Streamripper allows you to download streams using Winamp. I found this after visiting Shoutcast, a directory of radio stations you can listen using your browser or favorite media player. I started listening to some great hip-hop mixes on .977 Hitz and I wanted to record them to play them later. That is when I found Streamripper.

Streamripper’s description

With the emergence of file sharing protocols such as Napster, Gnutella, and now Mojonation and Freenet, the average Internet user can download nearly any mp3 he wants in a matter of no time, but many times people don’t know what they want. Streamripper allows you to download an entire station of music. Many of these mp3 radio stations only play certain genres, so you can now download an entire collection of goa/trance music, an entire collection of jazz, punk rock, whatever you want.

Found via Streamripper.

Is it really the Firefox of media players? Well, upon first look I was skeptic. I was a fan of winAMP, and then moved on over to iTunes ever since I got my iPod Touch, but haven’t been satisfied since. Songbird looks like its going to deliver.

Features

Songbird has many functionalities many other media players already have. So why go with this one? So far its an open-source application that is working on creating a cross-platform, playback tool that lets you discover music and more! With the customization its promising to deliver, its worth a look.

Built in Browser – With a built in browser, clicking on biographies, concerts information, and more is a breeze.
Library management – Organize and browse your media.
mashTape – Discover Flicker photos, Youtube Videos, and more from the currently playing artist.
Media Device Support – Manage your iPod through SongBird!
Concert Tickets – Based on your music selection you’ll see what artists are having concerts.
Shoutcast Radio – The ability to stream SHOUTcast Radio through Songbird.
Customize with addons – Want a new theme, iPod support, or more?
Songbird Remote – Have an iPod Touch? Control Songbird with your touch!
Lyrics – Ability to display lyrics found on the internet with a simple plug in!

For a complete list of features go here.

Coming soon?

Songbird is planning on adding more Device Support, Metadata management, Album Artwork fetching, Subscriptions to music blogs and services, and more performance and stability. Coming later is CD Ripping, ability to watch folders, and support for video.

My Review

So far its hard to tell, but Songbird is promising to deliver. So far I’ve been using it for awhile and haven’t found a need to switch over to iTunes or winAMP again. I like the clean interface and the way you can customize it to your liking with the themes, skins, and add-ons.

So what are you waiting for? Go check Songbird out!