Free downloads: Lollapalooza, Beyonce, La Roux, Chicago; Black Crowes streams

Ten free and legal downloads or streams sure to strike the ear of the cash-strapped college student.

1. Various Artists: Lollapalooza 2010 sampler
As summer flies by, remember that there's still another major bash before school starts up. Kicking off Friday and stretching though Sunday, Chicago's Lollapalooza will attract music fans from across the globe. The massive lineup includes Phoenix, Hot Chip, The New Pornographers, Drive-By Truckers, Mavis Staples, Blitzen Trapper and The Walkmen.

2. Beyonce: "Wishing on a Star"
Flashback to Beyonce's first solo sessions outside of Destiny's Child in 2004, when she cut a version of The Cover Girls' "Wishing on a Star." The diva shines on this neo-soul spin of the already familiar ballad that foreshadows the star power she now exudes, anchored in legitimate vocal talent.

3. La Roux: "In for the Kill"
For the mainstream masses, the group name La Roux may be relatively new, but to anyone who frequents dance clubs (or health clubs), the newcomers are quickly giving Lady Gaga and international imports Alphabeat some stiff competition. That's because the duo is insanely infectious at every turn of contagious phrase, packing hook-heavy keyboards to boot.