The Fred Essentials are one of my favorite XM Specials. Probably the only thing I enjoy more than The Fred Essentials is maybe IT. In any event, for those of you who haven’t heard The Fred Essentials it features artists such as The Smiths, Cure, New Order, Clash, Echo & The Bunnymen, U2, Jam, Talking Heads, XTC, Television, Pixies, Depeche Mode, English Beat, Elvis Costello, INXS, Husker Du, Siouxsie, Joy Division, REM, PIL and the list just goes on.

It’s usually an awesome 5 days or music and I’m sure this year will be no exception listen to Fred - XM 44 starting @ 6 AM ET to get in an the 80’s alternative goodness.