Free Online Alternative Radio Stations
Alternative music started back when I was in elementary school, and by the time I was in high school, it was extremely popular. Not that I listened to it -- always found it a bit sissyish, if you must know. And I found Nirvana's marble-mouthing particularly frustrating. (Am I the only person who wants to know the language a song is being sung in? Cobain could've been singing in Sanskrit, for all I know.) I did, however, start to like it a bit at university, but I suspect this was a simple case of brainwashing via osmosis -- nearly every kid in my dorm listened to the stuff. And then one day I came across Beck. And I loved him. (How can you not love someone bizarre to the point of genius?) And then I discovered a few of the Brit Indie (aka "alternative") bands and I quickly began to realize that the alternative genre was way bigger than what the kids at my high school had been listening to. And so, to make a long story short; I like it now, especially when it's on the radio. If you'd like to have a listen, check these stations out.
1. WOXY Vintage
(woxy.com)
This is a fabulous station. I have heard classic, sexy alternative tracks every time I've listened to it, which keeps me coming back for more.
2. Fresh Air
(freshair.org.uk)
You'll hear super duper alternative music on this hip college radio station based in Edinburgh. And don't worry -- they speak clearly enough; if you're American, you ought to be able to understand! (Sorry, Scots, but y'all have to know that some of you are completely unintelligible!)
3. Absolute Xtreme (FKA Virgin Radio Extreme)
(absolutextreme.co.uk)
This used to be called Virgin Radio Extreme, but they've recently renamed it to this. I am a very big fan of all things Virgin (apart from men, that is) and their radio stations are really first class. Have a listen!
4. Alice 97.3 San Francisco
(radioalice.com)
Ok, I'll be honest here and say that I have no idea what "Generation Alice" means -- and yes, I googled it! What I do know, however, is that this radio station plays fab tunes, and the name is cool.
5. Indie 103.1
(indie1031.fm)
Very nice station, but I confess that I mostly listen to it for one of the DJs; the man's voice is sexy as silk! And yes, the music is pretty good too!
6. Radio IO Grunge
(radioIO.com/channels/grunge)
Are you a grunge lover? Was Cobain your hero? Do you have greasy hair and layered T-shirts with mock logos that are meant to make people give you funny looks? This is probably your station, my friend.