Splinters

Actually, who need podcasting to find new music? Heavy.com are doing a deal you'll find hard to refuse if you clamour for a continual stream of new tunes. Sign up for their free CDs and get a new complilation of piping hot stuff delivered to your door each month. You pay only the postage and packing. The CDs rejoice under the name Sumosonic and I've got compilations 34 and 35. They've got some snazzy design values going on in a DVD sized case and plenty of info about where to find more from the featured artists. Like any compilation, it's a real mixed bag, and to my jaded ears, a lot of it is just mediocre indie pap. But, there are some gems here: I Am Kloot's "Untitled #1" is a gorgeous world-weary sounding tune which sounds a bit like John Lennon is singing it. The fact I like this is even more remarkable seeing as I utterly detest The Beatles; I'm the one wishing Lovely Rita Meter Maid would get hit by a bus. But I digress. There's also some lovely tracks from Amon Tobin and Lou Barlow (ex Sebadoh) on Sumosonic 35, both of which have that ker-ching! sound of accomplishment and gravitas to them. For those alone, these Sumosonic compilations should be praised to the heavens. They also have an online radio station showcasing their complilations' tracks if you want to get a taster first.

More on free music compilations:
Spike | Google | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Wikipedia