[ Language advisory: the pick of this week plays rock music, and overnight may contain profanity in some song lyrics. So if you are offended by strong language, best not listen to the overnight programming.]
Most of us think of video first when we think of FTA satellite reception. Of course, there are all those "radio" channels, but they are like the old furniture you have stored in the basement: you know they're there, but probably don't think about them all that much.
This week's "check it out" pick of the week is thus perhaps unexpected for being an audio-only channel. Even more unusual is that this channel carries a real over-the-air FM broadcast station on FTA. And most unusual, is it's a real gem.
The channel is KEXP Seattle (G10R@123W, 11805H/4580 FEC 3/4 APID: 114).
Not only was KEXP (under former callsign KCMU) central to the development of the "Seattle scene", it still provides much vital oxygen to talented new bands in the form of airplay.
Many college radio stations play unusual, eclectic, pre-commercial music from smaller and local bands, so there's more to it than that.
What I think KEXP has over every college station I've ever listened to, is their DJs are pretty choosy about what they play and tend to be musically involved and plugged into the music scene. There's just a surprising amount of good music going on. It seems like it's been on while I'm around the house quite a bit lately.
In a word, if you like alternative options within the broad rock world, this is one hip outfit. Like all college radio, there will be shows you probably won't care for at all, but what's amazing to me is how often their shows are good.
You can also sample the channel via streaming from their website at kexp.org.
Most of us think of video first when we think of FTA satellite reception. Of course, there are all those "radio" channels, but they are like the old furniture you have stored in the basement: you know they're there, but probably don't think about them all that much.
This week's "check it out" pick of the week is thus perhaps unexpected for being an audio-only channel. Even more unusual is that this channel carries a real over-the-air FM broadcast station on FTA. And most unusual, is it's a real gem.
The channel is KEXP Seattle (G10R@123W, 11805H/4580 FEC 3/4 APID: 114).
Not only was KEXP (under former callsign KCMU) central to the development of the "Seattle scene", it still provides much vital oxygen to talented new bands in the form of airplay.
Many college radio stations play unusual, eclectic, pre-commercial music from smaller and local bands, so there's more to it than that.
What I think KEXP has over every college station I've ever listened to, is their DJs are pretty choosy about what they play and tend to be musically involved and plugged into the music scene. There's just a surprising amount of good music going on. It seems like it's been on while I'm around the house quite a bit lately.
In a word, if you like alternative options within the broad rock world, this is one hip outfit. Like all college radio, there will be shows you probably won't care for at all, but what's amazing to me is how often their shows are good.
You can also sample the channel via streaming from their website at kexp.org.
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