Music Milestone: Digital Outsells CDs at Atlantic

Music biz turmoil as CDs plummet

(NEWSER) - CDs continue to go the way of the 8-track, losing further ground to digital music. Another big drop in CD sales is being driven by the closure of Virgin stores and reduced shelf space at outlets like Target. CD sales are off 16% over the last 12 months and total album sales have dropped 11%, Variety reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Apple has joined forces with four major record labels on a mission to get music buyers to start buying albums again instead of just single tracks, the Financial Times reports. The project—codenamed "Cocktail"—will bundle album downloads with lyrics sheets, sleeve notes, photos, and assorted interactive features in an effort to lure consumers into buying the whole package. More»

Conflicting reports leave it unclear where former Def Jam artist will move

(NEWSER) - Following his departure from Def Jam, Jay-Z is close to making a deal with a new label—the question is, which one? Sources tell Billboard a deal with Sony’s Epic Records “is 95% complete,” while the New York Daily News reports a deal with Warner Music Group/Atlantic is in the works. The rapper has close ties to execs in both camps, and has reportedly held secret meetings with both. More»

Tax would give Isle of Man citizens unlimited downloads; Ireland will cut off miscreants

(NEWSER) - Two European islands are taking opposite approaches to music piracy, the results of which could influence internet policy worldwide. The Isle of Man, between England and Ireland, will charge a $1.45 weekly tax on behalf of record labels to let citizens download music without penalty. Meanwhile, Ireland’s main internet provider will start disconnecting outlaw downloaders, the Christian Science Monitor reports. More»

DRM-free iTunes competitor continues to attract big labels

(NEWSER) - Amazon’s burgeoning mp3 service landed another big fish today, adding Warner Music’s catalog to its online store. The Amazon shop aims to compete with Apple’s iTunes, selling songs for 89 cents as opposed to Apple’s 99 cents and without digital rights management software that makes sharing songs difficult and limits which players will play them. More»