My favorite radio station and possibly the best in the country. It's not perfect (Nic Harcourt plays great music but reminds you of how great he is a bit too often), but it gives me my fix of Morning Edition, This American Life, and great new music. I became a member and a pledge drive volunteer because I felt like I needed to repay them for all the great listening they've given me. (Yeah, that was sappy. I never thought I'd be a public radio nerd. But KCRW made me that way.) read more

I love this radio station! I have been listening to NPR in the mornings via this station since high school. Then, since i went to graduate school, they put on some great music programs such as "Morning Becomes Eclectic," "Metropolis," and most recently "Nocturna." The number of fantastic groups that I have heard on KCRW that never gets played on mainstream radio is amazing! "Morning becomes Eclectic" and "Metropolis" are the two shows that originally made me a regular donor to the radio station even though I am still a student. My family have been subscribers for some 15 years, but now I subscribe on my own to support the station. I even go listen to Metropolis' DJ, Jason Bentley, spin live at Zanzibar in Santa Monica on Friday nights whenver I go back home for a visit. KCRW was very smart by placing a live feed section of their radio online. Now, I listen to news, shows, and music from the Bay Area (since I haven't found the equivalent radio station in the Bay). This will definitely keep me as an annual donor to the station. The website even archives their past radio shows so that you can play them on real audio. Another great perk is that when you hear good music on the air or online, you can quickly log onto their website where they track the playlists and thus you can easily find out the artists and song titles to make quick music purchases. I hope that one day Nocturna's DJ, Raul Campos, will start spinning his dancehall music live at one of the venues in Los Angeles similarly to Jason Bentley. That will definitely get some crowds and followings in to live music in LA. Check out the radio shows and enjoy the fantastic world beats that play on KCRW! read more

The hubbub and kerfluffle over internet broadcasting royalty rates finally convinced me to dip into my shallow, shallow pockets and pony up $50 for these guys. The world is a better place because KCRW exists. To that end, save net radio at savenetradio.org! read more

Can I also dock my boat at the love harbor for KCRW? You guys hooked me first with Metropolis, which as a beat freak was the easy way to my heart. Then you suggested I stick around. Here, have some Chocolate City, Alex. Listen to Raul Campos' impossibly smooth accent. Then you laid Morning Becomes Eclectic on me and had me looking for titles in genres I never even touched before. I even stick around for some NPR or SMCC meetings because you tell me to. KCRW is like my own musical concierge, leading me to what I need to listen to, putting me ahead of the game. When my friends from outside LA are telling me to check something out I reply back saying I heard it on KCRW 6 months ago, have been to the concert twice, and haved moved past it. Not only that, but KCR dub likes to lay some freebies on me. Or I have fast dialing fingers. Either way, being a member has always tripled in reward by hooking up concert/show giveaways. If I leave LA, I know KCRW will be the first thing that i will miss. read more

2 important words....intellectual stimulation... KCRW introduced me to so many new artist...kept me abreast of political issues and national news. I love this station. Call me an old fart...but i like to say i'm just eclectic as KCRW. read more

I absolutely *love* KCRW, but, um Warren Olney from uhh Which Way LA uh makes umm me uh want to uh rip my uh ears out um with uh all his uh...pauses and ums and uhs. SMART GUY, THOUGH. There's no denying that. read more

I love KCRW. You will too. Music. NPR. But don't take my word for it... read more

Great radio station! I love so many of their programs such as All Things Considered, the morning news (usually encompasses so much more than average news reports, and often gives you a glimpse into the bigger world by human-driving segments), Market Place gives you info on the global stock markets, and the Treatment is great for reviews for film and television as well as notable interviews (Wes Anderson, Jason Schwartzman, et al). Book worm is fantastic for book reviews and get ideas what you want you should be reading now, or what you should be reading next. I also love their programs/stories that discuss food. One of my favorite interviews was Thomas Keller discussing Ad Hoc in Napa Valley and his backgroud (great piece!). They often have events showcased surrounding food, too. You can view upcoming events on their website. They even had a pie bake off not too long where Stefan from Top Chef was going to appear/compete. I used to LOVE Morning Becomes Eclectic, and I especially fancied Nick Harcourt, but when he left it just hasn't been the same. Although, it is worth an honorable mention. Sigh. Subscriber-supporter KCRW is one of the best public radio stations out there. You can stream from your computer (but be careful it slows down bandwidth), and you can stream from iPods/smart feeds. I am truly a devoted follower. I listen all the time on my commutes. read more

KCRW is the best of the NPR affiliates in LA because it plays more music and less political stuff. Really cool DJ's, glad that Jason Bentley is now on MBE and Raul Campos has seen me thru many a long drive late night on the way home from set where if I didn't have KCRW I might've fallen asleep at the wheel. However, can you please keep Ruth Seymour from speaking on the air? Her voice is so grating and annoying I turn off the radio EVERYTIME she gets on. I'm sure she's a fine person, and has no doubt been a driving force for the station but her voice is like nails on a chalkboard to me. read more

i am not a self-professed smarty pants bc I know I'm not, by any means. but this station trys to make me smarter and more informed. it's true - the sun in LA (or the water) has put me in la-la land at times. This is my sanctuary that frees me of road rage and asking dumb questions. I love the selection of voices and the *humor* (or sarcasm or irony) cracks me up! Support them when they run their drives so they could get on with their programs - I got a $50 card at the Grove once for that! read more

I have been streaming KCRW for years, and I was able to swear off the music of my boyhood, unlike who are less disciplined or adventuresome. This is the cool of the cool if you want to hear really new music and be ahead of the curve. read more

As an SMC alum, I have to say KCRW is one of my former college's crowning achievements. The perfect fallback for news and information, as well as smooth grooves and cool jazzy tracks, 89.9 FM is one of the finest and most diverse stations on the dial, here in LA. For anyone whose heard the live sessions with their favorite bands, you KNOW this station comes correct. One of the greatest radio shows I was ever privileged to hear was the live Zero 7 show, in late December. It made the hair on my arms stand straight up. I almost had an audiogasm, if you could imagine such a thing. Just an awesome station coming out of an underrated and similarly awesome school - hands down. read more

Having come from Detroit where all of the public stations are trending to the "all-news, all the time" format, it's really refreshing to listen to a public radio station that puts time and energy behind playing good music. Also, I have to say I've been disappointed with how mainstream the local radio (KROQ-FM and others) are. KCRW-FM is a nice change and a good place to listen to catch music from bands I haven't heard before. read more

We need more stations like this! Clear channel sucks arse for feeding us the worst "pop" music! Awesome events and really in-touch with Los Angeles! Solid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hooray for KCRW! Thanks for having great taste! read more

KCRW is like a really good sandwich for your ears and brain. True, sometimes in really good sandwiches there might be an ingredient you don't like (like mushrooms, well, I don't think I've ever had a sandwich with mushrooms, but you see what I mean. BTW, I really dislike mushrooms). Anyway, it's overwhelming good with the occasional sprinkle of not-so-good. Such is life. Buon-appetito read more

It's quite a shame that this station does not get the attention it solely deserves. The music that they play here is something you will never get anywhere else. Morning Becomes Eclectic, All Things Considered, NPR, are just some of the amazing shows that come up on KCRW. You rarely hear Top 40 on here, which is a good thing. Not that there is anything wrong with Top 40. But one can only hear BOOM BOOM POW so many freaking times.... Those stations have do not have the opportunity to play something fresh and inventive. Probably because the man at the top is some corporate big wig. But at KCRW, the people that play the music are actually ones that know what good music sounds like. And for that, I am very very fortunate to have this station. Give KCRW a chance and listen to it for a bit. It's definitely not the common station you hear in LA. But get into it. It will change your life. read more

I'm convinced that Nic Harcourt's Morning Becomes Eclectic will save us all from bad hair, traffic, the confinement of office walls, lack of caffeine, hangovers, or whatever your morning nemesis is. So... Ditch Jack.FM--that's no acceptable soundtrack for your life. Save that ipod nano/shuffle/(next, the inviso!) for later. Maybe for walking the dog. read more

It's like Xmas when I'm driving home from work and happen to catch "Says You." I rarely get a correct answer, but it's still hilarious. Good music sometimes. read more

Makes living in LA almost tolerable. I love every single program they offer, but I wish they'd bring back Joe Frank. "Joe Frank in the Dark" was my all time favorite radio show, and now that it's gone "This American LIfe" has quite adequately filled that void. Henry Rollins' show on Saturdays is a real joy, his fanaticism is infectious, and I've heard some stuff on his show that I would never have heard elsewhere. Some of it I don't care to hear again to be truthful, but that's alright, I appreciate the novelty of the experience anyway. I don't get a chance to catch Chocolate City that often anymore, but that comes highly recommended, it's a true LA institution. read more

I have been an avid listener and supporter of this great radio station since 1987, around the period I would term my "college radio" years. At the time, I considered their music programming---namely SNAP, MBE, Strictly Jazz, Chocolate City, Metropolis among others---are unparalleled in terms of exposing and highlighting the newest talent in music. SNAP was my pop/rock bible as it introduced me to a multitude of alternative pop music that was not just cutting edge, but highly accessible as well. Years later, the development of Warren Olney's "Which Way L.A.?" was both revolutionary and vital as it introduced an intelligent perspective and provided a much needed forum for the social and cultural state of Los Angeles resulting from aftermath of the 1992 Rodney King riots. To this day, with new technologies rapidly evolving along with the seeming decline of radio and the [cottage] music industry as we know it, KCRW has continued to remain vital, innovative, challenging and provocative to both its programming, artists, members and most importantly its audience. I have to say thanks to former general manager Ruth Seymour for her strong (and albeit controversial) leadership in helping make the station what it is today. And now with new management under Jennifer Ferro, I very much look forward to their future successes and to be seen as a model in which radio stations could strive to be in this new age of electronic media. And for those that haven't already done so, please support this station!! If you have the bucks, send your donation either online or make your contribution during their bi-annual fund drive and get your hands on some terrific premiums and drawings. If you're tight on funds (like a lot of us are), donate your time and effort during the upcoming summer fund drive in August. There is great food, great people, networking opportunities, and idea-sharing with persons of like minds and passion. read more

I love KCRW. Great music shows from Morning Becomes Eclectic to Henry Rollins - I get exposed to so many new things that I'm forever having grab something out of my purse to write it down for future listening. My favorite part is the great shows that the air mid-week in the afternoon (which means I try to take a late lunch). I love Un Fictional, The Treatment, and Bookworm usually have my complete attention (which is why I listen while at lunch). I also love This American Life which I listen to on Saturdays. The stories are well developed and feature such interesting regular people. And, they offer great news coverage that includes both national and world wide coverage. I also appreciate that they don't always focus on the doom and gloom as it seems our local tv stations do. And, best of all they are virtually commercial free! I had an opportunity to volunteer at the pledge drive last week and it was really fun. You get to see the "behind the scene" look at the station - plus you get to meet so many nice and friendly people who also love the station. read more

It doesn't get any better than this. It has saved me multiple times from killing myself while waiting in the endless LA traffic. Sometimes, the programs are so good that I'll find myself sitting in the car even after I've arrived at my destination, listening 'till the program is over. If you aren't from LA, tune in online or on itunes' KCRW Music. read more

KCRW is a real gem. I feel comfortable knowing that the station has the ability to share a discovery rather than push a product until you are sick of it by the end of the release date. There is a lot of thought and creativity that goes into this station, it's not a machine. They promote good citizenship, they have variety, they are fresh. They promote art, thought, discovery, debate- not idiocy or consumerism. read more

KCRW is great. Morning Becomes Eclectic is always truly awesome (although I miss Nic Harcourt!) in addition to the ever-interesting NPR programming. The other great thing about KCRW is membership. Donate a little monthly and you get the Fringe Benefits card which definitely pays off in the long run. 89.9 rocks! read more

I first experienced KCRW from an live on-air performance of progressive hip-hop artist Me Phi Me back in the early '90s. It was immediately clear that this was radio at it's best -- fresh, innovative and passionate. How anyone could prefer listening to the dumbed-down, over-compressed, repetitive, unoriginal and uninspiring crap that typifies the more popular stations escapes me. KCRW is for true music lovers and worldly individuals who proudly thirst for social insight, personal growth and they joy of the unexpected. Thank you to the DJs, techs and administrators who better us all with KCRW's programming - I hope everyone who sincerely values this unique asset will put their money up in support. read more

First, a message from my friends that there is a station here that on some evenings sounds like a set on a good party. Second, fixing the language on NPR (Renata i love you!). Third, subscribing (best method of paying for the mass media ever invented) Fourth, unraveling the city with the KCRW card and other premiums. I know/like/posses every track they used for jingles. It's like somebody is playing from my own CD's. Second best radio station I've ever heard (RIP Radiostacja). Love it! Ps: Fifth, Jason Bentley moving it in even better direction? read more

KCRW plays Always part of my morning Banana fritters read more

KCRW is the BEST radio station ever!! They are a great source for news, entertainment, story telling and new music. i can't say enough great things. Love MBE, love Nic Harcourt, love all the NPR & BBC news! Thank you KCRW for your fantastic and original programming and good luck on all future pledge drives!! read more

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly Truth. Thank you KCRW. Keep up the good work. read more

Can I safely say KCRW is the soundtrack west of the 405 FWY ? Jason Bentley, Tom Schnabel, Raul Campos ,Chris Douridas & Liza R. have their antennae pulled way up. Can't thank them enough for all the tunes they've turned me on to. OK, once in a while, I'll tune in to 105.9 in the car to keep it real - read more

Whoa! I didn't know you could review a radio station. This radio station is AS GOOD AS IT GETS. There are no commercials so the only people they have to please are their members. The music is very eclectic and carefully selected. The weekends have a great mix of PRI and NPR broadcasts and music as well. If you listen and like KCRW please become a member! It's the right thing to do! read more

KCRW 89.9 FM is forever etched in my memory as being my favorite radio station on the planet. Each work week just isn't the same without a dose of Nic Harcourt's Morning Becomes Eclectic. Nic's playlist is on the forefront of whats to hit the mass airways. His musical taste is intuitive and innovative. Where else can you get the low down on up and coming musical artists and gigs? And get news on the latest Brit bands in the U.K? KCRW is the place. I've discovered great musicians like Duffy, Ray Lamontagne and Kate Nash on Morning Becomes Eclectic. KCRW is the best public radio station. This station is congruent with my own musical taste. I can't get enough of Morning Becomes Eclectic. read more

My husband does the best Nic Harcout impersonation. "I'd like to play a little something from a band you may not have heard of...Radiohead". Its all predictable "indie" with some world music thrown in. Great if you are that mid-50's yoga guru that drives a Prius. I'd rather get NPR on KPCC. KSPC (Claremont Colleges) offers better programs (songs for the whippersnapper for example) and little pretention. read more

Once and innovative station, now virtually all loops. Boring. Most of the talented DJ's left the station years ago. Westside snob radio for transplants who don't have a clue. KCSN is better. read more

If KCRW were a food I would be obese. I hunger for it everyday, multiple times a day and it takes a heck of a lot to fill me up. When sit-down radio listening isn't an option, I simply grab podcasts for on-the-go delights. Some favorite menu items include: This American Life (Chicago Public Radio) Good Food (KCRW) To the Point (KCRW) Fresh Air (NPR) Which Way L.A.? (KCRW) Says You! (Pipit & Finch) Jason Bentley music mixes (KCRW) I could go on an on about the wonderful indie music selections, choice NPR programming and original broadcasting, but I probably shouldn't. There just aren't enough hours in the day, for listening or lauding. (P.S. It's best enjoyed as a subscriber!) read more

Love KCRW, but it drives me crazy that some of the DJs and hosts mispronounce Coachella (as in Coachella Music Festival). It's "Co-chel-la" not "Co-uh-chel-la." Only 3 syllables, not 4. Palm Springs listener read more

I've said it once, I'll say it again: "eclectic music" is the new "alternative music" I would write a rant about how KCRW's music starting taking a real dip real fast after the replacement of Chris Douridas with Nic Harcourt as the general music director, but there's a good chance that Douridas was just as bad back then as well. I have good memories of Tricia Halloran's program but in retrospect, KCRW feels like it's reached its sound and is more than willing to stick with the same sound for years to come. Although it's kind of irresponsible to disparage the listeners of this station, in the same way stuffwhitepeoplelike.com is irresponsible and self-love/hating, it feels as if the authors of that site had KCRW in mind when penning their little diatribe/jab at bourgeois American culture at large. read more

I can't help it but the music selection is an utter snooze fest in my opinion. Does everything on here have to be laid back and non-threatening? God forbid that any of the electronic music passes the 140bpm mark, all hell and even society itself will collapse! On a less sarcastic note, maybe my rating is due to the fact that my exposure to indie radio came from college stations like KXLU and KSPC and KCRW does not even come close to the musical diversity of those stations. KCRW gets two stars mainly because it has NPR but when it comes to music its a dull one. read more

If you like to listen to music that's marketed as new and cutting edge, but in reality is is plain-old adult contemporary soft rock, then do yourself a favor and listen to Morning Becomes Eclectic. Let's see..muted electronic loops, with perhaps some female singing? Check. Watered down indie rock that won't offend anyone for having TOO MUCH energy? Check. Clicheed trip-hop beats straight from 1996 and other uncreative drum programming? Check. It wouldn't be as bad if Nic didn't present this pap as serious stuff worthy of your attention. Could you find a more cloying radio personality than Nic Harcourt? One thing good about him - he's funny to parody. I much prefer KXLU, the college station at 88.9 Fm. Not always that professional (mostly to funny results) but rarely as predictable as KCRW. No wonder KXLU once released a compilation called Morning Becomes Erratic. Even mega hip-hop station Power 106 has a lot more personality and soul than KCRW. Thank god other programs on KCRW are better! read more

So last night I volunteered for the Angel Gala at MOCA. This is the annual party for KCRW "Angel's" i.e. people who donate at least $365 annually. The event was so nice. Open bar, great hors d'oeuvres, free reign of the museum and super nice volunteers. If you're able, see about volunteering for the station. There are great volunteer perks (hanging out in the music library anyone?) and everyone is super nice. If nothing else, donate the $1/day so you can get great stuff all year long (book club, cookbook club, CDs or movies) and get to attend this awesome event. As for the actual station, I love it. Nic Harcourt (despite what other people have said) has started the careers of many an Indie and not-so Indie artist. Norah Jones, Jem, Ting Tings, etc. The other music DJs are great as well. Jason Bentley's show is fantastic. The NPR programming is top notch as well. I love that wherever I am in the country, I can listen to the local NPR station and hear "Produced at the studios of KCRW in Santa Monica, CA." read more