why i'll never download from iTunes ever again
With the recent release of Amazon MP3, I was hopeful, albeit skeptical, that someone would finally be offering a decent, DRM-free music downloading service. After giving it a try (I bought OK Computer by Radiohead, an artist the iTunes Store has never had), I must say that I am thoroughly impressed. Here's why Amazon MP3 is my new favorite music store:
1. NO DRM!!! Digital Rights Management is a codec that iTunes places on nearly all of their songs (up until recently, iTunes had zero DRM-free tracks)--however, its worth mentioning that the DRM-free tracks on iTunes come at an extra 30 cents per song, and includes a limited selection at that. DRM is "copyright protection" placed on downloaded MP3's by a deluded organization called the RIAA. They legally demand that labels under their influence (i.e. nearly every major label) place this copyright protection on their downloadable tracks. Frustrated that you can't play your iTunes music on more than five computers? Tired of having to give people your iTunes account information in order for them to listen to your music, or in order to stream your music (for others to STREAM and enjoy, not DOWNLOAD and keep) across multiple computers? Do you hate how you can't upload, email, or IM music you bought on the iTunes Store? That's what DRM does. ALL content on Amazon MP3 is DRM-free.
2. It's cheaper. Not only does Amazon MP3 NOT charge you extra for the DRM-free tracks, but their prices are actually lower than the DRM-ENCRYPTED content on iTunes! This includes brand new releases from popular artists--and get this, new content. Some of you might be familiar with KT Tunstall and her new album, Drastic Fantastic. On iTunes, the album is $14.99, and each track is $1.29 (because it's DRM-free). On Amazon, each track is also DRM-free, each track is 89 cents, and the album is $8.99.
3. It's incredibly easy. All you have to do is download the Amazon MP3 Downloader (a free download that leaves a minimally small footprint on your computer's hard drive, available for both Mac and Windows), and when you buy an album on Amazon, the Amazon MP3 downloader opens up, downloads your tracks, and adds them automatically to the digital jukebox of your choice (including iTunes). If you're an iPod user like me, all that's left is to sync up your songs and listen to the high-quality, cheap, DRM-free bliss.
I can see no reason to support the iTunes store with my business any longer, as Amazon MP3 is obviously the superior alternative. My final verdict: It's ABOUT F---ING TIME!
To try it out, just go to Amazonmp3.com.
[Update: There is a catch. As of now, only a few record labels are distributing their music without DRM. Granted, "a few record labels" means a lot of artists, so there's a good chance you'll find what you're looking for. Supporting DRM-free distributors like Amazon MP3 is important, because if the sales are high, other record labels will catch on and follow suit, and soon we'll be able to enjoy all the music we can think of, sans DRM.]
1. NO DRM!!! Digital Rights Management is a codec that iTunes places on nearly all of their songs (up until recently, iTunes had zero DRM-free tracks)--however, its worth mentioning that the DRM-free tracks on iTunes come at an extra 30 cents per song, and includes a limited selection at that. DRM is "copyright protection" placed on downloaded MP3's by a deluded organization called the RIAA. They legally demand that labels under their influence (i.e. nearly every major label) place this copyright protection on their downloadable tracks. Frustrated that you can't play your iTunes music on more than five computers? Tired of having to give people your iTunes account information in order for them to listen to your music, or in order to stream your music (for others to STREAM and enjoy, not DOWNLOAD and keep) across multiple computers? Do you hate how you can't upload, email, or IM music you bought on the iTunes Store? That's what DRM does. ALL content on Amazon MP3 is DRM-free.
2. It's cheaper. Not only does Amazon MP3 NOT charge you extra for the DRM-free tracks, but their prices are actually lower than the DRM-ENCRYPTED content on iTunes! This includes brand new releases from popular artists--and get this, new content. Some of you might be familiar with KT Tunstall and her new album, Drastic Fantastic. On iTunes, the album is $14.99, and each track is $1.29 (because it's DRM-free). On Amazon, each track is also DRM-free, each track is 89 cents, and the album is $8.99.
3. It's incredibly easy. All you have to do is download the Amazon MP3 Downloader (a free download that leaves a minimally small footprint on your computer's hard drive, available for both Mac and Windows), and when you buy an album on Amazon, the Amazon MP3 downloader opens up, downloads your tracks, and adds them automatically to the digital jukebox of your choice (including iTunes). If you're an iPod user like me, all that's left is to sync up your songs and listen to the high-quality, cheap, DRM-free bliss.
I can see no reason to support the iTunes store with my business any longer, as Amazon MP3 is obviously the superior alternative. My final verdict: It's ABOUT F---ING TIME!
To try it out, just go to Amazonmp3.com.
[Update: There is a catch. As of now, only a few record labels are distributing their music without DRM. Granted, "a few record labels" means a lot of artists, so there's a good chance you'll find what you're looking for. Supporting DRM-free distributors like Amazon MP3 is important, because if the sales are high, other record labels will catch on and follow suit, and soon we'll be able to enjoy all the music we can think of, sans DRM.]
posted by John Mark at 6:00 PM
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