The Bottom Line
Last.fm is a streaming media service that also has a built-in social network. As you use the service, it learns what you like and fine-tunes its recommendations. You can, create your own radio station, make and share playlists, build a free media library, and more. Last.fm also serves as a portal to purchase music tracks from the iTunes Store and 7digital music services. However these two sources aren't your only option or the cheapest, so you may want shop around. As a music discovery tool, Last.fm is an excellent service that provides a wealth of content - highly recommended.
Pros
- Excellent resource for music discovery
- Intuitive Website interface makes finding music straight forward
- Scrobbling technology quickly builds up the music you like
Cons
- Purchasing music via Last.fm isn't the cheapest route
- Music stops playing if you browse the Website - Last.fm software has to be used.
Description
- Service type: Unlimited, Free
- Music Delivery: Streaming audio and video, downloads (purchased tracks)
- Music library: 19 genres
Guide Review - Last.fm Review: A Free Service That Learns Your Musical Tastes
Introduction
Last.fm is a global music service, based in the UK, that is one of the largest resources of free media on the Internet. It's simple interface makes searching for your favorite artist, genre, etc., easy; just type in the search box to get results. The most impressive feature though, is scrobbling; this technology learns your musical tastes to improve the recommendations. The free scrobbling software also monitors the music you play on your computer and iPod.
Services: Registering as a user gives you the following benefits:
- Social networking
- Personal radio station
- Your own profile page
- Create and share playlists
- Free media library
- Access to bands/artists events
Website: The Last.fm Website is well designed, and intuitive to use. There are links for music, videos, radio, events, and charts. The Events section is particularly useful if want to find out where your favorite band or artist is performing - pay them the ultimate respect by going to see them 'live'. The only downside to using the Website is the annoying break in the music when browsing through the site. You either have to open another tab in your Internet browser to keep the music playing, or download their software and have that running alongside your browser.
Scrobbling and Software: This is a technology that makes Last.fm deliver music that is tailored to your musical tastes. As you listen to music on Last.fm the tracks are 'scrobbled' which over time makes the recommendations more accurate. The free software that you can download scrobbles music that you listen to on your computer or iPod - this improves the accuracy even further.
Media Content: There is a large selection of tracks that cover 19 music genres. Music videos are also available.
Music Delivery and Quality: The streaming audio is of excellent quality.
