Finding Music for iPods

[Navarre]

While I was going broke today with my own taxes my ex-wife got her return. She ended up with enough money to buy herself a $700 camera, an Android cell phone, a new washer & dryer, and still have money left over. (Makes me wonder exactly where my child support payment goes each month but that's a different topic).

On the plus side, for the first time since our divorce in 2008, she got me a present too. She sent me an 8 GB iPod Nano today.

That was very generous of her. I always appreciate people's thoughtfulness (except Slappy when he tries to give me bleu cheese or pickles).

Anyway, now that I have this unexpected gem, what is the best way to get music onto it?

I don't want to use any sort of questionable (ie, illegal) software but I cannot afford to buy songs (see Taxes thread, above).

iTunes is free, right? So I could transfer songs from my CDs to the iPod even though these are old songs and would take a while.

Is there any way I can get newer songs legally without having to pay for them?

[Slappy]

Frostwire can do it.

[Navarre]

Does Frostwire have legal downloads?

Is it only for music or is it like Limewire was?

[BaneDFU]

like limewire but less viruses

I suggest going to your library and getting CDs I got around 4000 of my songs from the library and you can just request CDs from other branches if your library is like mine

[Blackthunder01]

I have a grudge against iTunes so I'd suggest uploading content via Windows Media Player instead.  However, if you have an iProduct, you'll be forced to use iTunes.  As for finding free legal music, if you find out ... let me know.  The only place I get my music from for free is when bands release singles to the public for free.  That rarely ever happens. 

If you do decide to purchase music, I really recommend Amazon.com for it.  Same price as iTunes and not computer destroying installs.  (That's why I have a grudge with iTunes.)

[Navarre]

I've already installed iTunes although I haven't used it yet.

Does Amazon have a similar software or is it simply a place to download music?

[Navarre]

Well, I've added 71 songs from my CD collection into iTunes. But, it's a CD collection so you know it's out of date.

I've got some RATT, Judas Priest, and such. But most everything I own is from the 80's or 90's. The only CD I've bought in the last 10 years in Eminem's "Recovery".

But, it's something.

I also just realized my new Nano has a built-in radio, stop watch, and pedometer on it too. Cool!

[Blackthunder01]

Amazon doesn't have a "program" like iTunes.  It installs a small app that works behind the scenes to speed up the download process.  Once it downloads, you can use things like Windows Media Player (comes already installed on almost all PCs).  It's just as easy ... or in my oppinion, much easier.

[Navarre]

Thank, Brian. I'll check it out.

I have to get some more current music than what I have.

Twisted Sister?? Really?   

[Blackthunder01]

lol ... I'm still trying to find "... And Justice For All" by Metallica in stores.  lol

[Navarre]

I have all the Motley Crue, Poison, and RATT CDs. Those bands are still current and popular, right? 

[Blackthunder01]

... uh ... yeah ... sure they are... Ratt poisoned Motley Crue?  I must have missed that on the news.

[Navarre]

It would explain where they all went. If it wasn't for leads like Brett Michaels and Sebastian Bach being on reality shows I doubt most young people would have ever heard of them.

[dantemarx]

In my experience, the best bets are to:
A) import personal CDs
B) Buy from the iTunes store
C) Get music podcasts - I know of coverville, and there are others - most will have free music

Also, Back things up! Importing cds is time consuming, and it is worth backing them up.

[Navarre]

Good point on the backup, thanks.

I have imported several of my CDs. I have also been able to get some songs from friends. So it's getting there, slowly but surely.