. Roy over there does a great job of programming the stream.

Twangcity.com, a celebration of American Roots Music. Very similar to Bootliquor Radio, but maybe a pinch more mainstream country.

WNYC is a public radio station in, of course, New York City. I listen to it often, not for it's music as much as for it's talk. Very liberal, very New York, but that's the appeal.

There's a lot more out there, but these are at the top of my list. Maybe readers will jump in with more.