I have a 64k modem on an ISDN line and on a fairly new computer that is amazingly fast with all other programs but my download times are taking ages and my average rate is 4- 7kbps!
Please anyone help if they know the answer why even if there is no cure I just want to know why everyone esle is downloading whole albums in 10mins.

because your using modem. You need faster connections like cable, DSL, T1. T3, etc to download fast

Ok, but if I have a T1 and download from a T1, why is MY outload speed still only 8k ?? Are all of those T1 people really not on a T1 or does everyone restrict their upload speeds that much ??

There are a number of potential causes. Upload bandwidth limiting is one. You also have to share the available bandwidth with all the other people uploading from that client. And there's all the search and ping/pong traffic moving in and out of many clients.

I would also take the speed ratings with several grains of salt. I'm on a cable modem but have my speed set to "T1" because LimeWire makes some assumptions about a "cable modem" connection that are not valid for my particular cable modem. My cable modem easily supports connections to at least a dozen other clients, but LimeWire won't let me specify anywhere near that many if I have it set to "cable modem". So I lie and say I have a T1. I'm probably not alone in this regard.

Also, keep in mind you're downloading from another person's computer, not from some expensive web server. You're unlikely to ever see the kind of transfer rates you get from good quality web sites.