Having endured several cities worth of public radio, I have to say that KCRW blows other stations away. It started with Morning Becomes Eclectic. And then I found myself listening to Metropolis, Nocturna, the Drop, Chocolate City, This American Life, All Things Considered, and Which Way LA. I don't even like talk radio. Then it occurred to me, I do like talk radio, I just don't like the right-wing garbage that IS MOST talk radio. It's so addicting you will even find yourself listening to Santa Monica City Council meetings!?! I miss it now that I am gone (but I still tune into streaming content online), so I am surprised to see some of the non-5 star ratings. Find me another public radio station with the diversity of content, commitment to music and national influence, and I will understand. KCRW is truly a national envy. read more

When I first arrived in LA and had this station introduced to me I thought "ah, LA pretentiousness. No thank you." I didn't even give it a chance. My then boyfriend programmed it into my car but the button never got hit, instead I went right to top 40 stations. Fast forward two years later. I don't know when it started or what propelled me to push that lonely button, but I did, and KCRW hasn't been turned off since. I love love love it. I can usually hear something new everyday that I end up liking so much I run to buy it on my I-Tunes. I even have a "KCRW Finds" playlist for my I-Pod which gets played a lot. My only complaint is too much NPR - less news more music! I do enjoy listening to the world news but sometimes it seems that is all that is on the station when what I really want is for my ears to be stimulated by a new sound. Sometimes you just have to find things on your own. read more

The radio station that bonds local and beyond! I feel like I get my just fill of informative current event information for my local area in progams like "Which Way LA", while I get a wider spectrum of the world-wide haps with "All Things Considered". It's a wonderful and educating experience. And did I mention their music line-up? "Morning Becomes Eclectic" (definitely ECLECTIC being the key word) has had some of my favorite artists like Ani DiFranco in studio for live performances, as well as local and underground sounds that I otherwise would never hear, especially on the radio. "Metropolis" with Jason Bently gets my feet moving in the evenings, and "Chocolate City" ranges from succulant jazz to underground hip hop. It's food for my brain, and yours too...mmm...brain. read more

Long story short: Had a horrible experience at The Bowl last night. EVERYWHERE people would not stop talking. At one point, the person who I was with had to shush the audience members next to her. People kept hanging around in the walkway talking the WHOLE entire show. I tried to wave down and even shouted for security, but they kept ignoring and walking by. After telling the people next to her to stop talking, several people chimed in to tell them to be quiet as well. After, my friend finally went to security, and told her that they need to keep the walkway clear; because, people are being disruptive and rude (hanging out in one place and having loud conversations) through the show. Finally, I climbed out of my seat and went over to the woman who kept talking the whole entire time to tell her to be quiet. She responded: I'm not talking loud. I told her: yes, you are. I can hear you from over there. (What I didn't tell her is that I have ear issues, so for me to hear someone being that obnoxious). She still continued talking and being rude, instead of apologetic. Then, her dad (?) started laughing in my face in a really obscene, disrespectful manner. (If I was an aggressive person, like the dad, this could have been a really ugly situation). After he did that, I went up to the same security person that my sister did. And, finally she told them to stop. I could see why audience members keep quiet and put up with unnecessary annoyances. The aggravation isn't worth it. Nor is dealing with bad behavior - which is one of the reasons I will stop going to KCRW sponsored shows at The Bowl. What the security did tell my friend: KCRW is responsible for hiring security for their events. And, they underestimate the maturity level of concert goers. As a security guard, she is responsible for multiple sections at one time. When my sister explained this to me, I saw how short staffed The Bowl is. Even at the opera - where fights are less likely to breakout due to audience behavior - there is more staff stationed per section. Upon leaving the venue, multiple people were talking about the audience's level of disrespect. If you want to keep your shows safe and friendly, please invest in more security. read more

For the most part I like KCRW. The evening & weekend shows are a great alternative to corporate commercial radio, not to mention NPR and BBC world news broadcasts. However, I do not like Morning Becomes Narcoleptic. Nic Harcourt. (who should be beaten with a leather strap every morning) plays some of the most vapid, watered-down, uninspired, generic, and boring music imaginable. Give them money, but make it clear it's not because of their hipster DJ who should be replaced by Rodney Bingenheimer. read more

Now I'm a straight laced boy, but that don't mean I won't hump the leg of Nic Harcourt. If only out of anticipation for his unfailing ability to match some air of eclectic to the moment... he'd make that dry hump something sweet, something magical (random but important side-note for the uninformed: he's the tastemaker for the show, 'Morning Becomes Eclectic'). He's the cultured man's Taco Tuesday. That show's been stacatto'ed throughout my wine years. He was tripping to Zoe's "Love" whilst was my roommate turned lesbian and took a girl home for the first time. I plastered my ear to the wall, whispering sweet nothings to the glam-white paint job. He was there mid-coitus jamming to Benny Goodman when my one night prospect started laughing uncontrollably. And he was there with "This is a man's world" when I - bottle of whiskey in hand - threw open the window and showed her how it should be done. Bless you, Mr.Harcourt. read more

I've done some radio whoring in my day, I'm not gonna lie. I've bounced around from FreeFM, KIIS FM, and even dabbled in a little AM 570 sports talk. But KCRW makes me feel like I could be a 1-station kinda gal. An average day for me begins with Morning Edition waking me up at 6:20. By 7:30, I'm in the car listening to Morning Edition again. The day gets even better at 9, when Morning Becomes Eclectic comes on. I round out the work day with All Things Considered, and if I'm out that night, their evening music show always puts me in a good mood. But the best is truly Saturday morning, with This American Life and Good Food. Put Good Food on a podcast and give me any task, and I'll do it with a smile. Last weekend it got me through 5 loads of laundry. KCRW, I love you, don't go anywhere! read more

This radio station came to broaden my mind and senses in an amazing way. Thanks to KCRW I have a vast collection of music. I love, love, love Tom Schnabel, Raul Campos, Anne Litt, Jason Bentley, Liza Richardson, and Mario Cotto they are so rad. I like NPR, all things considered, to the point, the world, unfictional, which way L.A., morning edition, and the list goes on and on. KCRW is a necessity in Los Angeles. *** My new favorite show Sunday mornings is TED Radio Hour with Guy Raz*** It will make you think about the possibilities out there for the benefits of humankind. If you love science like I do this show is for you. One of my my favorite shows was "Peering into Space" with guest speaker Brian Greene author of The Fabric of the Cosmos and The Elegant Universe. Really fascinating stuff. read more

Only the greatest radio station in Southern California, maybe even in the country... Their programming consists of NPR News in the morning and afternoon and shows they produce that cover all parts of the cultural spectrum, but the real kicker is the music they play... No nauseating Top 40 tracks, only independent music and rare tracks from established artists that span every musical genre... You'll hear artists like The Black Keys, PJ Harvey, Adele, The Chemical Brothers, Talib Kweli, and so much more... The music you hear basically define Southern California: eclectic and enjoyable... Like I said, best station ever... read more

I love KCRW! I listen to it throughout the day through itunes on my laptop while I'm working and I love listening to NPR, Morning Becomes Eclectic and All Things Considered. If you want to check it out through itunes, just look it up under Radio and you'll find two, KCRW Simulcast and KCRW World News. I'm usually done working before Metropolis (Jason Bentley) or Nocturna so I haven't heard them yet but I'll definitely check them out. Update: I heard part of Nocturna tonight and Nickodemus (dj/producer) was on the show. Some pretty ill shet. read more

I don't live in Los Angeles, but I listen to KCRW's program Good Food every single weekend, religiously, via podcast. Who could ignore a show that has segments like "Kugel: Love it or Hate it," or that explores the topic of honeybee colony collapse disorder. I can't think of a radio program about food coming out of New York. If there were, I'd listen to it (although it would be hard to top Good Food). Evan Kleiman is a really good interviewer -- She's just got a lot of enthusiasm for the goodness, the politics, the business, the culture and the social aspects of food. She asks good questions and brings out her guests' enthusiasm, too. When I listen to the Santa Monica farmers' market report, I think to myself "Oh you lucky Los Angelinos and your abundance of produce!" Also enjoy hearing about the LA restaurant scene. And Jonathan Gold's restaurant reviews are excellent. His book "Counter Intelligence" is great reading...just as literature, even if you have no plans to visit the restaurants he covered. Blog and podcast link for your listening pleasure: http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/gf read more

KCRW, I have to just come right out and say it: I have a crush the size of California on you!! Thank you for: 1) Morning Becomes Eclectic with Nic Harcourt Nic used to be the host of my favorite radio program out of Woodstock New York on 101.1 WDST during my college years. I can't think of anything more sublime than to find his soothing voice all the way out here on the West Coast. and 2) This American Life How can you fault a program that brings you Ira Glass, David Sedaris AND Sarah Vowell? I mean, damn, it's like the trifecta of awesome, self-deprecating nerds. Certainly they are MY American Idols. and 3) New Ground with Chris Douridas Despite the weird scandal surrounding him, I am still proud to say he was born in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. You put on a terrific show, Chris. In order to keep this review fair and balanced (like your news coverage), I have decided to add just as many suggestions for change as I have offered compliments. Here they are... 1) Please steal my favorite show ever to exist on radio - Sound Opinions - from KPCC. You know they don't deserve it like you do. 2) Please give Mechelle Norris a glass of freakin water. She constantly sounds dehydrated. It's just gross. 3) Stop allowing Ruth Seymour to speak during your pledge drives. She is so preachy and really lays the guilt on thick. I realize she is your boss or whatever, but...we get it. I don't need a lecture while I'm driving down the 405. I'm not even Jewish and I feel a guilt of Jewish proportions whenever I hear her pleading voice. In conclusion, thank you. You are my reason for continuing to have both FM and satellite radio in my car. I just can't afford to miss my KCRW. My fear of being abducted by a monster truckload of angry republicans out here in the O.C. is just too powerful for me to even try. Update 2/2/08: KPCC stopped broadcasting my favorite show on radio - Sound Opinions. Now I have to go online and download to iTunes. Lame. read more

I've only lived in LA for a couple of months, but I've listened to KCRW for over 10 years and I love it! It all started in the mid 90s. A friend of mine in San Diego had a kickass tuner and was able to catch the airwaves sent all the way from Santa Monica. I heard Cafe L.A. and was just blown away. I've been a kcrw junky ever since. I was streaming KCRW back in the late 90s when I was living in France. It was my lifeline and saved me from being sucked into the world that is techno music, something found in abundance throughout Europe. Sadly, now that I'm *in* LA, I only get to listen to KCRW while commuting and, alas, I miss the best parts: Morning Becomes Eclectic, Metropolis, y'know? The *MUSIC*! My boss, huge corporate entity that it is, has a nasty proxy and I can't stream the station at work. Is that the definition of the word Irony? read more

You know you love KCRW when you stay in the car after you get home, just to finish listening to the piece. Usually, I'm an R&B and hip-hop radio listener, but in the past five years or so, the stations that play my jams have just gone downhill. I mean, what kind of song has lyrics that just spell words? And since when did Reggaeton become a legitimate genre? Sadness. I discovered NPR several years ago in DC, but wasn't a true believer until a couple years ago when I tuned into KCRW in LA. I was drawn by the fresh music, smart (and witty) talk, and news that's always relevant or at least interesting. Now, it's on regularly in my car and walkman. Tips: My favorite program is StoryCorps. read more

Dear KCRW, The ability to stream Eclectic 24 all day at work has preserved my sanity. Thank you, Amy PS - NPR, your membership, and newly created pie competition are also awesome. read more

The best NPR for music bar none. Also one of the earliest to Webcast, and I'm told that there are times when their Web audience is nearly equal to the listening audience in So.Cal. The BONUS, when they have their pledge drives (twice-a-year), they have multiple offers (dinners, gift certificates, concert tickets, CDs) that make it possible to immediately earn back your $50 or $100 pledge back in kind. No other NPR affiliate that I know of is this generous (or flush with in-kind donors). Membership is kind of a no-brainer in this sense and if you ever go to shows, your membership will score you free tix (you're elligible to call in every 90 days, and it's not as hard as you think to be one of those first 5 callers). The only downside I can think of is Warren Olney kinda sounds like a frog. read more

Angelinos know it! The Hipoise, the Literati, the Technorati, Brandy probably knows it, and.....the Sex -HAY people know it. KCRW is the BOMB. The rest a yus is sittin' back an' sayin' what brand-o-Juan Valdez is Juancho Metro smokin'? Well I'm smokin' some hot mambo, big bombo, serious jumbo simulcasto radio people. It's KCRW. In the AM I tune in for some Morning Becomes Eclectic. Otherwise I'm tuned to them live over the dubya, dubya, dubya, or dubya to the third power for those that studied their "mats." You're likely to hear the latest Black Eyed Peas mixed with Sergio Mendes, or Salsa, or some Peter Kruder, or a bit of Soundtrack, maybe some Gotan Project, bit of hip-hop, maybe some Brazilian beats, maybe some Koto music, maybe some K-Pop. They've got it all, and I listen to whatever they're serving up. Bring it! 5 music duckets. read more

I absolutely love this station. Listened to it religiously when I was running around LA, still catch it on iTunes. My favorite music programs are Nocturna, Metropolis and Chocolate City with my main man Garth Trinidad. Had the immense pleasure of catching him live at Zanzibar back in '04 and I just love his stuff. read more

I love KCRW and listen to it all day and everyday. I am a subscriber and a drive volunteer, and I do what I can to support this wonderful radio station. Mainstream radio is trash and I'm glad that KCRW is here to broaden our minds and musical horizons. I've been la KCRW listener for almost 20 years! From news to keep me informed to fun KCRW concerts, discounts with my fringe benefits card to great music and entertaining programs ...what more could someone want from a radio station? read more

"This American Life" is like storytime for adults. I always make sure to tune in for that hour every Saturday. "Morning Becomes Eclectic" is great 'cause it either introduces you to new talent or makes you appreciate an artist even more through their performances. It's not for everyone and can bore potential listeners, but once you start listening to it, you learn to appreciate all the commentary, the various programs, NPR, the ambient/eclectic music, etc. read more

The underdog of a winner for KCRW is its membership -- only members can win tickets on their station, so for $5/month you have amazing odds of winning tickets to concerts in LA; in the 8 months I've had the membership, I've won tickets to Dylan and to the Playboy Jazz Festival....the membership has easily paid for itself. The music selection is an obvious homerun for KCRW -- not only do they have awesome indie and world music on their station (in addition to nearly every other genre imaginable), they host great concerts series around town (some free.) Their non-music programming is also great (This American Life, The Treatment, Bookworm, All Things Considered). In fact, the only program I am not keen on is the Santa Monica City Council meetings. read more

I've been a fan of KCRW for years now. It was my first introduction into Public Radio and I have been in love with it ever since. Although some people may disagree, I think it's about as close to unbiased news you can find in the media these days. I can't say the same about all NPR stations, but KCRW really makes an effort not to lean in one particular political direction. In true LA fashion, the best shows on the station are about the movie biz. The Business and The Treatment are the shows I wait all week to listen to. Such an interesting look behind the scenes of the entertainment industry! Elvis Mitchell is fantastic and obviously someone who is looked up to in the entertainment world as one of it's top journalists. You can tell by how his guests are always excited to be on his program, even if they are the type who normally don't do much press. And Kim Masters, she is wonderful as well. She has introduced me to so many behind the scenes people I never would have known about otherwise. When I think about KCRW, I think about the thought I had the first I listened to it in my car years ago, "Wow, I am listening to public radio.....and I like it.......I'm officially a grown up now!". So thanks for turning me into a grown up KCRW! read more

What would I ever do without you guys?! KCRW is the best mixed tape your friend ever made that keeps updating and getting better. If I couldn't listen to you guys over the internet I would have never moved out of range. Man I love the internet. Even if it is all part of the Apocalypse. read more

The best part about moving to LA is KCRW. When I lived in NY I never listened to the radio. FM transmissions don't work underground and although I can appreciate reggaeton, it's not the best source for news. I love the music and the news on KCRW. And I'm willing to give my money to something that matters especially if it means not having to listen to Beyonce every 10 minutes. read more

Influential, Intellectual, Fun, Hip, Innovative, Informative, Experimental! What else can I say about KCRW? KCRW has all the qualities I wish I had. KCRW promotes independent music of various genres in their many music programs like The Open Road, Weekends Become Ecclectic and Nocturna. KCRW is one of the two most influential independent music stations in the Country. Other good programs: Good Food - weekly (farmers) market report to keep you updated of good food Which Way LA - what's going on in City Hall? Listen to Warren and his guest to find out Left, Right & Center - a current events show in the eyes of the political left, right and center BECOME A MEMBER! As a KCRW member I've attended: Air concert, Giant Village New Years Eve party, Fashion Week LA fashion show, Learn About Wine events and so many other cool events. For the KCRW HATERS: turn the dial back to KRAP 98.7 and enjoy your Clear Channel radio stations read more

There's no way to describe KCRW. They do play the best music. And you can be informed, enlightened and entertained. Plus they pipe it all online as well. BUT, for those of us unable to download 3rd party players, it doesn't work anymore. Make it available for Real Player and Windows Media Player again! Anyway, keep u the good work, and I'll keep renewing my subscription. read more

Donate already! Morning Becomes Eclectic is one of the best radio shows around. Period. And you should always get your fill of NPR. One of the few things I miss about L.A. Now to kidnap Nic Harcourt and drive him up to San Francisco... read more

This has to be THE most extraordinary radio station in the world, and it's public radio, nonetheless! Yes, that's right...the world...not CA, not the US, but the entire globe. I spent 15 years traveling much of the world...North America, South America, many Caribbean islands, the UK, Western Europe, Australia, and even some parts of Asia, and I've never found another radio station that plays such an interesting and eclectic mix of music from a wide variety of artists....and that's just the music I'm talking about. I talk about this first because I'm a bit of a music freak. Nic Harcourt and Jason Bentley are my favorite DJs (geez...are we still using the term DJ in reference to radio?) Whatever you want to call them....aural magicians is a term I like, but anyway...definitely don't put them in the class of radio personalities. This is far too limiting to describe what they offer listeners. Really, they sort of educate us. That is to say that each makes us aware of what's out there, outside of mainstream radio, and then lull us into a hypnotic state as they seamlessly weave it all together with the soothing sound of their low-key voices. This is mature radio for a sophisticated listening audience...no screaming, jokes, insulting radio jabber to attempt to make us feel as though they are our personal friend. They don't dumb it down and they serve it up daily, either at 89.7 FM or on the web. Then there are the other educational aspects of the programming...NPR, The World, To the Point, All Things Considered, and Left, Right and Center. Not only do they keep their listeners updated on current events from a local (Which Way LA) to global level (BBC World), but also aware of what's going in film, art, literature, and theatre. There is simply too much great programming to list it all here. For a more in depth look at what you can find, check out their website at www.kcrw.com and see what interests you. I can't say enough about KCRW. It's so much more than a radio station...it's a lifestyle. read more

In short, the question is not how good is KCRW, but how do we get the cochlear implant that will keep me tuned in 24/7??? I moved to the Westside from San Francisco, or for NPR junkies (KQED), under the impression that public radio was great for enraging the left wing hemisphere of my brain; however, KCRW manages to provide a balanced global view while sharing the work of some of the most innovative and refreshing artists in America. Thanks KCRW, you have restored my faith in art and NPR. read more

KCRW has changed my life. Seriously. When you think about it, ppl don't often realize how much music shapes their lifestyle. But to me, KCRW isn't just about music. It opened me up to a world of options. And to an open mind, that is pure gold. I used to be an antsy college kid, who was very specific with his music, wouldn't listen to news, and generally had a fixed view of the world around him. After a while, upon more and more exposure, I slowly began to appreciate practically EVERY program the station had to offer. And they've been such a huge supporter of community events, from music, to arts, from small and local, to large and international. The services that this radio station provides to its community are amazing. One only needs to have an open mind. read more

From "Crimson Tide": "Captain, National Military Command Center knows what sector we're in. They have satellites looking down on us to see if our birds are aloft and if they're *not*, then they give our orders to somebody else. That's why we maintain more than one sub, it's what they call 'redundancy'!" That's what KCRW is to KPCC in NPR, but without Car Talk and Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! on the weekend. :( Um, and if I want music, I'll turn to an all music station thankyouverymuch. read more

KCRW is by far the best radio station in the world. They broadcast out of the basement of Santa Monica Community College in Santa Monica. Since they have a tower in Lemon Grove, San Diegans can tune in in certain locations around the county. You can find them left of the dial at 89.9 in most places. When you travel north of LA and East the numbers change. If you can't get them they live-stream and pod-cast 24/7. KCRW is National Public Radio and the first music segment falls between 9am and Noon weekdays. The segment is called Morning Becomes Eclectic. This show has launched numerous well-known bands in the States and beyond. Bands such as Radiohead, Moby, Thievery Corp, Massive Attack, The Shins, My Morning Jacket to name a few all made their debuts here. The show is so popular many bands have acquired record deals due to their live performances which occur almost daily around 11:00 am. They archive all of their live guests and make an annual compilation of some of the live performances. During the day KCRW hosts all the wonderful NPR and PRI programs as well as some of their own such as Which Way LA and To The Point. The evenings are once again dedicated to awesome programing starting off with a show called Metropolis DJ'd by Jason Bently who plays really cool eclectic electro-pop and avaunt-guard alternative stuff. Check out their Website for all the shows: www.kcrw.com read more

This is my favorite radio station for music! Where else can you hear a robotic version of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit? It's awesome that the djs do remixes. Unfortunately I don't get this station much when I'm at home. It was also hilarious when they played this indian music or whatever and then right after they played beans and cornbread. Sometimes it's annoying when they have their donation drives. read more

I hate Ruth Seymour's imperious and pretentious manner! All you need to know about this harridan is that in 02/2004 she fired Sandra Tsing Loh for an inadvertent f-bomb. This was at the height of the FCC McCarthy-like effort to "clean" the airways, and the cowardly bully that is Ms. Seymour caved and fired Ms Loh. Not a whole lot of Edward R Murrow in Ms. Seymour's dress. While I am not a fan of Morning Becomes Unlistenable or any of the other music offerings, I was a member. WAS. I am now a member of KPCC who happily has Ms Loh's take on life and science. One more detail comes from a good friend who volunteered on one of the pledge drives. The standing order is that no call is answered before Ms Seymour's and that includes those of us schleppes who are paying members. read more

Best goddamn radio station ever! Why only four stars? --They don't promote local bands and charitable events. I tried calling multiple times for an on-air mention of a charity event at the Knitting Factory featuring an incredible lineup of local talent. No one phoned me back. --Ruth Seymour may be a genius but she can't speak. Will someone please keep her off the air? read more

Without you, LA Radio would be dead. And online Player is the best in the business. Raul Campos is the man, and Eldridge rocks. read more

I LOVE YOU. And I mean it. I love Nocturna. I love Raul Campos' live shows / interviews with some of my favorite artists! I love Metropolis. I love The Drop. I love Pop Secret. I love Blueprint. I love it all. I love that you clue me into live shows. I love that you clue me into releases. I love that "thump thump thump" of my heart and uncontrollable smile on my face when you surprise me with that song that I can listen to over and over. Oh, and I love that I can stream you when I'm "so over" Yelp . . . again. Thank you for the good times and the special moments. read more

Hooray for KCRW! Sure I could get my NPR news and This American Life and all that good stuff on other stations but there are at least 3 reasons that I listen to KCRW and they are as follows 1. Warren Olney - This guy is awesome. I love both To The Point and Which Way LA? I feel like these two programs keep me more up to date with politics and world and local news better than every single newscast on TV combined. 2. Morning Becomes Eclectic - Although I'm a devout Kevin and Bean listener, their show ends at 10, and I'm left with nothing good to listen to after 10. MBE plays great music and is really one of the best Tastemakers on the radio today. 3. Podcasts - Most of their programs are available as a podcast, except "Says You" which is a shame, but really keeps me up to date, especially on those days when I have to drive all over the place. read more

When I moved to San Francisco, I heard the best station around was KFOG, complete with its following of devoted Fogheads. But despite my immediate embrace for all things San Francisco, it has to be said: KFOG's got nothing on KCRW. The thing I miss most about LA (aside from, you know, friends & family) is KCRW. I used to think it was NPR that I loved, but I was wrong. From Nic Harcourt & Morning Becomes Eclectic to Jason Bentley & Metropolis, it's KCRW that I love/miss/adore. So now, when despite the 5462 songs on my iTunes, I feel like there's nothing to listen to, I stream or podcast KCRW live from work. I only wish I could take it with me everywhere. Recommended listens: live studio sessions of Morning Becomes Eclectic. Angelenos, don't take your KCRW for granted! read more

You would only be reading this review if you already know about KCRW and wanted to see another opinion about it, or because you haven't heard of KCRW before and wanted more information about them. My review will cater to you, The One Who Has Not Yet Been Enlightened. When I first heard about KCRW and checked them out about two years ago, I didn't like them very much at first, and even stopped listening for a few months altogether. Looking back, it was probably because I didn't invest enough time into the station to truly appreciate what it was about. The key to a radio station like KCRW is that you need to spend enough time listening to them to understand what their vibe is, who their personalities are, and what their ultimate goal is. This seems to be an experience lost on the iTunes generation, who collectively are individuals; each alone they are the sole judge, jury, and executioner of music they want to hear and listen to. This makes me sad. Terrestrial radio is wonderful for the simple reason that you have absolutely no control over what songs come up. Although you'll occasionally hear a song that you could care less for, you'll get those moments when just the right song comes up at just the right time, and you can't help but smile. I also get into situations when listening to music on the radio (not just KCRW) that seems the perfect track in soundtrack to a movie called Life, starring Me. KCRW is great to me. They're a real radio station, with real people playing real music. I listen to JackFM regularly, but I know that it's just a computer queuing up songs in a dumpy little building in downtown Culver City. Pandora* is the same way; it plays a lot of the music I like, but there's no heart and soul behind it. Any music fan will understand that music is and always has been more than the sounds that come out of the speakers. KCRW DJs are literally disc jockeys. I can imagine them swapping discs in CD players, because that's actually what they do. This is important because they actively seek out new and interesting music, be it mainstream, indie, or international. I've discovered so many new bands and new sounds through KCRW, and I'm thankful for that. I think the live sessions during Morning Becomes Eclectic are egregiously under-appreciated, even by KCRW regulars; you can't put into words how good some of the featured bands are when they play live, not relying on post-processing or auto-tune to make good music. That they mix in NPR news and other public radio programming (Radiolab, Le Show, This American Life, etc.) with their music programs makes KCRW the de facto #1 on my radio dial. I also keep them going at home via streaming from their website and on my iPhone via their (buggy) app. I appreciate KCRW so much, in fact, that I subscribed with them as a member. That is, I paid them money despite their services being free to anyone who listens. Thousands of people do it, including those well outside Southern California airwaves. You need to think about why people would do that. Sure, they have cool freebies during their membership drives, and you get the discount card for businesses. But that so many do it regardless of their geographical proximity to the station? It's hard to understand it until you take the time to listen in, find their vibe, and get to know their DJs, and see what their ultimate goal is. You may not know it yet, but you and KCRW are in this together as far as loving music. *Speaking of Pandora, I was listening Pandora to play music as I wrote this review. However, the band and song seeds I used to create the station I was using, all came from stuff I first heard on KCRW. Think about that. read more