Monday, June 30, 2008 -- 2:51 p.m. -- at my desk

Whoa! I didn't realize how tired I was getting of all this iPhone 3G news ... not that I'm not excited, but it's getting depressing! No MMS, no information from AT&T, Rogers, etc.

Here's a bargain from iPTIB that may or may not interest you.

In the iTunes store, you can purchase a CD called "The 100 most essential pieces of classical music" for just $5.99.

I thought it was a mistake. $5.99 for 100 songs -- 6 cents a song -- and get this -- they are all in the iTunes Plus format, so they sound pretty darn good.

I will be the first to admit that I don't listen to classical music. Not my thing. But for that price, I'm tempted to just have it for my iPod for those times when I need something really relaxing and clean. For when I actually get tired of my hundreds of 80s hits.

So I thought you'd all appreciate the heads up of a good bargain. Here's the direct link.

If you have it or decide to get it, please let everyone know what you think of it.

Thanks for calling.

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There are a few good ringtone tunes on that list - worth the $5.99 just for those. Nice find. I've already made my first ringtone out of the Brandenberg Concerto No 3

Hmmm, how long does it take to download 100 songs!!

SCOTT'S REPLY: I was thinking the same thing! These are full-sized songs at high quality, so I'm sure quite a while.

Thanks! I agree, a bit of news other than 3G is great! AND WOW 100 masterpieces, bought it and gifted one to my dad!

THANKS!

SCOTT'S REPLY: So glad to hear it, Ben.

Thanks for telling us, Scott. What a deal! It took me about 29 minutes to download with broadband cable connection.

SCOTT'S REPLY: That's not bad at all, Helen!

Okay, I'm bracing myself for getting booted off this blog because I'm a musical snob, but these are only parts of those masterpieces. It's like saying that a reproduction of the top half of the Mona Lisa's head is representative of Da Vinci's masterpiece. Did Beethoven compose the other 3 movements of his 5th Symphony as filler? This collection in many cases only includes MOVEMENTS of entire PIECES. You're not getting masterpieces in these cases but a marketer's condescending notion that you don't have the attention span and taste to care about the rest! For my wallet, the $5.99 is a travesty and a RIP OFF.

SCOTT's REPLY: I'd never kick you off the blog -- and, that's something I would never know in a million years and it's most helpful. So now we know why it's $5.99.

Well, at least one person has said that they can make great ringtones. So there is that.

But I'm glad you told us. Not everyone may agree and think it's good enough for $5.99, but some folks are serious about their music.

Thanks for the link. Not a big classical music fan, but there's a reason it's called classical - it transcends the ages. So I bought it and also this: Tchaikovsky: "1812" Overture
Berliner Philharmoniker & Claudio Abbado. (uses Swedish canons from 1863). Did take quite a while to download on my iBook despite a broadband connection. Probably because, despite 2 externals I just keep running out of room on ole faithful.

What's nice about buying albums is you get to hear things other than the top 40. And I'm always looking for background music for various homemade videos-I'm sure this will be a big help. Haven't quite mastered Garageband (the one Apple program I can't get my head into).

Thanks!

SCOTT'S REPLY: Garageband takes time, that's for sure. There's very little I know how to do in it. And while I"m sure this CD isn't for everyone, it's nice to have so many options at such a low price.

Hmmm, 100 ringtones for $5.99. That's a pretty good deal - if only i could buy it. No iTunes store in Singapore. :-(

Hello? Steve? How about maybe a South-East Asia iTunes store? Maybe before i retire?

SCOTT's REPLY: Wow. I take it for granted that it's always here and you don't have it there. I need to stop taking this stuff for granted, knowing all of you in different countries and all.

Well I'd have no problem with the fact they're selling you single movements. It's clearly aimed at a broad market, and I think it's great if someone hears the first part of Beethoven's 5th and decides to buy the full version to hear the rest of it, for example.

I know a lot of classical music, and I'm impressed by the depth and variety of pieces on offer. The quality and style of playing isn't always top notch (I find the Brandenburg 3 and Beethoven 5 very stodgy indeed) but a lot of the music here is very well played. 100 tracks at 5.94 euros (so actually 10 dollars over here) is not bad at all. So if ya have any interest at all I'd say go for it!

SCOTT'S REPLY: Pat, I think that's good advice and a very valid way to look at it!

Thanks for pointing this out Scott! I downloaded it last night and am now deciding who to share it with (gift or otherwise).

Mr. Moon's comment led me to this thought:

You know how some people have been "figuring out" (realizing) that Complete My Album is quite the marketing tool? Well, imagine if each of these pieces – which are in many cases just movements, and therefore a only part of a full work – were linked to the rest of its respective tracks. I know they would get more money out me with that (as long as it wasn't obtrusive or obnoxious – see, dozens of suggestions) than they will now, even though I plan to search for the rest of several of these when I get the chance.

SCOTT'S REPLY: That's very interesting thinking, Sam. I'm glad you enjoyed it and found the post useful.

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