Siriusly Disturbed

The End...?

2008-01-03T00:50:00.000-08:00

So here's the story...

While back in Michigan over the holidays, I rented a Mustang from Hertz that just happened to have Sirius Satellite Radio. I was able to listen to a couple more channels over the course of the holidays...and glanced ahead a little to see how far I still had to go. So, I reported on Channels 183 and 184, and figured I'd pick up with Canada Weather (Ch. 185) and Hardcore Sports Radio (Ch. 186) when I returned to California.

Strangely, I get in the car this morning, turn the dial past 184...and end up back at Sirius Hits 1. What the...? I bring my radio into work, hook it up to the Internet with the USB jack, and update the handset. Okay, so maybe now it will work after I hook it back up to the docking station and receiver...after the radio updates both of those upon reconnecting.

But...no dice. No further update took place...and I see from the Sirius Channel Guide that I should be getting six more channels:

185: Canada Weather
186: Hardcore Sports Radio
188: RCI plus (International Talk Radio)
192: Rock Velours (Canadian Soft Rock)
193: Energie 2 (International Pop, Rock and Urban Music)
198: Playboy Radio

But...no dice. Well...I can either make a stink to Sirius about those missing six channels...or I can just end the six-month long experiment in peace (and finally listen to the thirty channels I've been bookmarking).

So long, experiment...until next time...

Day 120: Sirius Weather and Emergency

2007-12-28T08:11:00.001-08:00

My Best Guess: Get a nationwide view of what's going on overhead, from nasty storm fronts to important weather systems...Sirius Weather and Emergency makes sure you're prepared for what lies ahead!

According to Sirius: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, The Weather Channel Radio Network on SIRIUS is the place where you will get a complete picture of the weather across the United States from the #1 source for weather, The Weather Channel. Every hour you’ll hear the national weather summary plus short and long range regional forecasts, city-by-city forecasts, “Weather and your health” features and other lifestyle reports such as regional special events, golfing weather and Boat & Beach reports. When the weather is particularly severe and life threatening, the SIRIUS Weather & Emergency system activates on Channel 184. Frequently updated reports from The Weather Channel Radio Network will air giving you the latest information on a Severe Weather event. And, when there's a national emergency or an Amber Alert, the SIRIUS Emergency System is activated to bring you updated information that could be life saving. Which evacuation routes are available...where the shelters are open, word from first responders on disaster recovery planning.... and Amber Alerts from across the country are always available on channel 184.

Curt's Rebuttal: I don't have much to say here...this channel is actually pretty damn impressive. The official online description actually went on for a bit longer, but I just took the highlights...

Sample Playlist:

You pretty much get several (I counted three) different takes from several different meteorologists about what is going on across our nation, weather-wise. Last night, for example, rain and snow was hitting the Northwest part of the country, while there were also bad snow conditions in Denver. A third primary weather spot was up in Maine (and across New Hampshirt and Vermont, too), with much white stuff getting dumped on them. It was kind of interesting to tune into this throughout the day, as I got to hear progress on how the rain was approaching, and later drenching, Seattle...how the snowstorm in Denver was scattering to the Great Plains...and how Maine continued to get dumped on. Fun random weather fact: there was dense fog in Dodge City, Kansas last night...I just liked how they picked that random city to report on.

Verdict: Unfortunately, as interesting as this was, I very seldom tune into weather reports. And while it was actually engaging to get that nation-level view of what was happening to our weather, I'd be more likely to tune into one of the city-specific channels that also covers traffic if I needed to find out anything.

Day 119: The Korean Channel

2007-12-28T07:58:00.001-08:00

My Best Guess: Straight from Korea to your Sirius dial, get everything from classical music and top techno/dance hits, to morning talk show zaniness and hard-hitting headline news...all in the span of 15 minutes!

According to Sirius: Hit Korean music, breaking news and talk shows that cover topics Korean Americans care about.

Curt's Rebuttal: Okay, true...but there WAS classical music on there. And I still say that the trippy thing about this station was it's ability to cover ALL of those areas in just under 15 minutes.

Sample Playlist:

Well, once again we fall into the realm of a "language barrier," here. But the neat/strange thing about this channel was that listening to it on the 20-minute drive into work gave me a quick sampler of almost every genre: love ballad, two anchorpeople reading news headlines, techno-pop, something that sounded like an interview with a lot of laughter, and strange music that sounded like filler during "station identification" on UHF TV stations. They were really hard to peg down...and the transitions between segments were sudden and unexpected.

Verdict: Going to have to pass, largely for the whole "language barrier" thing, but the format was intriguing and always kept you wondering what would be next...

Day 118: CNN En Espanol

2007-12-19T23:48:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: For our Spanish-speaking listeners, now you can get all of your local, national and international news from CNN...with a little latin flavor!

According to Sirius: CNN en Español provides unmatched coverage of breaking news, complemented by live reports and hard-hitting interviews. It’s all the headlines shaping our world, presented in a vibrant and compelling manner with thought-provoking insight, by a team of award-winning journalists who are internationally recognized for their experience and knowledge of Latin America.

Curt's Rebuttal: I guess that's probably a bit more accurate than what I had. But I still think it had a bit of Latin flavor...

Sample Playlist: Ah, international radio stations. For the most part, I had no idea what was being reported, but I did pick up on a bit of the following:

In the morning drive, I was listening to news stories about the world of computing. I only know this because I heard the following words and phrases in a relatively short time frame: WinAmp, Peer-to-Peer, Internet, Microsoft
On the ride home, I heard "Wall Street" mentioned about five or six times in a one-minute span. Guessing this was business news.
A commercial for "Songs of Romance," featuring Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, etc. This was, frankly, a little disturbing.
Not sure if the post-commercial discussion was still on the topic of business news, but I did hear "FedEx" and "UPS" thrown around quite a few times.

Verdict: Again, have to pass...although Latin-flavored news would likely prove to be more interesting than its English counterpart, if only I spoke the language.

Day 117: ESPN Deportes Radio

2007-12-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Sports from south of the border, broadcast directly to your Sirius radio "en Espanol," ESPN Deportes Radio brings you the latest news on both American and Mexican sporting events

According to Sirius: ESPN Deportes Radio is your premier 24-hour sports network - completely in Spanish - featuring a variety of great talk including Sports Center. Get up-to-the-minute sports updates in Spanish every 20 minutes.

Curt's Rebuttal: Well, they did seem to mention a lot of "football," and seemed to be listing a lot of what sounded like Central and South American countries, so I'm guessing this is more than just ESPN from the U.S. translated into Spanish.

Sample Playlist

Well, the radio only said "ESPN Deportes Radio" all day, so no idea if there were different programs going on or not. I think I heard reference to the "American League" and "baseball" on my morning drive...so they were likely talking about the latest news in steroids usage. The drive home was definitely all about boxing, though, as Mike Tyson's name kept coming up.

Verdict: Already wasn't planning on subscribing to much in the way of sports radio...so throw in a language I don't understand and I doubt I have to spell out my plans here. Also, note that the channel jumped from 161 to 181...I get the sense the journey is almost over!

Day 116: FamilyNet Radio

2007-12-18T01:01:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: The most blessed of Christian talk radio is assembled for your devoted listening, 24/7, on FamilyNet Radio

According to Sirius: A rich blend of family-friendly, faith-based entertainment from North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, featuring the 700 Club, CBN Newswatch and more.

Curt's Rebuttal: Actually, on my receiver, this was called The Christianity Network, or something similar. So I call shenanigans. Actually, the website looks like it lists some of the shows I listened to today, so maybe God hasn't blessed the satellites with an update yet.

Sample Playlist

Right from the Heart, with Bryan Wright: I went to school with a Brian Wright...at least that's how I THOUGHT he spelled his name. Well...I guess I doubt this is him. Anyway, he gave us some perspective on what likely would have been going through the Virgin Mary's head during the first Christmas. All conjecture, but not without being a little interesting.
Focus on the Family, with Dr. J. Dobson: Doctor J was interviewing a woman who was telling the tale of how she had been working at a horse ranch or something (I came into the tale late, so am filling in the blanks with my imagination) that had been visited by troubled youths. She ended up working with a homeless girl whose family had pretty much all been murdered. She saw it as her opportunity to preach the Word to her. Kind of rubbed me the wrong way a little, actually.
The Dave Ramsey Show: Dave helped callers with financial problems, such as figuring out whether or not it was even important to build up your credit score after a couple years of deep financial trouble, assuming you weren't planning on taking out a loan ever, ever, ever again. The Lord was conspicuously absent from this show, except during the commercials, where I was continuously referred to as "The Lost" (in contrast to "The Saved"), and how the best way to save me was to play on my desire for a long life. Or something like that. If you're going to name me after a TV show, please use "Heroes." Much obliged.

Verdict: Didn't really care for this one much...my soul is doing just fine, thanks for asking.

Day 115: EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network

2007-12-17T01:04:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Evangelical programming finds a home in the heavens with Sirius Satellite Radio, as the best religious programming feeds your spirit with The Word every day

According to Sirius: EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network features a daily line-up for people of all ages and backgrounds. Listeners will find content filled with hope and inspiration. The EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network offers listeners live call-in talk shows, informative teaching series, daily devotions, inspiring prayers and Church events. EWTN’s strong commitment to original, high quality programming continues to attract listeners from all faith groups.

Curt's Rebuttal: Yeah, I guess this channel is different from the prior one as it focuses a little bit more on prayer and worship than on the overall topic of religion.

Sample Playlist

Women of Grace (LIVE): First off, I didn't hear any women on this program, which threw me. The portion of the show I got to listen to was basically a listener Q&A, with people calling in with questions on spiritual warfare (good vs. evil), how to bring repentent sinners into the fold, and the rise of the "swamp of atheism." There was a shout-out to Our Lady of Guadalupe, which was nifty, given how I learned about her yesterday.
Catholic Answers Live: Another phone Q&A. Guess Catholics have a lot of questions going on inside their heads. This was a bit more interesting as it explored the church's seemingly conflicting stances on the death penalty and right-to-life. It also looked at the topic of "healing masses," where the afflicted are supposedly washed of their sins without a "true" confession.

Verdict: Not Catholic, not gonna bookmark it...but it was interesting hearing the Q&A given some lengthy thought.

Day 114: The Catholic Channel

2007-12-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Start and end the day with contemporary Catholic talk radio, serving up guidance and inspiration through a variety of devotional programs for all people of Catholic faith

According to Sirius: With its modern talk format and open dialogue, The Catholic Channel focuses on Catholicism in the 21st Century, especially as it is lived in today’s world. The Catholic Channel addresses issues in the news and on the mind of the listeners, bringing a Catholic perspective to the world around us.

Curt's Rebuttal: I'm not just saying this out of fear of being struck down by lightning, but the paragraph above does a very clear and concise job of describing the channel. It sounds strangely open-minded...but I'd have to say that the programming I listened to was pretty damn open-minded and non-preachy.

Sample Playlist

Speak Now, with Dave and Susan Konig: This was the show I started with on my morning drive, and it opened with the hosts talking about a segment called "What's the Worst Day You Ever Had," in which Susan describes a morning where she got a flat tire AND a $65 parking ticket(!!!). Later, they moved on to a fake interview with Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant. For some reason, their Plant impression sounded like an Old Jewish Man.
Just Love: This program about ministry outreach featured an interview with a young woman who was a former nanny that became a paralegal through the help of Grace schools. Not sure if that was the full name or the proper name of the school, or what...and not sure if that transition was supposed to be a blessing or a curse.
Across the Nation, with Bob Dunning: Bob told the story of Juan Diego and his run-in with Our Lady of Guadalupe, a supposed manifestation of the Virgin Mary. The appearance of Our Lady led to the establishment of a major Christian church just outside of Mexico City, while Juan eventually became a saint.
Busted Halo, with Father Dave Dwyer: This show seemed to be focused on a younger audience, through its tone and flippant manner. It was pretty amusing as Father Dave had a lengthy conversation with one of the studio crew (she was Jewish) about the differences between their faiths.

Verdict: I have to say, I was very surprised. Of all the programming I listened to, there was none preaching the Catholic faith or conversion...they probably figured that anyone listening was already on their side. Instead, you just got some thoughtful and engaging talk programs. Still...as I'm not Catholic and can't see myself converting, I can't see myself turning here much. Would recommend it to Catholic friends, though.

Day 113: Sirius 1st Traffic and Weather

2007-12-12T00:59:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: From the Big Apple to the sunny shores of California, Sirius has the latest updates on traffic and weather that you can count on

According to Sirius: News you can truly use: Coast-to-coast weather forecasts and information, plus traffic reports for the top 20 most traffic congested metropolitan areas.

Curt's Rebuttal: Yep...pretty much covers it. Although calling out the cities as being the "most traffic congested" seems a bit insensitive.

Sample Playlist

Well, this is a bit different. There were 10 different channels here, each delivering a four-minute traffic and weather report for various cities. No way I was going to spend an entire day with each one, given that I'd hear the exact same thing four or five times over again on the way into work, so I listened to one cycle of each. Got a little taste of eight cities on the way in, and twelve on the way back (some cities, like NYC and LA, had their own dedicated channels, while others had to share the dial with nearby towns).

Verdict: I don't spend a lot of time on the expressways of LA (I'm blessed that I only take surface roads on the way to work), so no real need to bookmark this. If I have to get somewhere downtown, though, I'll manually seek this one out...

Day 112: Road Dog Trucking Radio

2007-12-11T00:26:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Keep on truckin', from coast to coast, as you and the rest of the Road Dogs out there tune in to the world's biggest trucker radio network

According to Sirius: Get in gear with the 24-hour channel just for drivers who keep America moving. It’s news, information and entertainment designed to lighten the load. Share your ride with fellow drivers and never lose the signal, whether you’re hauling cross-country or cross-town!

Curt's Rebuttal: Very impressed with what they had. I concede.

Sample Playlist

Freewheelin': On the drive in to work today, this morning show talked a lot about the horrible winter weather covering the nation, and the importance of chaining up your tires. Apart from this, most of the show seemed to be folks calling in about bad traffic conditions across the country.
Truckin' with the Road Dog: Kind of an all-purpose variety program from truckin' music and "blue collar" comedy, to news reports pertinent to truckers and weather reports "custom made" for truckers.

Verdict: Alas...I'm not a trucker. If I was, I'd definitely bookmark this.

Day 111: Sirius Left

2007-12-10T00:45:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Gather around the Sirius radio to catch intelligent and informative liberal talk programming, from some of the biggest names on the left-side of the political spectrum

According to Sirius: Coast-to-coast liberal talk featuring outspoken, unique, and entertaining hosts like Alex Bennett, Lynn Samuels, Ed Schultz, Bill Press, Thom Hartmann, Mark Thompson and more!

Curt's Rebuttal: That's pretty weak sauce, actually...I think the right-wingers did a more impressive job of promoting themselves...

Sample Playlist:

Thom Hartmann: Here, I got to listen to "Brunch with Bernie," what seems to be a regular segment where they bring in Senator Bernie Sanders to answer questions from callers. Now, I have no idea who this man is, but he took calls on topics ranging from making Election Day a national holiday (so people could vote), unfair credit card practices, and reducing bans on imported vehicles (which sometimes have more fuel efficiency than domestic vehicles).
Lynn Samuels: I tell ya, if all conservatives look at liberals as being this woman, no wonder they can't stand the left side of the political spectrum. The woman was obnoxious. I tried following what she was talking about, but it was tough...something about "Sensory Processing Disorder" and "George Bush's Finest Moments."

Verdict: I prefer to listen to something a little more "middle of the road," that doesn't focus on political views that tend to mirror my own. Sorry.

Day 110: Fox News Talk

2007-12-07T00:14:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: All the unbiased, fair and balanced reporting you know and love from FOX News, translated into some of the best, most even-keeled interviews and talk programs on your radio dial.

According to Sirius: From the Fair & Balanced news network comes opinion, news, analysis and listener call-ins, featuring pulse-of-the-nation hosts like Bill O'Reilly, Alan Colmes, Neil Cavuto, John Gibson and more.

Curt's Rebuttal: I think I get points just for consistently nailing the "fair and balanced" line with these guys. They make it too easy.

Sample Playlist

Brian and the Judge: Got to listen to this talk program on the drive to work, which was a lovely way to start the day. The topic? Separation of church and state vs. removal of religion from the public domain. Definitely a fair topic to discuss, but when callers pretty much take an unspoken "as long as its Christian" stance, I get irked pretty quickly. Was interesting to hear an athiest call in and support Mormonism, but if I hear anyone else refer to themselves as "pro-family," I'm gonna do some damage. Like anyone is anti-family...get real. There was also a brief bit on how the latest intelligence report on Iran's lack of nuclear capabilities was (in one expert's opinion) politically fueled nonsense, but I had to turn off the radio before that got me downright angry.
The Alan Colmes Show: Now, this was an interesting drive home. In the studio they had the owner of the "legalized brothel," the Moonlight Bunny Ranch...as well as a young lady who works there. On the phone they had a former prostitute who now ran a website and church called HookersForJesus.net. The sparks flew quite a bit.

Verdict: The second show made think that I might actually tune in for a Jerry Springer Channel on Sirius...but I refuse to give FOX News my ears for any reason other than this experiment.

Day 109: Sirius Patriot

2007-12-05T23:22:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Yeeeehaw! Let's round up the best dadgum right-wing political talk and show those tree-hugging commies what REAL democracy looks like! GO BUSH!!!

According to Sirius: Coast-to-coast conservative: SIRIUS Patriot celebrates the red, white and blue with patriotic conservatives who aren’t afraid to tell you what they think. You’ll hear Mike Church, G. Gordon Liddy, Andrew Wilkow, Cam and Company from NRA News.com, Michael Reagan, news from the U.S Military from The Pentagon Channel and more!

Curt's Rebuttal: Oops, was my liberalism showing?

Sample Playlist

The Mike Church Show: Mike's show on the way into work dealt with home schooling vs. mandated public education. I was agreeing with the notion that public schooling may not be best for everyone, but doing it because it isn't optimal vs. doing it because it's part of the left-wing liberal agenda doesn't sit well with me. The callers to his show were also fanatical home schoolers...which was a little weird.
Cam & Company from NRA News: The president of the NRA called in about a shooting competition that he attended. Overall, this "evening drive" program was actually interesting to listen to, and focused a little more on the lifestyle of gun owners than on the politics of ownership.

Verdict: While I do think that listening to points-of-view that are contrary to your own can be entertaining and enlightening, the morning drive made me a little sick to my stomach. Pass. Also, they can't manage to keep their station logo in the same format as all the others. Boooooo.

Day 108: ???

2007-12-05T00:39:00.000-08:00

Well, this is an odd one. I tuned to the station, and it was hard to read the logo...looked maybe like "ABC News" or something. But all day long, it just told me where else on the Sirius dial I could go to listen to various political news. Ah, well...wasted a day...kept hoping it would eventually switch to programming.

Day 107: BBC World Service News

2007-12-03T22:54:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Get the latest world news and financial headlines from one of the most respected news sources in the world, the BBC...with BBC World Service News on Sirius

According to Sirius: News is central to all BBC language services. The BBC is renowned for its accurate, up-to-the-minute reporting of events happening around the globe, and legendary for its depth of analysis and impartiality of perspective. On-the-spot coverage is delivered by the largest worldwide team of news reporters with 250 correspondents reporting from 50 bureaus. Listeners can access compelling news and current affairs coverage with programs such as World Update, Newshour, and Outlook. For more information visit www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice.

Curt's Rebuttal: Well played, BBC. Well played, indeed.

Sample Playlist

World Briefing: We got some basic news headlines on the way in to work, such as Putin's win in the Russian Parliamentary elections and how the British teacher in Sudan, who had been jailed for letting her schoolchildren name the class teddy bear "Mohamed," had been released and sent back home. After recapping several headlines in brief, they went on to focus more in-depth on the Putin story...kind of a nice approach to the news.
Business Daily: Toward the end of my journey to work (and after work, on the way to the gym, as well), there was a story about how a merger between a couple mining companies in Australia was making waves. Not really sure why, though...
The World Today: Although, technically, since I was listening to this around 8pm here in LA, this might better be named "The World Tomorrow." Anyway, more news stories, this time on a one-day miner's strike in South Africa, trying to get better safety conditions, as well as how a new U.S. intelligence report on Iran concludes that not only does the Middle Eastern nation not have any nuclear weapons, they have been dismantled for some time now.

Verdict: Well, I've already got BBC Radio 1 (although it is music), so don't want to overload on my British accents (as enjoyable as that would be). Besides, I'm not really sure why the picture to the left was used by Sirius as an associated visual for this channel...it's a little creepy, actually.

Day 106: World Radio Network

2007-12-02T23:47:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: With the latest in Korean news, and more Seoul music than Motown, it's all Korea, all the time...on the World Radio Network!

According to Sirius: Global Voices, Diverse Views, One Station: World Radio Network (WRN) is a unique news and information network offering coverage of world events taken from partner broadcasters and not filtered through a single news organization. WRN offers listeners diverse broadcasts from: Channel Africa, Radio Canada International, Voice of Russia, Radio Romania International, Radio Australia, RTE Ireland, China Radio International, Radio New Zealand International, KBS World Radio from Korea, Israel Radio and Polish Radio External Service from Poland and many more. The range of programs from WRN’s partners include news and current affairs plus award-winning documentaries covering economics, health, the environment, arts, culture, and music; reflecting the lives and interests of “ordinary” people. All the programs on WRN are produced by English-speaking journalists and production staff. WRN comprises a new world of information - a world without borders. This is the simple and unique vision of World Radio Network. For more information visit www.wrn.org.

Curt's Rebuttal: I don't know about all that. On the drive in to work, on the drive during lunch, on the drive to the airport during work...and the drive from the airport to home three days later...all I heard was Korean Radio.

Sample Playlist

KBS World Radio (Korea): In the morning, the channel focused more on news stories, such as December's presidential elections (I'm guessing this is South Korea we're talking about...just a hunch) and how, in the international community, Korea has "an excellent credit rating" (so it can finally get a mortgage on that split-level ranch it's had its eye on, I imagine). In the afternoon, though...it was like listening to a high school or college talk station, with countdowns on the latest dance music, as well as quick descriptions of new movies being released in theaters during the upcoming week.

Verdict: Okay, I gathered there was more than Korean radio on here...but was surprised that I didn't stumble upon many. I may tune back in every now and then as a novelty, but can't think of anything I'd bump off my Top 30 to make room for this.

Day 105: Premiere plus

2007-11-28T22:42:00.001-08:00

My Best Guess: Um...voudriez-vous entendre des emissions de radio de Quebec? Sirius l'a avec le Premiere plus.

According to Sirius: Première plus features newscasts, magazines as well as cultural and current affairs programming in French. These include the most popular network programming from the Première Chaîne (Indicatif présent, Maisonneuve en direct, Fréquence libre, Désautels, Des idées plein la tête, Dimanche magazine, Les années lumière, Par 4 chemins) and some regional shows (C’est bien meilleur le matin from Montréal and Les arts et les autres, produced in Ontario).

Curt's Rebuttal: I had dig into my high school French, as well as an internet-based English-to-French translator for my thing, so I'd go with their description if I were you.

Sample Playlist: Now, I couldn't understand 99% of what was being said, apart from the occasional "Aujourd'hui" and "Les Etats-Unis," so I'm not really sure what was being said for the most part...but you could tell what some of the content was from their tone of voice.

Newscasts: A very matter of fact tone...you can almost see them reading off a teleprompter.
Reports from the Field: Take the "Newscast," have it end with saying a person's name, then switch to a totally different person, who is obviously not in the studio with the original speaker. This second person will often switch shortly to another person, who is being quoted as saying something, then back to the second person...then back to the first.
Interview: Two people talking, very calmly, with the interviewer sounding as if they are setting up a question, and the interviewee calmly answering.
Debate: More heated and faster talking among two or more people...often talking over one another.
Morning Talk: Or whatever you'd call the banter that goes on between two or more co-hosts, usually associated with morning talk shows. Like a debate, with talking over each other, but much more relaxed with more laughter.

Verdict: Non.

Day 104: CBC Radio One

2007-11-27T21:47:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Get all your world news with a little "north-of-the-border" flavor, as well as some unique local stories, straight from the Canadian Broadcasting Channel and Sirius Radio

According to Sirius: CBC Radio One is a place for the exchange of Canadian ideas and perspectives. CBC Radio One is known for comprehensive national and international news, award-winning documentaries and excellent programs. It offers listeners insight into Canada's cultural, social, political and regional diversity and provides a unique outlook on the world.

Curt's Rebuttal: Preach it! Sorry...having grown up in Michigan, I have a soft-spot for my Canadian brothers and sisters to the north...

Sample Playlist

The Current: Seemed like kind of a "public affairs" program, in which they discussed (at length) the current state of the Great Lakes ecosystem, how it has been replenishing, barriers to its sustainment, and other hazards that have been endangering it. In particular, they focused on new species in the lake that weren't there 100 years ago (such as the Asian carp...aka "The Frankenfish"), as well as the danger of poisonous sediment that is currently settled at the bottom, but that can wreak toxic havoc if it gets disturbed too much and remixes with the water currents.
CBC: The World at 6: An evening news program. Tonight, it focused on the Middle East conference held in Annapolis, and the seemingly positive outcome of a plan for peace between Israel and Palestine.

Verdict: Now, as much as I enjoy Canadians, as well as the fact that I'm still searching for a "news channel" to add (unless I just settle for NPR Now), I couldn't see me listening to this with any regularity. It was a nice novel way to spice things up for a day, though.

Day 103: NPR Talk

2007-11-26T23:04:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: More of the National Public Radio you love to listen to, with a focus on replays of NPR's best talk shows and interview programs.

According to Sirius: Smart conversation from coast-to-coast. Imagine a series of talk shows where listeners call in and share their views on a national platform. It’s NPR's strongest suite-talk radio coming at you as only NPR can do it. NPR Talk is a channel dedicated to bringing listeners the very best NPR talk shows.

Curt's Rebuttal: I'd like to think I matched up with the last sentence pretty good. But since most of the stuff on NPR Now was also talk programming, it's really hard for me to distinguish between the two...unless they specifically mean more "interview" style news shows.

Sample Playlist

Diane Rehm: Most of what I heard on this interview/news program (that, incidentally, is hosted by a woman who sounds like she's 80) dealt with discussion about the current state of oil dependency in the world, including Russia's involvement in global oil developments, and the difficulty in striking a balance between energy security and climate change.
Focus: This talk program focused on the "secret history" of cancer-causing agents in the world, especially taking note of the industrial sector's involvement in the spread of such agents (beyond just tobacco). One thing I do have to say for this program...they did paint a vivid picture simply by using the phrase "scrotal tumors in chimney sweeps." I'll never watch Mary Poppins the same way again.

Verdict: One NPR channel is enough for me, especially since I know for certain the other one carries programs I'm interested in.

Day 102: NPR Now

2007-11-25T23:16:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Tune into all your favorite National Public Radio programming, from Car Talk to This American Life, as Sirius brings you a live simulcast of NPR

According to Sirius: NPR Now offers in-depth news, features, and entertainment produced and assembled by NPR specifically for SIRIUS. NPR's variety channel features Fresh Air and Marketplace, plus public radio favorites like Car Talk, Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!, Talk of the Nation, as well as new productions from independent producers and public radio stations nationwide.

Curt's Rebuttal: Damn! I got Car Talk right, and was going to mention Wait, Wait (it's my favorite NPR show), but thought for sure that This American Life would have trumped that. Then again, maybe this channel doesn't get TAL. Also...I do say it's a simulcast, but I guess there's no evidence of that being true.

Sample Playlist

The Bryant Park Project: An NPR morning show that, today, was talking about the advantages of having a "heritage" turkey for Thanksgiving (that is, one that is genetically pure, and not industrial), as well as discussing The Rejection Collection, a book of cartoons submitted to the New Yorker that were turned away for one reason or another.
Talk of the Nation: A news and interview show that featured the author of a book My Jewish Father's Nazi Boyhood, as well as more news on the skin cell/stem cell breakthrough, with a little Q&A behind the topic.

Verdict: I listen to several NPR podcasts through iTunes, so was immediately to drawn to this station for that fact alone. Plus, one of them happens to be the "A Block" of The Bryant Park Project, so it was cool to 1) hear that program live and 2) hear more than just the first 16 minutes of it. I did hit a roadblock, though, and discovered today that I can only bookmark a total of 30 stations. So...we have a new entry section...

The Tribe Has Spoken: Sorry Court TV Radio...I had to let you go to make room for NPR. I figure if there's a riveting court case I want to follow, I can just turn to you manually, but I doubt I would have been coming to you on a regular basis, anyway.

Day 101: CNN Headline News

2007-11-20T22:52:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Okay, I have to admit...I have absolutely no idea how they're going to differentiate CNN from CNN Headline News. Not even going to venture a guess, especially since "headline news" was a little more gossipy and "Today Show"-y than regular CNN.

According to Sirius: CNN Headline News on SIRIUS is a simulcast of the television news programming featuring such widely acclaimed shows as Prime News Tonight, Showbiz Tonight, Nancy Grace and Robin & Company.

Curt's Rebuttal: Yeah, that wasn't much help. But...it's still news, I guess.

Sample Playlist

Showbiz Tonight: So, this is what I got to listen to on my morning drive. And no, that's not a typo. I guess it was last night's program, which for some reason gets played during the morning drive on the West Coast. Weird. Anyway, this morning (last night) they were talking about celebrity pregnancies, and the danger that the paparazzi pose to them. Thrilling.
CNN Headline News: And this was basically a simulcast of the television channel, as they continually referred to visuals I couldn't see. Today's stories included a California lawsuit aimed at toy manufacturers and retailers to help protect families against unsafe levels of paint in their products, as well as news developing on the scientific front that skin cells may be able to be used in place of embryonic stem cells.

Verdict: Well, if I'm adding a news station, it won't be this one...largely because there's a showbiz program during my morning drive. Plus, that picture to the left of the guy pointing is just creepy.

Day 100: CNN

2007-11-20T01:21:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Hear top news stories from around the globe, as well as in-depth investigative reporting, from the journalistic elite of CNN

According to Sirius: CNN is the world's most trusted source for round-the-clock coverage of breaking news and home to experienced news and talk authorities like Larry King, Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer. Turn to CNN throughout the day for the latest news from around the world and informed talk throughout the day and night. CNN on SIRIUS is a simulcast of the programming heard on television, so even when you can't watch shows like Wolf Blitzer Reports, Lou Dobbs Tonight and Larry King Live, you can hear them on SIRIUS.

Curt's Rebuttal: Well, isn't that fancy. Okay, they did cover the who "simulcast" thing, which is important, I guess. But I'm just damn tired, and I'll admit...I phoned it in. Besides...how much can you say about "news radio."

Sample Playlist

CNN Newsroom: On the morning drive, I got to hear how Pakistan is still under martial law; how a Saudi rape victim was sentenced to 200 lashes for being alone with a man she wasn't related to; and a story on the cyclone that hit Bangladesh.
Anderson Cooper 360: First, I was a little disappointed because this mainly covered the same headlines as I heard in the morning drive. Second, Anderson Cooper wasn't even on (apparently he had a stand-in today). But then a story came on about a Texas man who shot some robbers who were stealinig stuff from the home next door, and that was entertaining radio...especially when they played the 911 call he placed, and the person on the phone told him 13 times or so to absolutely, positively NOT go next door with a shotgun and take matters into his own hands.

Verdict: I really only need one news station flagged, and if nothing more interesting comes down the dial, I'll go back and bookmark this one.

Day 99: FOX News

2007-11-18T22:50:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Get your news each day, fair and balanced, from one of the leaders in reporting from the four corners of the globe: FOX News

According to Sirius: Become a part of America's news phenomenon with FOX News, which puts national and international news right at your fingertips. It's all here: The O'Reilly Factor, On The Record with Greta Van Susteren, Hannity & Colmes and more.

Curt's Rebuttal: Hmm...surprised the words "fair and balanced" didn't appear in there. I like how they call it a "news phenomenon," although I have no idea what that really means...

Sample Playlist

Happening Now: On the drive in to work, I got to hear about the "state of emergency" in Pakistan, and the world outcry against it; how travel rates this holiday season are going to be higher than expected, in spite of higher gas costs; and how Dubya was meeting with the new Prime Ministere of Japan.
Your World, with Neil Cavuto: Here, Neil brings in Sandra Lee to talk about whether it's possible to have an enjoyable Thanksgiving with vegetarians at the table. He also discussed the story of the shady surgeon who operated on Kanye West's mom...after which she died.

Verdict: Never really been a fan of FOX News, as they're a little too right wing for me. Plus, they ended up quoting TMZ.com as a source...twice. As my friend Brad pointed out, it's a shame that more people don't realize there's a very direct connection between FOX, the news channel, and FOX the network that aired "Temptation Island" and "Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire?" Pass.

Day 98: Bloomberg Radio

2007-11-15T23:27:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Get up-to-the-minute reports on the current state of everything from the Dow Jones and S&P to your favorite stocks and hedge funds with the financial experts at Bloomberg Radio.

According to Sirius: In-depth coverage of international capital markets, with insight and analysis of the business of money. Bloomberg "zeros in" on business on the 0's at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 past the hour and at the top of every hour. From Wall Street to London to Tokyo, Bloomberg draws on a global news team of 1,900 reporters in 102 news bureaus worldwide to deliver up-to-the-minute coverage of financial markets from the frontlines as news happens.

Curt's Rebuttal: Alrighty. To be honest...I have no idea what a "hedge fund" even is, so you best go with their description.

Sample Playlist

Bloomberg on the Money: My morning drive, which discussed what's troubling J.C. Penney stock, as well as why Walgreen's stock is dropping while the stock of CVS is on the rise.
Bloomberg: The Final Word: An afternoon drive back from the Toyota client featured a riveting discussion entitled "Going Down the Credit Card Crisis Trail," featuring an honest-to-goodness professor as a guest. He may have even been a professor of ECONOMICS!

Verdict: Pass...most of the stuff was over my head, and the programming here is hardly designed to "bring people up to speed" on financial matters. It's definitely for those already well-versed in all-things money-related.

Day 97: CNBC

2007-11-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Get the latest highlights in today's financial news straight from some of the top analysts in the business, and start making your money work harder for you, with Sirius and CNBC

According to Sirius: CNBC is the recognized global leader in business news, providing real-time financial market coverage and business information to more than 231 million households worldwide, including more than 86 million households in the United States and Canada

Curt's Rebuttal: I was going for more of a creative "selling" of the station, as opposed to a quick biographical snapshot, but guess their approach is more hard-hitting.

Sample Playlist

The Call: This show during my morning drive covered the question of whether your money market fund was at risk. The answer: no, largely because I don't have one. This was followed by a discussion of the economic situation that Canada has found itself in. Normally, cities like Vancouver and Toronto draw in a lot of U.S. television production, but due to an unusually strong Canadian dollar and the writer's strike currently going on, their economy is being affected by a lack of production coming up from the States.
The Millionaire Inside: The drive home featured this show, which was a one-on-one interview with Donald Trump, and his views on the state of the real estate market.

Verdict: Well, got out of the sports section a lot quicker than I thought I would...it didn't even jump out of the 120's before entering another genre. That having been said, the sports radio was probably more enticing to me than discussions of financial matters. If I suddenly start investing more, I may flag this station, but until then, will keep moving on up the dial.

Day 96: Sirius NASCAR Radio

2007-11-14T00:35:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Hear your favorite drivers and teams battle it out on the track, while getting all your latest NASCAR news from the best racing source in radio, Sirius NASCAR Radio!

According to Sirius: Every race, with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, plus multiple channels of driver-to-crew in-car audio, and everything in between, with news, information and analysis, by present and former drivers and racing insiders like Tony Stewart, Buddy Baker, Johnny Benson, Randy LaJoie, Ron Hornaday, Ricky Craven, Phil Parsons, John Andretti, Marty Snider, David Poole, John Kernan and Matt Yocum.

Curt's Rebuttal: Hell, I didn't even know there were that many drivers. I have to admit defeat on this one...I'm painfully ignorant in regards to my NASCAR knowledge.

Sample Playlist

Driver's Seat: Listened to this show on the way to work...and the replay on the way back. Both times, the hosts seemed to be a bit all over the board in regards to what they were talking about. I think they were discussing the relative merits of Jimmy Johnson vs. Jeff Gordon, and who was likely to win the championship...Johnson (who arguably has more wins) or Gordon (who arguably has more class).
And...that was about it. Honestly couldn't peg down a lot of what was being discussed.

Verdict: No way I'm bookmarking this one...although I can file away the fact that there is an entire channel dedicated to NASCAR if someone is curious about how extensive the programming on Sirius is.

Day 95: NBA Radio on Sirius

2007-11-12T23:12:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: From the latest basketball news, to coverage of your favorite NBA games, you need look no further than NBA Radio on Sirius for all your basketball needs. Strange that we don't have a logo or symbol in our channel icon, though (see right)!

According to Sirius: Every NBA regular season game and all the play-offs, plus behind-the-scenes access and hot hoops talk with the Sirius exclusive program, Full Court Press.

Curt's Rebuttal: Pretty much the same essential idea, I guess, although their description is a bit more colorful.

Sample Playlist

NBA TV Simulcast: Guess it's just what's currently on the NBA TV channel (didn't know there was such a channel). This morning it focused on a recap of the weekend's Cavaliers/Clippers game, as well as a phone-in show in which people asked questions about running and managing their fantasy basketball leagues.
Full Court Press (Replay): Heard this over lunch. A bit of discussion about the importance of balancing strong individual players with those who can work well as part of a team. They also covered highlights from Saturday's games, and gave a preview of what games to look forward to on Monday.
NBA Game Coverage: On the ride home, got to hear some of the Hornets/Nets game.

Verdict: No thanks. Let's just say I'd be more likely to flag one of the football channels over the basketball channel. Unless it was the NCAA playoffs (and this channel is NBA, anyway).

Day 94: Sports Play-by-Play 3

2007-11-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: With access to so many great games on Sirius, it's no wonder that we have to have entire channels dedicated to broadcast of the best match-ups around, for every sport you love!

According to Sirius: Catch the best sports talk programs from around the SIRIUS dial, plus live play-by-play from the NFL, NBA, UEFA Champions League, Barclays English Premier League, Wimbledon, Arena Football League, Canadian Football League, plus NASCAR Driver2Crew Chatter and college football, baseball and basketball from top schools & conferences, including the entire NCAA Men's Div. I Basketball Championship.

Curt's Rebuttal: Really don't have much to say at this point...looks like all the Play-by-Play channels have the same description. Although in reading more about the channel, it does look like it has one show that plays more in the afternoon...possibly Sirius's only radio program dedicated to horseracing.

Sample Playlist

Today on Sirius Sports: My trip into work consisted of a non-stop one-minute loop that recounted all the games that were going to be broadcast on the Sirius sports channels later that evening. Unlike the other two Play-by-Play channels, it doesn't look like this one (#3), plays re-broadcasts of popular shows from other channels.
NBA Game: During the ride home, I got to hear two different NBA games: the Magic/Knicks game and the Jazz/Sonics game.

Verdict: Well, as tempting as it is to listen to that loop, over and over and over, I'll have to pass. Although...I do now know where to go to find out if Sirius will be broadcasting a certain game, so that's a good thing.

Day 93: Sports Play-by-Play 2

2007-11-08T23:48:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Because face it...Sports Play-by-Play 1 just ain't enough!

According to Sirius: Catch the best sports talk programs from around the SIRIUS dial, plus live play-by-play from the NFL, NBA, UEFA Champions League, Barclays English Premier League, Wimbledon, Arena Football League, Canadian Football League, plus NASCAR Driver2Crew Chatter and college football, baseball and basketball from top schools & conferences, including the entire NCAA Men's Div. I Basketball Championship.

Curt's Rebuttal: At least I came up with something different for this second version of the Sports Play-by-Play channel. Sheesh.

Sample Playlist

The Football Show: When they started throwing around names like the Rangers and the Celtics, I got really confused...until I realized they were all soccer teams. So...got to hear about how Steve McLaren (manager of the England National Football Team) made a 5000-mile trip to America to "see what kind of shape David Beckham was in." This was during a charity game against the celebrity-filled team, the Hollywood United. Rumors are circulating that McLaren actually came to America to check into taking over the managing position of the LA Galaxy.
College Football: Caught a little of the Louisville/West Virginia game. WVA was up by a couple touchdowns in the third quarter.

Verdict: Well, if I'm looking for a particular game on the radio, here's one more place to check, I guess. Still not bookmarking it, though.

Day 92: NFL Radio

2007-11-07T23:49:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: For all your National Football League news, highlights and games, as well as interviews with the top players from your favorite teams, look no further than the play-by-play action of NFL Radio.

According to Sirius: Every game. Every week. Everywhere. Plus exclusive NFL talk, 24/7/365. There is no off-season on Sirius NFL Radio!

Curt's Rebuttal: I like what they have better than what I came up with. Shorter, more to the point, and catchy. Good job, NFL Radio.

Sample Playlist

Movin' the Chains: Heard this talk program on the way into work. It started with an interview featuring Eric Winston, offensive tackle for the Houston Texans. It then moved on to a segment that discussed the state of youth football in America, from whether it was still "fun" for kids, to how coaches now have to have background checks run on them.
2:00 Drill: Every half hour, this quick news show highlights the top sports headlines of the moment.
Late Hits: This show on my way home focused largely on the upcoming Giants/Cowboys game. One school of thought seems to be that the Giants seem to falter in games following "bye" weekends, while another school is that Plaxico Burress (Go State!) is going to perform like no other on the field.

Verdict: So far, the most interesting channel I've heard so far...perhaps because it was focused on a single sport. Still...until I become a huge NFL fan (I'm more NCAA, myself), this will remain unflagged.

Day 91: Sirius Sports Central

2007-11-06T22:31:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Yet another sports channel for your Sirius dial...we're Sirius Sports Central.

According to Sirius: Our flagship home for all sports news, talk and action.

Curt's Rebuttal: I honestly had no idea how to separate this out from the last three channels, and apparently neither did Sirius. Basically, it looks like it covers the same stuff as ESPN Radio and ESPNews, without carrying the ESPN branding.

Sample Playlist

The Tony Bruno Show: Morning talk show (well, morning out here in California) that covers various topics. Today, Tony talked about which college and pro football games to keep your eyes on this week (hint: Georgia/LSU and Chargers/Colts). They also have a "Fan of the Week" segment, where they give NFL tickets out to someone who proves themselves worthy of being called a fan. This week, Carol, a woman who just had hip surgey and is walking with a cane, won tickets to go see her Giants play the Cowboys. I do have to note...the guys on this show think their funny and topical, almost trying to be Howard Stern-like, and really fall flat when trying to pull it off.
Sirius Fight Club: Covering mixed martial arts action, along with a rundown of who's who in the International Fight League.
NBA Game Coverage: This evening, I caught bits of both the Nuggets/Knicks match-up, as well as the Cavaliers/Warriors game.

Verdict: Yet another pass...just more of the same, really.

Day 90: Sports Play-By-Play 1

2007-11-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

My Best Guess: Miss one of your favorite sports shows on Sirius? Be sure to catch up on instant replays of the most buzzworthy programming each day on Sirius Sports 1.

According to Sirius: Catch the best sports talk programs from around the Sirius dial, plus live play-by-play from the NFL, NBA, UEFA Champions League, Barclays English Premier League, Wimbeldon, Arena Football League, Canadian Football League, plus NASCAR Driver2Crew Chatter and college football, baseball and basketball from top schools and conferences, including the entire NCAA Men's Div. I Basketball Championship.

Curt's Rebuttal: Needless to say, I didn't quite experience all of that. See below.

Sample Playlist

Rivals Radio: Originally broadcast earlier in the morning on Sirius 123 (we'll see exactly what that channel is tomorrow). In this radio replay, they discussed how LSU's loss to Kentucky bumped it down to a #2 ranking, and how Kansas and OSU might impact their overall standings as we approach the end of college football season. Nebraska's terrible defensive line was also discussed.
The Afternoon Blitz: Originally broadcast earlier in the afternoon on Sirius 124 (which I'll be covering on Wednesday). The radio program featured an interview with New England Patriots player Ty Warren about Sunday's Colts/Patriots game, with probing questions on how the Patriots ended up on top.

Verdict: Pass. Although I might tune in at some point just to checkout what a rugby match sounds like over the radio.

Day 89: ESPNews

2007-11-04T23:00:00.001-08:00

My Best Guess: For 24/7 sports news coverage, there's no better play than to tune into ESPNews on Sirius Satellite Radio!

According to Sirius: ESPNews, the nation's only 24-hour sports news service, provides listeners with unprecedented access to the newsmakers with LIVE coverage of significant press conferences; including the NFL weekly coaches sessions and post-season and championship briefings.

Curt's Rebuttal: Sounds good. I really was trying to figure out how to distinguish this from the previous channel, ESPN Radio...and I'm still not sure how. Apparently this is just an extension of ESPN's show SportsCenter.

Sample Playlist:

Sports News: Focused largely on Thursday night's NBA and NHL scores. Following those recaps, there was a quick story on how Barry Bonds is raising a stink about him boycotting the Baseball Hall of Fame if his record-breaking home run ball is admitted into the HoF with an asterisk attached.
Live Game Coverage: Coverage of the Friday night Knicks/Cavaliers game, as part of the Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Radio Network.
ESPNews Gametime: An interview Jimmy Johnson and his plans to win the NASCAR Nextel Cup, as well as more discussion of the upcoming Colts/Patriots game.

Verdict: Nothing I'd bookmark, but if there was a game I was interested in while driving, I would probably tune into these channels to try and listen along.

Day 88: ESPN Radio

2007-11-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: With everything from Shark Week to...huh? Wait...seriously? No Discovery Channel Radio? Channel 119 is just where it used to live, apparently, and now hosts special feature channels when appropriate. So...upward and onward to Channel 120, ESPN Radio, your home on the Sirius dial for anything and everything sports related, from the latest news and scores, to interviews with your favorite sports figures. It's like ESPN...but in your CAR!

According to Sirius: ESPN Radio is the worldwide leader in sports, offering the best and biggest in sports broadcasting, including: Mike & Mike in the Morning, The Dan Patrick Show and AllNight with Jason Smith, which feature top sports news, big name athletes, interviews and commentary.

Curt's Rebuttal: I'm really going to have a hard time letting Shark Week go, you realize...

Sample Playlist

The Herd, with Colin Cowherd: A morning sports talk show. Today, it featured discussion about the upcoming Patriots/Colts game being played in New England, with commentary on how unfair this was to the Colts, as the Patriots are used to the colder weather. The Pats were largely favored to win in this discussion, with talk that this victory might seal their Super Bowl appearance. After a not-so-quick commercial break, including an interjection with a SportsCenter Report, Colin returns to discuss the complaint by some OSU fans that they are ranked #2, behind LSU...basically telling them to get a tough schedule before they start complaining.
The Pulse, with Doug Gottlieb: More of an evening drive show (for me, at least). This evening, the focus was on whether or not Joe Torre taking over as manager for the LA Dodgers would improve their standings next year, as well as whether or not they might make some big plays, such as getting A-Rod to make the move to the West Coast. No and no, seemed to be the concensus.

Verdict: If I was a sports fan...definitely. Since I'm not...going to pass. And now that I'm in the "sports" section of the dial...I think there is going to be a lot of passing.

Days 85 - 87: Spooky 119

2007-11-01T00:52:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Okay...this time on Shark Week...wait...again??? First, Sirius 119 is devoted for two days to the Women's Conference being held in Long Beach. Then, I come back from a trip out East to find that the sounds of Halloween are holding court on Sirius 119 through Halloween night?

According to Sirius: For a ghoulish Halloween, tune into Sirius Scream 119. The channel will feature spooky songs and sound effects, Halloween stories from Sirius stars and personalities, Halloween-related interviews and features, listener comments, and more.

Curt's Rebuttal: Yup...that pretty much covered it.

Sample Playlist

Halloween Music: This includes such great hits as The Monster Mash, Purple People Eater, and Teenage Brain Surgeon.
Interviews: With everyday people on the street and Sirius radio personalities, about some of their favorite Halloween memories and traditions, as well as famous names in the horror biz, such as Elvira and Rob Zombie.
Scary Stories: These weren't that scary. Basically retellings of or The Headless Horseman or The Monkey's Paw. Unfortunately, these were mostly being read by people who had the pleasant voice of a kindergarten teacher, which made them not all that scary.
Sound Effects: You know those Halloween CDs that features hours of chain-rattling, door-creaking, and ghost-haunting sounds? There were snippets of these thrown in, too...with non-stop sound effect action featured on October 31.

Verdict: Now, I wouldn't have listened to this for three days if I didn't enjoy Halloween. Unforunately, for the first two days, it seemed like a lot of stuff was being repeated or looped, so I had to deal with the same stories and interview multiple times. I can't really bookmark this, as it's a special seasonal feature. And I doubt I would if it had it's own channel...it would be too much of a good thing. I will, however, check to see if they are doing this again next year, and will tune in all week. Or a good portion of it.

Day 84: Women's Conference Radio

2007-10-25T23:53:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Shark Week is here! I mean...wait...what's going on here? The logo says that this is Discovery Channel Radio...so why does the screen say "Women's Conference Radio?" I'm confused...

According to Sirius: For two days, Sirius will devote an entire channel to the Women's Conference 2007, hosted by California First Lady Maria Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Women's Conference, a non-partisan event, has grown into the largest one-day conference for women in the nation and has become an iconic destination for important and lively discussion. Shriver, in her fourth year hosting the annual event, shaped this year's conference theme "Remarkable Lives. Remarkable Legacies. What's Yours?" to encourage women to think about their own legacies.

Curt's Rebuttal: Um...so...no shark cage?

Sample Playlist

Linda Ellerbee
Nora Ephron
Jamie Lee Curtis
Ed Begley, Jr.
Presidential Candidates' Wives

High Point: Nora Ephron talking about sex after 50. And 60.

Verdict: Well, not really worth discussing, as this channel only exists for two days...

Day 83: RadioClassics

2007-10-24T23:54:00.001-07:00

My Best Guess: Go back in time to the classic days of radio serials, where mysteries, westerns and high adventure awaited you with every turn of the radio dial. From thrillers to the great comedy duos, you can relive the Golden Age of Radio on RadioClassics!

According to Sirius: RadioClassics invites you to experience the audio magic of legendary and old time radio. RadioClassics features the best dramas, mysteries, comedies and variety programs from the Golden Age of Radio.

Curt's Rebuttal: I say that I get a point for this one. I pulled "Golden Age of Radio" out of butt, and it ended up being a match.

Sample Playlist

Inner Sanctum Mysteries, Corridor of Doom (starring Boris Karloff)
The Abbott and Costello Show (with guest star Cary Grant)
Gunsmoke, Prairie Happy
The Lone Ranger

High Point: Also getting to hear commercials from the Golden Age of Radio. Was quite entertaining to hear how smooth Camel cigarettes are.

Verdict: Was a fun change of pace, and good listening for extended trips. Gave it a bookmark.

Day 82: Kids Stuff

2007-10-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Musical fun for kids of all ages, with everything from sing-along favorites to your more grown-up kids' favorite cartoon theme songs. Nothing says fun like Kids Stuff!

According to Sirius: If you're old enough to walk, you're old enough to ROCK! Pre-schoolers will love the familiar music picked just for them. (And we won't tell if we catch you singing along, too!)

Curt's Rebuttal: Gag. Also, the evening show was called "Big Kids," folks. So it's not all pre-schoolers. And yes, I'm 32 and getting worked up about this.

Sample Playlist

Winnie the Pooh, Rumbly in My Tumbly
Laurie Berkner, Walk Along the River
Justin Roberts, Picture Day
The Wiggles, Here Comes a Bear
Danger Rangers, Rules of the Road
Dan Zanes and Friends, Linstead Market

High Point: Whenever a song by the Danger Rangers came up. While the one above was about car safety (from the point of view of someone who has a good decade before they're behind the wheel), there was also an instructional song that warned against listening to music too loudly, and the permanent damage it might do. Ah...good times. I will say, though, that I will be using the Winnie the Pooh phrase "Rumbly in My Tumbly" a lot more now...

Verdict: Um...no. I'm still bitter that yesterday and today I spent an inordinate amount of time in the car...and was forced to listen to children's songs.

Day 81: Radio Disney

2007-10-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: The magic of Disney, piped in directly through your radio, along with the coolest teen music that you love to sing along to. It's Radio Disney...your music, your way!

According to Sirius: Radio Disney is a 24/7 radio network devoted to kids, tweens and families. The network's current playlist, driven by listener requests, includes artists such as Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, the cast of High School Musical 2, Keke Palmer and B5.

Curt's Rebuttal: Well, I tried writing it as if it was geared towards the younger audience. I did mean to mention High School Musical and Hannah Montana, actually, but decided not to get that specific...

Sample Playlist

Baha Men, Who Let the Dogs Out (Radio Disney Edit)
Choo Choo Soul, Bullet Train
The Wiggles, Fruit Salad
Baby Jamz, Dis Ol Man
Ralph's World, The Mighty Worm
Winnie the Pooh, Little Black Rain Cloud

High Point: Hearing Who Let the Dogs Out. I actually went to a Radio Disney concert while living in Chicago and working on the Juicy Fruit account, which was a sponsor of Radio Disney (about ten of us from work went). I believe that I saw not only the Baha Men there, but also the A*Teens. Good times.

Verdict: Sad to say...some of the music here was actually lifting my spirits. But then I heard the same song from High School Musical three times, and it promptly dashed those raised spirits upon the rocks of annoyance. Not like I would have bookmarked it, anyway. Give me some credit.

Day 80: Lime

2007-10-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: From living at peace with the environment to finding your inner peace, Lime features programming about healthy living...with a twist.

According to Sirius: LIME radio connects listeners with leading experts on a range of topics from personal transformation to the environment, from corporate responsibility to building better relationships, from the intuitive arts to alternative healthcare. LIME has everything you need to bring balance to your life...in your way. LIME...healthy living with a twist.

Curt's Rebuttal: I had the spirit of the idea down, I think. Plus, it was pretty obvious they would use their radio tagline in the description. You can check out more info on it through their official non-Sirius website, www.lime.com.

Sample Playlist

The Lazy Environmentalist: It seemed to be a radio program about simple ways that you can live a more "green" and enviro-conscious lifestyle. Today's show focused on the documentary The Real Dirt on Farmer John, which brings to the world (it's being shown overseas as well as locally) an untold perspective on a slice of American life that the world doesn't get to see. This show was a re-broadcast from earlier this past summer, as it referred to Father's Day being "right around the corner." It also happened to be the show that I caught on my drive home...so not a lot of perspective on this channel.

Verdict: I was writing this review thinking I wouldn't end up bookmarking the channel. After having checked out all the different programs on their site, though...and having read their own summary of what kind of content they serve up (see above), I decided that it would only bring positivity into my life if I were to bookmark it.

Day 79: Martha Stewart Living Radio

2007-10-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Become an expert at everything from cooking and home decoration, to social etiquette and facing challenges at work, with the help of "how to" guru, Martha Stewart, and her line-up of well-informed experts.

According to Sirius: Martha Stewart and her team of lifestyle experts will teach, advise, and inspire you.

Curt's Rebuttal: Can't believe I ended up being overly wordy on this one. I nailed the word "experts," but kind of danced around the idea of "lifestyle."

Sample Playlist

Everything Food: This show was "All About Chocolate" today...I guess because it was National Chocolate Cupcake Day. I learned random facts, like how the diameter of a standard cupcake is 2.5 inches. I didn't learn, however, the different between a cupcake and a muffin.
Whatever, with Alexis and Jennifer: Martha Stewart's daughter, Alexis, heads up this show with her friend. All I listened to today was a trivia game they were playing with callers. You could call up, request either a mug or magazine subscription (to Martha Stewart Living), and then had to answer random trivia about current events. There were a lot of fart jokes, surprisingly.
It's a Dog's Life: People call in with questions about dealing with their dogs. Actually pretty informative...too bad I don't have a pet.

Verdict: More likely to bookmark this one than Cosmo Radio, but still had to pass. Sorry, Martha...nothing against you personally.

Day 78: Cosmo Radio

2007-10-17T23:45:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: From all the latest entertainment gossip, as well as tips for surviving the dating scene and finally landing the man of your dreams, Cosmo Radio brings all the best of Cosmopolitan Magazine to your Sirius dial.

According to Sirius: Love, sex, fashion, news and gossip -- everything you need to be the most informed girl at the water cooler.

Curt's Rebuttal: Wow...it wasn't just regurgitating stuff I heard on the radio, and it also wasn't a five paragraph long piece that looked like it belonged in a media kit. I stand corrected.

Sample Playlist

Wake Up! with Cosmo: A morning drive talk show, starring Taylor and Tori, in which they covered Cosmo's Daily Horoscope, and focused a lot on the upcoming big Cosmo event, "Cosmo's Bachelor Party," where the fifty most eligible bachelors (one from each state) were going to be put on display. There was also a "Who's the Best Bachelor?" competition among the three male hosts of various shows throughout the day, judged by the ladies, with such events as "Knowledge of Women" and "Who Can Make the Best 'Morning After' Breakfast?"
Music: Surprisingly, the rest of the time I spent listening to the radio featured music by such "girl power" artists as Pink, Avril Lavigne...and Britney Spears (twice). Also, a little Justin Timberlake.

Verdict: I have a man card to hang on to, thanks...

Day 77: Court TV Radio

2007-10-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: The thrilling courtroom action of Court TV, brought straight to your radio. Legal action never sounded so good, with the latest news on today's top trials and cases.

According to Sirius: Sirius and COURT TV have teamed up to bring powerful real-life drama to your radio, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Every day Court TV Radio brings you Court TV Morning with Vinnie Politan, a live program, exclusively on Sirius, that takes your calls and breaks down the burning questions of the day, followed by live trial coverage of America's most newsworthy and controversial cases with expert commentary from the Court TV news team. Nightly, Court TV Radio is hooking listeners with gripping reality-based documentary specials, drama series (like the runaway hit show Forensic Files) and news shows focusing on legal issues. Plus, trial junkies need never fear -- you can easily catch daily coverage if you missed it with re-airings of Court TV's trademark trial coverage.

Curt's Rebuttal: Well, I was close, no?

Samply Playlist

We started out with a show called Best Defense and then later in the day I caught part of the morning replay, called Court TV Morning Recall. All through the day, the channel was actually covering the same thing: the case of an Eastern Michigan University student who was found dead (asphyxiated) in her residence hall dorm room. The police had a suspect by the name of Orange Taylor in custody, and much of what I heard was either testimony from expert witnesses about his DNA being at the crime scene, or commentary about his presence at the crime scene. I got to know a lot about this case during the day, and may tune into Michigan news to see what becomes of O-Tay (as I've come to know him).

Verdict: See what I did there? Verdict? This being Court TV Radio? Um...yeah. Anyway, I'm a sucker for all things courtroom, so I bookmarked this.

Day 76: Sirius OutQ

2007-10-15T23:17:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Welcome to America's only radio station dedicated to the GLBT community, where topical issues mingle with the latest entertainment news

According to Sirius: News, interviews and music on America's only 24/7 radio station from and for the GLBT community

Curt's Rebuttal: Once again, damn close...and once again, I just kind of picked up on the taglines they frequently pitched while on air.

Sample Playlist

Frank DeCaro: On this morning drive time show (well, morning on the West Coast), Frank (who used to have a segment called "Out at the Movies" on The Daily Show) interviews various guests and members of the gay and lesbian community. Today, he was interviewing Eugene Pack about the show he's helping produce "Celebrity Autobiography: In Their Own Words)." This show features folks doing dramatic readings from various...well...celebrity autobiographies. It actually sounds hysterical, the way it was described, seeing actors do serious readings from books by Burt Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor, Tommy Lee, and Mr. T. Might actually check it out if it comes to LA.
Sirius OutQ News: Kind of a standard filler news segment, with the GLBT community in mind, such as the recent gay scandal rocking the Vatican.
Derek and Romaine: Kind of the evening drive time show. All I got to listen to was random mail from the "Monday Mail Bag."

Verdict: Well, the channel was actually entertaining, but it isn't really something I can relate to all that well, so couldn't see myself tuning in with any degree of regularity. Would recommend it to my GLBT friends, though!

Day 75: Maxim Radio

2007-10-14T23:24:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Girls. Comedy. Music. Sports. Maxim Radio is the best thing to happen to men...since women.

According to Sirius: Girls. Comedy. Sports. Music: Maxim Radio is the best thing to happen to men...since women! Maxim Radio takes Maxim magazine's amazing ability to speak to guys and pours it into a national, live radio station.

Curt's Rebuttal: Well, they say that enough on the radio station, it's not that surprising they have it on their website, too. Major points for my observational skills.

Sample Playlist

Stretch: The morning talk show. Discussions ranged from advice trust in relationships, Trent Green and the NFL, and an interview with WWE ring girl Lillian Garcia.
Devore and Diana: In which the hosts (with Swedish music group, The Hives) discussed what it means to be "punk." They even played a little game called "Punk Rock or Punk-Ass." Willie Nelson and Gold Chains: Punk Rock. Ikea and Oprah Winfrey: Punk-Ass. They also had their "Dude-o-cracy" segment of the show, where they bring up a law that callers either pass, veto or amend. Today's law: It is totally illegal to be honest with a girlfriend/wife about what happened last night...what happens at the strip club stays at the strip club.
Filler: The channel has a bunch of things going on between show segments other than commercials: Music (from Guns 'n' Roses, Sublime and Breaking Benjamin, to name a few); their "5 Reasons to Dump Your Girlfriend" 20-second bit, where some famous hottie suggests several reasons she should be at the top your list; and Maxim Upgrade, with info on the latest in gear and gadgets...such as DIRECTV's SatGo! portable satellite system.

Verdict: I've always liked this station. The topics are random, the hosts are actually entertaining...either from a laughing with or laughing at standpoint. Entertainment news with a male-focused twist. "Top 25 Tough Guy Movie Lines," for example. Good times.

Day 74: E! Entertainment Radio

2007-10-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: From the latest in Hollywood news to backstage passes into the lives of the entertainment elite, E! Entertainment Radio feeds your need for celebrity info

According to Sirius: E! Entertainment Radio brings you the latest entertainment news, information, gossip, reviews, celebrity profiles and more! It's your hook-up to Hollywood.

Curt's Rebuttal: Was damn near spot on with this one.

Sample Playlist:

The Daily 10: Seemed like basic entertainment news. The bit of it that I heard (before it went on to the next show) focused on Janet Jackson's role in the upcoming Tyler Perry film, Why Did I Get Married.
True Hollywood Story: Basically an audio version of the E! TV show. Today, I got to learn a little bit about Rod Stewart and his daughter, Kimberly.
Yo on E!: This talk show focused on the "uproar" caused by Maxim's list of The Five Unsexiest Women Alive. Apparently, Sarah Jessica Parker was chosen as #1, and it raised a stink among some folks...not sure if they were subsribers to Maxim or not. Anyway, Yo on E! had people call in with their own suggestions. The results? Rosie O'Donnell topped the list, with Hillary Clinton, Amy Winehouse, Courtney Love and Cameron Diaz rounding out the group. Interestingly, only women called in to the show...and several brought up the fact that they Britney Spears should have no place on the list.

Verdict: Quite a variety of stuff going on here, and I'm an entertainment junkie anyway, so decided to tag this one for more listening later on.

Day 73: The Foxxhole

2007-10-11T00:33:00.001-07:00

My Best Guess: Brought to you by comic legend Jamie Foxx, The Foxxhole is the place where the best urban comics tell it like it is

According to Sirius: The Foxxhole is an exclusive comedy, entertainment and lifestyle channel with Academy Award-winning actor, American Music Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist, and comedian Jamie Foxx. The 24/7 channel features comedy bits from a large number of comedians, and will create groundbreaking approaches to presenting comedy to radio listeners, as well as showcase music, skits, radio theater and more.

Curt's Rebuttal: Well, that second sentence may be their plan, but I didn't get to see much of that today. Mainly bits of stand-up comedy. Also, although the description mentions the concept of a "lifestyle" channel, it doesn't anywhere mention that it is focused on Black listeners...which was my immediate take from listening to it.

Samply Playlist:

Alex Thomas, Hip Hop Heads
Mike Epps, Black Women Fight
Eddie Griffin, Fame
Wil Sylvince, Black Sniper
Fabolous, Baby Don't Go
Speedy's Comedy Corner: Now, my trip into work was almost completely stand-up comedy acts, with one musical act (by Fabolous), which kind of threw me...but gives the channel some hope, I think. My drive home from the gym, around 8pm, allowed me to listen to Speedy's Comedy Corner, which was a pretty basic comedic talk radio show that started talking about Marion Jones and steroid usage...but later evolved into discussion of interracial dating, and whether one of the co-hosts should talk to his son, because he's currently dating a white girl.

High Point: Actually had one, which was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed Speedy's Comedy Corner on the drive home...it was an honest look into Black culture, almost an insider's glimpse, and it was really interesting hearing the hosts' perspective on different topics.

Verdict: I was tempted to bookmark this, if only to listen to Speedy's Comedy Corner, but it airs at 8pm here on the West Coast...and I don't plan on driving home at that time often.

Day 72: Laugh Break

2007-10-10T01:03:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Gather the kids and the grandparents around the radio, 'cause there's no better place your fill of family-friendly comedy, 24/7, than on Laugh Break.

According to Sirius: It's comedy for everybody on Laugh Break. Check out today's top comics, like Jim Gaffigan, Jerry Seinfeld, and Dane Cook, the best classic comedy from George Carlin, Steven Wright, Bill Cosby, and Monty Python, plus fun songs from Weird Al and more.

Curt's Rebuttal: Apart from listing out random comics, I had this..."comedy for everyone." Pretty basic.

Sample Playlist:

Bob Newhart, Defusing a Bomb
Ellen DeGeneres, Silence
George Carlin, Daytime TV
"Weird Al" Yankovic, Melanie
Lewis Black, Evil
Fake Commercials: In addition to comedy bits and humorous songs, Laugh Break also features spoofs of commercials, a la Saturday Night Live. There was one about an anti-snoring pillow, for example...can't really remember what was so funny about it.

High Point: Committing to typing up this review...so I didn't have to listen to the station for a third day. That would have just been overkill.

Verdict: I guess I just like the edgier comedy of Raw Dog Comedy. Here it felt a little sterile...even though I was surprised to see comics like George Carlin and Lewis Black in the mix. If I had kids, though, I'd definitely bookmark this...unless I just decided to throw my hands in the air and let them listen to the uncensored stuff.

Day 71: Raw Dog Comedy

2007-10-03T23:55:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Catch the best no-holds-barred stand-up comedy, and great shows with the Wiseguys and Jim Breuer, right here on Raw Dog

According to Sirius: Comedy from the edge - uncensored and outrageous. Classic comedy, the hottest new stand-ups and original shows like Jim Breuer Unleashed and Vincent "Big Pussy" Pastore's The Wiseguy Show. No rules...no regulations...no kidding!

Curt's Rebuttal: Yeah, yeay...I think "no-holds-barred" captures the first part, and I even nailed the two shows they were going to plug. The closing tag is a little expected, though...

Sample Playlist:

Robin Williams, Enron Field
Mitch Hedberg, Drink Before the Show
Mike Birbiglin, The Old Mill Pond Story
Dave Attell, Religion
Daniel Tosh, Fictitious Disorder
The Wiseguy Show: Here you have "Big Pussy" from The Soprano's hosting a talk show with some of his Italian friends. I caught the last ten minutes of today's show, and it had musical guests, The Morris Brothers. Didn't really sound that "wiseguy"-ish.
Jim Breuer Unleased: And then caught the first 15 minutes or so of this. Not a huge Breuer fan...but he did mention how he likes to start his day listening to Sirius's Coffee House, which I believe I said I'd likely start doing after this experiment. He also talked about how he gets Pumpkin Spice Latte's from Starbucks...which I also do (when in season). So, it's a little eerie what we have in common. It was also kind of funny, but comedian Dave Attell called in, because he had the wrong Sirius phone number, but they talked a little anyway.

High Point: Hearing them play a little Daniel Tosh on the drive in. He's one of my favorite stand-ups, so was nice to hear (even though I have the CD that the bit was pulled from).

Verdict: Bookmarked, of course. Although I do listen more for the stand-up bits than the shows, I did find by looking at the site that they have a show hosted by "Oscar, the death-predicting cat." I have to check that out...how could I not?

Day 70: Blue Collar Radio

2007-10-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: You might be a redneck...if you listen to this station. So get 'er done.

According to Sirius: Blue Collar Comedy features your favorites from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour as well as everyman humor from great comedians you already know and hilarious new stand ups you'll want to.

Curt's Rebuttal: I knew I should have mentioned the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, but come on...we all know mine was spot on. Sidenote: I've never heard the term "everyman humor" before, but I already hate it.

Sample Playlist:

Bobby Collins, Boston
Ron White, Sluggo
Brother Dave Gardner, Prayer
Marc Ryan, Piercings
Derrick Cameron, Kid/Childproof
Larry the Cable Guy, Thong Britches
The Ralphie May Show: While all of the above were comedy tidbits that I heard on the station, I did catch a snippet of what I guess was a talk show. It started around 6pm, I went into the gym around 6:15pm, and by the time I was out an hour later, it was already over, so can't comment much on it. I know Ralphie May, though, from his time on TV's Last Comic Standing. He was the morbidly obese comedian from Season's One and Three. Kind of funny, yes...but really didn't see him as part of the whole "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" crowd. Weird.

Verdict: I was just hoping to get through the day without hearing either Larry the Cable Guy or Jeff Foxworthy. I actually failed on both counts. Anyway, this one gets a big "no." Another example of me audibly groaning when I see what I have to listen to for the day.

Day 69: Sirius Stars

2007-10-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: The best variety in talk radio with the biggest names on the dial

According to Sirius: The Sirius Stars Channel is Sirius' flagship talk station featuring unique and diverse programs, including a light-hearted look at the day with Jay Thomas, a look into the other side of existence with psychic intuitive Mary Occhino, weight loss guru Richard Simmons, pet psychic Sonya Fitzpatrick, American Voices with Bill Bradley, rock critic Dave Marsh, and unique perspectives from publisher Judith Regan, author Candace Bushnell, and magazine editor Jane Pratt...all on one great radio station, and all available only on Sirius.

Curt's Rebuttal: Yeah, like they said.

Sample Playlist

Barbara Live!: Here, Barbara Walters shoots the bull with friend Bill Getty. The drive in to work had them discussing the cell phone call that Rudy Guiliani took from his wife during a speech to the NRA. Riveting. On the drive home...I got more Barbara, this time discussing the presidential candidates, longevity, and interviewing George Hamilton.
Jay Thomas: I got some exposure to Jay on a quick excursion to pick up lunch. The topic was "Have you ever been on a safari?" Over the course of three minutes, the talk went from safaris to jungle cats to regular cats to litter boxes...to Marilyn Manson demanding a litter box be backstage for him to poop in...to calling Jay's son (who knew Manson) to verify if this rumor was true...to plugging his son's band and playing one of their songs. Smooth, Jay...smooth.

Verdict: Well, my initial impression was that there was no way I'd bookmark this channel so I could listen to Barbara Walters on the drive to and from work. But after seeing all those names in the description, I dug a little deeper into their schedule, and it looks like they have a different radio show each day of the week. So, it's hard to say if I'd catch this without sampling the other days, too...I mean, the pet psychic is damn enticing. So...I'll bookmark it for now, but will have to check out the other days after the experiment. Consider this a placeholder.

Day 68: Howard 101

2007-10-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Missed one of Howard's shows? Can't get enough of his crew? Now's your chance to catch it again with another full station of the King of All Media, delayed for our West Coast listeners.

According to Sirius: Howard Stern gives airtime to some of the most outrageous personalities in broadcasting on Sirius channel 101. Each weekday, get the official Stern Show west coast feed along with Bubba the Love Sponge in the afternoons and Scott Ferrall in the evenings. In addition, you'll hear once-a-week special shows from Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling, Riley Martin and more. Tune into Howard 101 for all the great uncensored entertainment you've come to expect from the King of All Media.

Curt's Rebuttal: Well, I think I actually came pretty close, without going into the specifics of his crew. I guess the main thing I wanted to touch on was the "west coast feed" idea.

Sample Playlist:

Bubba the Love Sponge: Now, here I thought I'd be listening to Stern on the drive in. It is supposed to be the west coast feed, no? But apparently at 8:30am, I get this. Bubba and his crew spent most of the drive in berating a loyal listener (who apparently works inside the wrestling/entertainment industry) for spreading a "rumor" about wrestler Kurt Angle. They also yelled at him for not cutting the cord with his mother like he'd promised, so he could spend more time with his girlfriend (who they also talked to on the phone).
Ferrall: On Scott's show, they talked mostly about sports. They spoke to Jim McMahon on the phone, chatted with Bill Romanowski, and complained about how the Mets were doing.

Verdict: Maybe it's because I was interrupted by fewer commercials on this channel, but it seemed I was able to listen in on more cohesive conversations here than on Howard 100. That having been said, it was still mostly a bunch of sniping and griping. Plus, I find it odd that the only time I actually get to hear Stern is if I'm running late at getting home from work. I'll pass.

Day 67: Howard 100

2007-09-28T08:30:00.001-07:00

My Best Guess: Catch America's #1 radio personality, Howard Stern, as well as additional programming run by other members of the Stern crew. It's all right here, and only on Sirius!

According to Sirius: The King of All Media holds court with Robin, Artie, Fred, and Gary as well as a host of outrageous Wack Packers, strippers and porn stars. Add to that A-List celebrity guests like Chris Rock and Tobey Maguire - and you've got the show at it's all-time best. Hear Howard like he's never been heard before - uncensored at 6am and re-aired throughout the day.

Curt's Rebuttal: Well, I'm not familiar enough with Stern to know the level of detail above about his show. I will say, his site on the Sirius is set-up a little differently, with no overarching description of the station. So while that listing above does describe his morning show, there are also wrap-up shows, shows run by interns, behind-the-scenes news, etc.

Sample Playlist:

The Wrap-Up Show: Because Howard 100 is a live East Coast feed, his show was actually done by the time I drove into work. Instead, I started off the day with a show wrapping up and providing commentary on his broadcast. Today it was on very briefly (I caught the tail end of it), but there seemed to be some sort of arguing going on...
Commercials: Here's another thing...now that we're out of commercial-free music land, we're into the talk stations that have commercials. Not high-quality, mind you, but serving a variety of needs, from how to get good stock tips to setting up a home office voice mail system to finding out all your computer network needs.
Howard 100 News Backstage: Not news of the day, as much as news happening on the set of Stern. Today, there was a lot of talk about how Sal apparently used Stern's name in an effort to persuade Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane to create characters for him and a friend on the cartoon series. He also tried to get a role on Entourage. Much debate and derision about this.
Howard Stern Replay: So now I got to listen to a little bit of the morning show that I missed. Jerry Rice was a guest. There was also talk about a date that Robin and Jimmy went on...and trying to get her to reveal how far it went.

Verdict: Not a huge Stern fan, so ended up not bookmarking it. It's nice to be out of the music part, though, and to be experiencing something different. I think I get more Stern tomorrow, though, so who knows...maybe I'll hear something that changes my mind. Stay tuned for a more in-depth report then.

Day 66: Reggae Rhythms

2007-09-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Tune into the music of the islands, and groove to the tropical Caribbean beats of Reggae Rhythms.

According to Sirius: Finally...one station devoted to jammin' the sounds of Jamaica. Every day, enjoy Bob Marley, UB40, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse and more.

Curt's Rebuttal: I guess this was more focused on Jamaica than the whole of the Caribbean nation. I just wanted to avoid using the word "mon."

Samply Playlist:

Tenor Saw, Fever
UB40, Things You Say You Love
Bob Marley and the Wailers, The Heathen
John Holt, Stealing Stealing
Toots and the Maytals, Bam Bam
Jacob Miller, I'm Just a Dread

High Points: 1) Finally coming to terms with the fact that UB40 is one of my least favorite bands ever; 2) Discovering that there are multiple reggae genres, such as "Disco Reggae," as in the song Try Jah Love, by Third World.

Verdict: I was in the car a little longer than normal today, due to an eye doctor's appointment, and felt that I was somehow being punished for this by having to listen to this station. Like so many other things Caribbean (e.g. spices, rum, women), it is probably best encountered in small, monitored doses. Case in point: I am likely going to be late for work because I forgot to do this review last night, and didn't want to have to sit through the station another day, so am making sure I get this done before I walk out the door.

Day 65: Iceberg Radio

2007-09-24T23:44:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: If you thought that all the Great White North brought to the world was beer, hockey and cold weather, Iceberg Radio will melt those assumptions and showcase the hottest Canadian music acts of yesterday and today.

According to Sirius: 100% adult alternative Canadian music for those who love rock mixed with an eclectic blend of music styles.

Curt's Rebuttal: I like mine better.

Sample Playlist:

Kim Mitchell, Love Overtime
Max Webster, Let Go of the Line
The Junction, Components of Four
Crash Test Dummies, Superman Song
Hot Hot Heat, Let Me In
Feist, 1 2 3 4

High Point: Two, actually...first, the name of the channel. It's just pretty damn cool. Ha! See what I did there? Okay...ahem...secondly, I did get to hear some Barenaked Ladies, which is the only band I really KNEW to be Canadian before tuning to this channel.

Verdict: Definitely, no doubt in my mind, a bookmark. I had to listen to this for an extra day, due to not writing a review last night...and I listened to it over the weekend. I discovered several new bands and songs I hadn't heard before, and have even downloaded some albums because of it. The only downside is that for some reason, Iceberg Radio doesn't allow the tagging and downloading of particular songs, like other Sirius stations. And they have a separate, non-Sirius website. Weird.

Day 64: CBC Radio 3

2007-09-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Hear the best that the Great White North has to offer, with the best Canadian recording artists coming straight to your Sirius dial.

According to Sirius: Dedicated to Canada's burgeoning indie music and culture scene and the place to discover the best in Canadian music first.

Curt's Rebuttal: Yep, this was definitely focusing on the indie scene...very good call.

Sample Playlist:

The ride into work on Wednesday had several different musical acts, but all that the display on the radio showed was "Les Amis Au Pakistan, Mon Soldat De Plomb." Not really sure what's going on there, but I heard a song by The New Pornographers that I really liked, entitled (I think) My Rights vs. Yours. The ride home (as well as my travels on Thursday, as I forgot to do a report last night) featured more "normal" musical listings.
Octoberman, Run from Safety
Code Pie, Conway Killjoy
Tijuana Bibles, Sexo Caliente
Bend Sinister, Julianna
Okkervil River, Unless it Kicks

High Point: Hearing the last song listed above, by a group called Okkervil River. I ended up tracking them down on iTunes and buying that track, I liked it so much.

Verdict: Let's see...an enjoyable two days of listening to music I hadn't heard before, leading up to an iTunes purchase. I definitely bookmarked this one. I was surprised at all the music that I hadn't heard before, and was really getting into...

Day 63: Bande A Part FM

2007-09-19T00:19:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: The very best in French-Canadian and electronic and dance music awaits you. From the latest techno beats rocking Montreal to the club music shaking Quebec City to all hours of the morning, we have it here on ???.

According to Sirius: A Radio-Canada channel dedicated to the best emerging Francophone pop, rock, electonica, hip-hop, punk and world music.

Curt's Rebuttal: First off, I wasn't able to read the logo on my Sirius receiver (it was too small and complex), so I had no idea what the name of this channel was. Secondly, I didn't hear any rock or pop...just electronic and dance (and maybe a little hip-hop). But...I did recognize it as French, so I have that going for me.

Sample Playlist:

"Ecrivez-nous/Feedback": This is all the receiver said on my ride into work, although several French/Franglish songs were playing. Dusting off my four years of high school French, I knew that "Ecrivez-nous" meant "Write us," or...well..."feedback." Wasn't sure what that had to do with the music I was listening to, though.
The music on the way home was pretty much all electronic and dance, with catchy titles such as:

Still in Love, by The Stills
J'te comprend, by Catburglaz
Je sais mentir (maintenant), by Noemie Smith
Plage 03, by Yomul Yuk
Smily Walking Corpse 3, by Helico Bacter

High Point: Knowing there's a French musical group called "Catburglaz" and a song called Smily Walking Corpse 3. In a perfect world, the former would have performed the latter. Ah, well...now to find MP3s of Smily Walking Corpse and Smily Walking Corpse 2: Electric Boogaloo.

Verdict: Although I stood a better chance of understanding this station than the two previous Spanish-language stations, I still have to say that I've enjoyed the upbeat rhythms of Rumbon more than this...and if I didn't bookmark that one, this one will have to be passed up, too.

Day 62: Rumbon

2007-09-17T23:46:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Hot Latin beats take over your radio as you tune into the sassiest pop and dance from south of the border.

According to Sirius: A red-hot mix of Salsa, Merengue and the biggest Reggaeton hits with a sprinkle of Spanish Hip Hop and Bachata. We provide the music - all you need is a dance floor!

Curt's Rebuttal: I really had no idea what to write (come on...I said "sassiest" for heaven's sake)...but as it turns out, I was damn near spot on.

Sample Playlist:

Calle 13, Atrevete-te
Elvis Crespo, Llore y Llore
Toby Love, feat. Rakin and Ken Y, Tengo Un Amor
Tono Rosario, Cortame Las Venas
Juan Carlos Coronel, Baracaniguara
Mayra Veronica, Mama Mia

High Point: At one point I thought I was suddenly granted the ability to understand Spanish, but it turns out it was just Tengo Un Amor (mentioned above), a bilingual song. So, sorry...no...it wasn't Menudo.

Verdict: Was a bit more fun/upbeat than yesterday, but afraid I'm going to have to pass again on bookmarking.

Day 61: Universo Latino

2007-09-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: For the best in Latin music, across all genres, there's no better source in the "mundo" then Universo Latino!

According to Sirius: Today's mix of Spanish Contemporary hit music. Pop, rock and ballads representing all corners of Central and South America, plus the Latin Caribbean countries.

Curt's Rebuttal: Okay, they may have had me on accuracy, but I threw "mundo" in there, so that should count for something.

Sample Playlist:

Luis Fonsi, Nada Es Para Siempre
David Bisbal, Amar Es Lo Que Quiero
Ana Gabriel, Soledad
Camila, Todo Cambio
La Oreja De Van Gogh, La Playa
Enrique Iglesias, Dimelo

High Points: Picking out words I knew from the lyrics: Quiero, habla, mundo...

Verdict: If I was trying to learn another language, perhaps. But part of the enjoyment for me is singing along...and that's tough to do when you don't know the lyrics.

Day 60: Sirius Pops

2007-09-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Only on Sirius Pops can hear the most famous classical music pieces all in one place, along with modern interpretations of all-time favorites

According to Sirius: Classical music's greatest hits. The most popular classical pieces of all time, performed by the world's most renowned orchestras and soloists.

Curt's Rebuttal: Not to toot my own horn, but...TOOT. I think I pretty much nailed this one on the head.

Sample Playlist:

Gioachino Rossini, La Cenerentela: Overture (performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra)
Camille Saint-Saens, Aquarium (performed by Ross Pople and the London Festival Orchestra)
Nicolo Paganini, Perpetuum Mobile, Op. 11 (performed by Michael Rabin)

High Points: Hearing classical pieces I actually recognized, as opposed to being some random combination of "Symphony #," "Key," and "Opus #." Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, anyone?

Verdict: Of the three classical stations listened to thus far, this is one I will most likely be bookmarking...unless a different one comes along tomorrow that I like better.

Day 59: Metropolitan Opera Radio

2007-09-09T22:43:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Hear the best opera that the New York Met has to offer, from what's currently on stage to great performances from years past. From opening arias to grand finales, you won't want to miss a note!

According to Sirius: Metropolitan Opera Radio offers up to four live broadcasts weekly during the season as well as an amazing collection of live recordings, newly restored and re-mastered, from the Met's illustrious radio broadcast history.

Curt's Rebuttal: Very impressed...didn't know about the live broadcasts. I did catch on to the "archival" aspect of the channel, though.

Sample Playlist: I thought that transcribing the songs from Symphony Hall was tough, but that was nothing compared to this channel. Take, for example, the gem: "Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia; 3/2/74 - Pritchard; Walker, Elias, Goeke." This tells us that you're listening to Rossini's The Barber of Seville, which was original performed on March 2, 1974, with Pritchard conducting the orchestra, and the principal opera singers being Walker, Elias and Goeke. Some of the entries even listed the title of the song. Anyway, I also heard stuff by Verdi and Wagner, for what it's worth.

Verdict: While interesting, wasn't really my cup of tea, and didn't end up bookmarking it. If I had to choose a "classical" channel, Symphony Hall is so far taking the prize. They do get bonus points, though, for honoring the memory of Luciano Pavarotti by airing some of his finest Met performances over eight successive nights.

Day 58: Symphony Hall

2007-09-07T00:06:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: The best place on your radio dial to catch classical pieces from the world's most prolific composers, performed by top-notch symphonies from around the world.

According to Sirius: Simply the very best classical music performed by the world's finest orchestras, chamber music ensembles, and instrumental soloists. Bach, Beethoven, Brahms...world-class performances of the world's greatest classical music.

Curt's Rebuttal: Sure, they said "world-class" and I said "top-notch," but the sentiment was there. They do point out that it isn't just symphonic orchestras you'll here, though...that you might sometimes catch other ensembles or even soloists. I stand corrected.

Sample Playlist: Okay, a little different this time around...largely because I only got to hear one piece on the way to work (Anton Brucker's Symphony No. 6 in A Major, as performed by the New Philharmonia Orchestra) and a different song on the way home (Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 6 in D Major, Op. 60, as performed by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra). Those pieces were damn long!

High Points: Wondering if every song on this channel was a "No. 6," and learning that the guy who made the "Dvorak keyboard" also composed music.

Verdict: Was close to bookmarking this, and I still may. I think I need to see what the other "classical" channels include before I commit...because I think I'll only commit to one.

Day 57: Broadway's Best

2007-09-05T21:07:00.001-07:00

My Best Guess: Classic movie musicals and the brightest stars on the musical stage share the spotlight on Broadway's Best, bring to your Sirius dial everything from classic Rodgers & Hammerstein to Sondheim to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

According to Sirius: You're front row center for the greatest hits of Broadway! All your favorite show tunes sung by the stars of the musical stage, bringing Broadway to every street in America.

Curt's Rebuttal: Fair enough, but there were songs from movie musicals, too. Just for the record.

Sample Playlist:

Stephanie Mills & Hinton Battle (The Wiz Original Broadway Cast), Ease on Down the Road
Les Miserables Original Broadway Cast, One Day More
Donna Kane (Meet Me in St. Louis Original Broadway Cast), The Trolley Song
Alfred J. Drake (Oklahoma! Original Cast Album), Oklahoma!
Marilyn Cooper & Chita Rivera (West Side Story Original Broadway Cast), America
Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins Soundtrack), A Spoonful of Sugar

High Points: Honestly, hearing the first two songs in the sample playlist above. They just happen to be two songs I really dig. Good times.

Verdict: Surprisingly, I bookmarked this. I guess the thing I liked about this channel (and I was actually on it for two days, as I was too tired to review it last night) was that each song gives you a glimpse into a larger story, and as you hear more songs from that same musical, the story kind of comes together. I don't know...kinda like a little audio jigsaw puzzle.

Sirius Sidebar: Zzzzz...

2007-09-05T01:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry...I'm just sleepy, and have been working all evening. Going to have to delay this next review until tomorrow night.

Day 56: Siriusly Sinatra

2007-09-03T23:27:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Straight from the lungs of ol' Blue Eyes himself, as well as some of his most famous friends and contemporaries, relive the glory days of the Rat Pack with Siriusly Sinatra.

According to Sirius: The Chairman of the Board is at home everyday on channel 75 along with the great voices of our time. From Dean Martin and Tony Bennett to Michael Buble and Diana Krall, Frank is joined by great artists and America's greatest songs. Finally, a 24 hour home for all things Sinatra and the Great American Songbook.

Curt's Rebuttal: Wow, they got wordy. Plus, I think I still nailed two out of three...Sinatra nickname and being joined by peers. I missed the mark, though, on how the channel has current hits, as well.

Sample Playlist:

Rosemary Clooney, I'll Be Seeing You
Nancy Sinatra and Frank Sinatra, Somethin' Stupid
Frank Sinatra, Moonlight in Vermont
Charlie Watts Quintet, Love Walked In
Natalie Cole, Let's Face the Music and Dance
Frank Sinatra, Mean to Me

Verdict: This station was a nice surprise, as it didn't exist the last time I took a spin around the dial. Not going to bookmark it in the car, but may tune into it if I'm having an appropriately themed party.

Day 55: Sirius Blues

2007-08-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Pull up a chair, pick up that guitar, and take a load off your mind as you pour out your heart with Sirius Blues, where you'll hear all the great blues classics, as well as some of today's blues-inspired hits.

According to Sirius: From Beale Street, Chicago, the Delta and wherever someone grabbed a guitar and poured their soul into a song - blues from the 78 RPM days to today, by masters like John Lee Hooker and B.B. King and the keepers of the flame like Keb' Mo'.

Curt's Rebuttal: Apart from naming all the specific artists and geographic locations, I came damn close again. Grabbing a guitar, pouring out something, yesterday and today...was pretty accurate, I have to say.

Sample Playlist:

Etta James, Baby, What You Want Me To Do
Otis Rush, Three Times a Fool
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Blue or Black
Taj Mahal, Early in the Mornin'
Albert Collins, I Ain't Drunk
The Blues Brothers, "B" Movie Box Car Blues

High Point: Just finally getting to the blues portion of the dial, and away from the overload of jazz...and the one day of new age music.

Verdict: While it was fun to listen to, and I'd been looking forward to this, it was more because it would be a change of pace, as opposed to really being something that I'd tune into again on a regular basis.

Day 54: Spa 73

2007-08-28T00:38:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Everyone needs a place they can turn to for a little peace and relaxation, and Spa 73 has the perfect collection of calming, soothing music towash over you and your mind.

According to Sirius: On Spa 73, we play a continuous flow of hip, soothing, spa sounds with virtually no interruption. From Moby, Dido and William Orbit to Enya and Yanni to B-Tribe and Enigma, you'll hear it all here.

Curt's Rebuttal: I nailed "soothing," and the idea of "flow" certainly meshes with what I was picturing (although I said "wash over you"). I wouldn't go so far as to say this was 'hip," though. But I guess all things are relative.

Samply Playlist:

Riley Lee, Deer Horn
Howard Baer, Dreams Come True
B-Tribe, Spiritual, Spiritual
Gandalf, Life in Love
Chris Spheeris, Field of Tears
Kevin Kern, Blossom on the Wind

High Point: Not only is there a group/person/musical entity called "Gandalf," but I got to see the name pop up twice on my radio during the day. Heh.

Verdict: While I would turn to this station in a heartbeat if I was trying to meditate, relax...maybe even fall asleep...it isn't ideal to be driving to (I literally almost fell asleep while listening to it behind the wheel). It really reminded me of those "Pure Moods" CDs they used to sell on TV. Ah, well...not gonna bookmark it.

Day 53: Pure Jazz

2007-08-27T01:10:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Experience the foundations of classic jazz, including everything from the big band era and swing. If it's classic cool, it's the classic sounds of Pure Jazz.

According to Sirius: Classic jazz, the original American art form. Hear the masters who pioneered the music and the new artists who continue the tradition into the 21st century.

Curt's Rebuttal: Well, I did say "classic" three times in my description...although their write-up sounds a bit more similar to how I described Planet Jazz.

Sample Playlist:

Honolulu Jazz Quartet, The Keez is in the Car
Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Cloudburst
Charles Mingues, Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
Modern Jazz Quartet, Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise
Oliver Nelson, Stolen Moments
Mel Torme, It Don't Mean a Thing

High Point: Hearing music that I could groove a bit to.

Verdict: Unlike the last two stations, I was actually enjoying this. This is sound that I'd come to associate with jazz...a rhythmic foundation, with improvised riffs overlaid on top. Plus, with the classic music, you had a bit more big band and swing, which I also enjoyed. I actually almost bookmarked this one...but think it would have been just for the novelty.

By the Way...: Meant to explain, but I was in Seattle from Thursday evening through today, so it was a short review week. It will be happening again this week, as I fly back to Michigan on Wednesday evening...

Day 52: Jazz Cafe

2007-08-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Were the smooth, melodic stylings of Planet Jazz too manic and up-tempo for your tastes? Then check out the coma-inducing riffs of Jazz Cafe...the lighter side of jazz.

According to Sirius: Sophisticated, elegant, relaxing...smooth jazz for the way you live today.

Curt's Rebuttal: Wow...I was trying to be a smartass in my opening desription, and it sounds like I damn near hit the nail on the head. Zzzzz...

Sample Playlist:

Sting, Fragile
Herbie Hancock, Thieves in the Temple
Peter White, What Does it Take (To Win Your Love)
Euge Groove, Born to Groove
Chuck Loeb, High Five
Four 80 East, Noodle Soup

High Point: Seeing the title of the Sting track above, and having it remind of A Christmas Story: "Fra-jeel-ay...that must be Italian..."

Verdict: Recall my excitement at having to listen to Planet Jazz for two days straight? Well, it was not a happy moment when I found out not only was I listening to more jazz...but that I was listening to the elevator music-like softer side of jazz. I expected the music to be interrupted every thirty seconds or so by a recorded voice saying "Please continue to hold...your call is very important to us." We shall see if I have more jazz awaiting me on the next channel...

Day 51: Planet Jazz

2007-08-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: Kick back and get ready to groove to the smooth, cool tones of yesterday's great jazz artists and the musicians they've inspired today. It's time to take a trip around Planet Jazz.

According to Sirius: The continuing evolution of today's jazz. Modern, progressive, acid jazz, fusion and more from the artists who are redefining jazz.

Curt's Rebuttal: Hrm...so, everything I was listening to was modern? Would never have guessed. I'd go back and check, but...well...read on...

Sample Playlist:

Methany Mehldau, A Night Away
Jaco Pastorius, Continuum
Charlie Hunter Quartet, Mestre Tata
Eldar, I Remember When
Lizz Wright, Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly
Stanley Clarke, Silly Putty

Verdict: Wow. Two days of this. I was thinking yesterday about how I felt about jazz. It was honestly hard to focus on. I personally think jazz is best served up as background music, played during a dinner party or at a club where socializing was going on. But as the center of attention? I don't think so. And I played in a jazz band in high school.

If there was any doubt as to how I felt about Planet Jazz, it immediately vanished when I learned I had to listen to it for a second day (due to failing to document it last night). I believe my knee-jerk reaction was "CRAP!" I was not enjoying having to sit through this a second time. So...with apologies to all jazz fans out there...I'm not bookmarking this. But if I have a dinner party or a sophisticated group of people over to hang out, I may tune in just to have something pleasant and interesting going on in the background...

Sirius Sidebar: Out of It

2007-08-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

Apologies...last night was the first time ever I just went to bed without even thinking about writing this review. I woke up the next day and realized I hadn't fulfilled my duties. So...listening to Channel 70 for a second day! Sorry, folks...

Day 50: Praise

2007-08-19T21:56:00.001-07:00

My Best Guess: Tune in every day to find all the best gospel hits, filling the rafters with the sweet soulful sounds of Sirius Praise.

According to Sirius: Soar through your day enjoying today's best Gospel. Divinely inspired music with the power to make ya sing, clap and shout!

Curt's Rebuttal: Fair enough. I should have guessed they went the singing, clapping and shouting route. There definitely was plenty of that.

Sample Playlist:

GMWA National Mass Choir, I've Counted the Costs
Shirley Caesar, Everything is Gonna Be Alright
Vanessa Bell Armstrong, He is Lord
The Mighty Clouds of Joy, If God is Dead
Troy Sneed, Hallelujah
Vickie Winans, Safe in His Arms

Verdict: Overall, this was very energetic and uplifting. Much more enjoyable to listen to than Spirit. And although I'm not a regular church-goer, it does give me the slight urge to attend services at a church that has this sort of music going on. Still...can't see me regularly listening to this channel...although I may be back for an occasional visit.

Day 49: Spirit

2007-08-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

My Best Guess: A spirit-raising collection of Christian music, crossing every genre from rock to hip-hop to country. Keep the faith alive with Spirit.

According to Sirius: Pop and rock with a higher purpose. The best of Contemporary Christian music, brightening your day with the power of the Word.

Curt's Rebuttal: Okay, I do take issue with that description. I was close, granted...but there's more than pop and rock on there. And I'm curious as to their definition of "contemporary," 'cause I'm guessing there's stuff from the '80s and '90s in there, too.

Sample Playlist:

David Crowder Band, Everything Glorious
Crystal Lewis, People Get Ready - Jesus is Coming
Jeremy Camp, Here I Am to Worship
tobyMac, I'm For You
John David Webster, Miracle
Casting Crowns, East to West

High Point: Seeing that there is a Christian rock band out there called "4Him." With a cool text messaging-friendly name like that, you know they're hip with the kids.

Verdict: On the one hand, it was interesting to hear the cross-genre music today. Kind of reminds me of a game we played in improv classes, where you'd have to change film styles (or, in this case, music styles), while still riffing on the same topic (in this case, Christianity). On the other hand...I felt like the lyrics were trying to sell me something. Then again...I do enjoy Switchfoot, and some other bands that kind of muddy the border between Christian and Heathen rock. In the end, said three Hail Marys and didn't bookmark it.

Day 48: Bluegrass

2007-08-15T23:51:00.000-07:00

My Attempt at a Description: Here you'll find more banjo strummin' and harmonica blowin' than anywhere else on the Sirius dial. Whether a golden oldie or a modern take on a down-home sound, here's where you'll get your fix for Bluegrass hospitality.

According to Sirius: The very finest in bluegrass, from first generation players Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs to the contemporary sounds of Blue Highway and Alison Krauss & Union Station. Born in inspiration, steeped in tradition. Handmade, heartfelt Bluegrass music on Sirius.

My Rebuttal: I really think they needed to mention the prevalence of banjos. There were a lot of them. I do like the "handmade," "heartfelt" and "steeped in tradition" desription, though.

Samply Playlist:

The Steel Drivers, If It Hadn't Been For You
The County Gentlemen, Where No Cabins Fall
The Seldom Scene, Katie Dear
Del McCoury & The Dixie Pals, Take Me To The Mountains
Rhonda Vincent, Midnight Angel
Dave Evans, Pretty Green Hills

Verdict: Well, it started out sounding very much like music from "O Brother Where Art Thou," which was unique, I guess, but couldn't see me listening to this steadily...only maybe if I happened to stumble upon it, and even then, only for one song.

Day 47: Outlaw Country

2007-08-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

My Experience: Going to start this off a little differently. Rather than give the Sirius description, then comment, I'm going to see how closely I match the description given online.

So...the big question for me was what makes Outlaw Country so "outlaw." Given the trend over the last couple channels of "modern," "retro," and "classic" country, I was expecting this to be maybe "heavy metal" country or "punk" country. After listening to it...I still wasn't sure. It had artists from across time periods. The only common theme seemed to be content...booze, drugs and sex seemed to run as a thread through the songs. But I'm guessing Sirius is going to focus on the artists as the "bad boys" of country.

According to Sirius: Created by "Little Steven" Van Zandt, Outlaw Country is a sanctuary for the freaks, misfits, outcasts and rebels of country music. Tune in every weekday to hear the rantings of Mojo Nixon, "The Loon in the Afternoon."

My Rebuttal: Hrm. I guess I can see that. This isn't by any means, though, mutually exclusive from the other categories we've heard so far. Meaning, Willie Nelson may very well fit in here...but he also fits in with The Roadhouse.

Sample Playlist:

John Anderson, Let Somebody Else Drive
Bruce Robison, It Came From San Antonio
David Allan Coe, Cheap Thrills
Willie Nelson, Bubbles in My Beer
Dallas Wayne, Bouncin' Beer Cans Off the Jukebox
Van Morrison, Back Street Affair

High Point: I do very much like the Dallas Wayne title above. And it's cool that you can get so many booze-filled songs in one place.

Verdict: Kind of fun, but nothing I could really get into or click with.

Day 46: The Roadhouse

2007-08-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Where it all started. Nothing but classics from Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty, Patsy Cline and more. Legendary music from the Hall of Fame to the Grand Ole Opry...it's what real country music is made of.

My Experience: The further up the dial we go in the country genre, the further back in time we go...and the more I like the music. If we started at "current" country, and proceeded through "retro" country, this can only be described as "classic" country. It reminds me of the stuff my dad used to listen to on the radio before I was even a teenager...so it kind of takes me back. And when you get back that far, you can really start to hear the origins of the music, and the influence of the times. Then you start to see how some of Elvis's tunes weren't that far off from country...

Sample Playlist:

T.G. Sheppard, I Loved 'Em Every One (1981)
Conway Twitty, I Can't Stop Loving You (1972)
John Conlee, Miss Emily's Picture (1987)
Dave & Sugar, The Door is Always Open (1976)
Jim Reeves, Four Walls (1957)
Jerry Lee Lewis, What's Made Milwaukee Famous (1968)

High Point: Getting to hear a song other than Great Balls O' Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis...and finding out that he wrote lyrics like "What's made Milwaukee famous / has made a fool out of me." Nice to see that even back in the '60s they were singing about the unfortunate effects beer can have.

Verdict: Came damn near bookmarking this one, for nostalgia's sake, but honestly can't see me tuning in with any degree of regularity.

Day 45: Prime Country

2007-08-12T23:24:00.001-07:00

According to Sirius: This is where great country music from the '80s and '90s lives. Garth, Reba, Clint Black, Alabama, George Strait all play here. Hear the big country songs that made you a fan over the past two decades.

My Experience: I'm slowly beginning to catch on to the differences between channels, here. So yesterday we had New Country, also known as current hits. Today was kind of a foray into "retro" country...or stuff from the prior two decades. And here I am, with so little music knowledge, that I thought today's stuff was current. At the very least, I was more familiar with the artists from Prime Country.

A Time and a Place for Everything: Um...a country-western bar?

Sample Playlist:

Brooks & Dunn, Rock My World (Little Country Girl)
Keith Whitley, When You Say Nothing At All
Mary Chapin Carpenter, I Feel Lucky
Restless Heart, Why Does It Have To Be
Dixie Chicks, Without You
Garth Brooks, Standing Outside the Fire

High Point: Hearing the above song by Restless Heart...didn't even sound like a country song. Unless I'm thinking of the Mary Chapin Carpenter song. Either way, actually kind of enjoyed it.

Verdict: While I enjoyed it more than yesterday's channel...still not bookmarking it.

Day 44: New Country

2007-08-10T00:25:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Today's biggest country hits from the hottest country superstars. Hear Nashville's #1 hits and exclusive Sirius Buzz Cuts - new country songs you can't hear anywhere else.

My Experience: It's no secret, I've been dreading the hip-hop and country portions of the Sirius dial since I started this experiment...but my first dip into the realm of country music wasn't all that painful. It really got me thinking about what makes something a country song. Is it something immediately identifiable about the music? The instruments? The voice? I mean, not all country singers have a southern twang, and not all have a steel guitar playing counterpoint...it's kind of a tough thing to call. Anyway, I really hadn't heard any of these songs before and thought the idea of exclusive "Buzz Cuts" was pretty nifty.

Sample Playlist:

Rodney Atkins, These Are My People
Tim McGraw, When the Stars Go Blue
Billy Currington, Tangled Up
Sugarland, Want To
Dierks Bentley, Long Trip Alone
Toby Keith, High Maintenance Woman

Moment of the Day: There are perpetual jokes about country music lyrics, and perhaps rightly so. The song High Maintenance Woman, by Toby Keith, tells the tale of a repairman who falls in love with a beautiful woman, in which he laments "I ain't hooked it up yet, / But I'm trying as hard as I can. / It's just a high maintenance woman / Don't want no maintenance man." Sheer poetry.

Verdict: As bearable as today was, the music was still more amusing than listenable. It's just not my genre. At least this slice isn't...

Day 43: Soul Town

2007-08-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Time to get down! Hear all the great soul hits from the '60s, '70s and early '80s. Marvin Gaye, Barry White and Gladys Knight - the legends of classic soul.

My Experience: First off, quite disappointed that I didn't hear any Barry White. I loves me some Barry White. Second...I apologize for calling yesterday's music (Heart & Soul) the "soulful side" of R&B and hip-hop. That wasn't soulful...THIS is soulful. This was music you could just groove to...and, oh yes, I grooved. The big thing that Soul Town had going for it was a healthy dosage of classic Motown. Sure, you had a little modern day Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder...but that's forgiveable when you've got The Temptations, The Four Tops and classic Stevie Wonder.

A Time and a Place for Everything: I really think Motown fits in with any location and situation. And it's music almost everybody has heard of and can relate to.

Sample Playlist:

Smokey Robinson, Cruisin'
Ohio Players, Love Rollercoaster
The Four Tops, The Keeper of the Castle
The Temptations, The Way You Do the Things You Do
The Spinners, I'll Be Around
Lionel Richie & Diana Ross, Endless Love

Verdict: While I was doing some aforementioned "grooving," if this was all Motown, I might have gone for it. There was, though, a bit too much of the stuff from the '70s and '80s for me to enjoy this enough to bookmark it.

Sidenote: And so ends my tour of hip-hop and R&B. It didn't last as long as I thought it would...but next comes...COUNTRY. Wish me luck, kids.

Day 42: Heart & Soul

2007-08-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: The best R&B from today's stars and yesterday's superstars. Your favorite joints from Luther, Brian McKnight, Mary J. Blige, The Gap Band, Prince...it's on Heart & Soul.

My Experience: They forgot Whitney. If there's one thing I'll take away from my two days of Heart & Soul, it's the seemingly never-ending supply of Whitney. Ah, well...my fault for not getting this posted last night. If I had to differentiate this from other channels, it just seemed like the lighter side of hip-hop. Kind of like an SAT question...Sirius Hits 1 is to Starlite as Hip-Hop Nation is to ___________? Yep...Heart & Soul. I forced my co-worker Ben to listen to some of it on the way to lunch today, but enacted Rule Caveat #4, which states that, when accompanied by a passenger in the car, I may choose to instead listen to MP3s I've uploaded into the Sirius Radio device.

A Time and a Place for Everything: American Idol? I dunno...seems like I heard a lot of this stuff being sung by Ruben Studdard and Fantasia.

Sample Playlist:

Chrisette Michele, If I Have My Way
Usher, You Make Me Wanna...
Freddie Jackson, You Are My Lady
Heather Headley, In My Mind
Joe, I Wanna Know
Deniece Williams, Black Butterfly

Verdict: Pass. Sorry. I didn't really care for Starlite, and I don't really care for a more soulful version of it, either.

Sirius Sidebar: Excuses, Excuses...

2007-08-07T00:21:00.000-07:00

Was working late tonight, got in, all ready for bed...and realized I left the list of music in my car. So, I'll deal with another day of Heart & Soul, and will get the report to folks tomorrow.

Day 41: Hot Jamz

2007-08-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: The best Hip-Hop and R&B. From unadulterated crunk to smooth R&B, if it's hot right now, it's on Hot Jamz.

My Experience: This really hasn't been a typical driving week for me. Instead of heading back to my apartment after work, I got to enjoy the rush traffic on the way to visit my buddy Ryan (a frequent commenter on this blog) in North Hollywood. Nothing like sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic with hip-hop blaring out my window. Was like a scene from Office Space.

Anyway, I'm trying to fit Hot Jamz into my overall taxonomy of R&B stations here on Sirius. For me, it was like you took Hip-Hop Nation, and just filtered out everything that you couldn't get away with playing in a club. If you couldn't groove to it, you likely didn't hear it here.

A Time and a Place for Everything: Seemed like this was the station playing in every bar back in college in East Lansing...if it had a dance floor.

Sample Playlist:

Mims, Like This
Kanye West, Can't Tell Me Nothing
Alicia Keys, Karma
Eve, Satisfaction
LL Cool J, Doin' It
Sean Kingston, Me Love

Verdict: I didn't add Hip-Hop Nation, so not very likely to add this.

Day 40: Shade 45

2007-08-03T00:15:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Completely uncensored hip-hop radio created by Eminem and SIRIUS. No filters, no commercial restrictions. On-air hosts and mixers say whatever they want. Shade 45...the hype is real.

My Experience: Listened to this on the way to work on Thursday, but didn't get back from a concert (gotta love The Format) until about 2:00am or so, and didn't have time to do this review, so (per my rules) had to live with the channel for another day.

This was a little heavier than I'm used to...even for hip-hop. If Hip-Hop Nation is more of the mainstream Top 40 stuff, this is the equivalent of hard rock, in my mind. And because I rock out to a mean Eminem at karaoke, I was a little disappointed that I heard no Slim Shady during my time with this channel. Also...got a little tired of hearing about ten minutes straight of listener "shout outs" on the drive to work.

A Time and a Place for Everything: I guess this would be cruising down 8 Mile back in Detroit. Although I don't hail from that side of Michigan, I have plenty of folks who do, so could blast this when visiting.

Sample Playlist:

The Pharcyde, Drop
2Pac f. G-Unit, Loyal to the Game
Young Buc, U Ain't Goin' Nowhere
Lil' Wayne, Haters (La, La, La)
Gang Starr, Check the Technique
T.I. f. Wyclef, You Know What It Is

Verdict: I'm not hating on this music...it's just not my style. I tend to look for music to energize me or calm me down...this music doesn't do either of those.

Sirius Sidebar: Music Made Me (Not) Do It

2007-08-02T02:02:00.001-07:00

So, another missed day this week. So atypical of me. Anyway, just got in from a concert up in Hollywood...was there for 5.5 hours, heard five bands...and it's a bit too late for me to be updating the blog. Will spend two days with the station that I started listening to today, and will report in tomorrow evening.

Day 39: Backspin

2007-07-31T22:56:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Put on your Adidas and your Kangol hat and join the party - you'll hear nothing but the early days of Hip-Hop. Tune in to one of the original pioneers of old skool rap, Kurtis Blow, every weeknight.

My Experience: This was pretty fun to listen to on the way to and from work. I also would have characterized this channel as "old skool rap," which (to me) seems to be largely characterized by more focus on the story of the lyrics (and less emphasis on the music underlying it). Still, most of it I hadn't heard before. Was waiting for some Parents Just Don't Understand, but never got it. Oh, how you let me down, Mr. Smith. Sidenote: I found it kind of odd that this jumped from Ch. 40 to Ch. 43 in the middle of a genre...

A Time and a Place for Everything: When would be the optimal time to listen to this channel? Tough call...I think the head of my department at work would appreciate it, so might tune in if I'm ever driving him anywhere. That guy knows more about "old skool" rap than any white guy should.

Sample Playlist:

Run DMC, It's Like That
MC Hammer, Here Comes the Hammer
Boogie Down Productions, My Philosophy
Kool Moe Dee, Wild Wild West (Remix)
Trouble Funk, Pump Me Up
Cypress Hill, Hand on the Pump

Verdict: Sorry...again. While it was fun to listen to, I can't see myself going back to this with enough regularity to bookmark it.

Sirius Sidebar: Sick Day

2007-07-31T22:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry, folks...had to take Monday off from work, due to some food poisoning from Sunday night. Still not sure if it was poorly cooked bacon-wrapped scallops or if it was some bad spinach and strawberry salad. Either way, it kept me from even getting in the car. Ugh.

Day 38: Hip-Hop Nation

2007-07-29T22:35:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Straight Hip Hop hits 24/7!!! SIRIUS Ch. 40 represents hip hop for the entire country (East Coast, Midwest, Dirty South, and West Coast!!!) It's all here on Hip-Hop Nation!

My Experience: Well, they sure use a lot of exclamation points in that description. Plus, they can't decide whether to hyphenate "hip-hop" or not. Ah, well. So, this channel is basically Sirius Hits 1, but for hip-hop. Even I, who is not a fan of this genre, recognized some of the songs playing today. That having been said, clue into the words "not a fan of this genre." The next week or two is going to be not that enjoyable.

Interesting side note...this is the first time that the Sirius dial has skipped some numbers. Days 1 through 37 coincided with the same numbered Sirius stations. However, I guess there are no channels 38 and 39, so we're gonna be off from here on out.

A Time and a Place for Everything: I'd likely only listen to this channel if my passenger was a big fan of the genre. Other than that, can't think of a specific situation where I'd be more likely to listen to this.

Sample Playlist:

50 Cent, Ayo Technology
Raekwon, Incarcerated Scarfaces
Trillville, Same Cut
Yung Joc, Coffee Shop
Dr. Dre, Xxplosive
Board Bangers, 'Cause the Beat's Hot

Verdict: Sorry...not going to be bookmarking this one.

Day 37: The Strobe

2007-07-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: The sounds that bring you back to the days of glitzy club life and Studio 54. It's yesterday's biggest dance hits and the music that energized a generation. Classic dance lives on at The Strobe!

My Experience: Well, I guess it wasn't my generation that was energized by the music here. Listening to The Strobe was like listening to Totally '70s, but only the disco parts. Okay, to be fair, only about 90% of the music from the disco era...there were some things from the '80s and '90s, too...but for the most part it was a lot of Bee Gees, Abba and Donna Summer. I had quite a bit of driving today, too...and this wore on my nerves pretty quickly.

A Time and a Place for Everything: The only thing I can really think of is some sort of retro disco party, where white polyester suits and gold chains are required attire. Other than that, can't really see anyone tuning regularly into this.

Sample Playlist:

Vicki Sue Robinson, Turn the Beat Around
The Bee Gees, Stayin' Alive
No Mercy, Where Do You Go
Blondie, Rapture
Donna Summer, Heaven Knows
A Taste of Honey, Boogie Oogie Oogie

Verdict: Sorry...not bookmarkin' this one. That having been said, I do have to confess...I did tag one song for download into the Sirius MP3 player attached to my radio: Boogie Shoes by KC and the Sunshine Band. Just couldn't stop groovin' to it in the car.

Day 36: The Beat

2007-07-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Keeping you energized with the biggest dance hits on the planet. Today's hottest songs that always keep the beat going and no ballads - ever.

My Experience: What can I say about The Beat? Well, it's easier to stomach listening to it in the car than, say, Area 33. It's more upbeat than Chill. I guess it's even more upbeat than Boom Box. The stuff you hear on The Beat are those songs you can't get out of your head (like an up-tempo version of Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Out of My Head). Some songs you hadn't heard, and some you had...just put to a more intense beat.

A Time and Place for Everything: While not necessarily something you normally listen to in the car, I have to admit, there is some catchy stuff here, and would likely be a pretty good place to turn if you were feeling down. This is music, though, that you're more likely to run into at a club...and not the kind of club that plays driving techno beats with no lyrics or mash-up after mash-up. Not to stereotype, but I've seen Queer as Folk on Showtime, and can see this music very much fitting in on there. Still...can be very catchy.

Sample Playlist:

ATC, Around the World
Paul Oakenfold, Faster Kill Pussycat
Rihanna, S.O.S.
Madonna, Jump
Kelly Clarkson, Because of You (Dance Remix, of course)
Digital Allies, Without You

Verdict: I was on the fence for a bit (like I am with so many of these channels), but ended up throwing a bookmark its way because we can all use a little audio pick-me-up every now and then.

Day 35: Chill

2007-07-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Take a break in the lounge and wind down with ambient, electronica and downtempo rock in a quiet groove. It's modern mood music that takes the edge off the day.

My Experience: There aren'ta whole lot of channels in the "electronic/dance" category of Sirius, so I knew this one was coming. Some pretty laid back music here...Sirius doesn't use the word "trance," but that's how I'd describe it to someone. Picture some of the slower Moby stuff, or Enigma if that's more your speed.

A Time and Place for Everything: Like some of the other channels in this genre, it's not necessarily stuff you want to be listening to in the car, though. While music from The Coffeehouse was a great way to start the day on your way to work, the music of Chill might be more appropriate for a weekend morning, as you lay in bed, slowly adjusting to the day.

Samply Playlist:

Bitter:Sweet, Dirty Laundry (Tony Middleton Amba Remix)
Charlotte Gainsbourg, AF607105
Moby, Novio
Leftfiend, Melt
The Chemical Brothers, Seal
Incognito, Get Into My Groove (Jazzanova Mix)

Verdict: I was torn on this one. On the one hand, this is music I often like...have always been a fan of the aforementioned Enigma. On the other hand, it isn't necessarily appropriate for driving. That having been said, I ended up bookmarking this...because you never know when Return to Innocence might pop up on the dial.

Day 34: BoomBox

2007-07-23T23:41:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Want an instant party groove? Bring in the Boom!! BoomBox ch. 34 features the world's best breakbeat music fused with slamming electro-rock, classic electronica, and cutting-edge mash-ups!! Non-stop and on-point, the party has just begun BoomBox ch. 34!!

My Experience: First off, does that desription above seem a little longer than usual to you? Well, it is. On the webpage for each Sirius station, there is a brief (usually one line, maybe two) description of the station. Further on, there is a more detailed, lengthy version. Decided to start switching things up and go into more detail, as we get to narrower genres of music.

This is a bit different from the previous Electronic/Dance music station, Area 33. Things are lot more melodic here, and you can actually groove along to a tune, rather than just a driving base beat. Plus, I love mash-ups...nothing like hearing songss by 50 Cent and The Cure mixed together into one cohesive song.

A Time and Place for Everything: While not ideal for the daily commute, I can see BoomBox best being listened to on the way to or from a night on the town in a big city, zipping through highway traffic. Very high energy, and very upbeat.

Sample Playlist:

Ed Solo and Skool of Thought, Believe in the Funk
Wolfmother, Woman (MSTRKRFT Mix)
Filter, Hey Man Nice Shot
Scratch-D and H-Bomb, The Red Pill (Born into Bondage Mix)
Humanzi, Help Me in the Morning (Losers Mix)
John B, American Girls (Electric Boobies Remix)

Verdict: Bookmarked it. Good stuff to just get into and lose yourself in the mix.

For Discussion: What exactly is the difference between a "mix" and a "remix?"

Sirius Sidebar: Campin' Trip

2007-07-20T00:01:00.001-07:00

Just a heads up...the next update will be this coming Monday, after I return from a family reunion/camping trip out in Indiana. Then, it's back to the dance music.

Day 33: Area 33

2007-07-19T23:46:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Trance and progressive house and dance music

My Experience: Well, let's wave goodbye to "rock" and say hello to the "electronic/dance" genre. This pretty much means I'm going to be hopping genres now every five or six days. So, as I switched to Area 33, I was treated to a driving, thumping bass beat all the way to work. Who knew that my car could double as a rave? All I was missing was some glow sticks.

It was interesting, though. The drive in to work was comprised of distinct, isolated songs with actual titles and artists, while the drive home was just a series of very long (at least 20-30 minutes) sets of driving beats, blending from one slightly different track to another. I have to say I preferred the former to the latter. Also, there were lots of tracks that "featured" co-artists (signified by f.), as well the introduction of the "mix."

A Time and a Place for Everything: I was telling one of my co-workers about The Experiment, and how I had finally strayed into the realm of techno, and, being a club-goer, he said that he wouldn't be able to stand listening to that type of music while driving. At a club, sure...but not on the way to work. That having been said, this definitely would have been best enjoyed played at someone's house party, not in a moving vehicle.

Sample Playlist:

Dave Spoon f. Lisa Mafia, Bad Girl at Night
Above and Beyond, Good for Me
Snax, Honeymoon's Over (Konrad Black Mix)
Armin von Buuren f. Victoria Horn, Wait for You
George Acosta, The Reaper
Talla 2xlc, Carry Me (Airbase Mix)

Verdict: This one is a surprise...I had bookmarked this last year when doing The Experiment, but my friend's words carried weight: I really can't see me listening to this much (and I know I didn't over the past year).

Day 32: Sirius Disorder

2007-07-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Adventurous music for grown-ups, from a diversity of styles and eras

My Experience: Now, I'm pretty sure this used to be further down the radio dial, about where Lithium is, so had thought they had gotten rid of it. Seeing it up pop up, then, was a nice little surprise. Now, this is different than Super Shuffle, which plays hits from all the other music stations, in that it plays really random stuff that you might not hear anywhere else. If Super Shuffle is randomness at a 6, Sirius Disorder is at a 10. It's a little odd...but kind of fun...to hear an operatic aria by Maria Callas, followed by Dexy's Midnight Runners (and NOT have it be Come On Eileen).

A Time and a Place for Everything: I can see this channel being used as a drinking game. Divide up genres, drink when yours is played, but you can assign the drink to someone else if you know the song...or something like that.

Sample Playlist:

The Proclaimers, My Old Friend the Blues
Angelique Kidjo, Sedjedo
Dwight Yoakam, I Want You to Want Me
The Grateful Dead, New Speedway Boogie
Treacherous Three, Yes We Can-Can
Ryan Adams, Two

Verdict: Definitely one to bookmark...as I mentioned with Super Shuffle, I'm a fan of randomness, so bring it on.

Day 31: Radio Margaritaville

2007-07-18T00:08:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Escape to Jimmy Buffett's Radio Margaritaville

My Experience: I have to admit it...I let out a small, audible groan as I changed the channel to this one. JB has never been my favorite musician, and I wasn't looking forward to an entire day of his music. As I sat through my third Buffett song, I wondered how they could have a station devoted entirely to his music...but then they started to play some other artists. I was gonna say...it's not like this guy is as prolific as Elvis. My drive home, though, showed me how they fill a lot of time on this station: replays of entire concerts. Wonderful. Also, I wasn't sure how I'd characterize the artists/music that played here...American Tropic, perhaps?

A Time and a Place for Everything: Well, wouldn't normally tune into this on the way to work, but I could see it maybe playing in the background while lounging on the beach, or even maybe on a drive to the beach. But backgrond music.

Sample Playlist:

Jimmy Buffett, Delaney Talks to Statues
Jimmy Buffett, He Went to Paris (New Version)
Jimmy Buffett, Tequila
Paul Simon, Ace in the Hole
Santana, Mother's Daughter
Bob Marley and the Wailers, Put it On
Jimmy Buffett, Live from Alpine Valley, WI (7/10/99)

Verdict: Afraid I'm not going to bookmark this one. While there are a lot of Parrotheads out there, his music just starts blending together in my mind after a bit, and is a bit to corny for my tastes. I have to be careful here, as a good friend LOVES Jimmy, but I think she'll forgive me.

Day 30: The Coffee House

2007-07-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Pull up a funky chair and join us for singer-songwriters and acoustic rock

My Experience: Didn't quite expect this channel this morning. I think I was expecting something still a little more "rock," but we have covered a lot of that already, I suppose. Interestingly enough, this also reminded me a lot of my college days, much like Lithium and Left of Center. We'd go out to Beaner's or Espresso Royale and plop down with a book from English Lit, and something from this channel would invariably be playing over the speakers. It also reminds me of the music that my best friend from high school (at the time, a DJ at his college his radio station) was really into, and that I would hear all the time when hanging out with him.

In Synch: A great way to start the morning, to be honest. Pretty calming stuff to get you ready for the day. I could see myself listening to a song or two from The Coffee House before turning the channel to something a little more upbeat.

Sample Playlist:

Sheryl Crow, If It Makes You Happy
Kate Bush, Rocket Man
Ryan Adams, La Cienga Just Smiled
Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, Circle
Oasis, Wonderwall
Jack Johnson, Upside Down

Verdict: Just remembered that I forgot to bookmark this! Oh, well...will do so in the morning. This is actually the first time I began to look forward to the end of The Experiment, so that I could test my theory that starting the day with music from The Coffee House is a good idea.

For Discussion: We had Beaner's at Michigan State. The cast of Friends had Central Perk. What other "clever" names did your local coffee house's have? Any ideas for new ones?

Day 29: Punk

2007-07-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Anarchy! It's nothing but vintage and new punk rock music.

My Experience: Turned the radio channel, and to my surprise...a new channel! Just like I had no idea that Lithium existed, I had no idea that the simply-named Punk existed, either. I was excited to listen to it...and to see how it differed from my normal punk resource, Faction.

I think that I got more of a true punk experience from listening to Punk (although I do think they need to come up with a new name). While I prefer what I now deem to be "punk-lite," this gave me a look at the roots of the genre, with a lot more classic and "true" punk than I've really been exposed to. One interesting thing I noted, though...punk music tends to be a lot more brief and to the point than other genres. For example, on average, I get to listen to five songs, maybe six, on my ride into work. With Punk, I logged in ten songs...almost twice as many (and on a normal driving day).

In Synch: I was in a pretty upbeat mood on Friday, when I listened to this, so getting to tune into Punk was a pretty good match for how I was feeling.

Sample Playlist:

The Ramones, Rockaway Beach
Dropkick Murphys, Who is Who
Inside Out, Sacrifice
Orange, Stars
Fear, Gimme Some Action
T.S.O.L., Property is Theft

Verdict: This was a close call...while I didn't get to hear a lot of the punk that I like on this channel, I did hear stuff that was more true to the genre, so I decided to bookmark it and ed-u-ma-cate myself on it.

Day 28: Faction

2007-07-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: Rock, punk, hip-hop and more, especially for action sports fans.

My Experience: Another pleasant surprise on the Sirius dial. While I'm not a huge fan of hip-hop, I do like some of the more mainstream punk music out there (some call it power pop, some call it pseudopunk), such as Blink-182, Green Day and My Chemical Romance...and Faction carried some similar music. I'm not a huge extreme sports fan, so the whole Tony Hawk aspect of Faction (he hosts a radio show here, as do several other extreme sports icons) doesn't appeal to me, other aspects certainly do.

In Synch: The music of Faction woke me up for the drive in to work, but afterwards, I was exhausted and painfully full from a business dinner, and I didn't need the fast-paced music so much. Luckily, the drive home was less music and more radio talk show as professional skateboard and motocross rider Jason Ellis just chatted it up with callers.

Sample Playlist:

Switchfoot, Oh! Gravity
Nonpoint, Bullet with a Name
Linkin Park, Bleed It Out
Sublime, Date Rape
Sum 41, March of the Dogs
Tiger Army, Forever Fades Away

Verdict: Probably not much of a surprise that I bookmarked this, but I'm going to have to spend more time listening to it than I did in the past because even in my limited time listening to it today, I found a couple new artists I need to check out further.

Day 27: Hard Attack

2007-07-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: The heaviest metal, on or off the planet, from the ones who created it all the way to the ones that are perfecting it today

My Experience: Finally! I knew there was a channel like this out there. Sure, at first I thought Buzzsaw was the one...but that was just "classic hard rock." Then came Octane. Surely that would be the heavy metal station, but no...that was "pure hard rock." There was a brief foray into hair bands and alternative music...but then Hard Attack hit me and I knew I'd found the station that would make my ears bleed.

Now, I typically don't like scream/death/acid metal...but I've got a couple good friends back home in Michigan who live and breathe this stuff, so it did put me in kind of a nostalgic mood. Miss you guys!

In Synch: This was a little hard to wake up and drive to work to, but after working later than usual (8pm), I was a little punch-drunk, and actually cranked it up to relieve some stress. Good times, and a good match for my mood.

Sample Playlist:

Death Angel, Seemingly Endless Times
Slipknot, The Nameless
Ozzy Osbourne, Mr. Crowley (Live)
Immortal, Blashyrkh (Mighty Raven Dark)
Exhumed, Open the Abscess
Napalm Death, Forced to Fear

Verdict: While it reminded of good friends who live far away, it's a bit too screamy for me to bookmark as a favorite. You gotta love their names, though.

Day 26: Left of Center

2007-07-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

According to Sirius: The best in college, indie, alternative and underground rock

Driving Circumstances: Spent a bit longer in the car today, as I had to detour about an hour for a trip to the eye doctor, again.

My Experience: I believe when I turned the channel to see what I would be listening to today, my response was a vocal, "Oh, nice!" I had forgot that Left of Center existed on the Sirius dial, and it's always been a favorite. Much like Lithium reminded me of my days in the dorms of Michigan State, Left of Center runs a parallel path to that, reminding me of the times I'd listen to the college radio station (The Impact) while driving around campus. I'd discovered all sort of music I hadn't heard before thanks to The Impact, and you'd eventually hear some of it on the more mainstream stations, so I always felt a little ahead of the curve because of it.

Sample Playlist:

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, The Sons of Cain
Cloud Cult, Take Your Medicine
Lou Barlow, Holding Back the Year
Entrance, Cocaine Blues
Travis, Closer
Sonic Youth, Candle

Verdict: In honor (once again) of my college days, I bookmarked this.