Wednesday’s Music 2.0 Briefing: Jay-Z Pulls Out Of iTunes, Zune Wireless Store?, SnoCap (Boom)Shuffles & Much More

>>> Jay-Z has pulled his new American Gangster release from iTunes because he wants the album to be heard as a total "work of art" (his words not mine). (UndercoverHD)  Without making Jay-Z some kind of hero here, it is about time iTunes made the album format an option for artists.

>>> The Orchard and Digital Media Group have completed their merger. (press release) Despite recent deals I just don’t see with tightening margins for digital distributors, how two loosers combine to make a winner.

>>> Microsoft’s purchase of Musicwave could lead to a Zune wireless store. (ars) Wireless downloads could provide a major bump in sales as they have in many Asian markets.

>>> SnoCap has launched BoomShuffle, a 15 song mixtape widget creator. (Wired)

>>> UMG’s indie distribution arm Fontana has named RonSpaulding EVP and GM. (Billboard)

>>> Glenn @ Coolfer shares "What Radiohead’s In Rainbows Has Taught Me".

>>> How low can WMG’s stock price go? (Silicon Valley Insider)

>>> ArtistData.com has added Pollstar, Jambase and Showclix to MySpace and the other sites served by its automatic multi-site updating service.

>>> Digital distributor TuneCore is offering an eclectic free 34-track compilation via iTunes that includes Public Enemy, Bowerbirds, Over the Rhine Steve Vai and The Dandy Warhols , Ray Manzarek, Bill Medley and others.
Download it free here.