Apples come together

To be frank, we're not entirely sure that the vast majority of iPod-waving people are especially bothered at the lack of official Beatles downloads to be had right now - when Macca and co held aloof from CD releases, it looked greedy and spiteful, spitting on the fans desperate to give them cash; but you seldom hear anyone sighing that they can't wait until they get a DRM-hobbled copy of Lovely Rita, do you?

Anyway, it looks like anyone waiting will soon have their wait over: Fortune reckons that Apple (the iPod one) and Apple (the label) are about to strike a deal:

While details remain to be worked out, Fortune has learned that iTunes is close to a deal to bring the Beatles catalog online. Apple Computer is said to be angling to become the exclusive online music store for the Beatles for a limited window of time. Other music stores, such as Microsoft's MSN and Rhapsody, have courted the Beatles over the years to no avail, but it appears Apple is close to getting first dibs on the band's hits.

Of course, The Beatles have spent much of the last thirty years fighting battles with Apple Computers; it's nice to see that they can put their differences to one side when there's a monster payday to be had.

music the beatles apple itunes