Pink Floyd just won a case against their record label EMI over a dispute in their 1999 contract which specified that the band's individual songs could not be sold in any context outside of their original albums. EMI argued that the agreement only pertained to physical sales and so the label has been selling individual digital Pink Floyd tracks on iTunes and Amazon. However, the judge ruled in favor of Pink Floyd and ordered EMI to pay close to $60,000 while the full total of fines and damages is determined. The classic rock band could also gain millions as it is decided how much they should be paid in digital royalties--a factor not included in the 1999 contract (since the internet was still so young and the online music market seemed more fantasy than reality). Although I do like being able to choose specific songs to download, I'm happy that Pink Floyd won the case and their artistic vision is being honored. Their aesthetic is largely based on songs that flow together and so it certainly is reasonable to request that their albums are heard all full pieces of art rather than chopped into 99 cent bits. Good for you, Pink Floyd... now how about a real reunion?
