Following radio’s next wave on the Web

Terrestrial radio has seen better days, mostly catering to the lowest common denominator, like reality TV of the airwaves.

But online, radio is as vibrant as it has been since the '70s when stoner disc jockeys would play Pink Floyd records in their entirety and DJs could actually pick the music they played.

Locally, there are several online shows, stations and podcasts worth tuning into. Here are but a few worth checking out:

KOW Radio (kowlasvegas.com): Chances are, old-school country fans will never, ever get back together with Nashville now that a pop tart like Taylor Swift serves as Music City's Barbie-worthy face. And that's not a knock on Swift or her country pop brethren, but for those who prefer their honky tonk on the earthier side, this station is a real find. Here, the likes of Roger Miller, Lacey J. Dalton, Dolly Parton and George Jones shed tears in your beer and leave Rascal Flatts to the lightweights.

Big Friendly Radio (the bigfriendlycorporation.com): Hosted by a pair of ace local musicians, Timothy Styles and Melissa Marth of indie popsters The Big Friendly Corporation, this weekly podcast is as dimensionless as the BFC catalog. Each week, they host a different guest, many of whom are culled from the local music scene, making a point of going off topic and staying there. Tune in, and learn about gay strip clubs, the joys of being a teenage metal head and more. You'll laugh, you'll cry (if you listen while dicing onions), you'll cry laughing.

Double Down Radio (doubledownradio.com): Kind of like the heterogeneous mix of hipsters and square pegs, punks and lawyers, stars and black holes that you'll find bellied up to the bar at any given moment at the Double Down Saloon, its online radio presence revolves around an eclectic cast of characters. On one hand, it's a portal of a variety of different shows, ranging from tunes selected by Vegas punk lifer Rob Ruckus to Crazy Jay Bird's "The Rocking Comedy Show" to live sets from bands playing the joint. There's also a steady stream of local and national punk antagonists and r 'n' r ragers of all stripes streamed on the site .

Marquee, Surrender, XS Podcasts (iTunes): Want to experience a live set from the kind of superstar DJs who regularly headline Vegas clubs without having to pass muster with a Frigidaire-sized doorman or wait in line until your legs feel like they were siphoned from a rubber tree? Well, a number of the city's top clubs (Marquee, Surrender, XS) offer podcasts of performances by big names such as Avicii, Steve Aoki, Diplo and dozens more for free on iTunes. To complete the club experience, surround yourself with a bunch of hotties who refuse to talk to you.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.