The Beatles Vs Apple Computers

When the Beatles rock, it is always news. It seems as though the Fab Four are finally trying to join the twenty first century. Downloading is the wave of the future. Music probably changes marketing formats more often than most other types of media. It makes you wonder exactly what innovation will replace the ipod. Downloadable music has been a craze for sometime now. Why have the Beatles not been partakers in it?

There seems to be little means to crack down on the illegal downloading of music. File sharing networks abound, and they reach international levels of cyberspace, where the governing of law is almost nonexistent. No one can rightfully blame artists for getting upset over current events concerning their music. That may be enough to make any musician skeptical about online affairs.

However, there are many artists already available for download through legal channels. On the legal end of downloading, the Beatles are nowhere to be found. Back in the sixties, during their heyday, the band hardly seemed hesitant about trying new things with their music. Considering they were the first band to place lyrics on album covers (Sgt. Pepper), I find it disappointing that there has really been no online market for their classics.

They are literally one of the last great bands to venture online. Even the Rolling Stones have joined this market. Is the highest selling rock band in history banned from cyberspace? As a fan for almost the entirety of the last decade, and someone who spends a great deal of time online, I would jump at the opportunity to get Beatles music anytime I wanted. Certain legal hang-ups have hampered the British band's online success. Word is out now that the wait is almost over, but the little concrete information has been surrendered to the public. Apple Computer, the owners of iTunes are currently holding negotiations with the Beatle's management company Apple Corps.

I never thought business and rock and roll ever really went together very well. This may be a good example as to why, but I think I have my hands tied behind my back with regards to doing anything about it. Something tells me a fan protest, poll, or survey would do little good. For the millions of fans world wide, who can't wait to download old hits, the negotiations couldn't come to an end soon enough. For the most part the large issues involved with the negotiations have been closely concealed by those involved.

Apple Computer, as the makers of ipod, has become a leader in digital downloads. Apparently their dispute with the remaining Beatles mostly revolves around trademark matters. As I stated before, business and rock and roll may not mix very well. If for some reason the Beatles and Apple Computer can't come to an agreement, there are other options for partnership the Beatles might consider.

Napster may not have had the best reputation with many musicians when mp3's were first popularized, but today they are quit respectable when it comes to downloaded music. If nothing else, fans can be confident that this situation won't last forever.