Something Shiny

photo credit: [charlie cravero]

Lala.com has an odd business model, or, collection of business models. They started as a CD trading site, which they still support but downplay some, You can stream any song in their catalog once in its entirety before you get the typical 30 second sample, you can buy a web song (stream it as many times as you like for $.10), or buy the MP3 for around $.99 ($.89 if you already bought the streaming version). Let’s take a look at the options in a little more detail after the jump.

Trading CDs can be nice, but historically there has been conflict between the “collectors” who expect pristine quality discs and all the artwork that goes along with it, and those who ask “What do you expect for $1.75?” Whichever camp you fall into, you earn credits by sending out your CDs and any time someone agrees to ship you one, you’re billed $1.75 (and one of your send-out credits). Since the trading has been de-emphasized since the earlier version, trading can be slow and frustrating, but still a nice component as part of the complete package.

The $.10 web songs (cheaper when bought as part of an “album” typically) allows you to stream the song as many times as you would like but you can’t download it. The site uses a flash player so most mobiles aren’t going to be able to stream the music, but there is an iPhone app that allows you to take your web songs on the go. New members get 50 free web songs to get started.

If you decide you want the MP3, the rates are pretty typical. Usually $.99 a track, but cheaper when bought as part of an album and, as I mentioned before, you get credit for your web songs if you decide to upgrade them to MP3s so they’re not double billing you.

There are some social elements that allow you to meet and interact with other members with similar tastes as well as features that allow you to find artists that are similar to the ones you enjoy. They picked up Woxy.com a few years back too, saving them from going dark (silent?). Although not well integrated into the Lala site anymore, it’s still a good way to discover new music if you’re into the indie scene.

Finally, they have an upload tool that allows you to load your existing collection to their web server and stream your entire collection from a slightly awkward iTunes-esque interface. Handy if you can stream media at work. Sadly, I cannot. In any event, an impressive feature for free.

So, all in all, Lala may be a better discovery tool, than music mart, but they have a number of interesting features that are definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already.