It seems that rumours of Napster's imminent death have been
greatly exaggerated.
The virtual crime wave is still going strong, with scummy alternateen student
types robbing poor defenseless multinational recording companies into the
poor house. Napster is starting to block songs by title (wonder if their
algorithm recognises Pig Latin, as John Safran suggested on 3RRR this morning),
but they will only block 5,600 titles at the start. So, while you'll have to
pay for the new Britney/Eminem duet, chances are you will still be able
to shamelessly steal long out-of-print titles like, say, Slowdive B-sides
(© Sony) and 80s synthpop rarities and other obscure stuff.
Until the courts get sick of Napster's insolence and send police to confiscate
their server farm, that is.