In all of the media frenzy over the new Apple Music Store, let us not forget a service that people actually seem to use and like: EMusic, whose only problem seems to be that its catalogue is largely confined to the indie label world. Note BJ Johnson's review from last October:
- This is a music review with an agenda - to promote online music services that work. It is possible to design a downloadable music business in which the artists get paid royalties and the fans get what they want - quality downloads, no hassle and a fair price.
At the moment, unfortunately, Emusic is the only service I've found that fits the bill. For about 10 bucks a month, you get unlimited mp3 downloads. Once you've saved them, they can be transferred to a portable player or burned to CD, and they will still be available if you leave the service. Best of all, you can download an entire album with a click of a mouse. The service doesn't have much of anything available from major labels, but it's great for indie rock, jazz, electronic music and underground hip-hop.
In the wake of the Apple onslaught, EMusic has an announcement of their own today:
- SAN DIEGO, April 29, 2003 — EMusic, the Internet's most popular downloadable music subscription service, today announced it has signed a distribution agreement with Vagrant Records, a wildly successful independent label specializing in punk/alternative music. Under the terms of the agreement, EMusic will distribute both Vagrant's catalog and new releases to members of its MP3 subscription service. Beginning today, EMusic subscribers can download full albums from such Vagrant artists as Dashboard Confessional, Saves The Day, The Get Up Kids, Alkaline Trio and Paul Westerberg, among others.
Today's agreement builds on EMusic's extensive catalog of more than 250,000 MP3s from over 900 leading independent labels. EMusic allows its 70,000 members unlimited access to its catalog of high-quality MP3s for one low monthly price. Unlike other subscription services that offer only streaming and significant restrictions, EMusic uses the popular MP3 format and allows members the flexibility to easily burn their music to CDs and transfer it to portable MP3 audio players. EMusic offers a free two-week trial to its service at http://www.emusic.com/subscription/.
.jpg?t=20120527181101)
Article comments
1 - Jim Carruthers
A major recommendation from the Ministry of Consequences for Emusic.com.
I've been using them since they first started before their subscription service. Since then, I've gotten a TMBG fleece pullover, rare and unavailable tracks, and more music than I have time to listen to. Their customer service is great. When Universal fenced off their back-catalogue titles to USAians only, though I pay in U$, Emusic gave me a make good.
It's convenient, rationally priced, and eclectic. All it really needs is a good XML setup for recommendations and info (since most titles don't have any information or credits).
2 - Bryan
I also have eMusic, but I find that the catalog is so spotty, it's not worth the hassle a lot of times, unless I want the entire catalogue of Jello Biafra spoken word (WOO-freakin'-HOO!)
I find one to three albums a month that are worth the download. Apple's strength is in the number of songs from hi-profile artists and not-so-hi-profile artists (three Replacements albums!) I can mix-and-match them.
Would I like to see the apple service drop to 9.99 a month? sure. but I think it's going to work out to be a good thing ultimately.
3 - Aaron
More Emusic changes.
4 - Eric Olsen
thanks for the update!