Life of full of good news/bad news events – after all, every situation has plusses and minuses. This past September I received good news that I would be involved in an 11-month project starting in October. Bad news is the work is 70 miles away.
I accepted the work, thus spend more time than I prefer in a car. Friends ask me if I listen to books on the road. Although I good idea, I tell them that XM radio is my reliable companion. Since I appreciate many types of music, XM allows me to select the music that is best for the time of day, travel conditions, and my mood. Besides, I enjoy hearing music that I do not know. Here is my primary listening choices, listed by channel number (not preference).
XM 32 – The Message
Playing contemporary Christian music that is more electric and pop than I realized, The Message offers me inspirational words of faith and hope through music that causes me to reflect and even at times pray. I admit that I had only heard of a few artists before becoming a listener, but this music has been a pleasant surprise.
XM 45 – Spectrum
To me, Spectrum offers contemporary rock for adults. It’s not heavy, but not pop – yet a blend of artists that I know and others that are new to me. Plus, some of the original MTV VJs host.
XM 51 – Coffee House
I’m not a coffee drinker, but I can imagine sitting in a coffeehouse listening to acoustic versions of hits by the original artists or original tunes by local artists that probably won’t make it to the national scene. Although Coffee House does not feature songs from the latter, I thought the description would help describe the music.
XM 72 – Spa
Spa attacks the new age side of me as I really like the music. Whether at the end of a hectic day or when taking precautions by driving slower on slick, snow-covered roads, Spa’s music selection gives me a sense of calm … a journey into tranquility. Besides, it is also quick access to some interesting music on neighboring stations.
XM 73 – Simply Sinatra
The channel of crooners – whether Mel Torme, Sammy Davis Jr, or Nat King Cole – or modern day crooners as Michael Buble or Harry Connick Jr – female artists from the past as Peggy Lee or Rosemary Cloney – or every fifth song by Frank Sinatra – this channel takes me back to an era of nightclubs and fox trots.
XM 74 – Bluesville
Although I listen to this the least of the listed, certain blues offers a beat that I enjoy. Although I recognize the artists, others catch my ear and cause the toes to tap – such as Tab Benoit’s Too Sweet for Me.
XM 134 – NPR Now
I like learning and think, so talk shows can provide that avenue – but listening to some talk-show hosts is difficult. Listening to callers can be worse. Sometimes I treat my cerebral side by tuning in to hear intelligent conversations about a topic. Oh my, this can be quite enlightening.
Traveling on Air Tran airlines introduced me to XM radio. Two years ago, I purchased a new car offering free XM for 3 months. I loved it and have been an avid listener (only in the car) ever since. Click here to read other posts I’ve written about XM radio.
A Frank Angle 