Thursday, November 17, 2005

Dear SprayOnSalt,
Our DirectTV service has just switched its music service to Satellite radio music. We are miserable not only with the poorer selection of music but with having to listen to DJ chatter. Any suggestions about other ways to get a music only service? Our favorites were from the 50's and 60's.
Thanks,
Joyce and Ron,

It looks like DirecTV recently switched their music-only station provider from Music Choice to XM Satellite Radio. DirecTV probably sees this shift as an improvement because of the name recognition of XM and the recent, widely publicized move of high-profile radio personalities away from the Clear Channel radio monopoly to satellite radio. Additionally, XM and Sirius Satellite Radio are in a big battle for ears right now and being able to claim all of DirecTV's customers as listeners (whether they are or not) is a big coup for XM.

None of that helps your problem with the offerings from XM. Unfortunately, it looks like you may inescapably be the victim of corporate deal-making since most people see satellite radio as the only remedy for the pathetic offerings that over-the-air radio now delivers. When the alternative isn't acceptable (while satellite radio is generally commercial free, it is rarely DJ free), your last option these days is the Internet. More on that in a minute, but first some details about what XM does offer. Channel 5 (802 through DirecTV) is the '50s channel and its playlist and schedule can be found on XM's site here. They do have regular programs, some of which -- the Doo Wop Show, perhaps? -- might be interesting. Channel 6 (803 on DirecTV) covers the '60s and once again has its own schedule of shows. The most intriguing series is definitely the remastered originals of the Wolfman Jack Show which run every evening but Saturday. If you are bothered by the switch to XM, I would recommend registering your complaint with DirecTV through their website form. I doubt it will make them switch back, but at least they will know you are dissatisfied. You might have more luck getting XM to improve their broadcasts. Tell them that you find their DJ's annoying and suggest a music-only option.

Many people are avoiding commercial radio and satellite radio altogether (myself among them) by looking to the Internet for streaming or podcast options. Apple's iTunes offers several streaming "stations" under the "Radio" tab in the player, including several that specialize in '50s and '60s music. The quality of the connection and the station can vary widely, so it is worth experimenting. For podcasts, my new addiction, iTunes has added a "Podcast" tab and a directory within their music store. A podcast is a (generally free) music file that is downloaded automatically to your computer as soon as it is posted by its creator. Once there, you can listen to it any time you want or transfer it to your iPod for listening on the go. Just about anyone can make these shows as is clear by the quantity of junk out there. Best to use the Top 100 list on iTunes or go to a place like PodcastAlley where users rate these shows. Unfortunately, you aren't going to find too much music because of draconian rules put in place by the RIAA, but there are some notable exceptions. Coverville is always excellent and is one of my personal favorites. One nice thing about podcasts is that there is a very good chance a show exists for whatever it is you are interested in: knitting, fishing, cooking, gardening -- you name it.