Magnatune: A record label that is not evil.

Magnatune is a unique online music store and record label. Motto: "We're a record label. But we're not evil." Instead of filing lawsuits and enforcing draconian copy protection technology, Magnatune has decided to rely on people's loyalty to musicians they like. So, Magnatune allows you to listen to complete albums legally, for free. If you like an album, you can choose to pay whatever you want for it (minimum $5). On the artists' side, instead of getting a tiny cut of each purchase, they get 50%. One thing I appreciate is that the music is not copy protected in any way.

Now, Magnatune obviously isn't going to sign the Beatles or U2. It also can't market new bands the way a major label can. The musicians who sign with Magnatune were probably frankly unable to sign with a major label, have small followings and see it as a way to grow.

Magnatune does have a nice selection of genres to choose from. It offers classical, jazz, rock, world, metal, new age, electronica, and "other." I was glad to see some Orthodox hymns and a lot of baroque music in the classical section. Check it out if you're in the mood to try something different.