When 99.1 WHFS went off the air recently in the DC area, I was sad because, back in the late 80's/early 90's, I think they were one of the finest "modern rock" stations in the country. They continue to broadcast online via AOLHell Radio (you can listen here), but the truth is that the station had become a shell of its former self, and -- dare I say it -- may have even deserved the ax since it was indistinguishable from other local stations such as DC-101.
My new favorite station is 97X (WOXY), originally based in the Cincinnati area. It's an internet only station that has a similar story to WHFS. Only this station never jumped the shark. It's still a true independent, with free form playlists and amazing variety. It's like an XM station, only free. It's a radio station for music lovers, run by music lovers. And you can listen online for free -- as Dustin Hoffman informed us in Rain Man, "97X--Bam!--The Future of Rock & Roll"
If you're tired of the same old pre-programmed crap being served to you by your local radio monopoly, check it out.