7 ways to improve your music library

Everyone feels prematurely old at one point in their lives, but not understanding why the current wave of pop music is riding high at the top of the charts never fails to make you feel ready for the retirement home. It's even worse when your friends seem to 'get it', leaving you to question whether it's all actually quite good and the problem is really you.

There's no need to swear an unshakable allegiance to CDs and the music of old, though. Believe it or not, there's some new songs out there for even the most obscure interests, and thanks to the Internet it's easier to find them than ever before. So take note of our reasons why you might have hit a barren wasteland in your musical interests, and see how you can enjoy discovering new bands once again.

1. No time to shop

The last album you bought was Queen’s Greatest Hits in 1994, because you haven’t got time to shop. Go to hmv.co.uk to find albums with free delivery.

2. Terrible memory for names

3. Too many CDs to choose from

You have tons of CDs but they’re collecting dust. Rip them to your computer using Windows Media Player and listen to them while you work.

4. Your portable player is too cumbersome

The personal CD player in your drawer doesn’t work any more. Throw it away and get an MP3 player – they are small, sleek and don’t skip a beat when you sit down.

5. Not enough income

You think buying albums is a waste of money. There are loads of services out there that let you download individual tracks at about 70p a time. napster.com.

6. Out of touch with new artists

You love music but don’t know any new artists. Last.fm has revolutionised internet radio. Search for an artist you like, and it plays others like it.

7. Strange tastes

Your taste in music is so obscure that no one understands you. Now there are loads of communities for even the most diverse tastes. UKMix.org has news and forums on all kinds of music.