• This decade, according to the new BPI Statistical Handbook, the number of CD albums purchased for less than £10 increased to 71.8% from 39.1%. In 2007, the average CD cost £8.63, a 3.6% drop from the previous year. (Music Week)

• The new, untitled album by rapper Nas is expected to debut at #1 this week. (Billboard.biz)

• HMV will expand an in-store shopping program that avoids value added tax on music and video purchases under £18. Customers can buy items at in-store kiosks and receive them in the mail. A company spokesperson said HMV plans to restrict VAT-free purchases to items that are not stocked in that particular store. (The Guardian)

• iLike now offers full stream song streams, via its partnership with Rhapsody, and has an advertising platform for concert promoters. (Mashable)

• The RIAA has reduced by 50% the number of albums a Latin artist much ship to attain gold and platinum status. Gold is now 50,000 units and platinum is 100,000 units. (Billboard)

• A sort of history of the term "indie" in the U.K. It's an entertaining read that throws in a few terms I hadn't heard (indie landfill, mortgage indie) and bemoans how the Internet has increased the churn of bands and the likelihood a hit debut's success will not be sustained. Wrote Tim Walker, "The turnover of new acts is terrifying. Parklife, lest we forget, was Blur's third album." (The Independent)

• Sony BMG has hired Graeme Ferguson, formerly the head of content for Vodafone Global, as its new SVP of digital and strategic partnerships. (Mobile Entertainment)

• The industry isn't yet totally comfortable with thinking of bands as brands. (The Guardian)