A dorm just isn't complete without a couple gigabytes of MP3 music. However they are obtained, this digital music format appears as fixed on campus as Old Main and inefficient housing solutions.

Listen.com, a Web site designed strictly for the MP3 devotee, seeks to provide visitors with the best music on the Internet. With over 50,000 artists in over 600 genres, it is advertised as one of the premier music sites on the Internet.

The site has enough information to keep any music zealot busy for days. Detailed reviews and biographies are available for all artists, as well as a list of downloadable songs and videos. Don't worry about incurring the wrath of Metallica; all of these files are legally available free or for a small fee.

However, some glaring weaknesses keep this dot-com from living up to its high billing. While there is a lot of data, the most popular bands don't offer many of their songs legally. Since Listen.com only allows legal MP3 distribution, most artists have less than five works available.

Actually downloading these songs is another issue. None of the files are on the Listen.com site; they are only available through a vast network of affiliates. This makes MP3 downloading frustrating and difficult.

With Napster-like file sharing programs available, the relatively small Listen.com library is not worth the effort. It is still much easier to find music on Napster, although the Penn State administration does not condone its use. However, Listen.com's ability to find under-publicized bands merits at least a look.

As Napster moves toward pay service, perhaps Listen.com will become an integral part of college lifestyle. But for now, Listen.com is only as helpful as a know-it-all record store clerk.

— Reviewed by Jared Cohen