According to Rolling Stone magazine, the web hasn't changed EVERYthing when it comes to going to college. Although downloadable music is available everywhere, being able to experience good live music still counts. And that comes down to location, location location.

This year's winning college town, judged by venues, rising talent, and "total party factor," is… Athens, Georgia, home of the University of Georgia. It's also the birthplace of the B-52s, REM, and Widespread Panic, whose legacy continues to attract a stream of musical hopefuls and keeps the clubs full late at night.

While other towns known for their music also appear on the list - Austin and Cambridge come in 2nd and 3rd, for example - Rolling Stone points out the musical charms of Gainesville, Eugene and Columbus.

The complete list:

Visit the Rolling Stone magazine web site

More on the musical history of #1 college town Athens, Georgia, as related by the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

Read examples of local reactions from Eugene and Chapel Hill

A summary of the winning traits, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education [online version accessible to print subscribers only]