Rolling Stones Roll Into eMusic; Abkco Deal Quietly Emerges

The Rolling Stones have now landed on eMusic, a quiet deal catching only modest attention Thursday. eMusic subscribers now have access to the entire Rolling Stones catalog spanning 1964-1970, available as MP3s. That includes famous albums Let It Bleed, Beggars Banquet, and Aftermath, as well as indelible classics like "Paint It, Black," "Satisfaction," "Jumpin' Jack Flash," and a laundry list of others. (Digital Music News)

Imeem Grabs Rolling Stones Advance Debut

"Shine A Light", the soundtrack to Martin Scorsese’s new documentary about The Rolling Stones, is making its US debut today on imeem, a week prior to it's April 1st release on Interscope. imeem users can hear the 16-song deluxe version of the soundtrack includingevery track from the film plus four bonus cuts - "Paint It Black", "Little T&A", "Shine A Light" and "I'm Free." (Hypebot)

Rival labels look to give Stones shelter

While the Rolling Stones focus on the imminent release of their latest album, Shine A Light, record companies are vying to sign the band to a long-term deal in a contest that highlights the ways in which the music industry is changing. Universal Music, Sony BMG and Warner Music have already begun courting the Stones in an effort to wrest them away from their long-time label, EMI. The band’s contract expires in June, and they are expected to finalise their plans within months. Some people close to the discussions have speculated the band could keep the albums and touring rights separate in their next deal rather than signing an all-encompassing pact like Madonna. (Financial Times)

Live Nation in running for the Rolling Stones archives

Live Nation, the world's largest concert promotion firm, has emerged as a surprise bidder for the Rolling Stones back catalogue of hits as the band considers ending its relationship with EMI. Sir Mick Jagger has already taken the new live album, Shine A Light, to Universal Music, which owns earlier Stones recordings and was believed to be in pole position to secure further rights. But Live Nation, which poached Madonna from Warner Music in a £60 million deal and produces Rolling Stones global tours, which have grossed $1.5 billion (£748 million), is understood to have made a counteroffer. (Times Online)

The Stones/EMI

Who gives a shit if the Stones leave EMI.  If I were Guy Hands, I’d say good riddance ! That’s what the label needs, another one-sided deal with a hefty advance just to show the industry they’re still in business.  Shit, isn’t this one of the reasons the majors are in trouble to begin with, paying outrageous advances to acts that don’t earn it back? (The Lefsetz Newletter)

Stones' aim to roll away to rival will rob EMI of £3m

Warner music is talking to the Rolling Stones about taking on the group's back catalogue of hits, which would deprive EMI's new private equity owner, Guy Hands, of about £3m a year. The band have said that they are releasing their next album through Universal, but they are also considering who to sign with when their current contract with EMI ends in May. Talks with Warner are most advanced, but the Stones are also negotiating with Universal and Sony in a bid to get the best deal. (The Observer)

Rolling Stones get no satisfaction from EMI

Sir Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones are preparing to follow Sir Paul McCartney and Radiohead and abandon EMI, the crisis-stricken British record label. The Rolling Stones have a five-year deal worth an estimated £14 million that expires in May. he Times has learnt that EMI’s rival, Universal Music, moved into pole position after winning the rights on Tuesday to distribute a one-off live album. In March, The Stones will release a CD to accompany the Martin Scorsese film Shine a Light, in which they are filmed playing two live gigs at New York’s Beacon Theatre. It will be released by Universal’s Polydor label. (The Times)