Simplify Your Music? Maybe. Increase Your Music Library Exponentially? Absolutely!

Out of all the various apps that I have come to use on a regular basis (and believe it or not there aren’t that many), one of them has really stood out for me.  I’m a music buff, and like most music buffs, I’m always looking for that new unique sound, band, etc.  But I only have so many friends, and they only listen to so much music that they can recommend. Moreover, let’s be honest, how many times have you found someone with the exact same tastes as you?  Could a computer formula help me find stuff I like?  The resounding answer is Yes!

Pandora has been an unbelievable source of good recommendations for music I haven’t heard before. Within the first few days, it was playing songs brand new to me that I liked. More than once I found myself running to the iPhone (mine is hooked up to my stereo when listening to music at home) and quickly hitting the thumbs up button so I could come back to that song later.  Pandora has done an amazing job introducing me to stuff I want but didn’t know existed.

Problems with Pandora?  I have a bad feeling that they are going the way of the dinosaur. It’s not that they want to, or not by any lack of interest by users (do you have any clue HOW many people have already downloaded their iPhone app???), but due to a big comet called "music licensing".  It seems that royalty fees have skyrocketed and Pandora is running out of money. Rumor has it they aren’t going to be around much longer which, of course, I am dreading. 

So what am I supposed to do?  I just want to simplify my music and listen to new stuff I don’t have but might like.

Well, 2 days ago, Dan tells me about Simplify Media, an application that lets me stream my iTunes Music to my iPhone (which is very cool, but not the best part). Best part… it also lets me SHARE MY MUSIC with other friends and GET ACCESS TO THEIR MUSIC. 

What Was That?!?!  I can share my music library and get access to their music library? Yup!

Well, Dan and I tried that and it went smoother than I could have imagined. He’s out of town this weekend but I could still see all of his music on my iPhone.  It came up fast since my iPhone was connected to Wi-Fi.  I could pick by artist, song, etc.  It is great!  And the best part?  I can do this with up to 30 friends! Thanks to Simplify Media I no longer need to worry about listening to only my library of songs. I now have access to everyone (okay, up to 30) else’s too. 

And the best part?  It doesn’t matter if my iPhone is a first generation 8 Gig iPhone.  I now have access to my 100 Gigs of music and Dan’s 40 Gigs- with another 28 friends to go.

That’s not Simple- that’s Amazing!

Look for a full review early this week.