Snocap, the latest startup from Napster founder Sean Fanning, has just launched the beta version of its "Linx" service, which sells unencrypted, unprotected MP3s through a player on MySpace.
Artists on MySpace Music (or hi5, Bebo, Multiply, Windows Live Spaces and any other site that supports Flash embeds) can post a widget that plays the tracks and allows you to buy them right away. Indie band "The Format" is currently using the player on its MySpace page, where you can buy songs from their album "Dog Problems". Tracks cost $0.79 each, which Snocap automatically charges to your Paypal account. However, artists have control over the format, pricing and copy protection - so it's possible that DRM'd tracks could also be sold through the system (sigh).
Snocap Linx will also enable online retailers to sell music from the company's vast registry - Snocap has distribution deals with Universal Music, Sony BMG, EMI Group and Warner Music, as well as some independents.
It goes without saying that I think this is an inspired idea. I've advised that MOG, ProjectOpus, YourSpins and others should sell music and ringtones directly through a MySpace widget, so it's great to see the idea executed so well. And of course the fact that the music is (usually) DRM-free is a real bonus. Two thumbs up.
