Major Labels

Michael Jackson Download To Be Album Only

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(UPDATE 2)  CONFIRMED: Peter Kafka of Media Memo has confirmed that as our sources (below) hinted, Michael Jackson's new album will be available on iTunes, as well as, other download services.

(EARLIER) The Michael Jackson soundtrack to the posthumous concert film "This Is It" will be released as an album only download, according to sources. Fans who want to purchase the single, which is already making noise at radio, will be have to purchase the entire album.

Digital Music News is reporting that Amazon MP3 will have an exclusive on downloads of the release because iTunes requires that individual track sales be made available, as well. But sources contradict the DMN story, telling Hypebot that the other major digital services will also make the download available on its Oct 26th (world) and 27th (North American) release dates.

iTunes is also rumored to still be considering selling the Jackson release. Which, if it does, will mark an exception to Apple's policy that has previously seen only multi-artist albums made available without a single track option.

Bruce Houghton on 10/14/2009 in Major Labels | Permalink | Comments (3)
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3 Comments

  1. iTunes has sold “albums only” from single artists as well (odd and obscure albums, but still locked albums). Its inaccurate when media outlets have stated otherwise.

  2. It looks like they are beginning to realize that single song downloads sell well, but don’t make money.