Intellectual Property - The Question

One of the things that I have been unable to resolve for myself is whether people should have to pay for music.

If individuals use music to generate revenue, part of the revenue belongs to the author. Granted. But if I am simply listening to music without paying for it, should I be charged with a crime?

The argument from record companies is that downloading music illegally is like stealing from a shop. The latter is a crime and so should the former be.

I guess the greater question here is who owns the right to music, art, etc., and when do things become a crime?

Who owns music? How far is this discussion away from 'Who owns water and air'? That is the purpose of the next discussion.