It's no big problem that my vintage, but solid-state TEAC stereo receiver in the bedroom has just six FM memory presets available to program. I can only find five listenable L.A. commercial radio stations including, grudgingly, easy-listening 94.7 The Wave, in case of a miracle. But memory button #1 is set at 88.9, public radio from Loyola Marymount University in Westchester. To me, a sporadic indie-music listener, almost everything KXLU plays is uncommon, refreshing, and a hopeful note for music's present and future. Some of the DJs are noticeably underripe, but it's fun to hear young broadcasters as they develop their air personas. The station streams live on kxlu.com, and could broaden one's tastes with its variety of specialty programs, some including "noise music" (Oh, how I wish a radio station would have played that back in the homework days). TIME-WARP DIALOG...Mom: "What's that NOISE you're listening to?" Young KXLU Listener: "Noise, mom." International music consists of mostly Latin titles as played on its durable weekend fixture, "Alma del Barrio," bringing to mind loitering over empty pitchers of sangria at Venice Boulevard's Versailles Cuban restaurant. After a lengthy listening hiatus, it was a delight to find an old favorite, Reverend Dan, still hosting "Music for Nimrods," a program in the spirit of '70s phenoms Frazer Smith, Rodney Bingenheimer (both on KROQ) and Dr. Demento (KPPC, KMET); a bonanza of old, new, rare and novelty tracks, and DJ patter nimbly fitted to end with his production-music backing tune. It's a great segue into a Saturday hangover (3-6 a.m.). My recent return to KXLU, due to disgust at blocks of radio commercials with occasional rock-music interruptions, has me hoping it won't be necessary to again work the TEAC remote's memory buttons--except for maybe #3, The Wave. read more

I LOVE Alma Del Barrio. I listen every chance I get, Sat & Sun, in the car or streaming on my computer at home - especially when either cooking or cleaning ;) Every time I listen, I hear a different song I've never heard before. Will continue to tune in! read more

I love indie/college radio and KXLU is one of the best I've heard. They have a truly eclectic programing schedule. Programming includes but is not limited to: progressive and indie rock, classical, opera, jazz, punk, psychedelic, reggae, and world music. They are operated by Loyola Marymount University and have a stated commitment to "maintaining consistently high programming standards throughout its schedule by striving to give under represented artists and musical genres, who do not have a voice on the traditional mainstream circuit, an alternative and supportive forum in which to showcase their talent." In a world where media has become a homogenized commodity, KXLU is a breath of fresh air. Viva originality, bravo! read more

KXLU would rule the universe if they could get a bigger transmitter. I'd listen to it all day if there wasn't that annoying warbling sound when the music stops and the DJs talk. Maybe it's just my receiver. Okay, the warbling's not that bad, and maybe it's one of those things that prevents this station from blowin' up big time. Please don't blow up big time, KXLU. I don't want Rupert Murdoch getting his hands on you and ending the party. Like Cherie's review said, every song won't be your favorite, but you get introduced to more new music than you would if there were 72 hours in the day and you listened to those other "indie" "modern" stations with 4 sets of ears. You don't have 4 sets of ears, do you? KXLU's DJs know their stuff. I request songs regularly via IM, and they ALWAYS make good on my request. If you can't get KXLU on your radio, well... I'm just sorry. Really really sorry. read more

I so want to like this station... it comes in so loud and clear as we are on the same hill... but... unfortunately, many of the student Dj's treat their on air time like they are speaking into a fisher-price "my-first-microphone"... on air, inside jokes, self-indulgent at times, as if they have something important to get across. Honestly, I would love a little depth... genuineness... real, honest, sincere... IF you are going to talk... but if not... just play the really interesting music I KNOW you know about... you don't have to try to impress me with "how" you know about it. just play it. read more

When it's not reminding me of the faux-coolness of its fundrazors--and yes, that's how they spelt it back in the day; I kid you not--it's reminding me of the real coolness of pinball and Pepy's Jr. Galley and even driving all the way out to Anaheim Hills just to try things on, even though they never quite fit. It also reminds me of my supercool cousin who's still supercool. She's a real writer and recently retired as a weekly DJ, but I'm sure she'll be spinning again soon because who doesn't love a 38- or 39-year-old DJ with smart glasses and an earnest lack of ink who isn't afraid to throw Siouxsie Sioux and the Smiths at ya over and over and over, but maybe not Morrissey? She may actually have a problem with Johnny Mar-less Morrissey. I'll be sure to ask her next time I see her, but I don't know when that will be. I haven't bluffed it in a long time, so I don't really know what KXLU's like anymore, and honestly, I don't have L.A. presets--or any presets, for that matter--on my car radio anymore, so even when I do happen to drive to L.A., it's really unlikely that I'll stop on or even be able to get reception from 88.9. My only wish is that KXLU's transmitter were as powerful as 91X's. The additional star is for being a college station that is really good and has been really good for decades. read more

This station never fails, and I always have it on in my car and at work. This is one of the only radio stations in Los Angeles where you will be introduced to great new music that is hiding out there in the depths. If it's old stuff you're craving, they've got you absolutely covered on that too... from punk rock, to garage, to death rock, doom metal, dancehall, world music and beyond. This station is for EVERYONE. I highly recommend Part Time Punks on Thursday evenings, Demolisten Friday nights from 6-8, and then the Bomb Shelter right after that from 8-9.... or Kid Sister Erica Thursday mornings to make your morning drive that much better. Donate and support! read more

KXLU is one of those little gems you discover one day. I've been listening off and on since the 1980's when it was mostly hardcore punk, and noise industrial. Now it's kinda like a box of chocolates. I like to pick it first when I get in the car, since it could literally be anything, then hit my other stations (Indie 103.1, KCRW, etc), or the iPod. I especially like it when the DJ goes retro and brings me back to the indie hits of the 80's that you don't hear anywhere else. read more

KCLU is programmed on my dial in the car and at home. I really enjoy the off-beat, indie tracks and the eclectic mix of styles. I love love love the Mexican music on weekend afternoons. The DJ's really vary: in the morning it could be mellow gold, in the evening, old school rap. This is completely refreshing when other radio stations seem to gravitate towards the same artists or song of the moment. My only issue is that some of the DJ's can ramble on and on. As a listener, I feel left out (a while back, two of the DJ went on and on dissing local bars and describing why hanging out in certain areas of town is lame... which is what I thought YELP was for!). As one reviewer mentioned (well, several), it can be part of the "charm"--but I just want to listen to music, straight up. I listen to people run their mouths all day, so a change of pace is what I look for in a radio station. Luckily, if you don't like what's on this channel, you can wait an hour, and come back for something completely different. read more

As an avid KCRW listener/supporter, KXLU is what you'll want to be listening to when you're bored with them and their music (and believe me, it happens). Yes, I love NPR and being an informed citizen of the world and all that good business but when you get tired of listening to the same ole same ole and you're craving something truly unique, KXLU is where you should point your little radio dial to, my friend. Full of wonderful strange goodness and energy (even if it happens to be playing some shoegazer music). They're always playing something interesting, no matter what. You think what you're hearing is weird? It's still better than anything else being played in the whole of Los Angeles. ENJOY IT. read more

Mainly listen to this station only on weekends for Alma Del Barrio -1 because Alma Del Barrio only runs until 6 pm on weekends. Wish it was 24/7 all weekend -1 because, heck, wish Alma Del Barrio was on 24/7 all week read more

Quite possibly the best college radio station in the nation. The music is diverse and definitely cutting edge. Sometimes I wonder if the folks at Indie 103.1 listen ot KXLU to find their next big thing. Not every song will be your favorite, and some of it might not be tolerable, but that's the beauty of college radio. If you listen (or even if you don't), send the kids a donation and support new music. read more

Listener since '97 Every morning on my way to my law librarian job that was right down the street from LMU. I listened all the way back from that job as well. I would always the lose reception the closer I got to Pasadena. I don't get out of the L.A. area and into the West side as much these days but when I do I listen as much as I can. They do a wonderful job of bringing unknown music to those that otherwise wouldn't know anything other than what KROQ plays. Which is cheeze these days. read more

Got me thru my college years. Haven't listened regularly since that time, tho once in a while I tune in to Alma Del Barrio on the weekends. But they are the station responsible for introducing me to Tom Waits. I remember it was "Diamonds on My Windshield." They also introduced me to many of the shoegazer bands that I still love to this day (yes I tend to live in the past), like Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine, Rain Parade, etc And I just remembered, I used to listen to the Blues Hotel show w/ Chris Checkman. I wonder if he's still on the air -- if so, check him out, he's pretty funny. read more

Kxlu rules the ether! Love their indie ethos. I especially love when the dj starts rattling off on some tangent and says "umm" repeatedly. read more

I think tonight was the first time I consciously decided to tune into KXLU. I checked it out a year ago when the Blue Scholars were on, but I never really did the "Hmmm, I wonder whats on 88.9?" thing. I tuned in tonight and heard a sultry yet energetic French singer bouncing along the notes with a jazzy sounding band. "No way," I thought. Then the chorus kicked in. "Living, living room..." YES WAY-- outta all the days to tune in, I hear Paris Combo?! Getouttahere.... Hi, KXLU, I'm your newest fan. read more

KXLU is always on in my car unless I'm listening to other music, but not other radio stations. I love the variety of music that is played because of the different shows, and you don't get stuck in the same rut. I have never heard the same song played twice (which is great because if you listen to K-EARTH it's like "Pretty Woman" every hour on the hour), and I always find new bands or singers to listen to. One can also stream this radio station from the internet, which is great for me since I live in the Bay Area half the year. read more

LMU alumni aside, KXLU is hands down one of (if not THE) best indie radio station in the US. Seriously. Oh, and love to its red-headed step-child, KLMU. I see you, KLMU! read more

The apotheosis of indie radio -- great music; weird stuff; some horrible stuff; agreeable, slightly amateurish DJs. I love it. You never know what you're going to get. Could be a Portuguese remake of "Then She Kissed Me." Could be some local noiserock. The only annoying thing for me is that they don't do a great job of posting playlists online, so you're often out of luck if you want to track down some awesome song you heard on the way home from work. read more

BEST, TRULY indpendent radio in L.A. In the same evening you'll get salsa, classical "early" music, folk and ambient shows. That's the best reflection of L.A.'s diversity offered by any local station. DJ's answer the phones and you can talk to them during sets! How rad is that? Also, their pledge drives kick ass. If you think you get cool stuff during KCRW's pledge drive, you ain't seen nothing yet. For about $60 I got a pair tickets to three different concerts (2 at UCLA and one in the Miracle Mile area). Score! read more

I am from Russia and I live in Moscow, but I really like this radio. Always listen it through the Internet. I want to express gratitude for the great music and to wish good luck to all DJs. Sorry for my English. read more

True college radio is a gift to be treasured: commercial-free music of the kinds you've never heard before (and will sometimes never hear again), DJs who are doing their shows because they actually love the music, attention to local bands and labels, and the chance to expose your ears to more than you'd get on any commercial station. I listen to KXLU when I can manage to get it in my car, and my favorite shows are "Part Time Punks" with Michael Stock (not just punk stuff you'll never find elsewhere, but he does theme shows like goth, twee, certain influential labels, etc.; people from around the world send him recordings, which is how you end up hearing things like Depeche Mode live in some small club in 1981. PTP also has its own night at the Echo!)(Michael Stock is my DJ crush) and Peter Choyce's show (his incredible knowledge of underground music and its history makes his show a real treat, although his on-air personality is a bit esoteric). Truthfully, I've never heard an underground show I didn't enjoy on KXLU. While the music is wonderful, I'm forced to deduct a star for what's not music, namely: DJ talk. It's not even chatter so much as very frequently, complete conversations about any number of other things I promise the listeners don't care about (ex. the DJ's best friend's birthday). I've heard DJs go on for close to 10 minutes, just babbling, nothing informational being said. Random callers get put on the air to talk about nothing. Some DJs backannounce a dozen songs at a time, which makes being able to identify songs impossible, and is a huge detriment to listeners who may never hear that song or band again. I also frequently hear songs in the afternoon that drop the f-bomb, which is a good way to get fined by the FCC, and I know for a fact there are Christian broadcasting stations desperately trying to take KXLU's airspace. Just lookin' out for y'all, KXLU - either mark your music more clearly, or train your DJs better (and tell them to stop the calls to action and promoting their own personal events - I used to be a college Program Director and I know those are no-no's for non-profit stations). (also, contrary to la h. saying KXLU is the oldest indie station in the world, speaking strictly for So Cal, KSPC 88.7fm Claremont is actually a year older than KXLU) read more

Dude, what happened to Fred C & TurnTables of Soul?? I'm all for college radio and all, but Friday nights will never be the same... and now We Came from Beyond is gone too? I don't know man... I like KCRW better these days... read more

I have a weird relationship with this station in that the rock programmers are way more open-minded than I am in their slightly dubious decisions to play demo tapes from my ten-year old neighbor recorded onto her portastudio -- be it a sorry attempt to make a cross-breed between a chip-tunes track and a disco-punk one reminiscent of something from "Liquid Sky" or a droney rock tune. on the other end of the spectrum, they'll play a Shins' cover of a Postal Service song, which gives one pause to wonder if they're slowly aspiring to be the next KCRW. But then unlike some of the other college stations I've come across, this place has a dedicated staff of DJs like Reverend Dan that don't cycle out once they graduate. My most recent find is Jose Salguero's electronic show which Jason Bentley can only dream to come up with. Its catalog is decidedly in sync with certain online specialty stores and labels like boomkat or kompakt and then some. This station demonstrates that a DJ's set can have a lot in the way of personality without having to resort to an already established set of "DJ" ish tropes. It actually does this so well that I always get shitty reception when tuning in from K-town. that's why I have to knock this down to 4 stars. One odd thing that just occurred to me is that I've never found the programming interrupted for a membership/donation drive which, I figure, done twice could help be put toward buying more wattage or more steel to append to their already dinky antenna. If in fact, they haven't done any of these drives, I think they're long overdue for one. While I've moved on from music and primarily listen to KPCC these days, KXLU has been a solid presence in most of my short music-listening life and will continue to be my standby for such reasons. A few parting words: I don't like to make my radio listening habits into a religious or ideological decision as some anti-Clear-Channel Nazis often do. Nor do I want to rave about the salsa music on the weekends because it fulfills my diversity quota for the week. These are good things, I suppose, but I KXLU only became my go-to through their invariable success at playing the mind-reader and playing the song I want to listen to at the right time. read more

When KXLU is good, it's amazing. But also, when it's bad, it's still really not that bad. Still better than KCRW, at least. I think that has everything to do with your expectations. KXLU is the best, I mean most masterful, a few select times during the week: Friday nights, Wednesday nights, during IVOR's show, and of course Zoo Croo. I think generally though, and especially on these yelp reviews, their rock programming is a little bit overrated nowadays. I hear a lot of pitchfork stuff during the day and it makes me want to go back to bed and start over. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate college radio and college DJs, but the daytime kids at KXLU get a little bit less adventurous every year. Not even five years ago, you'd be able to turn on KXLU at noon and hear some weird art rock. Now, I just hear some shrill voiced girl talking about how she "loves Burger Records". Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. But yeah, overall, KXLU is good. It'd be better if they brought the perennial fill-in dj Peter Choyce back. But hey, still pretty good. read more

KXLU makes Indie 103.1 sound mainstream. This is your stop for experimental, (actually) independent music, local demos, and music that will just never be heard in dominant contexts. KXLU is not afraid to take the risk of playing everything from noise to unsigned, marginal bands--I've discovered some great groups on here, which I would never have otherwise heard about. Escarlotta (who loves food as much as I do) and Jean-Claude always play great sets; also, check out "Headspace" on Thurs nights. With that said, this station is definitely not for everyone and in some parts of the city the reception is shitty. But next time you plan to fork over a donation to KCRW because of your addiction to Nic Harcourt's show "Morning Becomes Eclectic," give it to these guys intead. read more

KXLU 88.9 FM is brilliant! It plays the most diverse collection of music I've heard on any radio station anywhere. Great shows and djs include Part time Punks, Center Stage, McAllister, In a Dream, Cowboy Nick, The Reggae Show, and Peter Choyce. http://www.kxlu.com/schedule.htm read more

KXLU hosted a free Sonic Youth show in Santa Monica..........

Cowboy Nick is my fave :). If you love old time country music tune in Sat nights from ten to midnight. Junor Francis and Mystic Pete have great shows before and after to make the perfect Sat night!! :) read more

i oddly didn't listen to this while attending LMU (2001-2005), but after that became attached at the terrestrial hip to this lil' station. physically little, but tastefully huge. the breadth of programming is staggering. some shows are hosted by freshmen, others by seasoned veterans and alumni for 5, 10, 15 years. you'll hear stuff you've never heard anywhere else. in lots of ways. in epic ways and wtf ways. i once heard KXLU described as essentially full of gems, but at times "borderline unlistenable." and, y'know, i'd agree with that. it's raw and it's real and it has its flaws and its scratches and its breakdowns. and it has sublimity. listen to it. more than once. especially if you get it on 88.9fm. if not: stream that shite, yo. take a risk and be curated to. you'll have your mind blown. (some of my faves (some may no longer be running): Headspace, The Dream of Harry Lime, Psychotechnics, Part-Time Punks, Glossolalia, Taylor 2000, Alien Air Music, Prole Art Threat, Instrumental, Melody Fair, Trilogy, The Bomb Shelther) read more

I am so glad that KXLU won the "Best of L.A" for radio station in the L.A Weekly than the snooze that is KCRW. When I used to work on the westside I always had the dial on KXLU and always expected an excellent mixture of different sounds ranging from punk, electronics and who knows what else they decided to put on the airwaves. Along with KSPC and KUCR, KXLU is one of my favorite stations that is true independent radio that love the music they play and are not afraid to go against the grain. read more

My goto place for hearing new music. If you can make it go to the KXLU fest also. Take the little ones, since it's extremely family friendly. read more

I love the different dJ's and their different styles of delivering fresh and new music on the air. KXLU is our station of choice when ever we get reception ..... or just listen online. lately I have been listening early Tuesday Mornings from 2-6 am because I have been up doing things. Love the Dj and I love the Music. read more

A wonderful radio station.. i listen to it almost daily

I've been listening to KXLU for 15 years...and they have introduced me to some amazing music. I get a warm fuzzy feeling whenever I tun in...like being in a secret club with all your friends. During the week from morning till late at night are the best times I think. Part time punks on Thursdays is fantastic. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because sometimes the DJ's get a little too carried away with being...let's say "odd". Like playing the sounds of a lawnmower for 7 minutes straight...or playing a sesame street song. Other than that KXLU is great! read more

The best music of all college stations. I used to listen to kcrw and their part time music progs but I never tuned back as soon as I got the clear reception with KXLU. Music 24 hours. Cool Latin jazz on weekends. Can't beat that. When it's fundrazor time I'm more than happy to contribute some cash. read more

Pity that there's only one station like KXLU in this metropolis that is Los Angeles. Not that every song played is a good one, but they do a fantastic job of remaining accessible to the public and staying true to the core of listener supported radio. Real music fans playing what they want to play and exposing listeners to things they may like but more importantly, have never heard before. "Don't be hatin', get to donatin'." read more

What a college station should be. I have been listening now and again since just after high school (uh, some time ago). The university I attended on the East Coast had a sucky station. It was always great coming home during vacation periods in between semesters to listen to the cool music on KXLU. This station introduced me to a lot of great bands. More often than not, bands heard first on KXLU are later heard on KCRW and yuck, KROQ. My only gripe is that their transmitter signal isn't as strong as I hope it will someday be. Sometimes when I am driving anywhere east of La Brea (figuratively speaking) the signal strength suffers. The result sometimes being that I love the song I just heard and just as the DJ is about to mention the title of the song and band...the signal drops. Frustrating. When at home or at a location with WiFi, I listen online. However, what sometimes happens is that I when listen to the clear signal online, they happen to play really obscure artsy stuff or something else I don't like... but Murphy's Law being what it is, when I am in the car dealing with the weak transmitter signal is when they play the type of alternative music I like. Suggestion: please update your playlists often (like KSPC does). When I become a multimillionaire, I will be sure to donate some big money so they can upgrade to a more powerful transmitter. read more

Teenage Hipsters, you've found your contrived source for vagabond music. This is by far one of the most amateur radio stations on the planet. You will hear archaic indie rock, and depressed shoe gaze. Talentless emo children run this station. Los Angeles proves to have nill in the ways of new on-air music. If you like adolescent children playing radio DJ, and you enjoy cheesy and sometimes winey cool kid music, then you've found your station. read more

as a self-professed music geek...my friend and i started reminiscing about all these early-mid 90's bands. i started talking about velocity girl, the spinanes, mazzy star...you get the picture. right away, kxlu came to mind. i remember having my first taste of the station while sitting in my living room. it was awesome, listening to music that i've never heard before and waiting anxiously to listen to the group responsible for bringing happiness to my ears...even now, i try and catch a decent broadcast while traveling on the 405S...sometimes it doesn't work...but i'll always have those memories... read more