Entries tagged with “mp3” from O'Reilly Digital Media Blog

Rick Sammon's blog about photographing thousands of snow geese reminded me of an e-mail I got a while back from a world-champion duck caller. He was looking for a digital audio recorder. Here's what I suggested.

While sweeping some of the detritus off my desktop today, I discovered a free MP3 download code I'd sliced off a disposable cup from a sandwich shop. Seemed like a good excuse to try out Amazon's MP3 store. So I entered Amazon's MP3 Downloads area, input the first disposable song title that popped into my head, and clicked. Amazon prompted...

Wondering which handheld digital audio recorder to buy? Guitarist and recording engineer Mark Nelson just compiled this helpful comparison chart based on his detailed reviews. Mark is one of the few people on the planet to have used each of the top recorders extensively, recording everything from Hawaiian surf to wild coyotes, so he has an especially deep perspective. As...

Once again, virtual instrument maestro Gary Garritan has compiled a collection of Christmas carols recorded by his customers. You can download all 19 MP3s plus cover art to make your own CD (or iTunes covers) from his Xmas page. I'm grabbing them right now with the handy Firefox extension DownThemAll. This year, Garritan's core software orchestral and band instruments are...

Loops OK, so, my relationship with loops is, uh, complex ... on the one hand, they've saved my professional ass on many occasions, enabling the delivery of lots of music and sound effects in a minimum amount of space. they have also been crucial to many interactive audio projects i've worked on. i love loops so much, my new audio...

I'm sure you've heard the news that Microsoft must pay $1.5B as the result of a lawsuit brought by Alcatel-Lucent. You can read about it, but it sure is a good lesson. You better do your homework before licensing patents. I encourage everyone to look into the use of Vorbis Ogg format. First, it sounds very good. And it's patent...

A nice treat from the folks at Zune: 30-odd free unDRMed MP3s ready for download, including tracks from Wierd Al, Barenaked Ladies and the Shins. Perfect for your iPod, Zune or other MP3 player....

For the third year, sound designer Gary Garritan has released a free collection of Christmas songs recorded by musicians who use his software instruments. This edition features arrangers and composers from as far away as Iceland, Italy, and Slovenia. And interestingly, it showcases Garritan's new big-band instruments as well as his earlier orchestral ones. In a friendly touch, there's even...

"Let's Get Away" by KieranAfter growing up on a steady diet of Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, this Brooklyn-born R&B newcomer teamed up with hitmaker Scott Storch to make Breathe, an album full of tracks like this undeniable floor-filler. [Nov 17] US only. Napster Freebies Page. More freebies after the jump....

"Touchdown Turnaround (Don't Give up on Me)" by HellogoodbyeThis So-Cal group's DIY attitude helped them land a record deal, appearances on MTV's The Real World, and a spot on this year's Vans Warped Tour. This fizzy track, from their latest album, highlights the group's love of dance beats. [Nov 16] US only. Napster Freebies Page. More freebies after the jump....

"Music Fight" by Airpushers (featuring MoZella)The duo of Printz Board and Tim Izo Orindgreff, known for their work with the Black Eyed Peas, began stretching out with their own material in 2004. The resulting album includes this sexy neo-soul track, featuring Detroit chanteuse MoZella. [Nov 15] US only. Napster Freebies Page. More freebies after the jump....

"Sex & Mayhem" by DevastationsSince moving to Berlin in 2003, the Devastations have traveled around Europe, where their first album was hailed as the best debut of 2004 by Billboard Germany. This track is from their highly anticipated sophomore release, Coal. [Nov 14] US only. Napster Freebies Page. More freebies after the jump....

"Stunning" by 8mmFormer Trent Reznor/Marilyn Manson collaborator Sean Beavan and wife Juliette conjure a moody L.A.-via-New Orleans groove, matching sultry vocals with subtle, pre-ominous whisps of ambient noise-fear. [Nov 13] US only. Napster Freebies Page. More freebies after the jump....

"Nothing Like Your Touch" by Vikter DuplaixThis multi-talented Philly DJ/producer/singer/instrumentalist specializes in steamy bedroom music. Having taken a break from his work with other artists, he now applies his skills to his own material, which is just right for romance. [Nov 12] Napster Freebies Page More freebies after the jump....

"Can't Get Enough (California Edit)" by B2DanceSince hitting paydirt in 2004 with the chart-busting Halloween dance track "Gonna Get Ye," this NYC act continues to build its reputation for producing dependable floor-fillers. [Nov 11] US only as far as I know. If anyone has any success downloading from non-US locations, please drop me an e-mail. Thanks. More freebies after the...

You need to sign up for a (free) Napster account in order to access these free MP3 files. Here's the direct link to the Napster download page. "Nothing Like This" by J DillaTaken from the Adult Swim/Stones Throw compilation Chrome Children, this dreamy psychedelic soundscape plays like a voice from the heavens--the voice of the late, great J Dilla. [Nov...

Today's download suddenly switched from a simple URL to a big-old-complicated one, suggesting that Napster is going to be a little more protective about its new free download program. If the link I provided does not work for you, visit the download page directly. Before: http://www.napster.com/mds_daily_download/media/110606/Mandrake.mp3 After: http://condir.napster.com/gf/Get_on_with_Your_Life.mp3?mob=AQEAT2MAAABDSwUAAJ4BRQCaTUWLzoC7gIDk.0l3d3cubmFwc3Rlci5jb20vbWRzX2RhaWx5X2Rvd25sb2FkL21lZGlhLzExMDYwNi9HZXRfb25fd2l0aF9Zb3VyX0xpZmUubXAzmRb8ATBEnQpRRWsYn74iK2.RomXvyJMTuec-&ext=.mp3 "Get on with Your Life" by The PurrsThese Seattle alt-rock vets have...

"Mandrake" by Chrisopher BlueCompared to the likes of Tom Waits and Bono, this singer-songwriter describes his style as "American road music tied into a noose knot swinging in the wind." What does that sound like? Download this song and find out. [Nov 8] More freebies after the jump....

You need to sign up for a (free) Napster account in order to access these free MP3 files. "The Young Idealists" by Lloyd ColeA sharply observed look at youth and politics from the journeyman singer-songwriter and former Commotions leader. One more reason Cole's understated approach continues to win fans. [Nov 7] More freebies after the jump....

My colleagues at PaidContent.org shared some insights from a recent Steven Levy article in Newsweek regarding the iPod turniing five.......here are the most entertaining pieces: iPods are cool and useful, but the fifth anniversary of the digital music player is getting an enormous hype party -- the full cultural milestone treatment, sort of like when Tom Cruise turned 40. Newsweek...