Nine years before I came to Seattle to live (the first time), KCMU was cranking out cutting edge music. Music has always been very important to me. Gary Woltal's recent blog about the importance of music and all of Steve Smith's, blogs about musicians of the NW got me thinking about this radio station and what it has meant to the music scene in Seattle since 1972 (and to me as well).
I credit this radio station with keeping me up to date with all the newest "important" sounds from around the country and the world. This is where you get to hear the music that becomes "popular" or "mainstream" later on---sometimes years later.
The station changed its call letters a few years back and is now KEXP----90.3FM.
Having "been there" during the great music of the 60's, I am definitely NOT one of those people that believe there has never been anything done worthwhile since. If you think that there is no more Led Zeppelin, or Allman Brothers Band, make sure you check out My Morning Jacket below.
Now (for several years actually)----anywhere you go in the world, you can hear this station on the WEB. They, almost daily, have some live band in the studio. It is just an awesome way to keep caught up with the music scene; and, guess what------it is commercial free. COMMERCIAL FREE! Look at it this way. The "worst" song they play is better than the best commercial on any other radio stations. Also they have tens of thousands of archived music----especially the live studio stuff.
So if you want to hear music by:
King Missile (careful with this one if you offend easily),
----give KEXP a listen.
I will leave you with this one:
Chris Botti on trumpet.
Charles Buell
PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)
all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Click on the Rose 
to check out: AHA!---A Forum of Landmark Proportions---your Group
PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)
all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.
My WORDLESS WEDNESDAY pictures and some selected POEMS & STORIES.
Thanks for sharing Charles :-) Doesn't Seattle kick serious mule? I love it here, always have!
Peter, it sure does. When I moved here 20 years ago I told all my friends back East that the plane crashed and now I am in heaven:)
Kevin, I really like the Morning show with John Richards. Enjoy!
HHmmm, interesting. I will have to check it out sometime, the online radio that is.
Sean Allen
My music, too -- will tune in later today. thanks!
Sean, check it out
Li, glad you like it
Charles, nice ThemThem to KEXP, I agree, I'll take music any day over commercials.
Duane, every time I go into a business or someone's home or wherever and I hear commercial radio and an add comes----on my mind immediately goes "numb"----life is too short to fill it with useless sounds.
Charles, so true, but unfortunately the ads are how they pay the bills so we get to listen for free
Duane, you are right of course, but what is even more unfortunate is that there is too often a direct relationship between what the station will play and the sponsors that are willing to pay for it.
Okay, Charles, can I listen to this station in Arkansas. Is it online listening? I'm a bit tired of Sirius online.
Barbara, just go the the KEXP link above and follow the instructions----as long as Arkansas is on the planet I am pretty sure you will be able to listen to it on line:)
Charles, That is a fun blog.We need music. I'll go alternative but rap I do not enjoy much. Many great groups come from Seatle. I found it sad that a great talent like Whinehouse, is such a mess.Thank you for sharing this station.
Charlie,
I was going to see Chris Botti at Jazz Alley down your way. That was early in the year. I did not get around to it. Did see Dianne Schuur and Dr. John. Both fun.
Cool! Although when I first get up and do my posts, I do like to listen to the classics... Rock and roll that is...
Steve, Botti is awesome----I have several of his cds.
Michael, John in the Morning----plays some pretty strong "wake-up" music at times:)
Lloyd, I know what you mean---sad
Charlie,
You got the one that is Italian themed as I recall. It might be hard for you to tell if it is tucked in with Bing Crosby and the Tiny Tim stuff you love so much.
Charlie, I wonder if Chris Botti has a single uncle that can play trumpet! Thank you for sharing.
Leslie, can't help you with your question---Chris is pretty darn good though isn't he?