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88.5 WRAS - Album 88
Category: Mass Media Radio Stations Radio Stations [Edit]
33 Gilmer St SESte 280
Atlanta, GA 30303
Neighborhood: Downtown
(404) 651-2240
- Nearest Transit:
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Georgia State
Five Points
Peachtree Center
44 reviews for 88.5 WRAS - Album 88
44 reviews in English
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Review from Christin K.
Atlanta, GA
4/6/2012
I'm pretty stingy with my 5 stars, but WRAS gets 5 stars for a few good reasons.
I don't always like what I hear (like video game music?! or Screamo Hardcore?) But I do know that if I tune in again within a few hours, I will hear something that I really might like. and Lets face it, I'm no longer the indie snob I used to be, I listen to top 40 and mainstream rap (Love that shit), but I can't listen to it all the time. Also my car is old and I'm too lazy to get a hookup for my ipod and too lazy to burn cds (also who burns cds any more.. ok ok i did burn the last kanye album.. and lady gaga.. but I digress...) so the point is that I do listen to the radio a lot.
Also I drive a lot, being that I live in Chatty and I'm from GA and come back nearly every weekend, there is LOT of radio that is played. This time coming back up, I was so happy to discover that WRAS still played at nearly Dalton!! This reaches farther than some other radio stations (ehem top 40s people!). It was a hip hop section, not trap music, just some good hip hop. It was good to the point I risked texting and driving to tell my friend "WRAS is really good right now". I need to look that up.. sunday nights, 12-2 or something.
So also the other thing about this station: the djs. The djs are not screaming into the mic about some new vodka that is sponsoring them. The djs are usually fumbling over their words and kinda weird on the mic like most college djs (well from my experience from those radio snobs at UGA), but I kinda like that. And they just have a few PSA's, no long annoying ads.
I like that you hear a lot of unknown artists (you better write that shit down too between lights), and you can hear more mainstream, or just whatever. Its like a gigantic salad bowl of music with salad drssing made out of more music.
I feel like its more un-adulterated and stripped from the hype of regular radio.
I don't listen to it all the time, but I like what it stands for and the variety.
Also thanks A C. for the streaming to itunes, I just did and its playing on my computer right now! -
Review from Sia G.
Chattanooga, TN
4/24/2012
on my dial as soon as I'm in reach till I'm outta reach.
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Review from A C.
Atlanta, GA
9/15/2011
You can in fact listen to it in itunes, heres how:
1) While in itunes go to the ADVANCE drop down menu and select OPEN STREAM.
2) Paste this URL into the field: http://wrasnetstreamer. gsu. edu: 1755/
Eliminate the spaces after each period and colon (yelp kept screwing up the url upon posting).
3) Press the play and pause buttons as if it where a song and you'll hear the station.
FYI: You will see the station listed in the MUSIC LIBRARY folder.
Hope that helps. -
Review from Ron G.
Covington, GA
12/28/2010
A friend of mine put me on to this station awhile ago, but for some reason, I never got around to listening to it.
While out one night and tired of listening to my iPod, I was flipping through stations and came across 88.5. I was instantly hooked! Finally, I didn't have to hear the same artists and the same songs, which is annoying considering new albums are released on a weekly basis. I was shocked that they were playing Hip-Hop, which shouldn't be mistaken with the Strip Club music or Dr. Seuss -For- Adults simpleton lyrics that's on the main stream stations. I was so enthralled with the music, that I never made it to my destination.
I recently was reintroduced to station. This time they were playing smooth Hip-Hop Instrumentals that had my head nodding with approval. I later found out that the program I was listening to was Hush Hush, a show that runs every Wednesday from 8pm-10pm. I was suppose to be doing some last minute Christmas Shopping, but I was really struggling to get out of the car. Every time I try to muster the strength to get out of my car, they kept playing something else good. Eventually, a different DJ came on with a show called Beatscape Lounge. They played Trip-Hop, Electronica, Hip-Hop instrumentals, and just over all good music. Eventually, I got out of my car and finished my Christmas shopping.
The one downfall of the station is that they don't have the ability to listen to the station online. Other than that, I have no complaints.
If you go to their website, you can find a schedule of their programming. In addition, some of the shows also provide a playlist of their most recent shows. Which is helpful for a music head like myself.
The music programming is pretty diverse, including Hip-Hop, Instrumentals, Jazz, Local artists, Blues, and Reggae, and other music genres. -
Review from Chris M.
Atlanta, GA
6/9/2011
"Shhh! Shut up, shut up!! I need to hear who this artist is!"
This very line is the reason why I now have 88.5 on speed dial.
WRAS is a great college indie station with various shows covering different genres. Blows Sirius XMU out of the water as far as variety and random/obscure artists/songs goes. You rarely hear replays.
On that note...
Once you hear a song you really like, I highly recommend calling it in and asking the info because the chances of you hearing it again is slim to none and the station itself doesn't have an online playlist (some of the individual shows do though). I *really* wish they would get on that, as well as having an online stream on iTunes.
(The streaming address that Shalom L. provided doesn't seem to work for me *sad face*)
I have this station to thank for introducing me to Beats Antique, Man Man, Tune Yards, Spiritualized, Gangpol & Mit, and Tough Touch, among many others.
It's so refreshing to have a station that plays music with limited ads and DJ's that are all about the tunes, and not putting on a gimmicky personality. -
Review from Mimi T.
Atlanta, GA
2/28/2012
I love this station! You hear a little bit of everything (except crap!). Country, blues, alternative, college, etc. Long live commercial free radio!
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Review from ashley m.
Grand Rapids, MI
6/3/2011
Possibly THE BEST thing about Atlanta.
I miss this damn station SO MUCH. I seriously think about it every time I try to find a decent station.
This station introduced me to SO MANY amazing independent artists that I would have never heard of otherwise.
So much love for Album 88! -
Review from Lauren S.
7/13/2007
Why listen to the corporate crap when you can listen to this or Georgia Tech's station?
Album 88 is truly truly truly college radio. They play fresh, underground, unsigned bands and a few things you'll recognize as well.
The dead air between songs is kind of endearing!
I love 2-4 PM on Fridays, a show called Pop Goes The World:
"Pop Goes the World is a show made for 24 hour party people! It's a show devoted to pop music of the 80's to the present! Join Jenny every Friday from 2-4pm where she will play the best in Brit pop, indie pop, synth pop, Eurodisco and 80's girl bubblegum pop! This show is so bad it's rad that it will make your radio go POP! "
Right on Jenny, right on. -
Review from Deanna J.
Atlanta, GA
7/12/2007
So I get a little reminiscent when I hear the student DJs read the Public Service Announcements, because in college I too was one of those blubbering college kids living the DJ life for one shift a week.
But I listen to Georgia State's 88.5 for much more the shot of nostalgia during PSA time. The endless supply of new music means you'll hear everything before all your friends. Cutting edge, baby. A musical grab bag - once you turn the dial, you could here just about anything - including the likes of new rock, spoken word, blues, classical, Japanese, hip hop or heavy metal.
On the occasion where I'm awake before 9 a.m. on a Saturday, I rock out rat pack style to 'Martinis Con Queso' - two fabulous hours of 'cha-cha, swing, swank and old-school crooners.'
Not sure if I should divulge my little secret to you, but I'd be so wrong not to share this with my fellow Yelpers. The station is also an easy way to win free concert tickets; though always winning 'best radio station' accolades, I'm not sure how many people are actually listening to the station. From my experience, you've got strong chances in the call-in game. Often they'll take 'caller number three,' with minimal trivia-type questions. If you're like me, no matter what the tickets are for, you'll enjoy the free musical serendipity.
Go ahead, listen. I won't tell that you have the station phone number on speed dial. -
Review from rob s.
Travelers Rest, SC
6/15/2007
This is the one and only station that I miss dearly. And it shows - nationwide it has a top notch reputation as being one of the finest college radio stations. Georgia State University!!!
You won't find your standard MTV material here, thank goodness. -
Review from Thao L.
Atlanta, GA
1/6/2010
As an alumni of GSU and self-proclaimed inner gypsy, this radio station allows my insides to get down.
Wednesday is my favorite day of the week, the day I escaped from my mother's uterus and also for the following music shows!
From the website (http://www2.gsu.edu/~w...),
6PM-8PM: Georgia Music Show
The Georgia Music Show is a look into all things local. This show has been on the air since the 1970s and continues to be an Atlanta staple. The show features new music and old favorites. The "GMS" has spotlighted bands live on the air through out the years and artists seek out the exposure a performance on the Georgia Music Show can bring. Hosted by Tyler Atomic
8PM-10PM: Hush Hush
Hush Hush brings you nothing but the best in Hip Hop instrumentals for the M.C.'s in all of us. Featuring some of the best DJ's Atlanta has to offer, including DJ Sky, DJ Fudge and DJ Hardcastle. Hosted by Jasmine, Hush Hush is hereto help you get over hump day with instrumentals to nod your head to for hip hop heads and anyone who just likes good music. Hosted by Jasmine.
10PM-12AM: Beatscape Lounge
The Beatscape Lounge is a forward looking musical program, which features lounge and electronica. Lounge incorporates elements of jazz, Brazilian bossa nova rhythms, a retro 1960s modern breezy atmosphere with a touch of electronica, kitsch and tight production techniques. The electronica on the Beatscape Lounge is progressive and varies from dark to down tempo to glitch to playful.
If you attend GSU, do stop by for goodies! They have a basket near the door with posters, stickers, and cds.
WRAS rocks! -
Review from Jason R.
5/31/2010
Great shows by fun DJs, but... they don't have an on-line stream! Wah!
*sniff*
So I can't listen to Album 88 most of the time. Sad. -
Review from Erin M.
4/23/2009
I passed a few cars last week with a 88.5 stick on their car. And I've been thinking lately that Atlanta radio stations are lacking. So, I tuned in.
What I was really surprised to here was some electronic music. It reminded me a lot of The Knife, may even have been them as I don't have more than 5 songs.
My point is - I don't ever hear electronic on the radio. Especially not followed by a really cool alt rock song.
Basically, I'm in love with this station and yelled at a passenger yesterday for changing the station. Yea, I am that crazy. ;) -
Review from Edward L.
Atlanta, GA
7/12/2007
ALBUM 88!!!
Love it! It's such an old school college radio, complete with the lack of streaming internet broadcast or podcasting.
Friday's from 4 - 6 has an amazing show called "I Don't Care" (Hosted by Ashley)...here's what the site says about the show:
"If you're tired of the crap that gets called punk nowadays, tune into I Don't Care every Friday. On this show, you'll hear classics from the Damned, Black Flag, Suicidal Tendencies, The Clash, and much more. Any kind of classic punk, hardcore, local punk, or oi! are welcome, and you'll pretty much never hear anything newer than 1985, unless its Fugazi."
The station's playlists are current as March - Awesome!
Most of the dj's sound like they're habitual downer users - Awesome!
Either the school and station are super rocknroll or they are not exactly where you want to go to earn any type of web/journalism degree.... either way, don't change a thing 88, you're perfect the way you are! -
Review from Ben H.
Atlanta, GA
11/12/2009
I have no idea how I haven't reviewed 88.5 already. I have been listening since I was a dorky junior high kid. It's gotta be one of the best college radio stations - period. They've always had really good programming there that featured lots of interesting shows. The Bomb, Blue Note, Nitrate 88, and Subterranean are all fantastic shows. All of these shows and just the regular programming in general played (and still play) a very formative role in the development of my musical taste. I'm not sure how many different musical acts and little micro-genres I've explored with the assistance of WRAS but it's been quite a lot.
Trying listening for an hour during regular rotation - you'll probably hear some stuff you will hate, but you'll also discover some stuff you will love. I don't listen to the radio much anymore (I usually would rather be my own DJ in the car), but when I do it's always Album 88.
5 -
Review from Drew W.
Atlanta, GA
12/19/2006
It's real college radio, as opposed to a program director trying to create a specific marketing plan based on a demographic. You'll hear a little bit of everything, some of it better than others depending on your tastes. The DJ's may not be the most polished or professional sounding...but they're college students, what do you expect?
Album 88 has provided some new music finds for me that I've gone out to buy over the years. Even if you're getting further and further away from the college radio age, you can still listen and learn about some new music and genres. -
Review from Blake B.
Atlanta, GA
7/12/2007
I do not listen to radio. I don't like people with questionable taste being given the option to control what comes into my head. I've never found a station that did a good job playing things that didn't suck 75% of the time.
That said: if I'm stuck in a car where I can't listen to my own music, and I really want something to fill the air, I'll put on 88.5. They've been known in Atlanta since as long as I can remember being interested in remotely non-mainstream music as the best source of new plays.
They have a pretty wide variety of shows that over the course of a day they'll probably have something for everyone, except those that tend towards the bigger stations.
You're still not going to get a flow of songs that don't make you switch from channel to channel during something you don't want to hear, but at least you're not getting aurally flogged by goobers. -
Review from Bridget U.
Atlanta, GA
3/28/2009
This and NPR are staples in the car- they really do a great job. I mean college radio is usually the best place to listen. Who wants to hear the same songs over and over. I know routine is comforting but seriously people, break the cycle, try something new and unique.
I only wish I could listen to them online! -
Review from Andrew F.
Atlanta, GA
6/11/2008
I might be a little biased because I used to work here as a DJ but I have to say that WRAS has been an influence in my life since I was a teenager. I remember driving to Atlanta with friends and turning the dial left to 88.5 as soon as we were in range of the signal. So, when I had the chance to become a DJ as a student at GSU I leapt at it.
WRAS means a lot a things to a lot of people. The influence of this radio station on the city of Atlanta (possibly the nation?) cannot be measured. Long live Album 88! -
Review from Raf C.
Atlanta, GA
1/19/2009
There really are 2 channels on my dial. 88.5 is one of them, and its generally the majority of my listening. Really quality programming that is diverse as the city of Atlanta itself. Essentially this station helmed by students at GSU has better programming than quite a few of the more well-known more mainstream stations in Atlanta.
Only downside is when GSU's sports games are broadcasting - but hey even that is more entertaining than stations that pretty much repeat the same crap over and over. -
Review from Emma B.
Atlanta, GA
6/3/2010
Maybe as a Georgia State Student, I am a bit biased towards this station. But I can't help it - I really love Album 88. I've been turned on to so many good bands and singers upon hearing their music on this station that it's hard to complain. They have impeccable variety, and that's just considering their regular rotation - let's not even get started on the specialty shows. Do you love broadway tunes? There's a show dedicated to them. Can't get enough reggae? There's a show for that too. There's even a show for us gamer nerds completely dedicated to video game music (bitrhythm88, on every Tuesday morning from 12-2AM).
I realise I sound like a commercial, but I seriously can't even begin to tell you guys how excited I was when my friends turned me onto this station. Definitely give it a listen! -
Review from Saul T.
Atlanta, GA
10/22/2009
This is my favorite radio station in the A-Town.
Hands down.
I have won tickets to a bunch of shows I wouldn't have paid for...
It's awesome listening to music that I love, and music that I would have never chosen to listen to except that 88.5 (god bless) cranked it up!
Left on the dial, right on the music!!!
Oh, and it's easy to get hooked on their shows, and the set lists are almost always available online.
I also call them up frequently to tell that just how amazing they have made my day!! -
Review from Julie R.
Atlanta, GA
4/8/2009
Amazing. They play absolutely everything, from the cookie monster theme song to broadcasting the Georgia State basketball games. But don't let the basketball games fool you, most of their broadcasting is music which they really put their own spin on and do well.
I'd say 80% of the music is smaller bands that I've never heard of - and that's what I enjoy. You rarely hear the same song twice on 88.5 and you get a great selection of new music....and occasionally you'll hear a Mr. T rap song (which can really make your day). You really never know what you are going to hear next. Another perk: it is commercial free. They have some PSAs, but nothing like other radio stations. 88.5 is definitely focused on the music (or as they say, 'left on the dial, right on the music').
Plus, the DJs crack me up. I say this with love, but most of them sound like they are on the verge of death, they seem to talk as monotone as possible. But that's not a drawback for me....just adds to the 88.5 charm. -
Review from Dickie P.
Hebron, KY
11/2/2006 1 photo
This, my friends, is truly the greatest radio station in Atlanta. I can hear anything and everything just by tuning in at various times during the day. On Fridays, I really love One Step Beyond playing ska and reggae; however, I am happy to listen to this station anytime. I only wish they had a web-stream (but we can always hope this happens someday).
This station is so damn good, I really can't say much about it other than it is simply the best station in the ATL, hands down!!! -
Review from james e.
Roswell, GA
5/29/2010
88.5 is the best radio station in Atlanta and probably the south (excluding Miami, they have some awesome stations).
I love how they strive to play music that no one has heard of. This constantly improves both your repertoire and listening skills. Their breadth is massive and their taste is impeccable.
I only wish I devoted more time to it. -
Review from DJ O.
Atlanta, GA
7/6/2009
Best college radio station in the country!!
I worked for Rykodisc up in Salem, Mass back in the mid 90's and all the radio promotions people loved this station and they had never actually heard it. Just think if they had been able to listen to it.
Shows of note: "Hush, Hush" -Hip-Hop instrumental mix show on Wed nite & "Houseworks" -
Review from DJ G.
Atlanta, GA
3/8/2010
This station gets 5 star from me... Just because it maintained the Props it was getting more than 14-15 yrs ago.. I worked at Geffen Records in NYC back then, and I remembered being on the road with the GZA/ Genius we hit stops up and down the East Coast and every college station from Boston's (WERS) to Florida Darnella D. gave these cats real props. (Randall Moore shout out to you)
I remember we shipped records back then.. LOL.. -
Review from Bjorn G.
Decatur, GA
4/28/2009
Since I can't stand commercial radio, I feel lucky to live in a town with good college radio stations. WRAS is my favorite station, and I listen to it whenever I'm in the car.
Their "regular rotation" has great variety, and I frequently hear about new bands through them. I also love a number of their theme shows, such as Dot-Dash and Mighty Aphrodite.
The only downside to me is when they broadcast college sports. I'm not a huge sports fan anyway, and radio coverage is just so 1930s. -
Review from Greg O.
Treasure Island, FL
11/13/2009
I just wish "I Don't Care" was at least an hour or 2 longer! It's the best program ever and yet it's only on once a week (Friday) and for just 2 measly hours (4-6)???
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Review from Wes P.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2011
Anytime I'm in the mood for something new and/or different, or want to hear some of my indie favorites, Album 88 is the place to go. It's one of only two presets on my car's radio - the other being NPR. Not a huge fan of some of the genre specific shows, but you can't get everything you love all the time.
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Review from Stephanie M.
Atlanta, GA
10/29/2007
Sunday morning Reggae mix is an awesome start to a lazy sunday!
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Review from Ravi B.
Lawrenceville, GA
8/18/2010
Awesome independent college radio station with different programs!
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Review from steph p.
Atlanta, GA
8/8/2007
I am so with Lauren S. on this one!! 2-4 pm the best time to listen!! I LOVE the 80's new wave they play. this station has been around since i can remember and it''s always a refreshing change to the standard stations. i guarantee it will bring back great memories when they play the old stuff! album 88 has to be the coolest college station in the u.s. it just has to be!
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Review from Heather N.
Decatur, GA
5/13/2009
LOVE them. Need a sticker. Best random music ever.
Listed in: Things I love about ATL, MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC!
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Review from Zac S.
5/22/2009
I have to say, I am glad to have found this station after less than 24 hrs in atlanta!
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Review from Nate W.
Atlanta, GA
2/26/2008
Unlike my wife, I can't listen to one song over and over and over again. That and the fact that popular music is often some of the least imaginative and most annoying musically, stations like 88.5 are lifesavers. I first started listening to this station in my early teens living in an amazingly small town called Thomaston. It exposed me to many different styles of music and expanded my mind, so to speak. While sometimes the newscasters and DJ's annoy me by not naming who played when it was just an awesome freakin' set, for the most part there is no downside to listening to Album 88. Of course you'll hear stuff you don't like but you can always change it back an hour or less later and hear something great again. Give it a try and don't forget the other college and progressive radio stations (91.1, 89.3).
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Review from Anne Marie L.
Dunwoody, GA
10/11/2008
I don't listen to any other radio station in Atlanta, except for maybe NPR. I especially love Friday afternoons when I'm driving home and I hear "Where Eagles Dares" and I wanna curse the effin planet from the front seat of my car. Aww, sweet release.
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Review from Jeff G.
Atlanta, GA
4/16/2008
Postscript.
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Review from James G.
8/10/2008
Great choons..
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Review from Coley W.
Tucson, AZ
2/6/2007
88.5 is college radio the way college radio used to be -- totally amateur. That means you might get to listen to a great show, like The Georgia Rock Show, which features local acts, or you might get some whiny 19 year old breathing in to the microphone, followed by ten seconds of dead air, followed by the realization that she is, indeed, live.
