Any suggestions for free, safe and simple music download sites??
 

Ages ago I had found a really neat one. It might have been a program that I downloaded...:confused:
*sigh*

You could search title or artist, group and all of the available songs would come up on a list, and then you could make a Que of the ones to download and they would automatically download like 3 at a time and as soon as one was done the next in the Que would start....

It might have been a user supported music thing, now that I think about it more.. sometimes you'd get bad sounding recordings..
well if you know of a good music source - I prefer country and 60s, 70s, 80s rock :cool:

There is Limewire and as long as you have a good anti virus and anti spyware program installed prior to the download you should be ok! It is a lot like the old Napster only better!

I have limewire, but apparently they are cracking down on the limewire users... at least I think I read something about that somewhere... so I try not to use it too much.

downloading music has been made illegal by our government, and there are few places to legally get music from on the internet these days. Most websites offer music hosts so you can listen to, but not download music.

If you're interested in downloading music, look into "torrenting." People tell me it's very reliable for downloading whole albums at once.

It is SO inexpensive to download from legitimate sites like iTunes, etc. There are a lot of other ones as well. There are also places like Rhapsody, where for a monthly subscription fee you can listen all you want and then purchase if you so decide.

I try to avoid getting into heated conversations about this (my work involves intellectual property) but I want to point out that this really is STEALING. Plain and simple. When you steal music or movies you are hurting the very people who created it and inhibiting them from making a living. It's not just about big companies -- to me, they're the very smallest part of it.

Of course, I can't stop anyone from doing this but just know that if you do, someone out there is being hurt.

there are some free sites with christmas songs. mostly wave files. but oh so fun to listen too. all the silly ones are there. actually, i can't remember if we downloaded, but lil'monkey and i spent hours listening.

http://www.santasearch.org/index.asp

Good chance these songs are mostly what we call "public domain" -- totally legal. (I hope they are.) After a while, "ownership' actually reverts to the PUBLIC. But no, it's not time for those 60's-80's songs yet. Yes, one day YOU will "own" a Beatles song. Just not now. ;)

I want to strongly suggest against LIMEWIRE for it is the most troublesome backdoor hacking out there especially when one doesn't know what one is doing. About half of my clients bring their puters to me with problems starting from Limewire...

Torrenting is not as safe as one think. ANY TYPE OF P2P is NOT safe completely...we are talking about insecure FTP's and people hacking into your accounts even if you think you have firewalls up the wazoo....do any respectable site with the experts and most of them will strongly suggest against most P2P stuff...

once again, that is also my opinion based on what I've seen and trouble shot...

with that said, this is what I feel about downloading music.

In the era that we came from, it was LEGAL to download songs from the radio onto our tapes. It was LEGAL for us to backup our music to another tape. Almost everyone our age did it.

and if the music was good, we went out and we BOUGHT the tapes even though we can just share it. Back then, it was consider a proud and honor thing to own your own latest music album from so and so if we loved it....cause it is like owning a good piece of Artwork such as Georgia O or Ansel Adam.

It was also the age of good music...

Personally, I can't listen to 70% of the crap (my very personal opinion) that's out there these days. They are crap to ME...I can't imagine myself listening to "Don't you wish your girlfriend was more like moi" in 20 years...or
"Bye Bye Bye" in 30 years...

but I will listen to "Yesterday" again and again...

yes, I do agree to some extent that it IS stealing...however....

In the days of the LP's where they have artists drawing on their albums and they TRAVELED everywhere for FREE just to get an audience to listen to their music. Singing out from the back of their VW or their old pickup trucks or their old trailers,they were practically giving away their music in hope that someone would listen to their music. And even after giving a lot of their records away, if it was GOOD, they would still sells thousands if NOT millions of records cause it was just GOOD MUSIC!

the record industry wants one to believe that they are hurting? Really? When was the last time anyone saw one of those artists out on the street begging for food? When was the last time anyone saw one of those crappy record producers driving a pinto?

Ok, if one is talking about trickling down to the person that works at a record store, sure, they get hurt, but then they just hire someone else. And that's NOT the complete picture...

Record producers and "musicians" and I use that term loosely are making tons more money these days...do anyone forsee Madonna begging on the street corner anytime soon? Probably not...

These days, anyone can create a song on youtube and it can be a hit just based on how many views...

I am sorry, that's my strong opinion...

I know it's an imbroglio...if a person really want to download songs, one can find a song on youtube and use a converter to convert that to MP3 file

that is probably the safest way....I won't show people how to do that, but you can do a search and probably find it. Just look up converting youtube files to mp3. You can even convert youtube files to MPEG2 files so you can burn it to your DVD.

And if downloading is wrong. Then millions of those songs on youtube should be shut down...seriously...they are downloading movies, tv shows, music left and right and I don't think they are asking the original artists' to see if it is OK

I am not saying it is right. Cause it IS stealing...but if one is to say black and white about one thing, then it should be black and white across the board...

Anyways, I can respect all the opinions but I think the industry needs a wake up call and stop putting out crap...I still buy CD's...but only if I really really like it...I am willing to shell out money for good stuff..if it is something that is a hit today and sleeps tomorrow such as "My Hump?"..forget about it...

oh well, I should've just shut up about this but I have kids that are struggling musicians and I've known people that I grew up with that were struggling musicians and blah blah blah...

OK, will shut up now...LOL

:grouphug:

theres a website called Ruckus (http://www.ruckus.com/) and it says you can download free music for college students with a student email. I havent tried it (i dont have my student email yet but in a few weeks) and im going to see how it works out.

i hope its legit.

I don't doubt it at all.

I'm not sure if it was technically "legal" but yes, we all did it. However, it didn't present the problem it does today. And -- it is a question of DISTRIBUTING it. It is illegal to distribute if you are not the legal owner or have permission.

I agree with what you said above completely. Even when Napster first started, it seemed like it was in the same spirit. It really wasn't but it felt like the old days when you would go over to a friend's house and browse through their record collection. There was a potential value to it but it went amuck. For the most part, people don't buy what they can get for free.

The law is pretty clear but even I agree that to a certain extent there's a middle ground. In the most simplified terms, it's related to intention.

Again, I agree! But they don't sell like that anymore. For today's emerging artist it is almost impossible to well...emerge. There's TONS of good music out there that you don't know about. It's out there but it's not easy to find because access to the public is limited. The big companies are "gate keepers".

Well, both the record AND film industry IS hurting as compare to the profit they once made. But forget the big companies' bottom lines themselves -- people are losing jobs. On the music side artists, producers, songwriters and their representatives ARE hurting. Record stores are barely existent anymore. I could go on but honestly, your assessment of what happens behind the scenes is absolutely incorrect. The people you don't see and the creators you never hear of. By making the comment you did above, you're completely buying into why these sites tell you it's okay and it's a big bunch of baloney. If you don't believe creators should be compensated for their work, that's another story. But if you do, plesae understand that when the companies don't get paid, they don't either.

Re: YouTube, there is a huge crackdown. The large companies continue to go after YouTube and/or make deals with them. There are many sponsored sites up on YouTube now by music, television and film companies.

As for putting out crap, it is definitely related but it's a whole 'nother conversation...

Well Meg, I hope it's legit too -- but if it's not, it may not last very long. There is a new bill being introduced that will take away funding for higher education institutions who don't comply with the law:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2326961,00.asp

Well, maybe now you see why I try to avoid these types of discussions. I just want to add that I think it's so very sad that it's come to this. It really was not a problem before the digital age -- again, because of the concept of distribution -- it's very easy now. Specifically re: music, there were always bootlegs and yes, I own a few! I looked at them mostly as a fan "extra" and often used them to turn a friend onto an artist I liked. That is why I used the word "intention" in my last post. I really wish it were that simple now but unfortunately, it's not. I think it's such a shame that all of this had to become a legal matter.

Let your conscience be your guide...

that's true. And I think I meant to use another word other than legal. "Bear" with me. My English isn't the greatest and I suck at conveying my thoughts. LOL

as far as distribution goes, it goes back to the owner. We've known folks that wanted us to give others their music in hopes that they will buy their future music or even the current one. But back then, we have more honor system than we do now...



I think this depends on what it is...I think people WANT to own their own UNIQUE things. Just like I'd rather own my own clothes than a hand me down. But there is truth to what you say, it is the media that has been throwing at us. MP3 files, ipods, CD-R's, technology is so advanced that we are just wondering, why not?

But last I checked, Eagles last album sold very well still and I already saw advanced MP3's on many sites that have already served it as P2P yet it didn't deter the sales??



true...but law is also clear about drugs, but I've seen coke houses and drug houses that every cops drive by and know where it is....

you are right about intent...:)


Gosh, you'd think with the internet today that it WOULD be out there for moi to find them? LOLOL

Thanks, bearygood...you are always refreshing to read!

:D

LOL Bearygood, I think you have brought up many good points!!

I enjoyed it! :D

It is just like speeding...name ONE person that didn't do a 46 in a 45...

;)

:hug:

LOL. Glad you enjoyed it. Me? I am now tired, LOL. Perhaps I'll respond to your other points later with some explanations but the truth is, I don't think we are very far from the same page. Kind of like "one ruins it for all".

I love your analogy about the speed limit. :)

well, I have to disagree about "buying" into something...LOL I really try to look at the big picture...

When I was younger, I was involved in a few projects myself so I am not totally blind or unsympathetic to the companies...

record stores are hurting also because of what's availabe out there on the internet.

LEGIT sites offer MP3 downloads. IPODS sales are on the rise.

When one go and download music from a site onto their pods, I don't think record stores are going to be able to compete??

I BELIEVE the creators SHOULD be compensated...I've said that I WOULD buy music if it is good...:)

I want to make it clear that I am NOT condoning music downloading, but I will admit that I have downloaded a few myself. I don't anymore...

like you say, it is with intent...

I think I have my points about the record industry and such cause my youngest brother worked in such field...but as you've said, this perhaps is not the best place to go into it. But once again. I enjoyed it! :D

I am with you, I think we are on the same page basically...*biggrin....

will get off my soapbox now....

LOL

Are we running for office?????? ;)

before I log off,

I wanted to say that this has been one of the most stimulating thing I did today...

thanks for what you've posted...I am an open person and will take what you've posted to heart and know that I don't have all the answers and that you have opened doors for me...:)

I really really appreciated it, Bearygoody....:D

have a great weekend

:D

Thank you, who moi. I appreciate that. And the same to you for being willing to see the another side -- a side that I think is very easily cloaked.

Have a great night! :)

Have mercy, who gave him a double espresso?



My niece depends on royalties from albums and movie sales. She is not famous, not rich, and not paid unless there are sales. She is a studio vocalist among thousands of other "hidden" musicians and artists trying to earn a living in a tough business. Downloading "free" music is taking food off my baby's table.

Whew catching up on this one...
Thanks for the input everyone - that's one reason I asked -
I didn't know what the status was of those kind of sites,
or if any legit ones were out there.
I haven't gotten any music off the internet in years...

I was wanting to get a few songs for my photo dvds that I'm working on, I dug out my music CDs and got a few songs off them.

Just a thought...

A couple of years ago I downloaded just about every song I ever loved. Can't remember the website, but I paid about 50 cents each for them, so it was legit.

DH and I made our own (very expensive) CDs to listen to.

Not long after that, I discovered XMRadio and wondered why in the world I paid so much for all that music! I can just tune in to my favorite soft rock stations and not have to worry about CDs.

True, you do have to get a special radio and subscribe, but I find it easier than sorting through stacks of CDs.

50 cents? Unless it was a subscription based service, most likely not so legit. There are RUSSIAN sites ALL over the internet now. They are not technically illegal only because of the way the LAW is written. Right now they're untouchable but at some point this will change -- just not soon enough. But what happens with these sites is that none of the creators (or companies) get paid. The owners of the site keeps all the money. Funds go into THEIR economy and the biggest point is that they pay NO ONE. Essentially, they're ripping everyone off except the buyer and making you an unknowing participant in this activity. That said, there are also virus and spyware concerns. If you come across an unfamiliar site that offers downloads, look at the site very carefully. There is usually a clue -- and sometimes it's in the form of absence of information.

Best way to download if you're in the U.S. is from a legitimate American site. iTunes is worldwide so that's always a safe bet wherever you are.

Jo, don't know if you have iTunes installed on your computer but if not, you can download it very easily here. Here's the iTunes U.S. download site: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

I am curious about one thing? If we already own a cd or album .....are we still allowed to back it up in case of losing/breaking original? Every song I ever downloaded I had already had in some form that I did pay for, and there are some out there had I not downloaded I would never have known I liked it and therefore due to that they will make a sale! My son is a fantastic musician and writes his own music and I know he would love the exposure that he may not otherwise get! I really don't know what to think about all this, but in all honesty ever since the files found on my son's and my laptop, I have not used Limewire since!

For downloads you are legally allowed to make one physical copy. I have to look up the law to see how this reads exactly but honestly, here is an area that I agree is kind of gray. It's really about intent. I feel that making copies for your own personal use is fine. No one is going to come into your home and arrest you for that! :) Abusing this stuff on a large scale is what's caused the crackdown to be so stringent.

Re: your son's music, I'm not 100% sure what you mean. If he is the legal owner he can do whatever he wants with his music! That's what this is all about -- what the owner wants to do. A while ago a discussion like this came up on another board and a person was insisting that the internet was like public library and if it was up online, we are all "entitled". The two points to that are that first of all, it's not a "lending" situation and secondly, the real issue is that these things are put up online not by the owners and without their permission. If you own it and want to put it up online so that people can download it for free, no problem!!!!

Does that answer your question?

Yes thanks it does, as for my son, I mean he would like the exposure as he does it for pleasure rather then the money and likes to get feedback from others about his music! I try my best to get him to go on one of the music reality shows since he has it all, talent, personality, and great looks and what mother would not like to end up with a famous child:) He plays 3 instruments like a pro, mandolin, banjo, and acoustic guitar and has a great singing voice! The little **** has turned down many offers of playing with bands for really good money because he is so picky and will only play a certain way and says he does it more for pleasure then money although his group has been earning a few hundred each a weekend lately and he also gives lessons here and there! He is one of those amazing people that play by ear and tunes his own without tuners!:confused:

Great, Junie. And you are absolutely right! Hardly anyone will pay for something they never heard of. For an independent artist these days, you have to give it away for free to get exposure. But the goal is to get to a point where people will pay, so that your son and his band can make a living. That's when the things we're speaking about here have the potential to adversely affect his ability to do that.

Good luck to your son -- I hope we get to see him on one of those shows one day!

Thanks Beary, but he is too pig headed to do the right thing, would rather be poor and stick to his beliefs then possibly rich and famous:)

RIAA and MPAA
 

Here are some pages within the Recording Industry Association of America's site about this topic. One of the most interesting things on one of the pages is that they acknowledge that piracy will never stop completely but the goal is to get it down to a "manageable level". Kind of what Who Moi and I were talking about above. That said, I personally think the part of the law that is too stringent is limiting someone's ability to make copies that are really for personal use and people will never stop making compilations for friends -- we ALL did that. Hopefully, when you turn someone onto an artist you like, it will create a new fan and additional streams of revenue for that artist. But, I do understand the need to formalize these things as a deterrent and drive the point home -- it still is technically illegal. That said, I don't condone illegal downloading where someone should be getting paid at all. Intent and conscience are the keys.

http://www.riaa.com/faq.php - FAQ for students but very informative
http://www.musicunited.org/2_thelaw.html - The law
http://www.riaa.com/physicalpiracy.p..._for_consumers - How to recognize fraud

I didn't peruse the entire site of the Motion Picture Association of America's site but here's the main page -- you can find similar information re: piracy here:

http://www.mpaa.org/

Well, these days there is a difference between doing the "right" thing and the "necessary" thing. :wink:

They don't have to worry about me as I have no friends:)

I found this.

http://www.goingware.com/tips/legal-downloads.html