iWant: Searches by Label on the iTunes Store

001.pngThere’s a small change Apple could make to help listeners find more music on the iTunes Store. They could allow customers to search by record label. And, they should set up their listings so you can click on the name of a label to find all of its releases.

As you can see here, each album shows the name of the record label; here it’s Mode Records. I like the music of Morton Feldman (you might want to check out his astounding 6-hour String Quartet No. 2), and would like to see which other recordings the same label has released. Especially since a search for this recording by the composer’s full name – Morton Feldman – does not find it; you have to search for “Feldman string quartet.”

I’d like to be able to see the latest releases from the classical labels I like a lot: Hyperion Records, Naxos Records, Harmonia Mundi, and others. And when I come across an interesting new recording, I’d like to see what else that label has released. Because record companies – other than the majors – have personalities, and their catalogues reflect those personalities.

The same is true in Jazz, where there are long-standing labels like ECM, who have a unique style, and a whole slew of independent labels. Plenty of other genres have vibrant indies too – be it rap, electronica, or folk – and plenty of music fans follow these labels.

Adding label searches could only improve the iTunes Store, and make it easier for music fans to find new music they might like.

6 thoughts on “iWant: Searches by Label on the iTunes Store

  1. This lack on iTunes Store is one of several gripes I have. I want label search,too, for the same reasons as you. I also want Australian iTunes to restore its Recently Added list, which went MIA in June! Emails to iTunes and phone calls to Apple about this feature removal have not worked in bringing this great feature back. The advanced search option is a pain. By the time you fill in all of the fields, you know exactly what you want so its easier just to type it in to the search bar. I also want quick view on My Alerts/Albums to work which right now and for the last few weeks, they don’t.

  2. This lack on iTunes Store is one of several gripes I have. I want label search,too, for the same reasons as you. I also want Australian iTunes to restore its Recently Added list, which went MIA in June! Emails to iTunes and phone calls to Apple about this feature removal have not worked in bringing this great feature back. The advanced search option is a pain. By the time you fill in all of the fields, you know exactly what you want so its easier just to type it in to the search bar. I also want quick view on My Alerts/Albums to work which right now and for the last few weeks, they don’t.

  3. I’d also like to see additional metadata fields editable inside iTunes. For example, in compilations, I can put the year of each track in the Year field, but there is no field where I can enter the year of release or the year (or even better, the date) purchased.

  4. I’d also like to see additional metadata fields editable inside iTunes. For example, in compilations, I can put the year of each track in the Year field, but there is no field where I can enter the year of release or the year (or even better, the date) purchased.

What do you think?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.