Music download sites + software?

OK, I confess. I am a virgin, at least to downloading music. Until recently, I havent had a computer that could do it. Now, I do.

So, what are some good dowload sites (yes, pay is OK, since I think that's all there is...) Since I am, ahem, somewhat older than many of you, I'm looking for sites that both describe the music and maybe give you a sample--I like Jazz, classical, oldies rock, etc. I rarely listen to the radio except for NPR and I know there are some good jazz artists out there that I haven't heard much of...would like to ring myself up to date. And, do I need software to download? My next gift to me will be an mp3 player, so I'd like to start listening and downloading.

Suggestions?

 

You might be best off with a subscription service like Napster. That way you can sample tons of options compared to buying a CD of songs at Walmart.com or something similar.

 

The iTunes music store is pretty good, although at 99 cents/song, you probably are better off with Napster, etc. Don't forget that with Napster, you can't burn the music to CD unless you buy it - technically, you are only 'renting' the music.

Also, make sure that your MP3 player is compatible with the subscription service.

 

I'd say itunes + podcast would be a great solution, I think they have npr podcasts and probably have ones with jazz/classical etc all for free.

I must admit, I'm a ipod/itunes convert. After years of struggling through the "geek-chic" players like rio and iriver, I find the ipod/itunes interface is just so much simpler, streamlined and easy. I'm a total techie freak and even I was getting fed up with the hassle of finding a *good* music database software, so itunes sort of became the default.. There are other good ones out there, but itunes is the one I actually like to use the most, so don't flame me!

Anyway check out the podcasts etc on itunes, especially the NPR and music ones..

 

I tunes is my friend. Ive never had problems with it and it organizes my library very easily and has a nice setup.

 

Have you tried the AARP website?? Just kidding!!!

I was also going to suggest walmart.com. Downloads are only 88 cents per song and no membership fees.

On the downside, you can only listen to a 30 second snippet of the song and you have to use Windows Media Player.

 

Hi Clare,

One thing about itunes and future mp3 player, you can only use itunes with IPod. Other services like MSN Music, Yahoo Music, Wal-mart 88 cent downloads can be only be used with "play for sure" devices and not IPod.

If you decide not to use ITunes and use someone else, you can go to www.playforsure.com or http://www.cnet.com/4520-7899_1-6307461-1.html?tag=dir for devices that are compatible with which ever service you choose.

Personally I use wal-mart, but if I didn't have such a big collection, I would switch over to ITunes.

SG

 

Thanks for that--it's important. At this point I have no collection on this computer, so I'm setting everything up. Itunes does look good...