Review: Grooveshark music stream
Tom on January 20, 2009
Grooveshark is a new web service that offers free streaming of a huge catalogue of music – indeed, its tagline is Play any song in the world, free!
And unlike so many streaming music services, Grooveshark actually works. When I say ‘works’, I don’t mean “functions well sometimes”.
This web service has succeeded in holding all the cards: it has a large collection of music, both well-known and cult, there are no subscription fees, and it’s simple for the user.
Whereas similar ideas such as Last.fm have become commercial, more an obtrusive facsimile of the iTunes Store, Grooveshark remains, at least for now, true to what it is meant for: streaming whole songs with as little effort as possible.
A skilled team has brought music, simplicity and true genius together in Grooveshark. The process of streaming could not be easier: you simply browse to the site, enter a term in the prominent search bar which takes centre-stage, and press play. Albums or individual songs can be listened to; some albums have limited content, but some well-known ‘records’ are represented accurately.
Usability is a key aspect of the site, a factor which is too often ignored. It’s so easy to use that the older generation of internet users could be crooning to the likes of David Bowie or Gary Numan by now – the music of whom is readily available.
Grooveshark’s streaming is simple and easy to use, with clear text and large buttons.
I stored Grooveshark in one of ten-or-so open tabs in Safari and it sat there for hours, just as if iTunes were open. In a way it was much nicer. A change of music was as simple as searching again, but searching a global catalogue, not just my own collection.
Clearly the record labels are benefiting from the service, perhaps through digital song sales when the listener wants to take music with them. Of course, Grooveshark requires an internet connection. But if you’re primarily a home user, it could be the answer to your prayers, and those of your credit card – why buy, when you can stream?
The answer to this question, is of course, portability. You can’t take Grooveshark’s massive collection with you. But should the public become more aware of the site, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if an inexpensive music download service were introduced parallel to the existing streaming.
But in a way, we shouldn’t want that. As soon as downloading and purchasing come into play, greed also enters the ring. And when that happens, free streaming, which was once the sole purpose of the service, could be left by the wayside, a la Last.
In that case, I hope Grooveshark survives. But I don’t want it growing too obese on overpopularity and greed.
Nice post, didn’t even know this existed. Definitely will have to check this out.
T
Comment by Tom Wilkins on January 20, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Tom – interestingly, I discovered the service on a web design blog – they had used Grooveshark as an example of simple but usable design!
Comment by Tom Baker on January 20, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Hey Tom,
As I suggested via tweets, you’re freaking awesome! your review is thoughtful, intelligent, and very, very spot on with what we’re trying to do. focus is on listening to whatever song you want–now!
We definitely don’t consider incorporating greed into the equation: we’re all about the music. and usability/simplicity is our prime directive.
Thanks again for everything/being awesome. if you ever want to gab, ask some questions, or give some critiques, you have my email address and can find us on twitter (link provided with signature). and keep rocking!
<3
Ben
Comment by Ben (Grooveshark) on January 20, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Ben – my personal thanks for your thoughtful reply. It’s great to have a commentator from the company on board.
I’ve got in touch via e-mail with some further thoughts!
Comment by Tom Baker on January 20, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Looks like a great service. Will have to check it out sometime.
Comment by Will Dawson on January 20, 2009 at 9:49 pm
I love this website. I don’t really use anything else for music but this.
The funny thing is, my friend is one of the co-creator’s brothers. Look up Josh Greenberg and you will find him.
Comment by Jakob Barker on December 9, 2009 at 6:52 am
Love grooveshark. Previously a last.fm / pandora / slacker addict — grooveshark is better than all of these. Would love to see an iphone app like pandora but only if it can be done without degrading the service. Grooveshark rocks!!
Comment by Melissa McNatt on February 12, 2010 at 2:37 am
Thanks. A very fine review of an amazing site. I’ve been ‘surfing’ for 40 years. That means something when I say I’ve found a site that simply blows my mind. Of course I was immediately suspicious of it’s intent. I needed your review, and very badly. At the risk of becoming repetitive….Thanks….A lot
Comment by Grayson on February 16, 2010 at 5:39 pm