Amazon UK MP3 Launches: A First Look

UPDATED: Amazon.co.uk  quietly launched its long anticipated UK mp3 download store early this morning. As with most things Amazon, the mp3 store delivers the deep discounts, look, and convenience that Amazon customers are used to. All four major labels are represented with deep catalog.

A quick tour of the site found indie product from The Orchard, IODA, Naxos, Beggars Group, Epitaph, Sub Pop, Rounder and more. Missing are Vagrant, Ani DeFranco’s Righteous Babe Records, Bloodshot and a few others who one would think would have wanted to be part of the launch.

There was also nothing on Amazon MP3 UK by the popular Arctic Monkeys and only one Oasis title. But at least three major artists not represented with mp3’s on Amazon in the
U.S. – U2, The Who, and The Jackson Five, along with the new G ‘n R "Chinese Democracy" are available as mp3’s in the UK.

The total track count of 3,438,606 is about half of the US site’s 6,767,368 which leads me to believe that some more obscure content, like D.I.Y. releases from US based CD Baby, are not included and perhaps never will be.

Deep discounts are also part pf Amazon’s strategy. I counted more than 100 recent hit releases at £3 including new Kings Of Leon, Coldplay, Take That and Snow Patrol.  £6.49  appeared a typical album price A large group of tracks were priced as low as 59p, but 69p to 79p was a more uncommon price.

Thanks to an alert insomniac UK Hypebot reader for the tip.