About a month ago, I posted some great sites to find new free music, usually with no “signup” needed. I wanted to repost some of these sites for new readers, and take the liberty to add a few more.

Daytrotter - This is a studio in Illinois where some big names occasionally stop in, and record about 4 tracks, and then on the site they release these tracks for free. Death Cab for Cutie just did 6 songs with them, 2 of the tracks being from the upcoming “Narrow Stairs.

Emusic - Relatively new on the ‘free music’ scene - these guys offer a sensational trial program. You get 25 songs for free, and then can opt out. If you choose not to, they have plans to download 30-75 songs a month. It’s an exceptional deal actually. I suggest you check out their trial, as their mp3’s also work seamlessly with Itunes.

RCRDLBL - A great site for bands you’ve never heard of. You may be able to name about 10% of their catalog, but they really introduce some really good stuff that’s going on, and make it fun. With daily inclusion of throwback videos (devo, etc.) new mashups from old artists, and global music coverage, this is one hell of an ‘indie’ site. And it’s good for artists. Click on picture to be re-routed.

Download.com - Lots of streaming mainstream artists, and sometimes you really have to dig to find some great stuff. I got about 8 Iron & Wine tracks here, and even some Sufjan Stevens. Really good place. If you sign up for their email list, they’ll also let you know when you can get free downloads pre-album release. It’s brilliant.

Rhapsody.com - So here’s the deal w/ Rhapsody. You sign up for a 14-day free pass. In this system, you can get as much music as you want, at your fingertips. The problem is, it isn’t Itunes compatible. The upside is, it plays right in your browser when you download the plugin.

So, now you have some music outlets to go and load up your ipod or zune for the week. If this was helpful, subscribe to my email newsletter that will keep you informed of free music that I constantly find.

Thanks to the kind folks over at Pitchfork media for bringing this to my attention. Ryan Adams and Oasis have decided to tour together. They have initially scheduled 8 dates, only one of these being in the lower 48. The other 7 are in a great loft apartment over a great party, aka Canada.

Can you imagine the strong personalities on this tour?? You’ve got the Gallagher brothers, who, if don’t kill each other, will probably do some serious damage to Adams. Or maybe Adams will do some serious damage to them. Either way, I’d love to be a fly on that tour bus.

Genre: Folk, Alternative, Indie

Why we like it: Gregs second album brings a brighter point of view to life than his prior Through Toledo. While still seeing the glass half empty, you can really begin to believe that Laswell is getting ‘better.’ With a new upbeat title track followed by new gems ‘Salvation Dear’ and ‘Embrace Me,’ Greg delivers an EP worth the 6 bucks you can get it for on Itunes.

Why we don’t: Laswell has updated two tracks from his prior release, ‘What a day’ and ‘High and Low.’ I wish he would have offered us 2 more new tracks, but the re-dos are nice, with added strings and longer track times.

Like Artists: Ray Lamontagne, Cary Brothers, Jamie McCullum

Genre: Alternative, Indie, Rock

Why we like it: With the absence of the classic Smashing Pumpkins, Bear Colony updates their iconic Siamese Dream album. This will definitely keep you tapping your feet, and singing along. Great drum machine usage, and Hospital Rooms aren’t for Lovers belongs on your playlist, immediately. Everyone I play this track for wants it. Tell em you found it here first.

Why we don’t: A little repetitive. Not that much of a diverse album, and only capitalizes on their ability to recreate and update past bands. Was great for about 10 listen, then I had to move along.
Like Artists: Smashing Pumpkins, The Format, Electric Presidents

Genre: indie folk, acoustic, alternative

Why we like it: Everything. On his first release, Englishman Devonte Hynes highlights his ability to be a little bit acoustic, a little bit indie, and folk as hell. Short tracks don’t over complicate the disc trying to appeal to all audiences. Simple vocals and nothing fancy makes it an easy listen. If you’re looking for Celine, move along.

Why we don’t: It sounds like nothing else out of the UK. This could be considered a plus, and we’re not looking for anything as obnoxiously english as The Streets or Arctic Monkeys, but Hynes might as well be from backwoods Georgia. Any other reasons we don’t like it? not at all.

Like Artists: Bright Eyes, Blood Red Shoes, Larrikin Love