Sat - February 10, 2007

if music ...


something new in music categorisation

It's not that I don't like music. I do have my favourites and these days I tend to stick with those. Some years ago I noticed a heavy brand of torpor descend whenever I walked into a music store. It took me until yesterday to work out what this all about.
Yesterday I stumbled on a web site that has me re discovering post 1980s music.
What is different about theperiodiclabel is the way music is organised into categories.
Now I should say that the system used by The Periodic Label is not so great if you know exactly what you want. If you're a committed Boy Band fan or really want to buy only World Music - stick to HMV.
The Periodic Label is a treat for people wanting to check out what's out there unburdened by the prejudice of categories. - Well, sort of. Actually, I'm so impressed with how The Periodic Label organises music that I might be doing them a disservice in saying that.
There is an option to see an alphabetic list of all the bands who have made a musical contribution to the site. So try that before going to HMV.
Clicking that takes you to three pages ranging from Basement Band to Vaughn Montgomery. If you just want to explore, mouse over the periodic table graphic on the opening page to discover music categorised according to the mood of groups of chemical element. There's the music of Aqua Vitae, Quantum Chaos and Dark Matter to name but three. I went to Heliosphere first and that's how I discovered Kelly Jones. Click on her logo and a short bio gives a little background on the artist and an opportunity to share your views on how you rate her music. Want to download a song? No problem and no charge - just right click on the song title. Want to browse by listening to the music? - Launch audio player. Want to sell a track downloaded from the site? Don't do it -'You got 'em for free, so give 'em for free.' Nice, huh?
There's plenty more to rave over - go see for yourself:
theperiodiclabel (it does take a while to upload)

Posted at 04:11 PM    

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