So, as expected, Apple's
big announcement today is that the Beatles' music is now available on the iTunes store. The band's albums are sold whole (regular albums are $12.99; the double-length White Album is $19.99) or by individual songs, which sell for $1.29.
Also for sale now are three "box sets," one of which includes a concert film from the Beatles' first U.S. performance at Washington Coliseum in 1964. That "box set" with all the albums and the concert film goes for a cool $149.
And that's pretty much it. Though some of us
were expecting other announcements along with the Beatles addition to iTunes -- a Fab Four-themed iPad, say -- today didn't bring any. The band's songs are selling for iTunes' highest current price, so apparently there's no special pricing deal either.
This might be a big deal for Steve Jobs, but it feels like kind of a letdown for the rest of us.
Update: One un-yawn-worthy part: Ringo Starr's quote in the press release announcement, which wryly hints at how long the band and Apple have been trying to make this work: "I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes," Ringo said. "At last, if you want it-you can get it now-The Beatles from Liverpool to now! Peace and Love, Ringo."
