It’s easy for me to say good things about alternative, freeform, commercial free radio. Hearing Michael Jackson in the middle of a Monday afternoon while driving in my car makes me happy, and when it happened recently I called 994-4492, KGLT’s request line number that I’ve had memorized for many years, to let the DJ’s know. I’ve heard of radio music directors who do not include MJ in the rotation, outright refuse, but there is none of that at KGLT. Once a DJ has completed their nine week apprenticeship they are let loose to play the music of their choice as a substitute DJ and eventually on their own three hour show. From Michael Jackson to The Grateful Dead, Duke Ellington to MGMT, The Aquabats to Van Morrison it’s all on KGLT all the time.

I really like ‘accidentally’ hearing listeners personals, Chrysti the Wordsmith and Stardate; they are original, intelligent, and help me feel connected to the world and our community. Through out the week there are a couple of shows on KGLT that I try to catch every time they are on, they may or may not be your cup of tea, but I like them.

On Monday’s I love to listen to This American Life. This American Life host Ira Glass is a radio storyteller who has created a different kind of radio that gives insight into all sorts of topics. The best part of TAL is the interpersonal connection found in the interviews with real Americans. TAL is insightful and culturally broad, a couple of weeks ago I heard Hannah from Bozeman MT sharing her story about coincidence. A few weeks before a school in Chicago was featured for its continuing violence…TAL is like KGLT; you aren’t quite sure what you might hear, but it is certain to grab your attention.

Following up my Monday on KGLT I do like to catch Rachel Hergett & Missy O’Malley’s Magic Monday Show. This is the show that recently made my day with Mr. Jackson, and often keeps my attention with some funky tunes dug out of the stacks. On Tuesdays Ellen, the 2012 Year Old Man, and Bob Butts keep the tunes rockin. Then comes Wednesday, and as I pick my kid up from school I rarely miss at least a taste of the Coffee Show. Wednesday’s ride home is usually the quietest of the week as my first greater attempts to decipher the deep lyrics of this self proclaimed “best radio show ever”. I rarely have heard any of the songs played on the Coffee Show, but they make me smile, and the friendly comedic banter of the DJ’s cracks me up and gives me hope for funny people everywhere. The end of the week has been bringing good rock and roll during my listening hours, and I know I can catch something taped live by a local from time to time in the evening on Saturdays. I don’t make resolutions in January, but did make a conscience decision sometime in the last year and a half to play KGLT on my car stereo as much as possible, this has been an easy resolution not to break, and is easy on the ears.

Even when you are far from your Bozeman home you can enjoy the tunes of KGLT. In Montana the airwaves reach Livingston, Helena and Gardiner/Mammoth. Worldwide KGLT streams 24/7 at www.kglt.net so you can listen on your smartphone, tablet or computer anywhere, anytime.

Through the middle of April KGLT will be asking listeners to donate to it’s annual fund drive. Incentives include t-shirts, ski passes, locally made ceramic mugs, concert tickets and WAY more. If you love KGLT, the idea of freeform radio, supporting local stuff, or just music in general consider it your duty to contribute in some way to KGLT’s fund drive this year and every year.

KGLT “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing”.

Angie Ripple is the publisher of Bozeman Magazine. Her radio career began and ended at KERR/KQ92 in northwestern Montana in the mid-90’s where she did the weather and babysat the station overnight.