Pop & Dance Music | Film & Music | Classifieds.co.uk :

Popular or pop music is so called because it usually appeals to a wide audience. Unlike classical music, you do not need any formal education to appreciate pop or dance music. It can be -- and is -- universally enjoyed by everyone of all ages although, it probably appeals more to the younger crowd.

Dance music is so called because it is played widely in nightclubs. Every genre of pop and dance music can be purchased in traditional high street music shops or over the internet. The choice both in music stores and online is vast. You can buy pop and dance music in all these formats -- CDs, vinyl, singles, albums, MP3 and downloads. It is also possible to buy second--hand or used pop and dance music. If you are not sure you will definitely like the music or if you are experimenting with a new genre, it is a good idea to go down the second-hand route. This is obviously a more economical option than buying brand new.

Finding out about new artists or albums
A good way to find out about the quality and content of any pop and dance music single or album -- both new and used -- is to read the reviews in music magazines. There are now hundreds of websites dedicated to selling music of every genre online including pop and dance music. A good number of these carry useful reviews and recommendations. Some online reviews will even provide you with a sample to listen to so that you can decide if you like it before buying. Many people are also influenced by their peers -- if you have friends who you know share similar music tastes with you, it is well worth asking them.

Different Categories and Types of Pop and Dance Music
The main pop sub-genres include Disco, R & B and Rock & Roll. Even some Folk and Jazz music is incorporated into the umbrella of pop music. The instruments used in the making of pop music include keyboards, electric guitars, acoustic guitars and drums.

Dance sub-genres include Disco, Eurobeat, House, Trance, Techno, Funk, Garage and many more.

Both pop and dance music are played widely on mainstream radio stations all over the country as well as in clubs and pubs.

Things to Consider before Buying Pop and Dance Music
When buying pop and dance music, you can choose to buy by band / artist or by genre. Some people even buy based upon the popularity of a single or album in music charts -- both in the music press and online. What you ultimately choose will of course be determined by your own individual tastes. Few things are quite as subjective as music!

The more obvious considerations regards internet and credit card security when buying online are really only an issue for some of the smaller retailers: major brands should provide secure online purchase. You do, however, need to consider your rights to return an item. Although online purchases are covered by the Distance Selling Directive in the UK, music downloads (and indeed other forms of electronic download) are a notable exception. If in doubt, you should clarify specifically with the music retailer as to your rights to a refund or exchange in the event that the album or track just isn't you. In most cases it is best to listen to it fairly thoroughly before committing to a purchase.

Buying second hand
Buying second hand allows you to buy tracks and albums that are no longer in production. In some cases it may allow you to secure a rare or collectible album. Alternatively, you may simply be buying a current item at a bargain price! Most second hand sales are indeed bargains, often unwanted because they didn't suit someone's tastes or they were perhaps a duplicate, given as a gift. You should, however, make sure that the seller has provided detailed information as to the condition of the album or track. For example, if you are buying a CD, make sure that it isn't scratched and will play back OK. Second hand traders have a number of legal obligations placed upon them and you are within your rights to expect and demand that the item is as described.

There are no such obligations on private sellers.

You should also ensure that you are buying the real thing. There is little or no value in someone's poor quality 20 year old cassette recorded from Mum's radio on a portable cassette recorder with the dog barking in the background! Equally, some CDs may be counterfeit, being music tracks downloaded from the internet and ripped onto CD -- breaching copyright and leaving you with an exposure to legal action.

That said, as in life, most sellers are hones and a few basic questions regards the reason for sale and the condition of the item should give you peace of mind. Also make sure that, particularly with any fragile items (vinyl records being a classic example) that the seller will package them carefully to minimise the chances of damage in the post. If the album is particularly valuable, for example a rare collectible 12", it will be worth taking some kind of postal insurance to cover possible loss or damage.

Other Pop & Dance Resources

Dancers Helpline - Answers to all questions on dance including Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Pas de Deux and Choreography. Deborah is an ex-professional dancer with Ballet Rambert and also offers advice on stage, makeup, dance wear, shoes, hair, exams.....
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