Recently we tracked down a few great sources on the Web for Free (and Legal) Music Downloads. Legal sites for free are a rare find, since if it’s free that’s usually the best red flag that it’s illegal. But thanks to a few of our viewers who took the time to comment, we’re able to add a few more excellent music sources to the list. Thanks, guys! Without further adieu…
1. Lala.com – This is so cool. It’s a CD trading service that allows users to trade their old CDs for new ones. The price is only US$1, or $1.75 (including shipping). The site already has hundreds of thousands of members, and the same number of trades every month. Lala also allows you to set up your own radio station for others to listen to; sample music; and converse with fellow music fans. The coolest part; 20% of all trade revenues goes to the Z Foundation, which gives musicians financial assistance. Did we mention your first CD is free?
2. ETree Archive – This site’s greatest feature is its live audio section, which is huge. You can download full, high-quality legally trade-able live concert recordings for free. Files are compressed using ‘Lossless Encoding’ schemes to shorten transfers enough so that anyone with a broadband connection can participate. The site also helps new traders learn how to trade music online; and offers access to music from dozens of trade-friendly bands, via the Etree.org community. The only drawback is that not all music is available through Etree.org; as Joe Polk, who recommended the site says, “If you’re looking for Britney Spears or Ludacris, don’t waste your time…”
