Rock band AC/DC releases entire catalog on iTunes

NEW YORK (AP) - AC/DC is finally releasing its music digitally on iTunes.

Columbia Records and Apple announced Monday that the classic rock band's music will be available at the iTunes Store worldwide.

Sixteen studio albums will be released, including "High Voltage" and "Back in Black." Several of the Australian band's albums and songs have made their way on iTunes' Top 100 albums and songs charts.

AC/DC was one of the few acts that would not release music through the digital outlet. Two years ago, Apple struck a deal with The Beatles' record label, EMI Group, and management company and began selling the group's music. Kid Rock, who had also been against selling his music through the digital retailer, is releasing a new album, "Rebel Soul," on Monday and it's available on iTunes.

Silvio Pietroluongo, Billboard's director of charts, said AC/DC's decision isn't shocking.

"It's something that I think artists realize they need to do in order to get their music into the hands of their fans and to make more money," he said. "Right now with CD sales being what they are, touring is the main source of income and not every band is equipped to be out on tour 200 days a year to make the kind of money they need to make, or want to make."

Garth Brooks, however, has yet to release his music on iTunes. Pietroluongo said he believes the country star will come around, but he's not sure when that will be.

Four of AC/DC's live albums and three compilation records are also available. The statement said the songs have been mastered for iTunes "with increased audio fidelity."

The group's first live album in 20 years, "Live at River Plate," is out Tuesday.

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Online:

http://www.acdc.com/us/home

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