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Digital Music Stores Reviewed

Posted by timothy on from the pelletspot dept.

Kozz writes "If you've thought about trying the new Napster 2.0, or perhaps MusicMatch, or even WAL*MART music service, you really need to read this review at BBspot.com. Brian takes a break from his standard satire fare and writes a comprehensive review not only of the previously mentioned stores, but also of BuyMusic.com, eMusic, Apple iTunes, and RealOne Rhapsody. It breaks down the features of each service, the prices, restrictions, general pros and cons, and really gives you an idea of which one(s) you should try depending on your needs."

4 of 420 comments (clear)

  1. Perhaps... by mikeophile · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The idea of actually paying for music online is still regarded as satirical by some?

  2. There's a place for brick and mortar by Eberlin · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Online Features? What exactly DO we need in features? Near CD-quality, not very restrictive DRM, a good selection, and a decent price. Searches, reviews, and recommendations would be cool, too. You can get most of that in a record store with a knowledgeable music buff on the other side of the counter.

    What you don't get is the rustic appeal of going into a music store and enjoying the crowd and ambience. It's not the same when you're quoting NIN lyrics to a friend while passing by people who are shopping the contemporary christian aisle. Not the same as being able to watch people in goth clothing walk by. Not the same as being able to say "Chris I-Suck" (Chris Isaak) in public.

    Shop online for convenience, but it's still an experience. Brick and mortar stores still have something to offer. If nothing else, it makes getting music a social event instead of a personal thing. If you're the type to get the latest Britney Spears album, though...you may want to buy online and save yourself some ridicule. :)

  3. Re:How about... none. by Mononoke · · Score: 5, Insightful
    I don't want to give the RIAA my money, and distribution via the net doesn't change that at all. I buy the few CDs I want at concerts, in the hope that I'll still get legitimate music and the RIAA will get less money.
    Unless you are buying music from unsigned bands at these concerts, then you're not doing anything different from buying at Walmart.

    --
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  4. They won't let go by BrianRoach · · Score: 5, Insightful


    The problem with all the online music stores is ... control. You can't just download a high-quality MP3 and use it how you'd like.

    Don't think that the RIAA doesn't "get it". They do. They just don't want you to "get it". "It" being music at a reasonable price in the format you want without restrictions on how you can use it.

    The RIAA's (their members', actually) business is based on control. They want to control what you hear and how you hear it. Without this control, their entire business model breaks. If any old artist can self-publish online (or be published online by a 3rd party for a reasonable fee) with world-wide exposure ... they become redundant. I honestly believe this is their big fear.

    Everyone knows what the public wants: .mp3's (or OGG for the tech savvy) at a high bitrate for a reasonable price, conveniently. In any other industry, you'd see the producers of a product jumping on the chance to produce something that millions of people want.

    - Roach