Atticus   

I must be too old to understand the still-soaring popularity of MySpace.

To me, it resembles most Web pages circa 1995. I’m surprised I don’t see scrolling text and hear MIDI files everywhere I turn there. Let’s face it: The layout and design make AOL Hometown look like the handiwork of BBDO.

But I am aware MySpace is a great place to hear new music, whether from up-and-coming or already established artists. If not for this unspeakably ugly spot on the Web, I wouldn’t have known Matthew Ryan is busy with a side project called Strays Don’t Sleep. Or that Teitur is working on new material.

So look past the avatars and the inane comments—and the sex offenders—and treat yourself to some good sounds.

UPDATE (4/21): The versatility of MySpace grows: It can be used to plan school shootings and to rat out the psychos behind them.