Radio has made a strange sort-of come back. Streaming services, apps, iTunes and the seemingly endless potential of the internet has helped radio transition rather gracefully into the digital age. You can still turn on a radio, flip to a certain channel and find stations, but it’s the ability or perhaps the willingness to adapt that has helped bring the other older model radio shows into the future. They have been joined by countless podcast and live streams all of which are as accessible as wifi.

One thing hasn’t changed. Whether a show is being beamed to you through your car stereo or through your phone via your Stitcher account, there’s still one common factor: sound. Radio is still something you just listen to. It hasn’t added another sense or dimension. You just listen. The same way you just listen to an album. It’s a simple interaction, but can leave such an impression. A good song can make you cry, laugh or turn off your iPod. The same goes for radio. Here are a couple good shows worth a listen:

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Hosts of NPR’s All Songs Considered Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton also record smaller segments, the most recent being about Record Store Day. They two covered what releases to keep an eye out for. Their longest, more regular series All Songs Considered is also worth checking out. It’s a good resource when trying to sort of the week’s essential listens.

All Songs Considered at SXSW

The Mike Herrera Hour
Idobi Radio airs a segment of MXPX’s Mike Herrera podcast, The Mike Herrera Podcast, on Fridays at 20:00 ET. The shortened version, known as The Mike Herrera Hour, is the first hour of Herrera’s show, but features the same mix of conversation. Tune in to hear a seasoned and well-respected musician discuss culture, tech, travel politics and of course music. With its refreshingly frank manner, there’s no way Herrera’s radio presence will go the way of the buffalo.

Hi My Name Is Mark
Blink-182 bassist Mark Hoppus hosts this podcast somewhat infrequently, but installments are always worth the wait. Hoppus started recording and posting episodes of “just music and thoughts and whatever” when the band was on hiatus and has continued much to the delight of both Blink and radio fans. The HMNIM podcast has since grown in followers, who now gather around their speakers await the answers to life’s important questions, like “What the hell is a Matt Skiba?”

Full Frontal

Sideshow’s Full Frontal features pop punk band All Time Low’s vocalist/guitarist Alex Gaskarth and Jack guitarist Barakat. Known for their crude humor and rather imaginative conversations, the two musicians have hosted Full Frontal for several seasons now. Taping from the back of their tour bus or really wherever they can set up, the two banter openly and honestly in a way that makes you feel like you’re talking to friends… albeit somewhat immature friends. Their most recent installment just kicked off their fourth season and features news about the band’s must recent album Future Hearts as well as other musings.