Like a Rolling Stone - EMI Takes Another Hit

Billboard and Rolling Stone Magazine report:

THE ROLLING STONES, whose recording deal with EMI is approaching the end, have signed a one album deal with Universal Music for the soundtrack to the film "Shine a Light", directed by Martin Scorsese.

The band currently owns its post-1971 catalogue, but it appears the EMI was the distributor. If the Rolling Stones leave, it will be a major blow to EMI - who have recently, in addition to their other financial problems, lost two other big acts: Paul McCartney and Radiohead. The Wall Street Journal eloquently referred to the situation as a "vote of no confidence by a marquee act"

Wannabe...Our Distributor?

OTCS can't believe we missed this one:

Victoria's Secret, the women's lingerie retailer, will be the EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR of the Spice Girl's soon-to-be-released (Nov. 12) "Greatest Hits" compilation (EMI).

Not sure this is as ground-breaking as last week's Madonna/Live Nation deal, or the Radiohead In Rainbows name-your-own-price model, but an interesting example of a major label seeking revenue from alternative sources. However, OTCS questions how many men will walk into a Victoria's Secret just to buy the album? How will EMI promote this to customers (e.g., men) who do not regularly shop - for either apparel or music - in Victoria's Secret? Victoria's Secret clearly is not the same type of retailer as Starbucks, who draw in a much more diverse demographic of customers to purchase albums on their HearMusic label.

Also interesting, what cut is Victoria's Secret taking on album sales? Or maybe they get their cut on the up-coming Spice Girl's tour? Talk to me people...