Hidden in purchased music files from popular stores such as Apple and Walmart is information to identify the buyer and/or the transaction. You won’t find it disclosed in their published terms of use. It’s nowhere in their support documentation. There’s no mention in the digital receipt. Consumers are largely oblivious to this, but it could have future ramifications as the music industry takes another stab at locking down music files.

Here’s how it works. During the buying process a username and transaction ID are known by the online retailers. Before making the song available for download their software embeds into the file either an account name or a transaction number or both. Once downloaded, the file has squirreled away this personal information in a manner where you can’t easily see it, but if someone knows where to look they can. This information doesn’t affect the audio fidelity, but it does permanently attach to the file data which can be used to trace back to the original purchaser which could be used at a later date.

Retailers aren’t talking, but there’s ample proof of what’s transpiring. Using simple file comparison tools it’s possible to verify this behavior by purchasing identical songs using different accounts and see if they match. I emailed support departments for several retailers asking if they would acknowledge these actions and inquiring about what specific information they are embedding. Only 7digital responded saying they don’t use any watermarks. What retailers won’t say publicly is that the major record labels are requiring this behavior as a precondition to sell their music.

Certain record labels have aspirations to use this hidden data to control future access to music in a return to DRM (digital rights management). The labels yearn to control where you can listen to your music and this could be a backdoor for them to achieve it. When personal libraries are stored in the cloud, it becomes possible to retrieve this personal data and match it to a user identity. If the match is successful the song plays, but if not, access can be blocked through a network DRM system such as the one Lala patented (which is now owned by Apple).

You can see a list of which providers are selling clean vs. dirty mp3′s here.

(via TechCrunch)

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Magic Hat Spring Seasonal

I had this a few weeks ago and I am now pretty obsessed with it.

Rising Moon Spring Ale

From the makers of Blue Moon. I really love their seasonal beers and this is no exception.

Brawler by Yards Brewing Company

I have never tried this one but Brawler has been on my list of beers to try for a little while now, so as soon as I can find it, I’m chugging one.

Holy Moses White Ale

You have no idea how much I love GLBC.

Yuengling Black & Tan

This is a staple year round but it seems to taste a bit better when there is a nice spring breeze.

Your Easy Lovin’ Ain’t Pleasin’ Nothin’ by Mayer Hawthorne

I’m not exactly sure why this reminds me of Spring but it is catchy as hell. Take a listen.

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The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano (Cover)

I’ve been trying to finish The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano for a few months but I’ve kept finding other books or things to occupy my time. I’ve used this book as my “go to bed” book; one that I read for a few minutes each night right before I slip into sleep. I recently decided to move this up on the list of books that I need to finish so I’ve started carrying this with me everywhere I go, conveniently tucked into my man-bag waiting for me to reach in and grab it.

Bolano is a genius, you can see that clearly as you read this. The beginning of the novel reads quickly but then you get to the second part and it starts to slow down some, not that it loses it’s appeal but more that it changes speed, feel, almost becomes another novel entirely. An interesting journey through Mexico and Europe, mainly, and the poetry movement that took place during the 70s and 80s.

I’ll have more thoughts once I finish this, I’m only about 100 pages off, and I will be able to organize the journal that I keep while reading books. By the way, somewhat related, keeping a reading journal helps you become a better reader. I use Moleskines, because I’m snooty, but using a regular spiral bound works out well too.

One of the books that I’ll be reading soon is another book by Bolano, 2666. There has been a resurgence of Bolano lately, more of his novels are currently being published post-mortem. Both The Savage Detectives and 2666 are considered must-read books.

Currently Listening

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

I’ve been mildly obsessed with the sound of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. It reminds me of a more modern Motown sound that is quite addicting.

I Learned The Hard Way was the first leaked song from this album, although there a few on here that I enjoy. I highly recommend listening; I’ve had this on repeat on my iPod for the past couple of weeks.

Other things I’ve been listening to: Frightened Rabbit’s new album, The Apples in Stereo, Annuals.

Currently Watching

Modern Family

Modern Family is one of the best new shoes on television. I don’t watch television much anymore, but I usually make time to catch up with this show. The ginger gay man reminds me of my roommate, albeit my roommate is less flamboyant, but if he were more flaming he would be this guy from Modern Family.

Aside from this, I’ve tried to keep up with Chuck and Lost. I don’t really have time for anything else, occasionally I will break out a DVD courtesy of my Netflix subscription. Most recently I watched A Serious Man and Moon. I have three more that I have yet to watch but I will most likely start working my way through them tonight.

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