Apple has actually pushed things in the right direction. EMI a big label will now allow Apple to sell their music without tags of any kind. Apple has stated this is the right way to go for the consumer but of course the music industry resisted that.
As a result it is anticipated more companies will follow EMI. Some studies suggest people are introduced to artists and then will go out and buy more of their music. Those that don’t buy aren’t likely to buy no matter what digital rights managment prevention is employed.
The other issue is that quality is important to some people. The big two SACD and DVD-Audio did not reach general acceptance in the market because the focus was on copy protection. As a result you had a rich great format for listening that you couldn’t even make a copy of for your car.
SACD was a tremendous opportunity lost IMHO. The sound is so great but most people will now never experience it. Think high level vinyl quality without the record noise with wear and tear.
But after all the noise pollution to our society with the negative nihilism of rap firmly injected, no one will be crying for these folks.
It may actually be better for some great artists to reach an audiience. Jazz/modern artists like Eric Lewis who is one of the best piano players in the world may reach an audience since people will look for quality over advertising.
http://www.jazzcapital.net/artists/eric_lewis.php
I’m a PC guy. Is there anywhere I can buy songs now at a cheap price without the protection software?
I have a few dozen SACD’s. Love ‘em. Dylan released a bunch then stopped. Moody Blues just released some. But, I guess it’s dying. Too bad.