Radio GaGa

A list of some of my preferred FM radio stations when driving, either in and around the Raleigh-Durham area, or on the interstate. It's good (for me at least) to know that a lot of these stations can be streamed too.

Don't know what your preferences are but I think a lot of you may find a decent station in the list below. For those thinking of finding a good contemporary pop station here, I suggest you quietly navigate away and I won't ask you what kind of music you listen to - and then make fun of you.

Note: This list is NOT a ranking of any sort.

1. WUTK New Rock 90.3 (Listen Live)

WUTK is a station based in the University of Knoxville, TN playing mostly alternative rock music (commercial free for the most part). I discovered this station while I was temporarily in Knoxville in the early part of the year. This is a great radio station playing quality rock music - super to listen to at work or while driving (if you're in the Knoxville area).

2. WKNC 88.1 The Revolution (Listen Live)

WKNC is NC State's radio station, broadcasting from the NC State campus in Raleigh, NC. I never really thought the station played any good music until Rohit really made me listen to it for a while. WKNC specializes in mostly "Underground" music. That also means that they cover a broad gamut of genres. Only it's not the usual ditzy music playing on every other station. I tend to enjoy their evening and late night material ("After Hours on WKNC") more than their daytime material however - that's when they play reggae, rap and electronica and metal. If you're listening to at work in India - chances are high that you'll be listening to their "After Hours" music.

3. WUNC 91.5 (Listen Live)

WUNC is the station for North Carolina Public Radio broadcasting from Chapel Hill, NC. During the day they mostly play NPR (National Public Radio) programs. Late nights - it's usually news from the BBC Worldservice. And on weekends it's "Backporch music", which essentially means a whole lot of Blue Grass music. Regular news and information programs during the day keep you updated with the latest happenings. Tuning in to NPR stations on long drives also helps keep sleep away, for those who haven't tried it yet. Then again if you have satellite radio, don't tell me about it and make me all jealous and mad.

4. WNCW 88.7 (Listen Live)

WNCW is a radio station broadcasting from the Isothermal Community College, Spindale, NC. They play a mix of different genres and the station itself has a pretty good range too. First discovered it on one of my several road trips to Knoxville, TN. Since then, I tune in on every trip to Knoxville and back.

5. WSHA 88.9 (Listen Live)

WSHA broadcasts from Shaw University, Raleigh, NC. They mostly play Jazz during the day, but also play the Blues, Reggae and Latino music - especially on weekends. My cousin Pradeep played this station often in his car - that's where I first heard it. WSHA's range isn't that great which is probably it's only disadvantage.

Other notable: 96 Rock (FM 96.1) , a commercial rock station playing in the Raleigh-Durham area. They play a lot of really good rock music. They also play a lot of bad rock music from a plethora of sissy rock bands. No names for now though - that's for another day. Another bad thing - the commercials, of which the first five stations have almost none.

Happy Listening!