Isn’t Life Strange?

Thanks to my friend Dave, who blogs at DeckMonster.com (not that anyone would know it lately!), I am now addicted to another toy on the Internet. 

Dave has introduced me to many good things over the years, including TiVo, the music of Barenaked Ladies, Thai food, "burritos as big as your head", NetVibes, more video games than can be mentioned, and the list goes on and on.   During a conversation last night he introduced me to a very exciting web site featuring a technology that absolutely blows my mind - and it’s completely free. 

If you love music like I love music, do yourself a favor and check out Pandora Radio, a web site that allows you to create your very own radio station.  Start by choosing a favorite artist or song.  You will hear a complete song by the artist you selected and then the fun begins.  Pandora Radio will then begin playing similar music.  

For example, I was in the mood to listen to some 60’s pop music so I entered the artist "The Association".  The station first played a song by that band, but in the past couple of hours I have heard music by many of their contemporaries and those artists that may share a similar characteristic.  Since that first song, I have heard music by The Grass Roots, The Four Seasons, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, The Turtles, The Monkees, The Hollies, The Guess Who, Herman’s Hermits, and many many more.  Many of the songs are considered classics.  Some are a bit obscure. 

Users can also add multiple artists to a station.  I’ve not tried that yet as I have very much enjoyed what has been chosen for me based upon my one selection.  To be honest, I’m fascinated with it.

Audio quality is superb.  I’ve had no interruptions or flaws in the audio stream and it sounds as if I am playing music right from my hard drive. 

Sprint and AT&T customers can access their radio stations from select cell phones, and there are also radios and component pieces that can be purchased and placed throughout the home so your listening experience can be independent of the computer.  A wireless connection to the Internet is required, however. 

If you enjoy listening to music and are willing to take a bit of a musical journey, I encourage you to try Pandora Radio.  It’s simply the best Internet radio experience I’ve found.