iTunes: Beatles Release ‘New’ EP

Apparently success begets more people wanting to try. When Apple introduced its new iPhones, U2 took the stage to perform and then famously gave away their newest album, Songs of Innocence. Now, the Beatles (or their collective estates) have decided to follow suit by giving away Beatles 4: John Paul George Ringo, an EP of music from the lads’ outside musical projects.

“The members of the Beatles combined forces as a famously and indelibly fab quartet who forever changed the face of pop culture,” explains the online entertainment store’s teaser for the EP, titled 4. “After the Beatles dissolved in 1970, each member pursued inimitable, electrifying solo careers that are remarkable in their own right. Explore their solo releases — including a number of albums Mastered for iTunes.”

Beatles 4: John Paul George Ringo

1. Love — John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band

2. Call Me Back Again — Wings

3. Let It Down — George Harrison

4. Walk With You — Ringo Starr

Why give it away? Obviously, the Beatles and U2 are more than hoping a few free songs will lead to sales of their back catalogs. While record setting new album sales make headlines, the real money is in back catalog sales, really.

Thanks, Beatles, U2…
Yes, I got U2’s Songs of Innocence and it has been good.

Here comes Beatles 4: John Paul George Ringo and that’s going into my library and put into rotation.

More is good and ownership, such as it is, is even better…

What’s your take?