Dip Your Ears Into Sound Worlds With Counterstream

A new service called Counterstream hasn't quite launched yet (it's due to go live in 2007) but its beta service is already turning out to be a really incredible experience in discovering and reacquainting yourself with some of America's most eccentric musical geniuses.

Counterstream is your online home for exploring the music of America's composers. The only principle that defines the music we broadcast is that it's never about the bottom line: this is music created with no regard for anyone who says, "You can't do that!" Dip your ears into sound worlds that are as likely to involve a symphony orchestra as a motley collection of automobile engines and car horns. Keep listening and discover the sound of music without limits.

Late yesterday when I listened to Counterstream, I heard John Cage, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Philip Glass, all for free. Right now as I listen, it's Charles Jones, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Easley Blackwood, Ben Johnston and Jeffrey Mumford. Each song that plays has a 'Buy' link next to it, which I assume you'll eventually be able to click to purchase songs from that artist, but doesn't seem to work yet.

Check it out. I'm very impressed so far.

Counterstream Radio [Official Site]