Digital sales decline

PAST THEIR PEAK? Digital song sales in the U.S. declined for the first time since 2003 in Q1, according to SoundScan, and the news has the majors more than a little concerned. Track sales were down nearly 1%, to 312.4 million from 315.4 million in the same period a year ago. In its coverage, the bible said executives blamed the decline in digital song sales to the iTunes Store's price hike to $1.29, which, of course, the majors had spent years pressuring Steve Jobs to green light in the first place. Analog or digital, what a nutty business this is. (4/12a)