Virtual Music Store Has It All

Music Boulevard offers what may well be the coolest shopping experience on the Internet.

At its World Wide Web address (www.musicblvd.com), you’ll find a huge inventory (100,000 music titles on 145,000 CDs and cassettes), 30-second sound samples (of 7,000 titles so far, with scores of new samples added every day), a speedy search system (by song or musician), reviews, news, interviews, features, biographies, cover art, photos, discount prices, 24-hour service.

The world’s first virtual music superstore is the creation of online information services provider Telebase Systems. “Unlike clothes, a CD is not something you have to try on or touch before you buy it,” says Jeffrey Magill, marketing and sales vice president. “But you do want your retailer to help reduce the risk of your decision. We do that by providing you with reviews, information about the artist and letting you sample the album.”

How long it takes to use the service depends on the speed of your modem, the amount of traffic on the net and which of three modes of graphic detail you choose.

Once you’ve accessed the menu you can browse at the “Newsstand,” perusing the store’s own daily music magazine, Music Wire, articles from national music magazines and Billboard music charts. Search the music database by category: Pop & Rock, Country, Classical, Jazz and AllMusic. When you’ve identified music you want to buy, click on the price and you’ll jump to the order screen.

All sales are by credit card. Deliveries (usually within three days) are by mail, UPS or FedEx.