Hiya Guys,
I realize this might not be news to some but I've just discovered some really cool stuff in Winamp. The other day I downloaded the latest version trying to get an MP4 file that my phone camera generated to play on my desktop.
As I opened the bookmarks to see if they all transfered in after the upgrade, I noticed the "Online Services" folder on the left side. When I clicked on the folder it opened up several different free streaming music sources.
So far I've been listening to the free XM streams at work. They're OK. I only say OK because they are a low bitrate stream. What I keep getting lost in is the Winamp Music folder. There is some GREAT stuff in here. You can listen to high(er) bitrate streams of single songs or in some cases full albums (Ella and Louis - For Lovers, Claptons - Coming Home, stuff like that).
They also have exclusive interviews done by AOL under the Sessions trademark. There are tons of streaming videos to choose from. Best part is there are loads of bands that I've never heard of. Its a great way to sample some new music that we don't hear on regular radio or some of the online streams.
Heres a couple you need to check out.
Under the Dance and Electronica folder;
Zero 7 - Home and In Time videos. These guys do some of the most melodic Chill Out that I've found. Phenominal stuff. I highly recommend the album When it Falls. You can sample all of the tracks over at Amazon.
Jamirquai - Feels Like it Should and Space Cowboy videos. These guys do a juiced up, modern version of R&B/Funk. Mike D. turned us all onto these guys. Great stuff if you like the genre.
DJ Shadow - Midnight in a Perfect World video. If you are into Trance, this guys does some pretty cool stuff.
There has to be close to 100 different groups to choose from. All of them are full length songs, videos or interviews.
From the Jazz and Blues folder:
The videos are a bit more sparse. This folder has tons of the classic Bop era jazz greats like Coltrane, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Art Blakey, you name them, they are there. And sometimes there are 15 or 20 full songs to choose from.
A couple of videos I found tat are kind of interesting are:
Dr John and the Neville Brothers - Goin Back to New Orleans video. Its a fun watch. Check out the blonde in the front row.
Etta James - Beware. The brunette is pretty hot.
On occasion you have to sit through a commercial tagged on the front of a video but its worth it.
I haven't gone through all of the folders yet to see what else is there but what I've found so far is pretty darned cool. Just wanted to share what I found with those who didn't know this was there.
Enjoy!
...oh, for the videos you are likely to need high speed otherwise the feed will be pretty choppy.
