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@1969L46
I think we're getting off track here. What business model benefits the artist is a whole other can of worms. Artists have been getting screwed for years!
My real point is that the labels are up to something. They're offering Amazon a better deal so they can sell for less and they're not complaining about DRM-less tracks. Why?
Because they want to squeeze iTunes out and have a store where they can sell variable (i.e. higher) prices. They partner with a trusted online retailer, bait everyone into the store with the nice price and now they've cosied up to a store that they have more control over. Amazon, if anyone, has a chance at beating Apple and becoming top online music retailer. When that happens they increase the price.
It's a long term thing. Not this year, maybe not next year but eventually you'll see that the new hotness will cost considerably more than other tracks. If they want to push a certain artist they'll offer those tracks cheaper (probably for a limited time). It will be just like the brick and mortar stores we have now.
So all I'm saying is this may not be as good as it seems. Everyone is saying, "DRM-less music for less! It just seems to be good to be true." Maybe that's because it isn't true.
