I just downloaded my first full album (that I paid for). Used Amazon's MP3 service. Paid under 9 bucks, no DRM. iTunes follows suit, selling for $8.91 in iTunes Plus format. If you're interested, it was Meshuggah's ObZen, which is absolutely sick. A real throwback to the early, pre-DFH days. I started my pursuit for the album at Nuclear Blast's website, where I was surprised to find that they list Starbucks of all places as an MP3 partner.

If you start using Amazon to download music, you don't need it but you might consider a small download platform which imports your purchases with no effort into your iTunes library. You'll even get a free MP3 by The Apples In Stereo (I think that was my first free download on iTunes, too).

But here's the deal. I've dodged downloading for a long time. iTunes and the whole DRM thing have been an absolute turnoff. But Amazon is DRM-free, and the prices tend to be better. You can download some marquee titles for under eight bucks.  I'm converted. ObZen would have cost me 14 bucks to buy in physical format. I saved five bucks that will go to the next record I buy online.

Tags: Amazon, drm, iTunes, Meshuggah, MP3, New Releases