"Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' album will indeed be available for sale on iTunes on Oct. 27," Epic Records Senior Vice President of Publicity Lois Najarian told Wired. "I don't have much more information to impart other than that right now, but suffice to say fans will be able to purchase it there."
However, Najarian went on to add that the two sides are "working on" an issue over the sale of individual tracks. The question remains as to whether Sony and the Jackson estate will allow individual tracks to be sold on iTunes, or if Apple will require the sale of the full album.
Earlier Wednesday, Digital Music News incorrectly reported that Michael Jackson's forthcoming album, "This Is It," would not be made for sale on iTunes when it is released on Oct. 26 overseas and Oct. 27 in North America. Sources allegedly said that Sony Music Entertainment and the Jackson estate only want digital sales of the album to come bundled, rather than offering the sale of individual tracks. The latter part may be true, but Najarian explicitly said the rumor of the album's absence from iTunes was "incorrect."
Apple does have one format that by default requires the purchase of a full album: The new iTunes LP format, previously codenamed "Cocktail," was designed to spur sales of albums. In addition to the album, the format includes bonus content like photos and videos. It's possible that "This Is It" could be an iTunes LP format exclusive on the music store.
The two-disc compilation will coincide with the release of the feature film, "Michael Jackson's This Is It," which features a concert rehearsal filmed by the legendary artist shortly before his death. Jackson had planned a 50-date tour before he died of cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home in June.
The album will include remastered versions of some of Jackson's biggest hits, including "Thriller" and "Beat It." Two version of the title track, "This Is It," are also included. It is a previously unreleased song originally recorded in 1983.
Following Jackson's death, fans flocked to iTunes to purchase songs from the artist, catapulting six of his songs to the top 10 sold on the U.S. store. In addition, nine out of the top ten albums sold on the service came from Jackson immediately following his passing.
The song "Billy Jean" was one of the first to be featured in the iTunes D45 product released this summer. Just like old 45s, the iTunes D45 selection includes a popular single accompanied by a B-side song. Prices on the D45s range from $1.49 to $1.99.
19 Comments
It's ridiculous to think they wouldn't as they made a ton of money at iTunes all summer. Forget the stupid LP all they have to do is block out one version of the song "this is it" and other new material as a "album only" purchase. Everyone already owns the other songs for the most part.
time to pay off all the money he owed to the hedge funds
iTunes has always allowed "Album only" tracks which cannot be purchased separately. The "This is It" album will be largely a greatest hits compilation AFAIK, so if they make the only new song Album Only, mission accomplished.
Well, somebody seeing any urge to buy a song that the artist himself considered too bad for release 26 years ago... is most obviously a fan and reason is not asked for. Compared to people spending 500k for a wrist-watch with one mechanical detail only 10 people in the world know or care about, selling and buying such an album is a rather venial sin
omg wut is this a Michael Jackson site now?