January 22, 2008

By By Antony Bruno, Denver

After backing away from launching a music subscription service two years ago, big-box retailer Target is again dipping its toes in the digital music space.

The company is selling John Legend's "Live From Philadelphia" album in a DRM-free MP3 format online, via a special promotion with Sony BMG, that includes exclusive access to the CD as well. Target is also one of the retailers now selling Sony BMG's Platinum Music Pass DRM-free music cards.

The MP3 version of Legend's album will cost $10, in higher-quality 320 kbps files. It is not selling the individual songs as singles.

The online sales tool is not a full-fledged music service by any degree. Powered by technology provider HipDigital, the Target service is simply a one-off offering focused only on Legend. No details yet on whether Target will add other artists from other labels.

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