WEB REVIEWS
MP3
DMUSIC
This site's design—electric blue on black—harkens to cool alternative music clubs. You'll find plenty of bands to fit the bill here with free downloads of their MP3s. The News section is unique: Rather than just recycling headlines from other sources, it also runs commentary from users. dmusic features discussion communities and great rated reviews of the best hardware and software MP3 players. ****
EMUSIC
EMusic is the home of one of our favorite MP3 sites, GoodNoise Records (search under Label), where you can find original MP3s of well-known artists like James Brown. EMusic offers free MP3s as well as many for sale, including complete MP3 albums of Elvis Costello, Kansas, Tom Waits, They Might Be Giants, and Emerson, Lake and Palmer, plus a few hundred albums of other lesser-known artists, most at only $8.99 each. Users of the Real Jukebox software especially benefit, since many downloads work directly with the software. ****
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ZDNET: MUSIC
music.zdnet.com If you're more than just a passive listener, ZDNet's Music area should be your first stop. News on digital music and interviews with the top players in the industry thrive here, coupled with articles as diverse as the history of MP3s and reviews of the best MP3 jukebox software for you to download. You'll also find a beginner's guide to MP3, information on Webcast licensing and reviews of MP3 players. There is also a discussion area featuring the latest hot topic. Jump over to listen.zdnet.com and you can do searches (courtesy of Listen.com) on MP3, Liquid Audio and MS Audio 4.0 (WMA) tracks to buy for your auditory pleasure. ****
CHANGEMUSIC NETWORK
ChangeMusic is a network of several Web sites. You can search for an artist on the homepage or click on About Us to link to the network sites, including the useful MP3Hardware, which reviews MP3 players; Customize.org, which offers downloadable new-look "skins" to outfit your software players (once you're there, click on Skins); MP3now.com, for a beginner's guide; and FindSongs.com, for seeking out downloadable tunes. ChangeMusic has tutorials for those new to MP3s and some other useful bits, but the separate sites and designs can make it somewhat confusing to get around. ***
ROLLING STONE.COM:
MP3 & MORE
sections/dds As a supplement to the other music coverage at Rolling Stone.com, this MP3 area is a welcome addition. It provides links to interesting music clips (not usually full songs), some of which are in Windows Media streaming format. Editors rate and post the 10 most promising tracks uploaded by unsigned artists and bands every two weeks. Use this site to check out top downloads and popular bands, but keep in mind that it doesn't compare to full-feature MP3 sites. **