I know it’s automatically less convenient to buy music online from anywhere other than iTunes (yay anticompetition), but I really think this is an effort worth supporting. Local record shops are getting pushed out of business. Hell, even the Tower Records and Virgin Megastores of the world are struggling. But now the independent mom and pop shops are going online, thanks to their industry consortium group. So while I don’t have any particular animus towards Apple (which provides me with wonderful products), I do believe that local record stores are the backbone for spreading the good small bands that sometimes turn into good big bands.
So, check out thinkindie.com. The prices are the same, the quality is better and the money is going to the local stores. It’s our way of fighting back against the Wal-Mart-sized companies that are rapidly taking over our music.
(Many thanks and hat tips to the incomparable Pitchfork.com for cluing me in to this wonderful development.)
Other Music has a great online site. othermusic.com