(depending on which version you're looking at) AOL's streaming albums rule this week --- NEW LIFETIME

That exemplifies the gap between the new model of gaining popularity organically (via blogs and other online media) vs. through the old guard... the "mainstream" chosen by the major labels not for its quality, but for [what they think is] its likelihood in turning a profit.

You have to give AOL some credit for trying to address the consumers who are on both sides of this division.

I guess you can give them credit. but don't you expect AOL to have enough market knowledge to be able to reach the various strata of consumers?

it's kind of sad to me that these two players have to represent entirely different genres. Like, there's not a AOL.com country albums streaming site. Maybe I should be pleased with their recognition of an arguably blossoming music culture but i hate making distinctions b/w 'us' and 'them,' or whatever, you know? it seems counter-productive but maybe this is just my naive idealism flaring up. thoughts?

this could just have to do with the price of being included on AOL's site. For instance, they might sell it like this:

$10 will get you streaming on "Spinner"
$20 will get you streaming on the real one.
$25 will get you on both

this apples in stereo is soooooooo good.

Info related to the Lifetime gig:

February, 24 2007 at MIDDLESEX COUNTY COLLEGE
2600 Woodbridge Ave, EDISON, New Jersey 08818
Cost : $10 student/$13 general

ALL AGES w/ The Mongoloids, Cold World, 108 **** TICKETS WILL BE SOLD DAY OF SHOW AT THE DOOR ONLY ****doors @ 6pm