Muxtape.com

Fun, easy online mix-tape making site.

Entertainment Value: High Graphics: Low Playability: Easy Reading Level: Light Website: http://muxtape.com/

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that anyone can listen to full songs that users have posted in their musical mixes. And users can enter anything that they like -- so songs can have iffy content. However, the site offers no messaging or other interactive options, and the only thing it requires to register is an email account, which Muxtape promises not to reveal to anyone. The issue of music file legality is a handled a little hazily -- according to the site, users can't upload multiple songs from the same artist or album, and also can't upload "songs they do not have permission to let Muxtape use." Users also can't create more than one "muxtape." Violate the rules, and the site will terminate your account. All songs include a link to buy the song (or related book) on Amazon.

Families can talk about why copying music files would be illegal. Is it OK to burn friends CDs or trade music? Is it OK to listen to songs on the Internet in some cases without paying for them?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Erin Brereton

MUXTAPE.COM, a simple-to-navigate, music uploading site, lets users craft a virtual mix tape or listen to other user-created mixes. It's really easy: To add songs to your mix, just click on the "upload a song" button, browse your computer for a MP3 and click "upload." To switch songs, you use the arrow keys; return pauses or plays tracks. Each user's "muxtape" is labeled with the total running time and number of songs. Every page includes the opportunity to mark a muxtape as one of your favorites. All songs include a link to buy the file on Amazon, although not all work -- a link of Jefferson Starship's "We Built This City on Rock and Roll" led to an Amazon book listing.

Remember the giddy feeling of getting a mixed tape from your BFF or current crush? Muxtape.com won't give you that same excitement, but music lovers who want to mix it up -- literally -- will have a good time doing so on the site. There's not much more content other than lists of songs -- the site owner posts a blog that includes links to standout muxtapes and info about new site features -- but Muxtape.com's simplicity is part of its charm. Songs take a moment to load, but just like a mix tape, play one song, and the next will start automatically. The site's only real snag is that it only allows MP3s for now (MP4s won't upload). But it's fun and easy to use -- which makes Muxtape.com a great way to get to know new music, or share your new mix with your online BFFs.

Other creative sites: Piczo.com and Flickr.com.

Reviewed: 05/01/2008

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Although the majority of featured songs are clean, there are no restrictions of what songs users can upload, so songs may contain sexual content or sexual references (one mix tape included Weezer's "Tired of Sex.")
Violence There are no restrictions of what songs users can upload, so some of them might have some violent imagery, although that's far from the norm.
Language There are no restrictions of what songs users can upload, so some may have some inappropriate language. Song titles and usernames are also not restricted (one username was "F--kingrad," but most of them are fine).
Message
	Social Behavior
	Commercialism Each song listed includes a link to Amazon to purchase the music file.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
	Educational Value Kids can discover new music, but that's about it.