Recently I read about the launch of Google's new music-discovery service, Magnifier. While currently invitation-only and in beta, the plan is that the site will feature videos of live performances, interviews with artists as well as free music downloads. A Google Music account is required to access the songs.

With so many online services enabling the discovery of new music - such as
Pandora, Last.fm, The Hype Machine, Musicovery, Spotify, Grooveshark and many more - this update from Google beckons the question whether we as listeners really need another option.

Part of the joy of discovering music is the way in which it is discovered. Hearing it in a friend's car or home. At a party, or before a movie starts. In a cafe, in a bar. In a written review somewhere. The circumstances are literally endless. Music is everywhere and so too is our ability to discover it.

Choosing to create an account with an online service takes away part of the joy of organic music discovery.

Listen all the time. Not just when you're logged in.