I'm a self-confessed music scavenger. Rooting around in the digital sandbox for music is a bit of a pastime and I don't find it particularly difficult. I have about 8-10 key sites that offer free and legal MP3s that keep NYUB well stocked (these do not include any 'podsafe networks' which are just a cynical way for some podcasters to try and make money). But when it comes to exploring new genres or whole new music areas that I've never bothered to listen to,  it's slightly more challenging. It's usually involves a tip-off from a blog, an e-mail from a friend, or a random digital stumble. Wired magazine editor Chris Andersonrecently offered his thoughts in this area and asked the question: 'why is it so difficult to find new music on itunes, napster, msn music etc?'. He cites the need to enrich the data attached to each music track listed in these services. His suggestions include the band's influences, home town, active years, label, producer etc. However, a lot of this information is already available from www.allmusic.com but it's difficult to edit information and the site does not promote a community 'feel'. Others point to the fact that there's just not enough meta-data out there and that large editorial teams such as allmusic.com don't generate that 'trust' factor.

Is it time then for some hybrid solution? Convert www.allmusic.com into a Wiki, integrate it with the power of a blogging engine such as MSN Spaces and then in turn integrate that with a service such as MSN music? Is this why News Corp was so eager to purchase myspace? These are interesting times....