The Decliner

Yes! Months ago, my most favorite website of all, muxtape.com, was unceremoniously shut down. Something about illegally posting full tracks that could be played, potentially downloaded, a lawsuit (the RIAA kills everything I love), blah blah blah.

Anyhow, after what I can only imagine was a legal situation of epic proportions for its creators/designers, muxtape.com has returned, albeit in a new, more anemic form.

Currently, one can listen to some tracks (posted with the band’s/record company’s permission, I’m sure) and a small library is available. Hopefully, they’ve found a way to begin posting content again.

According to wired, the new iteration is a “white-label myspace”:

“The new Muxtape will allow bands to upload their own music and offer an embeddable player that works anywhere on the web, in addition to the original Muxtape format. Bands will be able to assemble an attractive profile with simple modules that enable optional functionality such as a calendar, photos, comments, downloads and sales.”

Ok! So, it’s actually nothing like the original concept: users compiling mix lists on-line to share with friends.

I have to wonder, then, just what exactly was “kept alive” here, aside from the domain?

The RIAA wins again.