Many US independent record stores have voiced their concern over exclusive release deals for the upcoming Jay-Z and Kanye West album in an open letter addressed to the two stars. Their album Watch The Throne will be released first on iTunes and then exclusively in Best Buy stores across the United States, nearly two weeks in advance of other music retailers.
The letter speaks of the "great damage" this move will do to independent record stores across the country. "We know that you are busy, and that you put most of your energies into creating great music, but we are writing to you in the hope that you will hear us and take the time to rectify this matter", says the letter which was written by the organizers of Record Store Day.
"As representatives of the independent record store community, we are asking you to allow record stories and music fans equal access to your new album."
Billboard have suggested that the iTunes and Best Buy deals will satisfy approximately 75% of the demand for the album within its first two weeks of release.