Pandora's Lockbox: 5 alternatives to the popular radio App

Pandora is one of the most popular and beloved iPhone Apps in existence.  And why not?  It's free, customizable streaming radio!

Unfortunately, the RIAA may be closing the lid on Pandora as ridiculous royalty fees continue to suck the company dry.  But fear not, radio enthusiasts, as we have five Apps that may be able to fill that inevitable void:

Simplify Media

We love Simplify Media!  Stream your entire home computer audio library on your iPhone.  If that's not enough to satisfy your musical craving, you can add up to 30 friends' computers to sample what they have to offer.  Simplify Media provides cover art, artist bios and song lyrics for those impromptu karaoke sessions.

Download:  Free (for now)

AOL Radio

You've got streaming radio!  AOL Radio boasts an impressive number of music, news, sports and talk programming.  Enjoy listening to your local radio stations, or explore stations from across the country.  Hear a new song you like?  Follow the link to the iTunes store and download the song to your music library.

Download: Free

Last.fm

Like Pandora, Last.fm allows you to create custom stations comprised of your preferred artists or genres.  Last.fm provides extensive info on favorite artists, including upcoming tour dates so you can see if and when they'll be performing at a venue near you.  Since the App keeps tabs of your listening patterns, you can find new music recommendations based on your tastes when you log on to your Last.fm profile.

Download: Free

Stitcher

Consider Stitcher to be Pandora's talkative cousin: free, customizable streaming radio of the non-music variety.  Create your own stations based upon your topics of interest.  From NPR to The Onion, Stitcher is never at a loss for engaging, informative talk radio.

Download: Free

Tuner

Tuner has thousands of streams from around the world at your disposal.  If your favorite station is somehow not on the already extensive list, you can add it through the URL search feature (Tuner can stream shoutcasts) .  Bit rate information is displayed, allowing you to gauge how smooth or choppy any given steam may be.

Download: $5.99

Pandora is a wonderful App, and while its extinction at the hands of the Big Music Money Machine may be disheartening, there are other Apps available for download that provide high quality streaming audio for your listening pleasure.