With all of the Web 2.0 sites out there today, it’s hard to find the true gems, there are just so many new sites. But the moment I stumbled on The Sixty One, I knew I had found a site that truly brings together the best attributes of some popular websites, serving them up with style, and a clear mission - “to give musicians and listeners a fair shake”.

Primarily written in Python and Flash Action Script, this site provides a truly entertaining and unique user experience. The user interface is well thought out and very simple. The voting system (they call bumps) allows you to help an artist make it to the front page. You can also earn points by listening to music, referring your friends, signing in every day, litening to “the rack”, or bumping a story that makes it to the front page. These points can then be used to bump additonal music you’ve enjoyed, encouraging you to be an active member on the site.

It might sound a bit complicated at first, but it is really quite easy to use and is a great way to find new music. The site is free, but aims to make money from ads, referrels when you buy a DRM free song from itunes, and from donations.

Check it out: www.thesixtyone.com (I get points to use if you sign up!)