Written on March 20, 2009 at 8:02 am by admin

Best Music Download Sites

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musicdownload Digital music downloads have revolutionized the way we purchase and listen to music, and the best music download sites make our quest for music easy and fun.

While peer-to-peer networks and other downloading methods still exist for those with a disregard for copyright law, this article deals strictly with legal music download sites.

Rank	Item	Why is it the best
1.	iTunes Part of the Apple/iPod juggernaut	iTunes is without a doubt the biggest name in music downloads. It offers a selection of more than 3.5 million songs from every genre imaginable with big names alongside small independent artists. Music downloads are just 99 cents, with no subscription services or other commitments required.

2.	Napster Renegade download site turned respectable	With a monthly subscription, Napster offers unlimited access over 2 million songs. Unfortunately, your access to these songs only lasts as long as you keep paying your subscription fees, and you can only play them on your computer. However, you can also pay to download individual songs when you come across a song you’d like to keep or transfer to a portable music player.

3.	Rhapsody Sample and download	Much like Napster, Rhapsody allows you to stream any song in their library, as long as you pay a $9.99 per month subscription fee. For only 89 cents, though, you can download any song for keeps.

4.	eMusic Indulge your indie sensibilities	eMusic offers over 1 million tracks, focusing on the offerings of independent labels. If you’re looking for the hottest songs playing in the clubs, you should turn to other music download sites, but if you’re interested in sampling a diverse music and discovering new artists, this may be the perfect service for you. Subscription plans start at $9.99 a month, for up to 30 downloads, and the per-download cost gets even cheaper with larger plans.

5.	Buy.com One-stop online merchant	While you’re picking up a DVD, a book, or a digital camera, why not also add some music downloads to your shopping cart? Downloads start at 79 cents, with discounts for purchasing entire albums. They offer a wide selection of popular singles, although the encryption on their audio files hampers portability.

6.	MP3.com and Download.com, offered by CNET Who doesn’t like free?	Much of MP3.com and the music section of Download.com are promotional in nature, with streaming music videos, audio clips, and artist and album data. However, they also provide numerous free downloads from independent and up-and-coming artists. The diversity of their selection and their usefulness for music information make these among the best music download sites.

7.	Band, radio, and music television websites The publicity machine does its work	Bands will often release promotional tracks to create interest in their latest project. By keeping an eye on the site of your favorite band, radio station, or music video channel, you can hear the latest music first – and for free.

8.	MySpace Social networking puts a new spin on music promotion	Add your favorite band or artist as a friend on MySpace and listen to their latest tracks. While much of the audio content on the site is streaming, downloads are also sometimes available.