Apple has announced that it will cut the price it charges for music downloads in the UK from its iTunes music store within the next six months.

The cut will bring the UK into line with the charges in the rest of Europe.

Apple currently charges 79 pence per download in the UK, compared with 99 euro cents (74p) in the rest of Europe.

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On Monday, MTV Networks is set to unveil an initiative to connect its television, online, and mobile presences by helping music fans answer that crucial question–”Who the (expletive) sings that song?”

In other words, MTV Networks, the Viacom division that encompasses the MTV, VH1, and CMT brands as well as a host of other pop culture channels, is aiming to renew its focus on music by bringing lyrics to the forefront. This will begin rolling out in November and is expected to be complete by the middle of 2008. Continue reading »

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Radiohead’s official website was back online last night after overwhelming demand for the band’s new album caused it to crash. Traffic on the site slowed to a crawl after the rock group told fans on Monday that they could pre-order the new release, In Rainbows, from www.radiohead.com at any price they wanted.

The band’s spokesman, Murray Chalmers, said the collapse of the site was caused by waves of British fans logging on after the announcement about the album. They were followed by fans on the east coast of the US, who woke to the surprise news, followed by Radiohead enthusiasts on the west coast.

“It’s getting busy in there, busier than they expected,” guitarist Jonny Greenwood wrote of the band’s official W.A.S.T.E. store, which is selling In Rainbows. “So, if you please bear with us, it should get cleared out soon.” He added: “I sound like a bouncer. Get behind the rope. No denim. Thanks for your patience with the site and interest in the record.” Continue reading »

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Vivendi’s Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music label, on Thursday said it will test the sale of songs from artists such as Amy Winehouse, 50 Cent and the Black Eyed Peas, without customary copy-protection technology.

The company said in a statement it will allow the sale of thousands of its albums and tracks available in MP3-form without copy-protection software, known as digital rights management, over a trial period. Continue reading »

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