At the moment, freebie subscriptions here are by "invitation only" (good luck) though you can join the party instantly with a $4.99 a month (ad-free) sub, or a premium $9.99 version. The latter adds unlimited access to tracks and full albums on a computer, a streaming music device (Sonos, Logitech Squeezebox Touch and Radio) or the app-loaded mobile device of your choice. Plus you earn the right to store music on a device. While an unlimited number of gizmos can be linked to an account, only one can be accessed at a time.
In my test of the $10 version, I found Spotify's user interface and "new releases" section best tuned up for computers and Squeezebox devices. Spotify picks were few on an iPhone and iPad and nonexistent on the Sonos. On the upside, Spotify's easy searching by artist's name often pulls up albums by the dozens, plus a 100-track song list that includes the talent's guest appearances and soundtrack work, too.
Currently topping Spotify's "What's New" list is the return of the British symph rock band Yes with "Fly From Here" (Frontier Records, B), taking off with a typically grand, 20-minute suite. New singer Benoit David sounds shockingly like original frontman Jon Anderson, though less convoluted in messaging.
Also in the Spotify-light - Blige's surprisingly middle-of-the-road ballad "The Living Proof" (Interscope, B) from the motion picture "The Help."
I also Spotified a very summery/sexy sounding set of Jamaican dance hall music from Vybz Kartel "Kingston Story" (Mixpak, B+) and the doofy but fun, electro-hip hop duo LMFAO with "Sorry For Party Rocking" (Interscope, B). They're son and grandson of Motown founder Berry Gordy.
