Cyberspace 'Dives And Dumps'

[Steven West]

We've all heard the infamous stories of successful bands that had to play 'Stinkys Bar & Grill' for $35, or the punk rock show in the real classy theater and everything got trashed...

Just putting my music up and around, and it dawns on me - the 'dumps and dives' many young people are going to know now are the net sites where they try to feature a song or two or download their faves? For me, I like SoundClick - but many bitch to me about having to register, or it's not easy to download there... It now reminds me of people saying "Why are you playing a bar that has a cover charge?" and/or "Dude, I loved the tunes but couldn't find the table by the door selling your CD's?" And of course I've been to a few 'unsavory sites' as well. I won't name names, but in comparison to SoundClick - they're like a night at 'Stinky's Bar & Grill'.

I'm forever indebted to the internet for it's exposure of me - good or bad. And experiencing others that are tremendous talents I'd never come across a HMV or Towers... But yet, there seems to be a loss for all the young folks playing and listening to music these days? I wouldn't wish 'Stinky's Bar & Grill' on anyone, but in some ways it's a valuable education lesson in itself. Kinda a 'rite of passage' for anyone serious into music.

Can the internet give the same memories?

[Shane Sanders]

I'll always have fond memories of the pre-nosedive mp3.com

It was so easy to stumble across interesting music in those days. I still have a bunch of music downloaded from then, some of which led to CD purchases. I discovered Ivoux on mp3.com and their album "Frozen" has become something of a benchmark for me.

Currently I think, pound for pound, Magnatune.com has the best music for the styles that I gravitate toward.

[pHz]

i quite like www.em411.com at the minute ... different view on things than we have here and less inclined than K-v-R to offer only positive comments on your tracks (which IMHO can only be a good thing)

slainte rob

[Steven West]

Sounds like a 'Stinky's' to me Rob! Do they put chicken wire in front of your songs so you don't get hit with any beer bottles thrown at you in disgust or praise?

Must go check them out.