Mobile music applications have come of age over the last few years. In the recent past, the conversation was mostly about streaming services such as Pandora and that app on the iPhone commercial that allows you to avoid feeling embarrassed when you can’t name that tune. I’ve tried many variations on music discovery or streaming [...]

“The Exile of Satan From Heavy Metal Design”
An excellent look into the craft and creativity of metal cover art, as expansive as the genre itself.
Via Print
“Google Music and the New Payola”
Taking Google to task for arguing its new music service — which places download links from online retailers at the top of search results — [...]

“Widow Unearths Possibly the Rarest Beatles Record Ever Made… Still Sealed…”
A copy of Sgt. Pepper’s with Capitol execs taking the place of the Fab Four is so rare, it is of almost indeterminable value.
Vintage Vinyl News via Daily Swarm
“Merch Masters ICP Cash In On Detroit Music Culture”
Still laughing at the Juggalos? The ICP nets $10 [...]

It’s been years since the annoyingly smug iPod-as-radio-station Jack FM foisted itself upon the airwaves, so I’m somewhat surprised that something like Jelli hasn’t come along earlier. Adding a much-needed and long-overdue social media spin to radio, Jelli allows users to interact online and help choose and shape the playlist. While I’m incredibly skeptical that [...]

“Can’t Hold Back Low Power FM”
A bill allowing low-power FM stations just got out of committee and will now be voted upon by the full house.
Via Future of Music Coalition
“Umphrey’s McGee Encourages Fans To Inspire Their Live Improvisations”
Local Chicago jam band solicits user inspirations for solos. Synesthesia with weed references.
Via Hypebot
“U.S. Resists Ticketmaster-Live Nation Merger”
The [...]

“Brian McKinney of Chocolate Lab on the iTunes LP”
Chicago label owner helps bring some clarity to the latest iTunes product development.
Via Chicago Reader
“Freedom, Rhythm & Sound: Revolutionary Jazz Original Cover Art 1965-83″
Great review of what looks like an amazing book of cover art from Soul Jazz.
Via Dusted
“Rdio: Kazaa, Skype Execs Tackle Subscription Music”
A new [...]