I have discovered a musical sanctuary that defies the muscle of the major music labels and stands up with the independents to offer music with no DRM, in MP3 format!

So, no restrictions on what MP3 player to use. No restrictions on the number of CDs that can be burnt. No restrictions on what computer or other hardware is used to play the music. Just legal downloads with the freedom of a CD.

Of course the major music labels don't want a part of this (although it's reported that individual executives may think it's a great idea). They are all sticking to their iTunes and DRM-drenched AAC downloads. So there's not much in the way of chart music. There's no manufactured pop artists (although some would argue that's a plus point), and no music from the likes of U2 or the Scissor Sisters.

But there is music from Snow Patrol, Coldplay, Keane, The Raconteurs, The White Stripes, The Kinks, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Eddy Grant, Bloc Party, Belle & Sebastian, The Gotan Project, America - the list does go on.

And above all, there is a wealth of music just waiting to be discovered. A musical gold mine of songs from across the genres. These are all signed artists. They just don't get the air play. This is raw music. Music for the love of the medium and nothing else.

And what does this cost? A monthly subscription starting at £8.99 for 30 downloads (40 before 20 February 2007). That's about 30p per song. Compared to 79p per download offered by iTunes, it's a pretty good deal.

I know this is a blatant advert for the service, but it's such a good find. I've discovered music by Ambulance Ltd, Belle & Sebastian, The Decemberists and the Gotan Project and that's just in one week!

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