by SHANE SINNOTT

In the middle of these dog days of summer, I’ve been thinking that what we could do here is a little catching up, in case any of you haven’t been paying attention. There’s a lot going on across that big worldwide Web of ours, and I fear that without the proper guidance, some of us might be left flailing, randomly typing artists’ names plus “mp3” into Google like bottom-feeders, chow to the educated apes. So here’s how (legally, more or less) you do it:

www.seeqpod.com: In my opinion, this is the best streaming site—simple, quick and it gets the job done. Streaming means no downloads, but it’s somehow able to conjure up most songs that you type into the search box for instant listening. If you’re into it, you can also sign up for a free account to keep track of what you’re listening to, and to submit to the no doubt massive data-mining business that’s funding the whole operation.

www.elbo.ws: When you’re ready to download, this is the best blog searcher. When I started writing this column, the site was overshadowed by the then-awe-inspiring Hype Machine, but now I think it’s faster and more comprehensive. Anyway, elbo.ws keeps track of what’s going on on thousands of music blogs, and when you type in a search, some of your results will appear under a category of “found MP3s,” and then you can download away. Not nearly as comprehensive as the streaming site, but if you want something of the moment, it will usually do the trick.

www.emusic.com: And when you’re ready to pay, this, fellows, is the best purchase site. Emusic deals in DRM-free MP3s only, meaning you get fully legal mp3s that you can do whatever you want with—play on any device, copy as much as you want etc. It’s a subscription service, so you pay either $14 a month for 30 downloads, $18 for 50, or $24 for 75. They deal mostly with smaller indie and jazz labels and the like, and while it seems steep compared to free, it’s the best deal going if you’ve decided you want to start buying your music again.