The internet is a wonderful resource for music lovers. Whether you are a musician looking for sheet music, guitar chords or just sheer inspiration, or a happy listener looking for reviews, biographies or music bargains, the web is an ideal place to start your search. So this week's sites all focus around some aspect of music.
Click Music -http://www.clickmusic.co.uk/ Rating 3.5/5
This site features music news, reviews and profiles, as well as a gig listings section. A simple search feature allows you to enter the band or artist you are interested in. Once you have selected an artist, you are presented with a wealth of information about them, including links to official sites, related fan sites, news, artist background, and how to buy tickets. Additional features of the site include free music downloads and games. One annoying feature is the membership request, which pops on each new page.
Dotmusic - http://www.dotmusic.com/ Rating 4/5
You will find information on six music styles on this site. These are pop, indie, soul and R&B, dance, rock and hip-hop. Features of the site include interviews, news, reviews and music charts. You can also look at pages for particular artists, and see their news, reviews and interviews, and in some cases discussion boards. Each music style also has its own section, with relevant features and news. An additional feature of the site is its music download service, but this is something that users have to pay for.
Mfiles - http://www.mfiles.co.uk Rating 4/5
Musicians can use this site to download and print sheet music that is not under copyright, free of charge. Other original music is available, but this must be purchased. Sound files are also provided, to aid practice, with instruments recorded separately for those who are practicing alone. Budding composers can also print out blank sheet music. In addition, the site has features on music history and biographies of classical composers and composers of film music.
classicfm - http://www.classicfm.com Rating 3.5/5
This is the website of the classicfm radio station, and so focuses on classical music. As well as listening to the radio online, you can get information on music news and events. Visitors to the site can also read classicfm's guide to great composers, or their music guide, which explores different classical styles. Additional features include a daily quiz, and a chance to vote and influence classicfm's playlist.
Just for fun: This day in music - http://www.thisdayinmusic.com
On this site, as well as finding out what happened on this day in music history, you can answer music trivia questions, and look at top ten music lists. There are also plenty of additional trivia snippets, such as how bands got their names, what jobs musicians did before they were famous, and which record they first bought.
Do you have your own favourite site, or is there a particular subject area you think should be covered? E-mail me at lucy.barrow@ycp.co.uk, and I will try and include it in a future column.
Updated: 12:26 Wednesday, July 16, 2003
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