Amazon MP3 deal clarification

SUCH A DEAL: In our Monday story about the activity surrounding yesterday’s release of Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs,on Merge, we gave the impression that the band signed off on Amazon MP3’s four-day $3.99 promotion. The reality, we’ve since learned, is that Amazon chooses the acts to feature, and the chosen bands either go along with the program or decline to distribute their release with the MP3 Store. Saying no would be irrational, considering that Amazon pays the act the full $7 per-unit rate for the album, despite initially pricing it at $3.99, choosing to loss-lead in order to generate a strong number, as well as the sort of exposure they’re getting here. So there you go. Incredible album, by the way, no matter where you buy it or what you decide to pay for it. (8/4a)