For trying out songbird you can get source/binary from the songbird website. If you are on ubuntu, ready to use packages are available at getdeb.
For installation , grab the deb corresponding to your version of ubuntu.
On my Jaunty box I did
$ sudo apt-get install songbird_1.2.0-1~getdeb1_i386.deb
Song bird appeared under Application-Sound and Video->Songbird
When I clicked on the menu item it showed me the songbird licence and proceeded to ask some configuration questions. Finally, I got the following screen and I started listening immediately,
You can do anything that you do in rhythmbox. Songbird Rocks !!