Hello, welcome to our MPEG resource page. My twin obsessions - computers and music - have recently converged into an all-encompasing lovefest: a file compression format called .mp3.

The digital revolution, while problematic sonically, is breaking down barriers for artists who have historically been dependent on labels to distribute their music. Well, labels (as we know them) will soon be kaput - thank the good lord! Given the bandwith and storage space, bands can now get their music directly to fans (and potential fans) without interference.

Until recently, I didn't think the .mp3 format was close to CD quality. Two things changed this for me; I got a pair of desktop speakers from Cambridge SoundWorks ($99) and I heeded my brother's advice and started encoding in VBR (variable bit rate) using a great ripper/encoder from XING called Audio Catalyst ($30). It took me about two minutes to encode Revenge! (a beautiful Spoon B-side) using the high resolution setting. It sounded amazing and set me on my glorious path.

Come on, jump in! Our second record, the brutal and lovely Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, is on the site in .mp3. It's yours for the taking: download it, play it, email it, whatever you want. It's a non-encrypted open source format. Rocknroll.

A warning: unless you have a DSL line (get one now!) it's gonna be slow going, but it's a start and much fun can be had downloading files from the web. .mp4 is on the way (December '99) and it will soon be easy as pie to pull almost-CD quality music off the web. Bands will soon realize they'd be better off selling streamed records for $4-$6 (and giving away at least one track per album) from their own site. It's time to correct the price gouging labels have gotten away with since the introduction of compact discs.