XM-Sirius Merger

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On XM SPA: Channel 72

Some say “hot tub”, but my friend says “Shhhhhpppaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.” But this post is about music – not about the comfort of warm water and jet action.

For whatever reason, my posts on XM radio are popular, so hear are some thoughts about XM channel 72 (Sirius Channel 73), SPA, which replaced XM’s AudioVisions (Channel 45) during the XM’s post-merger channel reorganization.

New Age music is peaceful, melodic music of various styles. Think of music for yoga, massage, and relaxation; but think beyond the tinkly-a-boos or nature-oriented sounds. New Age is most commonly instrumental, both electronic or acoustic forms, and featuring sounds from a variety of cultures; however, it can be upbeat.

Here are some thoughts about Spa

  • New Age followers will find some familiar artists on SPA as Kitaro, Hans Zimmer, David Lanz Vangelis, Yanni, and George Winston
  • SPA seems to integrate a sense a down-tempo, melodic, contemporary sound, whereas AudioVisions was more committed to New Age
  • SPA still provides tickly-a-boos, but probably less frequent than AudioVisions
  • A tagline: SPA – A soundtrack of peace

Although AudioVisions was my second favorite station on the old XM, I still listen to SPA … and it’s still #2 – but I prefer AudioVisions over SPA.

Since not everyone has XM or Sirius radio, here’s a New Age music tip. I enjoy listening to Echoes (on NPR) as I go to sleep. Click here to find a station near you carrying Echoes.