• New West Records has signed legendary singer-songerwriter Steve Earle. Expect an album in early 2007. Earle's most recent studio albums were released by Artemis and E-Squared. New West released his 2004 album Live From Austin, TX. (JamBase)

• The era of perestroika is back: Warner Music International will license songs from its catalog to Russian mobile carrier VimpelCom Group. It's said to be a first between a capitalist pig major label and a mobile carrier from the evil empire. (AP)

• The Microsoft Zune will be available this fall at $299 and in three colors. Yes on Wi-Fi, but it will have to be connected to a PC to actually purchase music. Interesting: It will compete with Microsoft's own PlaysForSure licenses, which it will support. (Twice, via paidContent)

• EMI Music Publishing named Robert Flax to be its worldwide vice chairman. If that sounds like a made-up title it's because it's a new position. (Billboard.biz)

• An interview with Jim Kelly of mail order/online retailer Parasol. (Digital Audio Insider)

• For some, the long tail model is a work in progress: Digital Music Group had losses of $589,000 on revenues of $840,000 in the second quarter. The company had, on average, 69,700 tracks available for sale. (Sacramento Business Journal)

Sony BMG Music Entertainment is looking for a Mobile Account Executive