Earlier today, Rhapsody launched a new MP3 store as well as many other initiatives (read the press release here). Users of Rhapsody's subscription service will feel at home, and users of its free streaming web site will notice similarities.

I spent the weekend browsing around the storen and testing its user experience, and I have written a three-page analysis. It costs $29.99 and can be purchased here. (During the post-MBA job search, there will be more papers like this for purchase.)

In a nutshell, I think it's a solid store that has some positive and negative aspects. Like other Rhapsody services and sites, the MP3 store is easy to use and geared toward music aficianados. Users can stream 25 songs per months -- without even creating an account -- after which the samples revert back to 30-second streams. Tracks are 256kbps MP3s and the catalog includes all four majors plus many indies. It has just about everything a store should have.

On the down side, the site offers practically nothing new, and the checkout process is laborious (it should be more of a simple buying process). The prices are $0.99 per track and $9.99 per album, and there are no sale items or promotions.

Welcome to an increasingly crowded market, Rhapsody MP3 store. Your brand name and good interface should help you gain some traction. As for upselling consumers to the subscription site, I'm undecided on the outlook.

[music jobs] New York University is seeking a Department Chair for The Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music.