Paul McCartney is now pulling both solo and Wings content from Spotify and other streaming services, according to details shared by sources this (Tuesday) evening. Specifically, the takedown is coming from Concord Records, though other McCartney releases also appear unavailable. In fact, a search this evening produced just a handful of McCartney songs, outside of covers, modified instrumentals and other variations. Spotify has not responded to a pair of inquiries from Digital Music News, though a leaked takedown order lists some of the largest albums released by the post-Beatles McCartney. The removal request, issued by Universal Music Group Distribution on behalf of Concord (and Hear Music), includes the following:
Paul McCartney:
All the Best
Driving Rain
Flaming Pie
McCartney II
Off the Ground
Paul Is Live
Run Devil Run
Tripping the Live Fantastic
Tripping the Live Fantastic Highlights!
Tug of War
Unplugged - The Official Soundtrack
Wingspan
Wings:
Back to the Egg
London Town
Wings Over America
Wings at the Speed of Sound
Paul McCartney & Wings:
Red Rose Speedway
These releases are being pulled not just from Spotify, but from all streaming services, at least in the US. That lists includes Rhapsody, MOG, and Rdio. Additionally, sources involved in the pulldown have also confirmed that these albums will remain available for download, at locations like the iTunes Store and AmazonMP3. A check on iTunes not only confirms that availability, and but also reveals a front door promotion.
Other famous titles, like Band on the Run, are not listed in the takedown order (and appear to be managed by other labels). But they are also not available on Spotify, and we're still learning details on these releases.
Sources declined to share the exact reasons for the takedown, or even the exact decision-maker within the McCartney camp. But a good guess is that this is rooted in financial comparisons, especially considering the decision to remain with download services.
Source
Posted 02/2012
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