Navigation

Reader: The Radio Here Is Very Bland, Catering to the Blander "Denver Sound"

Yes, people still listen to music the old-fashioned way...and here's what they should listen to on the radio.
Image: man in tie-dyed shirt with radio
CU Boulder senior Oliver McKinney in the Radio 1190 offices. Radio 1190

We’re $400 away from our summer campaign goal,
with just 1 day left!

We’re ready to deliver—but we need the resources to do it right. If Westword matters to you, please take action and contribute today to help us expand our current events coverage when it’s needed most.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal
$17,000
$16,600
Share this:
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

Yes, people still listen to music on the radio the old-fashioned way — by using a tuner to dial up a station that broadcasts by way of an antenna. And despite the prevalence of online or satellite services, streaming apps, podcasts and more, metro Denver continues to boast dozens of outlets that offer a variety of sounds for your listening pleasure.

Which ones are worth your time? We just dialed up our list of "The Twelve Best Radio Stations for Music in Denver." And as might be expected, the Westword Facebook page got plenty of static from commenters. Says Joel:
Radio? That still exists?
Responds Ciara:
I listen to the radio. I prefer the spontaneity of it.
Adds Carolyn: 
I love radio in the car.
Offers Heather:
Good, you listed most my favorites! I prefer radio for sure. I love the Latin Soul Party on Friday nights from 8-12 on KUVO! Those guys crack me up and always play great music like Santana, Selena, Los Lonely Boys, Tiera, WAR, Los Lobos, and other cruzin' tunes!
Suggests Mat:
Um, KGNU has the best music. And an online stream and archive of shows if you find one you like. Look it up: there are so many good shows, with every kind of not-mainstream music. It should have been your first listing.
Wonders Michael:
How could any radio list not include KBCO? Yeah, it’s owned by corporate suits out of San Antonio and run out the Denver Tech Center rather than Boulder. But still a mainstay. With Keefer, Brett Saunders and the estimable Robbyn Hart, it’s as much a Denver/Boulder institution as anything I can think of. 
Comments Bill:
Indie Rock and Alternative aren’t different genres, and who actually believes Adult Contemporary and Pop aren’t loving bedfellows? I see no mention of Dance or Metal on this list. The radio here is very bland, catering to the even blander “Denver Sound.” Do better, Westword.
Do you listen to the radio? What are your favorite Denver stations? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].