I listen to music all day long at my computer. Now, if I depended solely on the price-gouging of iTunes for streaming I would be a broke man.
For streaming, I use the Yahoo Music Jukebox. I can listen to anything at my computer for just $5 a month. I prepaid for a year, so I’m set with desk listening. This enables me to listen to all new releases and limit my music purchases to the must haves.
Now, the important part of the mix is emusic. For 10 bucks a month you get 40 downloads, and it’s iPod compatible. For 20 bucks you get 90 downloads. That’s 90 songs for the cost of two albums at iTunes. At .22 per song that’s a deal, folks.
Emusic focuses on independent artists. So, you aren’t going to get the new Justin Timberlake CD you’ve been jonesing for. Instead, you will get great artists that you might not know much about and a bunch of older acts. Here’s some great recommendations:
Brett Dennen–So Much More: This guy looks like he’s about 10 years old, but he is one of the best singer-songwriters up and coming right now. I’ve just discovered him two weeks ago and I’m blown away. Searching and spiritual lyrics, with the voice of a young Van Morrison. He’s currently opening for John Mayer, but don’t hold that against him. He’s the real deal.
Ben Kweller–Self-Titled: Kweller’s band, Radish, was signed to a major label when he was just 15. He’s all grown up now and has released a fine album that is not dismissive of his mentors Springsteen and Lofgren.
Sandi Thom–”I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker”–Click on her home page and this song will kick on. I defy you not to love it. One of the catchjest tunes I’ve heard in a while.
Sign up for emusic. It’s the way to go. But wait, don’t sign up without me. If I send you an invitation I get 50 free downloads. Come on, help a guy out. Leave a comment and I’ll send you an invite.
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On the non-violence tip, I’ll be posting entries on Monday and Thursday. Stay tuned. In the meantime, I will be listing some of the resources that I am currently reading on my sidebar. I typically leave my “Now Reading” feature to non-church related stuff, but I thought I would share some books that I’m currently wading through. And if you click through to Amazon on my sidebar and buy one of the books, I get a percentange.