DESCRIPTION: Searches the Internet for free music downloads.

SIZE: No size.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Web browser.

COMMENT:

Have you recently shied away from P2P music downloads? Are you worried about lawsuits and/or viruses getting into your life? You might want to try the Lycos music search site. You may search using the following criteria: Artist, MP3s, Lyrics, and the Web.

Typing in "Paul Simon" brings up dozens of his songs. It also brings up a pop-up ad. There is no free lunch. Clicking on one of the linked songs brings up a window which tells you whether the song is available for download or not.

 Kodachrome is available.


Using a DSL connection it took 45 seconds to download the 3.15 MB music file. Where did this music file come from? It came from a family Web site where Paul Simon's Kodachrome was uploaded. It's doubtful this family even realizes that Lycos is searching their files and making them available to others.


The Top 10 Searches

Not everything is as it seems. Some songs are only partially available. One download I tried sounded like the Chipmunks were singing. Fortunately you can play the music before you download it. Using the Lyrics or Web search options turned out to be a waste of time. But hey, it's music, it's free, and it appears to be moderately safe.