Magnifier Goodies Now in Google Play

Magnifier's mission has always been to bring you amazing new free music every day. Back when we launched, this site was the most convenient way for you to add those songs to your Google Music locker. From exclusive live tracks by the Rolling Stones to the hottest songs by emerging artists such as Twin Shadow and Grimes, we've always emphasized music we feel passionate about.

Since then, of course, we've unveiled Google Play, where you can supplement your music collection with even more songs, both free and paid. So, while our mission isn't changing, our venue is. From here on out, all of Magnifier's features will live within Play. Free Song of the Day will continue to update on Play’s Music home page, as will our monthly Antenna roundup of new artists and recurring video interviews/performances.

You'll find much more as well, from all the latest new releases to themed discounts. Basically, it's Magnifier times 1000.

Enjoy.
–Tim Quirk, Google Play

A Fine Frenzy, "Now Is the Start"

Ethereal as ever, A Fine Frenzy (a.k.a. Alison Sudol) pushes her vocals into an electropop dance realm on "Now Is the Start," the first single from her third studio album Pines. The inspiring sing-along anthem pairs synths with poetic lyrics that turn into a call to arms: "Do you hear that sound/ It's the sound of the lost gone found/ It's the sound of a mute gone loud/ It's the sound of a new start." – Laura Checkoway, Google Play

Sorry, but this promotion has expired. Check Magnifier regularly for more free music.

Erran Baron Cohen, "Ocho Kandalikas"

Erran Baron Cohen, who also scores the infamous work of his brother Sacha, was inspired to make Songs in the Key of… Hanukkah after noticing a decided lack of good Jewish holiday albums. Cohen's playful, yet mature album includes this tango take on "Ocho Kandelikas," enlivening the Sephardic song with splashes of flamenco and the powerful but honey-smooth vocals of Israeli-Ladino singer Yasmin Levy. This buoyant tune will make you want to light the eight candles all year round. – Craig Phillips, Google Play

Sorry, but this promotion has expired. Check Magnifier regularly for more free music.

In Memoriam: Dave Brubeck

One of the towering figures in jazz, Dave Brubeck passed away on December 5, 2012, a day shy of 92. The maverick pianist, composer and bandleader was a major star for decades who kept writing new works and playing until the end. "Take Five," written by Paul Desmond and recorded by The Dave Brubeck Quartet, became the first million-selling jazz single and remains probably the single most recognizable jazz tune across the globe. Sometimes attacked for his success, Brubeck created his own sound and style; he never copied artists such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, whom he celebrated and revered.

Raised to be a rancher, Brubeck used to create songs in his head to the clip-clop of his horse's hooves. After serving in Europe during World War II, he returned to his native San Francisco Bay Area, where he studied classical music theory on the G.I. Bill with Darius Milhaud. The noted French composer and teacher encouraged Brubeck greatly, and he started playing an often experimental variation of swing and bebop with future stars such as Cal Tjader and Paul Desmond.

XTC, "Senses Working Overtime"

XTC were five albums in when "Senses Working Overtime" broke through to FM radio and the then-new MTV network. A still-succulent mix of grey-skied British freak-folk verses and soaring Beatles-style sunshiney choruses, the band was poised to take over the world when group leader Andy Partridge's intense stage fright turned into a full-blown breakdown at the start of their American tour. XTC never played live again and became a beloved cult favorite instead of a global pop institution. – Nick Dedina, Google Play

Sorry, but this promotion has expired. Check Magnifier regularly for more free music.