Walmart: Your local record store??

AC/DC released their first album in 8 years on October 2oth.  However, "Black Ice" can only be found in Walmart's around the nation.  This reflects a growing trend of artists releasing new albums exclusively in certain retail outlets.  The Eagles did so a few years ago. Gun's and Roses will do so later this month, releasing "Chinese Democracy" to Best Buy.

Many people have issues with this kind of cross promotional deal, and proponent's always argue it brings the music to the people.  To me, this is just another depressing exposition of the business dominated music industry.  It is so apparent that this is just a ploy to get more CD sales, and create partnerships with huge corporations.  What about those of us who refuse to shop at the beast we call Walmart?  

Another question I ask, is will this lead to exclusive relationships between certain labels and these companies?  Is Walmart going to produce the next Jay-Z album?! What do you think?

JKH