Apple Computer on Monday revealed it had renewed contracts with the four largest record companies to sell songs through its iTunes digital store at 99 cents each. The agreements came after months of bargaining, and were a defeat for music companies that had been pushing for a variable pricing model. Read the full article here.

 Unsigned Science Of The Subconscious is the creation of Aaron Shier who grew up in Iowa before moving to Los Angeles. He began working with producer Herb Graham, Jr (John Cale, Macy Gray) and the results sound a bit like a Whiskey A Go Go conversation between Kurt Cobain and Martin Gore according to the band’s myspace. That sounds about a right. You can catch them at the following performances May 2 @ The Scene Bar (CA) and May 4 @ The Cat Club (CA). For more information contact Jeremy Toback at 818-755-9182. Check out the mp3’s Empathy and She Says.Â

It’s a tough month at radio for new artists considering career bands like Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Godsmack, and Pearl Jam are hogging active and alternative rock playlists. Universal’s Blue October managed to grab the #3 on the alternative charts as unsigned Failsafe that KOARÂ posted frequently is currently going for an add.

Coolfer reports that DJ Shadow has signed with Universal Records and will have a new album out this summer. Alter Bridge former members of Creed who had a long lasting partnership with Wind Up have terminated their recording, publishing, and merchandising agreements, severing all of the band’s contractual relationships with the label. A sad story considering Creed laid the foundation for Wind Up. Victory Records signs Endwell (above), a hardcore screamo act from NJ.

James Blunt TW 53,783Â
PAnic! At The Disco TW 31,780
Blue October TW 17,092
Buckcherry TW 13,380
Morrissey TW 7,140
Pink TW 42,087
The Fray TW 22,424
Yellowcard TW 5,861

James Blunt is beginning to prove that he wrote more than one hit. Is Blue October going to break? ….Who would have thought Buckcherry would debut on the top 50? Lava Records will be distributing the record now.