MySpace Music has at last touched down in the UK, giving Spotify, We7 and Napster plenty to ponder in the run up to Christmas. So what’s so good about it? And is it worth plumping for over its increasingly popular rivals? Here’s our round up of everything you need to know about MySpace Music.
It’s completely free
Just like Spotify and We7, listening to MySpace Music doesn’t cost a penny. And just like this two, it’s ad-supported, so you’ll have to deal with everything from car commercials to shameless album plugging in order to access playlists. But if you can cope with that, there’s no reason not to give it a whirl.
The indies are in from the start
In the US, MySpace had a rather unseemly battle with indie labels, meaning music untainted by the big four players was missing when it launched Stateside. Fortunately, Murdoch’s hammered out a deal with the likes of IODA, The Orchard and Merlin, so you can listen to everything from Yiddish folk to African electro.
MySpace Music free streaming lands in the UK
There’s no mobile love
MySpace Music doesn’t come with a mobile app, so there’s in chance for you to take your tunes on the move. Admittedly, as its ad supported, it comes as little surprise. Spotify’s iPhone, Symbian and Android offerings all require you to lay down a tenner a month. But if you want tunage on the go, MySpace Music isn’t for you.
It has iTunes backing
Apple’s given its backing to MySpace Music, with direct downloads from iTunes available at the click of a button. Think of it like 7Digital’s service on Spotify. In fact, the MP3-loving iTunes rival has already given its tuppence worth on the tie up. Its CEO saying, “Despite the claims in the press release, music purchased through iTunes is in the AAC format and not MP3. This means purchased downloads are not compatible with all music devices.”
It streams from the website and a dedicated player
Like Napster, you can stream tracks from MySpace Music using its website. However, if you’re terrified of accidentally closing that music mad tab, you can use the “personal online music player” to check out tracks while you zip about on other sites.
