I just found out that Amazon.com is now offering a digital music download service. I wasn’t excited at first until I read and confirmed that they are offering:

• High-quality mp3s (most variable bit rate of 256kbps!)
• DRM-free mp3s (which can play on ANY music player; they are not locked up in any way!)
• Albums from some 12,000 record lables (including major ones like EMI)
• Songs are about 99 cents a piece or about $8.99 for an album

Go here to check it out for yourself:

http://www.amazon.com/mp3/

So, I thought it was all a cruel joke. But, I just now downloaded Sunset Rubdown’s new album Random Spirit Lover. The whole buying process seriously took a total of about 5 minutes. You have to download and install a small application that manages the download of the album. And you can pay using your regular Amazon account. I didn’t even have to whip out my credit card (it was already on file)! It then literally took about 1 minute to download the entire album! I just bought a DRM-free album in less than 5 minutes, with album artwork, with every song at 256kpbs, for only $8.99. (And next time I go to buy, I won’t have to download the application, so it will be even faster.)

The only downside so far is that there are too many albums that should be on there that aren’t. However, the service is brand new and still in beta mode. I imagine that it could easily and quickly grow. Record labels just need to see that it’s a service that is going to out do others and then they’ll jump on board.

iTunes and Zune Marketplace should be very, very scared. This is literally the best thing to happen to digital album purchasing. They by far have out down iTunes and Zune Marketplace with no stupid strings attached. That’s the big problem with those other two music providers: they always provide only a handful of the features that consumers want and it’s always with some damn catch. Well, we’re sick of it, and Amazon has taken you to bat. I will enjoy sitting back and watching iTunes and Zune Marketplace either sink or swim. (Note that iTunes has already started reacting to it.)

Friends, I think we are now finally making progress in the delivery of music in the digital age. Amazon, you make us very proud. So, if you’re as happy about this new service as I am, I highly recommend buying all your music from them. Support good things!

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