Sirius and XM, the nation’s two satellite radio providers, merged in 2008 after a long government approval process. And it wasn’t just the companies that merged-the programming merged as well, allowing subscribers from either service to sample offerings that were previously exclusive to the competition. The strength of satellite radio has always been that it offers content not available on your terrestrial radio dial. Here are the five best stations that listeners found on Sirius and XM in 2008. And I’d bet my 8-track collection you won’t find them on your AM/FM dial:
Top 5 Sirius XM Radio Stations of 2008, #5: Bluegrass Junction, Sirius 65, XM 14
Bluegrass music, born in Ireland and brought to the hollows of the Appalachian Mountains by 18th and 18th century immigrants, is tough to find in most radio markets. Bluegrass Junction brings the fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and other tools of the trade to life anywhere in America. And I’d bet my dobro that unless you live in coal country, you won’t hear music this good on your morning commute.
Top 5 Sirius XM Radio Stations of 2008, #4:Blue Collar Radio, Sirius 103, XM 148
This is a guilty pleasure. Say what you will about Larry the Cable Guy. Sure, he’s fat. He’s gross. He’s stupid. He dresses like a reject from plumber school. But doggone it, he’s funny. Mix in a few vintage country and southern comedy classics and a healthy dose of Bill Engvall and Jeff Foxworthy, and you’ve got Blue Collar Radio. That is, if you’re wearing a shirt.
Top 5 Sirius XM Radio Stations of 2008, #3: Bloomberg Radio, Sirius 130, XM 129
Only on satellite radio could you follow Blue Collar Radio with Bloomberg Radio. Want screaming day traders? Look somewhere else. The satellite voice of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s empire, Bloomberg Radio provides panic-free, no-hype financial information from the best economic minds in the world. With expert analysis and market updates every few minutes, Bloomberg is where people who want sound financial advice and rational news go on their satellite dial.
Top 5 Sirius XM Radio Stations of 2008, #2: 80’s on 8, Sirius 8, XM 8
Big hair, valley girls, Michael Jackson, and the best pop music since four lads from Liverpool made a splash on the charts. Maybe it’s because everybody’s saying the Reagan Era is over, but these tunes make me nostalgic for my youth. The occasional sitcom theme and your favorite DJ’s from MTV’s early years give this station that authentic 80’s feel. Totally radical!
Top 5 Sirius XM Radio Stations of 2008, #1: Radio Margaritaville, Sirius 31, XM 55
The holiday shopping season is here, and that can only mean one thing: cold weather. And cold weather always makes me long for a sandy beach, a perfect sunset, a cold drink, and a little Jimmy Buffet playing in the background. I wanna go where it’s warm! All your favorite Buffet tunes plus the best island and vacation music will have you mentally checking into Margaritaville in no time. Turn off the hockey game and tune in.
