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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."

5 of 420 comments (clear)

  1. How about... none. by ldspartan · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Why is it not okay to buy CDs, but fine to buy music piecemeal via the internet? 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.

    Hypocrisy sucks, pick a stance and stick with it.

    --
    lds

  2. Highly Windows-Centric by jstockdale · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The only down side in reading the review, is that it's highly windows-centric. The reviewer fails to point out obvious things like the fact that iTunes works seamlessly between Windows and Mac platforms (while most of the other services break completely). Besides that, it was definitely a good read.

    --
    **AA: a bunch of mindless jerks who'll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes
  3. Re:Wal-Mart? by rolocroz · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Going to be? It is. Check out this article about Wal-Mart's ruthless business practices.

    --

    I meta-mod all positive moderation Unfair, because it's abuse of the system.

  4. Try cdbaby.com by key+nell · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Ive said it before and ill say it again, cdbaby.com kicks ass. They let you listen to 2 minutes of 5-7 songs off an album to see if you like it, if you do buy it, if not go on to the next one! All their albums are reviewed by the editors to give you description of what the music is like. Plus, after your first purchase, they send you a free cd with each purchase thereafter (usually a mix cd which is pretty good.)

    Disclaimer: all though this read like an ad, its not. Im just a satisfied customer.

    This is a great alternative to emusic and such pay for play setups where you waste a quota trying to find music you like.

  5. Is there a standard? by gtrubetskoy · · Score: 5, Interesting
    Perhaps my question is off-mark, in which case mod it down, I'm a bit new to the downloadable mu$ic scene.

    What I find interesting is that some songs are available in one service, but not others. So if you think of downloadable mu$ic as equivalent of a physical music store, it's not quite, becase a CD is a CD, and no matter where you buy it, you can play/rip it anywhere, on anything (capable of playing CD's, that is).

    So there's still an insentive to buy CD's. But not as much, not enough to keep CD stores in business, I would not be surprised if they start closing soon. After that happens - what do you do to get a song that's only available from one service, but not the other?

    Will there ever be a way to buy once play anywhere?