• A few weeks ago news broke that Bertelsmann was looking into the sale of its stake in the Sony BMG joint venture. Today, as Bertelsmann reported its 2007 earnings, came news the company is considering the sale of its Direct Group book and record clubs. (AP)

• Vodafone will release seven songs from Madonna's upcoming album, each staggered by one day, to its UK customers. Her new album, Hard Candy, will be released in late April by Warner Music. (The Telegraph)

• P2P service Limewire has launched an eMusic-styled MP3 subscription service. (Listening Post)

• Carrie Underwood has been invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. (Music Row)

• Gorilla vs. Bear, one of the better and more popular music blogs out there, was asked by Sports Illustrated to be music curators for the site's 2008 NCAA basketball tournament blog. There's a free download every day. (The Tourney Blog)