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Best site for independent music
- No Digital Rights Management
- Large catalog of independent labels
- Good value
- Requires a subscription
- Library is light on mainstream artists
- Unused download credits don't roll forward from month to month
We found the most thorough review of eMusic at CNet.com. There's some good insight here, especially if you're debating whether to go with eMusic or one of the more mainstream download services. PC Magazine focuses on the Digital Rights Management issue, but it also covers interface, music selection and usability. About.com and GiantPath.com both have fairly short write-ups, but they're well balanced and cover all the basics. The owner-written reviews at ReviewCentre.com are worth a look as well.
eMusic sets itself apart from other music download services by eliminating the Digital Rights Management (DRM) and focusing on independent labels. Reviewers say that makes it an excellent choice if you're into indie music, not major labels and Top 40 artists. Otherwise, a more mainstream service is Napster (*est. 99¢ per track), which has an extensive and up-to-date music library. The catch with eMusic is that downloaded songs are locked out once your subscription expires. If you're an iPod user, iTunes (*est. 99¢ per track) also combines a great music selection, albeit with usage restrictions.
Our Sources
1. CNET
CNet.com has by far the best coverage of eMusic. The lengthy editorial review is followed by dozens of user reviews. The ratings breakdown is useful, and the interface photos are a nice touch.
Review: eMusic, Jasmine France and Rebecca Viksnins, Updated on Aug. 2006
PCMag.com has good short review of eMusic. Rick Broida covers navigation, library, cost, features and the Digital Rights Management issue. Despite its relative lack of mainstream artists, he calls eMusic "a top destination for music downloads."
Review: eMusic Review, Rick Broida, Sept. 2006
3. About.com
Mark Harris, site guide for About.com's digital music mini-site, calls eMusic "an excellent music service that fills a niche in the market and gives subscribers the maximum flexibility on how they can enjoy their music." There's a helpful overview here, touching on features, content, software and plans.
Review: eMusic review: An Indie Music Download Store, Mark Harris
According to its editors, "The Giant Path Guide to Internet Music Services provides Internet users with practical information for getting the most out of online music services." Their review of eMusic is quite long and detailed with a good balance of pros and cons.
Review: Recommended Service: eMusic, Editors at GiantPath.com, Updated Mar. 2005
This user-review site, based in the U.K., is somewhat cumbersome to navigate. Most of the posts on eMusic are quite short. Only 54 percent of contributors give eMusic a recommended rating, and the overall score is just above average.
Review: Reviews For Emusic, Contributors to ReviewCentre.com
Music Downloads Runners Up:
5 picks by top review sites.
2 picks including: About.com, PC World…