The Post About 5 Ways to Get Music Online and Giveaway

Three years ago I started chasing rabbits.

That sticky July in 2008, I wrote about the profound which included:

• Talking like a grown-up around my parents.
• A lengthy exaltation about my love for Stephen.
• How typing 65 wpm should be included in my online dating profile.
• How iTunes takes advantage of my ADD.

Each one of these is still true and accurate.

However, my music issues have only become more complex. There are 5 places I frequent for music - enablers, all of them.

1. iTunes: I stand by my claim that it's the best organizer of your music library, even if you don't own an iPhone, iPad or iPod. Playlists, rating system, genius mixes, and suggestions of new music based on your current favorites. And now, it's headed to the cloud which means it goes with me to your house party when you think Michael Bolton would be perfect for appetizers.

2. Amazon: I cheat on Steve Jobs often with Jeff Bezos. Amazon often is cheaper per track (most popular songs are only $0.69 vs iTunes $1.29) and albums tend to be a better deal 90% of the time. So why not use Amazon exclusively? Their cloud is nice, but it can be slow and fussy. Plus, the Amazon downloader that adds purchases to your computer automatically drops those same tracks into iTunes. An affair with no downside.

3. Pandora: My ADD demands I have background noise to maintain basic function (like blinking). Pandora is the supplier. Type in your favorite artist and Pandora shimmies and shakes its box and plays that artist and/or others with a similar sound until you can't stand it anymore. Pandora is free for up to 40 hours per month. For unlimited listening, you can subscribe and skip the ads. I have stations for Beyonce, Munford & Sons, The Civil Wars, John Mayer, Carrie Underwood, Christy Nockels, and quick mix stations for Working Out, Broadway, and Tweens. Umm...don't judge.

4. NoiseTrade: Free. Legal. What a lovely combo for a Southern Baptist girl. Apparently, record deals aren't always what they're cracked up to be for the artist. So he or she or they go rogue and look for new ways to distribute their music. Enter NoiseTrade. You may not recognize some of the artists, but NT includes the helper "For Fans Of..." So if you like Joshua Radin and Ingrid Michaelson, then you might like Cary Brothers. And they are right.

5. Twitter: No, you can't really snag music here, but it's a wonderful way to learn about new tunes. Follow an artist you love and then see what other musicians they mention. Follow a favorite venue or even people whose tastes you share. They usually won't lead you astray.

So, to celebrate my blogiversary AND music sweet tooth, let's have a giveaway!
(1st of 3 this month)

Two Winners:

$25 iTunes Gift Card

OR

$36 Pandora 1-Year Unlimited Subscription

How To Enter:
Leave a comment answering the question:
What's the last song/album you bought and loved?

**2 Extra Credit Entries**
Each of the following will give you 1 extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for each, whether you're doing it for the first time or you've already done it in the past.

1. "Like" Jamie's Rabbits on Facebook.
2. Follow Jamie's Rabbits on Twitter.

Important Details: Open to anyone in the US or Canada. Must enter before 11:59pm CST on Monday, July 18 to qualify. Winners will be chosen randomly using Research Randomizer and announced next week. Obviously, anonymous folks can't win unless they leave a name in the comment.  

P.S. Although I spend most of my free time and workout time and healthy eating time on the above mentioned sites, they don't know the first thing about this blog or this giveaway. 

{image: Jamie}