Google Music Goes Without WMG, SME

GOOGLE MUSIC MINUS WMG, SME: Google Music will launch this Wednesday (11/16) in L.A. without two of the three remaining major label groups. Universal Music Group will be well-represented at the press event, but media reports indicate Google does not have deals with either Warner Music Group or Sony Music. It was unclear whether EMI would participate, but UMG’s acquisition of the recorded music company might change that. The labels have been looking for an iTunes competitor to emerge, while Google wants to offer music and movie services to Android users, but the two have been unable to come to an agreement. Google launched the beta version of its cloud music service earlier this year without any major label licenses. (11/14a)