Maybe some of you work like I do — at a computer all day, building web sites and talking to the little people inside your computer, but you enjoy a bit of background noise. Some tunes.
I really love iTunes. We have it on both the Macs and PCs here and we can share playlists on our network. I buy songs as well as listen to the radio. But I had a hard time finding a station I enjoyed consistently and people within listening range were really, really tired of the songs in my library. I don't like run of the mill top 40 stuff at all (does radio still do something called top 40?). Recently I discovered a radio station that works for me about 90% of the time — Radio Paradise. You don't have to listen with iTunes, you can go to their website to see the other ways to listen.
It's the most interesting eclectic mix. I honestly have no idea what to call it. On iTunes, they have it listed under the category of Alt/Modern Rock but that's not at all where I would put it. Sure, they play some Fountains of Wayne, Coldplay, Wilco, Death Cab for Cutie and similar, but they also play Peter Gabriel, Norah Jones, Guster, Tori Amos, Patti Smith, Dido, Beatles, Beck, Talking Heads, REM, Doors, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blue Man Group, Rollling Stones and at times they'll even play some old blues, Frank Sinatra or Reggae/International-flavored stuff. How are you going to categorize that list? It's not one genre. And I don't like just one genre. One of the best things is, they're listener supported, so there are no commercials.
Sometimes, they play music in grouped themes. Kinda like in the old days when radio was really DJ's spinning the tunes and not simply corporations marketing the latest 20 songs. (Showing my age again…) They have playlists for the past few days on their site, just in case you want to look for something you heard there. They have areas where you can discuss the music with other people (I never seem to find time for that). They link to the albums on Amazon and, just recently, when iTunes started their affiliate program, RP started linking the songs to the iTunes store as well. In case you simply want to buy single songs. Very cool. If you're bored with your playlist, can't find a station that caters to your eclectic tastes, check out Radio Paradise. It makes those clients ever so much easier to deal with.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice, Steph. Listening to it now.
Who are the Beatles and the Rolling Stones?
Well, just some old dudes. You wouldn’t know them.
Stephanie,
I’m in your debt for posting this link. I’ve had this on since 07:30 (it’s 16:00 now) and I love it. My tastes in music are very eclectic and this station caters for them perfectly. No gregorian chants yet, but it wouldn’t suprise me if they did play some. I may even have to make a donation I’m so impressed.
Peter… I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it.
I tried to write you at your address, but it bounced back to me. Anyway, yes, after a month of listening to Radio Paradise, I did send them $10 from my PayPal account. 
I mean, after listening for about 12 hours a day, how could I not! If they dissappeared I would be very sad. 
Hi Stephanie,
Sorry about the email, it was down most of the day yesterday. My host is at least honest and is quick to hold the hand up when they have a problem, which is cool with me.
So on my second day of Paradise Radio I’m still just as impressed and am trying very hard to stay out of the forums… but I did start on a design for an avatar
I think it would take me about two seconds to make a decision to run a UK branch if the offer ever came up. What a cool way to make a living.
Cheers
Peter
Hey Stephanie
I have been listening to RP for over a year now. Helps me through some tough days. You would never hear much of this stuff on commercial FM radio, that’s for sure.
P.S I’m in Raleigh/Durham not too far from the coast. How’s life in Wilmington?