Monday, January 07, 2008

Amazon's DRM-free music

Amazon has, for the last few months, been offering DRM-free music downloads. That means that a song or album that you buy from them comes in a standard MP3 format, not some proprietary, locked format that only plays on specific hardware. This is important to me because (1) I use my Treo phone as my music player and it only plays MP3s, (2) I like music and listen to it often, and (3) I have a conscience that won't allow me to download illicit MP3s. That means that I was left to purchasing actual CDs and ripping songs (which, despite RIAA arguments to the contrary, is still legal).

The biggest problem with Amazon's music was it's extremely limited selection. That's all changed now that Warner has added their library to the mix. They now have music that I would pay - and have paid - 99 cents for.

Therefore, as a public service, I present for you a few easy listening pieces from my current playlist. The list to the right was specifically created to put you into a productive mood whether it be working, studying, or driving down a deserted highway at night with the windows open.

The Amazon solution isn't perfect yet. There are no tracks by Rage Against the Machine or (surprise!) Metallica. You'll just have to make do with the few hundred other options available now.

Happy listening!


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