Getting Closer

I want to point a link to this article.  It seems that Universal is going to offer some DRM-free music, in the mp3 format.  Assuming this isn't just a ploy to let them complain more about piracy later, this is a huge step in the right direction. I've been waiting for this for a while.  There are however, a few things I'd still like to see implemented to improve the way music is purchased online:

1) Of course we need to see the rest of Universal's catalog online.  That's one of the big advantages to digital music-- there's shelf space for everything.

2) The other labels have to follow suit, so I can find a store that includes them as well.  Many independent labels have been selling DRM free music for a while- it will be nice to finally have a real one-stop-shop.

3) I dont' want to have to keep my own backups.  I should be able to create an account with a store, which will then keep a list of tracks that I've purchased.  Any time I want to download a purchased track I can do it.  Even better- I ship them my CDs and they add them to the list.  Additionally, I should be able to specify the format.  If I want mp3 (and right now I do), then that's great.  If I want WMA, AAC, OGG, or all four then that should be fine, too.  I can understand that music stores would be concerned about abuse, but it should be pretty easy to track usage and determine if an account is being shared.  And few consumers are going to want to download several GBs worth of data on a regular basis.