Spotify now offers users various packages for purchasing downloads of the tracks already streamable via the service. A single track goes for $1.29 cents a track but for $50 you can download 100 tracks (that’s 50 cents a pop). The one catch being that all credits expire after 30 days (extendable to 90 days depending on ensuing transactions). Each purchased download can be re-downloaded up to four times.
50 cents is a great deal for the savvy investor, however, many users are sure to get got by simply clicking “Get Album” on, say, the new Beastie Boys’ “Hot Sauce Committee Party Two” and pay $14.28 straight up for the 16 tracks.
The downloads come via 7digital in 320 kbps format.
Alternatively, the digital album goes for $7.99 at Amazon (320 kbps mp3), $10.99 on BeastieBoys.com (in multiple formats including lossless plus a bonus remix), and $14.99 at the iTunes store at 256 kbps AAC (incl. 30 minute Fight For Your Right Revisited video download).
When it comes to this particular release — the choices are so varied it could be a toss up. How would you go about purchasing the MP3 download?
If I buy, it’s always through Amazon. They set the best prices. Their new cloud service isn’t a factor in this decision at all. I want the album for my iTouch in the car where streaming is unreliable, or for use in a DJ mix. The point of the cloud is to have music where you want it, when you want it – but bandwidth unfortunately doesn’t make this possible yet.
Anyway, for the most part, I sample albums on Spotify, Rhapsody, MOG, or Rdio. If I’m into discovering something new or not out yet, it’s all about the blogs. If/When Spotify launches in the US it’ll be interesting to see how this pricing model goes. Personally, I think 30 days is too short of a time period for credits to expire. There’s new music coming out constantly, but some months I feel peckish and less committal than others.