Rhapsody/Pandora music sites-comments?

Subject: RE: Rhapsody/Pandora music sites-comments?
From: Allan C.
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 06:17 AM

I have used Pandora for a number of years. My only complaint, one that I actually wrote to the management about, was with regard to their Bluegrass mix. While gospel songs are integral to bluegrass, the algorithms they use cannot distinguish between bluegrass-style gospel and modern "praise" music. The management said they recognize that as a problem but can't figure a way to differentiate between the two.

Subject: RE: Rhapsody/Pandora music sites-comments?
From: DrugCrazed
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 06:07 AM

I'm going to be moving from Spotify because of the changes they're making. 20 hours a month and 5 plays of one track (and they're not saying if that's a lifetime or not), plus ads is not what I'm after. I helped them beta test it, so I'd rather they didn't say "We have to make these changes, but it's alright the paid services won't have any issues!". Could've been done a lot better.

Subject: RE: Rhapsody/Pandora music sites-what's the catch?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 11:01 PM

What's the status of online music services nowadays?
Somebody gave me a test US subscription to Spotify, and it was wonderful. Even had the whole Smithsonian Folkways catalog. Now they're starting to charge - $4.99 for regular service, and $9.99 for premium. I may keep them, but it would nice to know my options. Spotify will continue to have a limited free service.
Do any of the U.S. services have Folkways and Rounder recordings, and any other folk labels. How about UK labels like Topic and Fellside?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Rhapsody/Pandora music sites-what's the catch?
From: Mysha
Date: 13 Nov 09 - 09:13 PM

Hi,

Grooveshark seem to work fine for me, with FireFox on Ubuntu Linux. It did mention I needed the latest something, but it went on before I was able to read the latest what, so apparently I did have whatever it was.

Bye,
                                                                  Mysha

Subject: RE: Tech: Rhapsody music site - what's the catch?
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Nov 09 - 01:21 PM

well, I see only a blank page in Opera, even with my filter turned off...

I despise sites that only give you their content IF you use I.E., or have all safeguards turned off. I could probably access it in another browser, but trying it in Opera generally gives me an idea of their attitude.

If I want to access a random batch of folk music, I use one of several programs to play internet radio programs, like Screamer radio. Or Mexus or Raima...(these last two 'may' not be free any longer...I still have free versions.)

Subject: RE: Tech: Rhapsody music site - what's the catch?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Nov 09 - 12:57 PM

Anybody know anything about Grooveshark? I found mention of it in PC Word Magazine, and it seems very good. It's at http://listen.grooveshark.com. It seems to have a good selection to listen to. Are there any catches?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Rhapsody music site - what's the catch?
From: Mysha
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 07:44 PM

Hi,

If you're in the US, you might want to try http://www.pandora.com instead, so you make it out of Mudcat.

If not in the US, don't bother; they're won't play you any music.


Is there an Internet Radio Blues?

Bye,
                                                                      Mysha

Subject: RE: Tech: Rhapsody music site - what's the catch?
From: Allan C.
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 04:26 PM

Pandora is free, too. However, the only problem with Pandora is that they take their sweet time in getting around to playing the selection or artist that brought you there to begin with. They play stuff that their computer matches with your indicated preference. That said, I like it just fine in many ways. I do get to hear songs I might not have otherwise discovered. Also, one can click through on whatever song is playing (or has recently played) to get album info and/or purchase the desired music. The whole thing is rather marvelous in that you can, through indicating whether you like the songs they pick, tailor a "station" to suit your tastes. Heck, you can even share your station with others.

Yes, they have ads that can very easily be ignored. And their understanding of what certain preset categories should include may not suit entirely. For instance, because gospel songs are often included in bluegrass CD's, they include any and all manner of religious music in that category - something I find difficult to forgive. However, their traditional folk selections (albeit broadly defined) stick fairly close to the mark.

A few days ago I felt like hearing "bad man ballads". So I plugged in "Big Iron" and was treated to hours of everything from Marty Robbins to Lorne Greene!

Give it a try: Pandora.com

Subject: RE: Tech: Rhapsody music site - what's the catch?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 02:52 PM

Spotify is good and free

Subject: RE: Tech: Rhapsody music site - what's the catch?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 04:54 AM

Well, garg, I guess my 2007 question got answered over time - they started out free to build a customer base, and now charge twelve bucks a month.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Rhapsody music site - what's the catch?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 12:17 AM

Ummm - Mr. Joe
RE: How do they make money?
? Ummmm - How does Mudcat make money?

Ummm - Echo-echo-echo
RW: not available outside the US.
Ummmm - That is why God created proxy for Iran and China and Korea.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Send a call ... Max...anytime the coffers are low...a willing band lies in the sidelines to thwart ANY attempt by the restrictions of a government grant to send the MC to Greer County with bed-bugs and fleas.

Subject: RE: Tech: Rhapsody music site - what's the catch?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 08:33 PM

Well, my subscription to emusic.com just doubled in cost, so I'm considering other alternatives. Rhapsody is now $11.99 per month for unlimited service on your computer, and it has a huge catalog. Only 66 tracks/4 albums by Seamus Kennedy and only a few tracks by Roberts and Barrand, so it does have SOME shortcomings.

Any other recommendations for online music subscriptions?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Rhapsody music site - what's the catch?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 04:18 AM

In the first place, Rhapsody 'free' downloads are not available outside the US.
Secondly, it would appear that they make money in the usual way that these sites do - by paid ads.

Subject: Tech: Rhapsody music site - what's the catch?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 04:10 AM

I was searching for a song from Buffy Sainte-Marie, and I found it available on the Rhapsody website, where it supposedly can be played for free. How does this Website work? What's the catch? How do they make money?

After I was to proud to find the cut, I found Katlaughing had already linked to the Rhapsody cut.

But anyhow, is this a really wonderful resource, or just another way to separate me from my children's inheritance?
-Joe-