A Month of Lists - Chicago Radio

Don't have satellite radio? Neither do I. Want to hear quality music as you drive around Deerfield? Me too! So, continuing our Month of Lists, here are my picks for good listening in Chicagoland. All stations are on the FM dial.

WFMT, 98.7
The only classical music station in Chicago, their knowledgeable announcers bring a diversity of fine music to the airwaves. Programs include Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts and "Introductions," a program that features local teen talent. Recently, a Highland Park HS student composer was profiled.

WDCB, 90.9
This is the only station still playing a lot of jazz. From dawn to dusk, you can hear everything from swing to bop to soul jazz. The station is down at the College of DuPage, so the signal isn't great, but it's worth the occasional static.

WXRT, 93.1
I've been listening to XRT on and off for 30-some years. They were cutting edge in the 70s and 80s, helping bands like R.E.M. and The Replacements gain greater recognition. They still have a great mix of classic tunes and new alternative music, even if they are a bit less adventuresome than they were in the day.

WDRV "The Drive," 97.1 and 96.9
My guilty pleasure, The Drive plays classic rock. You won't hear nearly the varied playlist that you get on XRT, but sometimes I just need a quick shot of The Who or Supertramp.

WBEZ, 91.5 This is Chicago's main public radio station, so you'll hear a ton of talk all day long. It's my morning commute choice as I check in with the events of the day. They used to have outstanding jazz all night long, but they gave that up several years ago. They do, however, have some fine music programs: Sound Opinions ("the world's only rock and roll talk show) on Saturday mornings at 11:00, and world music on Friday nights.