Best Podcasts for Summer Drives

July 2, 7:56 AMPhoenix Music ExaminerEric Snyder

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If you are heading out of town this coming 4th of July weekend or later this summer, you are going to need some new tunes to fuel your long drives.  However, if you haven't heard the economy is in a little bit of trouble and this might prevent you from picking up the latest release from your favorite bands.  So if you are feeling like hearing something new, instead of your same old collection, FREE podcasts are a great way to go.  Just load up your iPod or even burn a few onto CDs if you need to.
Although you can get them from many places, the iTunes store is the best place to grab lots and keep them organized.  I recently started digging back through the massive collection and picked out some great ones.  Subscribe to them, but the key is to also download a handful of previous episodes so you have plenty to listen to.


NPR: All Songs Considered
If you are thinking of NPR as just a radio station where old people go to hear there news read in monotone voices, you are sorely mistaken.  NPR has a variety of shows to offer all kinds of listeners.  All Songs Considered's host Bob Bollen spins an eclectic mix of mostly newer tracks by well known and relatively unknown artists.  Bollen's taste is impeccable and if you like one song, you will probably like the next one.  From Wilco to R.E.M. to Regina Spektor, you are in good hands and you get a little info about the performer and/or song along the way. Maybe even check out the latest episode guest hosted by Bjork. Also, check out the Live Concert spin-off for full performances from great artists.
On the iTunes Store
Visit the Website

Bands Under The Radar
Hosted by Kami Knake this podcast is non stop tunes. The first thing you will notice is the pure length of these things (usually clocking in around 2 hours).  In short, BUTR (read: butter) gives you just what the name promises.  It feels like you are listening to Kami's personal iPod as she shuffles through some of her favorite songs by her favorite artists.  Although you might catch a familiar song by Chris Issak or even Rascal Flatts (please forgive her), mostly you will hear songs that get your toe tapping or heart breaking, and you will wonder just who it is by.  With the likes of indie bands Manchester Orchestra and Great Northern you will create quite a list of ones to check out. I even discovered a new band named Hockey with the perfect summer tune, "Song Away".  And yes, go ahead and pat yourself on the back for recognizing a 'band under the radar' before Kami tells you who it was.
On the iTunes Store
Visit the Website


Lyrics Undercover
Something a little different, this show hosted by Brian Ibbott (written by Dianne Cooke) takes a closer look at familiar songs and the artists behind them.  With each episode starting off with a short bio of the performer, you will find yourself a sudden pop culture whiz kid with fun facts about popular artist.  Each podcast continues with a few clips of the chosen song with some facts and history about the lyrics themselves.  If you ever wanted to know the names of David Bowie's early bands or what member of The Police "Don't Stand So Close to Me" is about, download a dozen of these jems. With each episode only diving into one song it easy to scroll through the archive and dig up the ones you are curious about.  I even found a humorous story about how Bob Dylan was accused of plagiarizing his breakthrough song, "Blowing in the Wind".
On the iTunes Store
Visit the Website