Every couple of weeks I find myself browsing MP3 download sites looking for clever alternatives to file sharing. Although Scour, Gnutella, and Napster win hands down for the convenience factor, I am growing skeptical of their integrity due to inconsistent performance. Instead of offering me high-quality MP3 audio, the file sharers have succeeded only in frustrating me. The most common problem is downloading either incomplete or horribly recorded songs, and combined with the delay of a 56k modem, the situation is becoming more caustic by the minute. As it stands, DSL installation in my neighborhood has a two-month waiting list - and something needs to be done.
Further, as the litigation proceeds, the file sharers are rapidly becoming less and less legal (or so it would seem). Is the morally reprehensible behavior that many have enjoyed for so long actually becoming morally reprehensible? This is a conundrum of millennial stature. Sure we all have that special place in our hearts for the file-sharing underdogs, we harbor some unfounded resentment toward the record industry, and we are loath to return to Tower Records for spoon-fed boy-band gruel. So what next? Well, there exists a fertile gulch between CD shopping and Napster that should not be overlooked and, more to the point, should be carefully exploited.
This concept may prove foreign to many, but the Internet is replete with legitimate (read: legal) web sites that offer MP3s for free! That's right, no subscription services, no membership requirements, and most importantly, no money down. Now, this is not to say that they are all of commendable design. No! The majority of MP3 web sites shame the very industry they intend to support, but every now and again you stumble upon a diamond among the debris. Of course, you can skip the rest of this article and check out ZDNet Music downloads. We offer free music from more than 75,000 bands, and it's free too! (Now, that's shameless.) But if you're still curious about the other options, here, in no particular order, are the five best shiny flecks I came across while recently panning for audio.
Vitaminic
This unsung hero from overseas boasts an Italian provenance though caters MP3s from all European communities with equal regard. In fact, if British indie rock, Spanish jazz, or Danish gospel is your desire, Vitaminic should be your first stop on the Web. I am particularly impressed with its sizable and eclectic collection of good-quality music. So many MP3 download sites suffer from ill-database syndrome, it's refreshing to view a site that actually filters its content. If you are an MP3 adventurer (as I have come to be), explore Vitaminic and visit the world of music outside the United States.
Epitonic
Epitonic has proven to be a lifesaver more times than one. For anyone who hasn't taken the time to peruse this site, you are doing yourself a great disservice. The navigation of the site is both simple and intuitive, and the genres (and respective subgenres) are clear and well organized. One ingenious function is the new "black box" feature. While browsing for MP3s you can add titles to your personal black box. Essentially a locker for collecting, storing, organizing, and listening to music, the black box lets you return to Epitonic with a full coffer of squirreled nuts. Finally, you should investigate the experimental music section. This genre page is unparalleled on the Internet, and it provides a wonderful (and thorough) introduction to this evolving style.
BeSonic
What can I say, I'm a sucker for the Euro MP3 community. BeSonic is another great example of Europeans doing it right for the European music scene. Although there is a heavy German influence across all genre boards, the music is high quality and the themes are unique. Where else can you dabble in German spoken word or children's music? One of my personal favorites is F*** the Teletubbies, a timeless dance classic by Na Und (sung in English) featuring the death of our least favorite British television icons. As well, BeSonic features a complicated community network where you can meet other fanatics and share playlists. In any case, BeSonic is meticulous in filling out its categories, and visitors will find rich content in every genre.
Insound
Insound breaks from the standard genre-page format and allows you to enter band names in the MP3 search field. Insound caters to downloaders who have (at least) a moderate command of indie rock know-how. For example, editors volunteer interesting commentary about many of the artists and feature lengthy biographies about others. Less of an all-purpose MP3 site and more a genre-specific tool, Insound is a clear leader in the alternative and experimental rock departments. If you are a true connoisseur of the indie rock scene, this should be your Internet point of entry. Also, look for unreleased songs of your favorite bands - Insound offers an ample smattering of the rare as well.
You may disagree with me. You may claim that EMusic and MP3.com are the be-all and end-all of MP3 download sites. Lies! The Internet is an equal opportunity employer, and as such you should be careful not to follow the bandwagon through every dip and gully. Check out the web sites that have (unintentionally) avoided the American limelight. You'll be surprised at how many amazing tunes you can find for free, and without agreeing to a monthly subscription! Indeed, there is more to life than the RIAA, MP3.com, and Napster combined! So download away and enjoy exploring the less publicized alleys of the Web - you'll be pleasantly surprised. Until next week, keep your ear to the floor and listen for the lowdown.
