Files found in open directories are often compressed or "rips" from decades ago. You might download a song only to find it is 64kbps quality (sounding tinny and flat) or, worse, a low-quality recording from a radio station.

Drop the title in the comments—I’ll build a community-sourced directory of legal links.

If you are looking for free and legal indices of music, consider these sources:

For those looking to curate the perfect romantic playlist, searching for an remains a nostalgic rite of passage. But what exactly are these indexes? Are they still active? And most importantly, are they safe?

The last song in the index is always the saddest. Usually something by Air Supply or a live, crackly version of "Wonderful Tonight." The download takes a few seconds. You play it in your media player from 2007.