Downloading Music

[ajbrun]

I'd like to download some music, preferable leagally. But the last time I look at doing this, all of the sites I looked at only had a limited range. I know a lot of people who use kazza, and TBH, I just don't feel "right" if I use that. Especially if I download lots.

Anyway, I'm looking for something that's VERY cheap (either monthly, or per download), and it MUST have a very wide range of music. I want to be able to hear something I like, and just download it. When I say WIDE though, I don't mean unheard of.

so, any suggestions?

[Kezzer]

iTunes?

[ajbrun]

I don't suppose there's anything cheaper than iTunes is there? At 79p a tune, that's still over £10 for an album (like queens qreatest hits for example is 13.43). Do any places do monthly subscriptions, or money off if you buy in bulk etc?

I know I might look like I'm cheap, but I'm just not into music to pay too much for it. I was thinking it was 20-50p per song .

[fondie]

that russian site everyone knows about which is actually illegal

mmm, communism!

edit by directhex

[Lead_Head]

Napster?

[Spud1]

napster has subscription i think, but iTunes has the largest range of music, and its a kickass player to boot

[directhex]

the thing to remember when buying music online is the DRM, and the codecs. tracks bought from iTunes come in apple's AAC format, with Apple Fairplay DRM - the resultant M4P files can only be played on iTunes, or with an iPod. there are also restrictions over how often you can burn them to CD, etc.

Napster uses WMA9 with Microsoft WMP9 DRM. This is MUCH more restricted in terms of copying, burning, etc, but can be played on more players and devices. Real's store uses RealAudio 10 audio with Harmony DRM - plays back on Creative's Zen, or occasionally on iPod (there's a long history to this, and it'll break every iPod firmware update)

DRM is designed to prevent you from doing what you want with your music, such as using the media player of your choice. it also handily neuters all your subscription-based music, should you end your subscription.

I can only think of a single non-DRM music store, at www.bleep.com - 99p a track, LAME-encoded MP3, only weird Warp Records stuff like Aphex Twin

[Twigman]

Ah cool...I was about to ask if any companies did mp3s or non DRM files...thank you. I will look into that.
MSN have started a music service. 69p per track or £6.99 for an album...not bad if you ask me, but still has DRM etc.

[nichomach]

Wippit?

[directhex]

wippit have no drm for no-name local acts, or standard WMP9 drm for real acts

[JimmyBoy]

awesome, that bleep site has got loads of great artists no drm aswell?
thats the only sort of music site id buy from then

[directhex]

no DRM, all encoded with lame 3.something --alt-preset standard, no DRM.

from the bleep faq:

Secondly, Bleep music has no DRM or copy protection built in. We believe that most people like to be treated as customers and not potential criminals - DRM is easily circumvented and just puts obstacles in the way of enjoying music. Apple has even privately stated that they decided to use a weak form of DRM solely to get major labels onboard.

[Mblaster]

Bleep has a VERY limited range, didn't see any big name bands there... e.g. music that i would actually want to download.

[Stoo]

www.cd-wow.com and EAC tbh