C[omp]ute

From: andrew cooke <andrew@...>

Date: Sun, 5 Jun 2011 20:31:43 -0400

I just downloaded some tracks from portaldisc.cl - for $30.000 (30 pounds) you
get 10 albums, which seems like a good deal to me.

The files are MP3, 192Kbps, packaged in zip files.  They all have valid ID3
tags and associated images; most downloads also have extra images.  However,
the exact details differ from album to album (even for the same artist - I
bought two albums by Rodrigo Ratier - one was in nested directories by artist
and album; the other was flat).  Some albums have various "extra" ID3 tags
(iTunes, related for example) - I imagine this is because they simply ask each
artist for a zip file, so there's no real guarantee of quality.

Everything is very simple, but works fine.  You pay in advance for "codes" (by
PayPal, or WebPay, or bank transfer).  As far as I can tell, the system for
sending out codes isn't completely automated (they kind-of say so in the
instructions).  However, I got the codes by email within 30min of paying, on a
Sunday evening).

To download you enter the code in a web page (and then it's "used up" -
there's no re-downloading, as far as I can see).  I had absolutely no problems
downloading (I haven't listened to everything yet, but what I have has had no
issues).

So, in short: works fine and seems reasonable value.  Simpler than trying to
find (relatively obscure) Chilean artists on the 'net, *and* they get some
money out of it.  Everyone wins.


The first album I downloaded was Odisea Odiseo.  It's by Alex Anwandter, who
was the brains and to-die-for voice behind Teleradio Donoso.  Unfortunately,
this suffers by comparison: where Teleradio soared with simple Pop Rock, this
trudges through programmed mud.  The Voice does, occasionaly, shine thrugh,
but I hope he can find some new friends with jangly, summery guitars soon.

Andrew