BEST RADIO STATION

Indie 103

More like the adventurous rock stations of the Seventies than its current ultracorporate competitors, Los Angeles' Indie 103.1 has challenged the city's alt-rock powerhouse, KROQ, with broader playlists, fewer commercials and DJs who have cool taste and a distinctive point of view. The station, which also broadcasts online at indie1031.com, gives listeners the early jump on artists such as Tokyo Police Club and Black Lips, and also offers up NPR favorites like Feist and Bright Eyes, and album cuts from veterans including Morrissey and the Smashing Pumpkins. The station's most popular shows are hosted by Henry Rollins, the Sex Pistols' Steve Jones, the Crystal Method and actor Danny Masterson, all of whom select their own tunes. "People wanna hear good music, and in the past few years, Indie 103 has become the only station that matters out here for good music," says Masterson, who hosts Feel My Heat on Monday nights with his friend Brent Bolthouse. "I think it's the best station on the planet, actually." JENNY ELISCU

WWOZ
90.7 FM wwoz.org
This listener-supported New Orleans station celebrates the city's glorious musical heritage, focusing on jazz, soul, blues and Cajun music.

WSOU
89.5 FM wsou.net
Run by students, Seton Hall University's WSOU plays the loudest of the loud in alt-rock, metal, hardcore, punk and prog, from Meshuggah to the Mars Volta.

KEXP
90.3 FM kexp.org
Reggae, rockabilly and twang specialty shows mix with a spot-on indie-rock playlist at this long-running Seattle community station, now also in New York at 91.5 FM.

WRAS
88.5 FM wras.org
Georgia State University's high-wattage student-run station has had one of college radio's most credible indie-rock playlists since back when college radio mattered.

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