Last.fm

Last.fm is an online radio station which allows users to build a record collection, set up a profile and share their musical interests with other users.

A WAY TO NEW MUSIC

Set up in 2002 by Felix Miller, Martin Stiksel, Michael Breidenbruecker and Thomas Willomitzer and now owned by CBS, Last.fm offers a great way of accessing new music as it recommends artists to you according to what you choose to listen on the streamed radio stations. The recommend music service, called Audioscribbler, is also a good way to meet other users of the site, as you connect to people whose tastes you share.

HOW IT WORKS

You need to register to set up a profile but that is not necessary if you just wish to use the side as a kind of jukebox. If you do register and get more involved in the site then you can help influence its direction. Recommending, tagging or writing about a song moves it up the Last.fm music charts.

But even a casual use of Last.fm is a joy. Put the name of a band into a search and you'll find a biography, several songs to listen to, a list of similar artists and links to several videos of the band. Last.fm offers a simple and very effective means of exploration and discovery. You can also find concert listings, videos and if you make music yourself, you can upload it to the site and get paid royalties every time someone listens to it. This is an excellent website and a delight to use.