Last.fm users who pay a $3 per month subscription fee are being invited to test out a new beta version of the service. These screenshots on flickr suggest a major design overhaul for the site, which is also introducing a host of new features.

A much larger selection of free music will be available to subscribers, and the added functionality will allow users to share music with others. Also, the charts will update in real time, instead of on the current once-a-week schedule. The simple design of the new pages makes last.fm look a lot like Facebook, and it seems the social networking aspects of the site are going to be greatly enhanced. Beta testers who are unhappy with these changes to the “social music revolution” are being encouraged to provide feedback, and updates are being provided on last.fm’s blog. [Wired]