The iTunes Music Store, one of the leading online music retail sites, traditionally selects a handful of songs (and videos) each week and gives 'em away. They bestow labels like "Single of the Week" and "Discovery Download" as part of their "New Music Tuesday" update, and my wife and I almost always check them out. I'm certain we're not the only ones.
If not, I'd love to hear from other 'iTunes freebie' listeners, especially if a particularly good track is the week's pick. Sure, the selections are pretty random (from punk to classical to pop), often complete unknowns (at least in the U.S.), but in a way that's part of the appeal. At least a few of 'em this year prompted me to learn more about the artist... and a few times, they've turned out to be awesome bands that are already hits in the U.K. or elsewhere but essentially undiscovered in the states.
Last January, Ellie Lawson was the pick, with "Gotta Get Up From Here." It was too catchy for its own good, and ended up being a big hit -- despite her having been dropped by her label. In August, the Katie Todd Band was featured with "Face Down," with a great sound that's comfortably familiar but still fresh. They were apparently a huge underground indie hit, and I would've missed 'em completely.
There are lots of ways to find music you'll probably like -- from "If You Like {x}, You'll Love" lists to fancy computer algorithms that can suggest stuff automatically (Last.fm and Pandora being excellent examples). But how 'bout stuff you wouldn't otherwise try? The weekly freebies are a neat way to find stuff accidentally.
The disclaimer, of course, is this is only relevant to people who use iTunes. The software is free, runs on Macs and PCs, but I know it's not to everyone's taste. If you're not a fan, happy browsing elsewhere.
If not, I'd love to hear from other 'iTunes freebie' listeners, especially if a particularly good track is the week's pick. Sure, the selections are pretty random (from punk to classical to pop), often complete unknowns (at least in the U.S.), but in a way that's part of the appeal. At least a few of 'em this year prompted me to learn more about the artist... and a few times, they've turned out to be awesome bands that are already hits in the U.K. or elsewhere but essentially undiscovered in the states.
Last January, Ellie Lawson was the pick, with "Gotta Get Up From Here." It was too catchy for its own good, and ended up being a big hit -- despite her having been dropped by her label. In August, the Katie Todd Band was featured with "Face Down," with a great sound that's comfortably familiar but still fresh. They were apparently a huge underground indie hit, and I would've missed 'em completely.
There are lots of ways to find music you'll probably like -- from "If You Like {x}, You'll Love" lists to fancy computer algorithms that can suggest stuff automatically (Last.fm and Pandora being excellent examples). But how 'bout stuff you wouldn't otherwise try? The weekly freebies are a neat way to find stuff accidentally.
The disclaimer, of course, is this is only relevant to people who use iTunes. The software is free, runs on Macs and PCs, but I know it's not to everyone's taste. If you're not a fan, happy browsing elsewhere.
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