OK, so after hearing some glowing reviews, I've just subscribed to Rhapsody. Basically, you pay 10 bucks a month for the ability to stream 1.3 million songs a month. No downloading of files- you are basically renting access to their library. It's kind of an odd concept to get used to, but the first hour you're on board you're like a kid in a candy store. The selection is impressive. For example, the following artist seem to be very well represented:

-Tom Waits
-John Coltrane
-Miles Davis
-Fela Kuti
-Pavement
-Kraftwerk
-Ibrahim Ferrer
-Pet Shop Boys
-Neutral Milk Hotel
-Franz Ferdinand
-Cocteau Twins

So, there's a lot to explore beyond the usual chart-toppers. I didn't delve into the hip-hop selection too much yet, and as expected the house and techno offerings were mainly limited to the larger labels such as Astralwerks, V2 and FFRR (are they still around?). Still, it's amazing to be able to hear almost anything you want instantly, I'll be able to check out artists I've been meaning to try for years, and it works on my PC at work so I am no longer dependant on the radio. Now, let's see how long this service lasts.