Downloadable Music, Without That Nasty Brimstone Aftertaste

A new online music service making use of the motto “We Are Not Evil” is bucking industry trends and bypassing what it sees as an obstructionist recording industry. “Magnatune sets out to be fair and friendly to both artists and consumers. You can listen to any Magnatune album streamed complete for free from its website, download it for a suggested fee of $8, or order it on a finished CD (suggested price $8 a disc, plus $4.97 for duplication costs and postage). Fifty percent of all revenues go directly to the artist(s). All music on Magnatune has been cleared for licensing, so it can be broadcast or used in films or other audiovisual and Web-based productions.” And yes, Magnatune has plenty of classical…