Can Wal-Mart Carry Its Digital Weight?

In the face of declining music sales, mega retailer Wal-Mart remains in a standoff with recording labels Warner Music Group and Sony BMG over allowing licensing of mp3s for their web site. Thus far, both EMI and Universal Music have succumbed to agreements to put music up for digital consumption DRM-free-in other words, unprotected files that can be used at the customer’s discretion-much the same way Amazon came out ahead of label heads’ initial deadlock last August.

Until the standoff is resolved, Wal-Mart is continuing to promote its digital music sales through their behind-the-scenes series, Soundcheck, which currently highlights female artists Sheryl Crow and newcomer Colbie Caillat. That’s in conjunction with a strong push for Mariah Carey’s forthcoming record, E=MC2, set for a April 15 release, which will provide a pre-order download of her hit single “Touch My Body.” Another easy-listening giant on the roster is Bryan Adams, who is planning a Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club-only sale of his next album, 11, on May 13.