eMusic is the best deal out their for those who consistently buy music from independent labels. For $14/month I get to download 50 tracks… AND KEEP THEM. That is like 30 cents a track.

So give a little back to the artist and the independent label (I hear the labels get 60% of the profit from each download, and that ain’t bad).

So fill up your iPod with this AWESOME service.

I think that the data that sites like Last.fm can collect about music is much more interesting for a recommender since it is based upon what people are actually listening to, and not just on what they are clicking on or buying. Amazon or eMusic may know that I’ve purchased a couple of Deerhoof tracks, but they really don’t know if I like them. However, Last.fm and (and perhaps also the iTune Genius) can keep track of how many times I’ve played them and can get a much better idea of how much I like them. This data feeds directly into the recommender and yields much improved recommendations. It would be very difficult for eMusic and MediaUnbound to get this type of data from the eMusic storefront.

Still, the human-in-the-loop idea that Michael is proposing is interesting. Perhaps recommender systems like the Echo Nest, that web-mine all of the various mp3 blogs and music review sites will be able to algorithmically provide that human touch.

They’ve had the inklings of a social network for ages (shared user lists etc), but they seem quite welded onto their architecture – these design and feature additions are certainly welcome, but feel a bit superficial with all the innovative music sites out there these days.

I still discover most new music on our fantastic national youth broadcaster here down under (triplej) and then dig it up on emusic, if it’s available (territorial restrictions in the internet age are a joke).

Still, it’s good to see them adding new things. It’s just a shame it seems completely broken at the moment though… “We’re sorry, there was an error retrieving the selected albums.”

Apart from emusic, i make use of http://www.deezer.com . It doesnt really have a recommendation engine but a huge catalogue. And that’s the most important part for me as I actively search my way through the music landscape by reading reviews and checking out label catalogues.

Try looking for REM, Elvis Costello, or The Smiths on eMusic. You won’t find them. Those were not top-40 bands when I was growing up.

The whole point of paying for a music subscription is that you can get everything you want in one place. With eMusic, that is not the case.

Time will tell if this is of any use to me. The user experience is better. The artist selection could use some improving. For now I will add it to all the other sources I use to enjoy new music.

waiting to see how guys like echonest play out.

I also personally love Spotify, although its recommendation engine is awful.