EMI to Offer DRM-Free Music Online

It figures that two major corporations would actually follow through on their promises -- promises that consumers actually wanted them to keep -- around April Fool's Day.

But hey, I'm not complaining. Word is that EMI Music Group, who have been considering releasing DRM-free digital tracks, and Apple, whose CEO Steve Jobs has said that he'd cheerfully sell DRM-free tracks if those pesky labels would let him, have gone ahead and made a deal to sell DRM-free EMI songs on Apple's iTunes store. (EMI will be selling their music through other online outlets -- and, presumably, in formats other than iTunes' AAC -- but this is where the party's starting.) EMI's music videos will also be going DRM-free.

This move will apply to all of EMI's digital music catalog, which includes heavy hitters like Gorillaz and David Bowie. (Hmmm -- I wonder if that includes the mashup album Mashed I was all set to drop serious import-release dollars on?) Don't expect the much-anticipated Beatles catalog just yet, though, as the Fab Four's music hasn't been made available digitally as yet.

EMI's music will be offered at twice the usual iTunes bitrate of 128 kbps, but will accordingly sell for a little more ($1.29 per track, versus $0.99). If your library is already chock full of EMI music, don't fret; you'll be able to upgrade to the new tracks by paying only the 30-cent difference.

The DRM-free music and videos will become available in May, which means I've just figured out what I'll be doing with my tax return.