In FLAC, too! The new Merge Records digital store is just now opening its doors and promises to offer not only all your favorite Merge classics by the likes of Pram, Honor Role, and renowned international superstars The Music Tapes, but also rare and exclusive material from the very depths of their collection, such as the "much sought-after out-of-print" Superchunk Clambake Series Volume One: Acoustic in-stores East and West, made available today. Their timing couldn't be better, as more and more artists and labels (see Bleep.com, NIN's Ghosts story below) begin cutting out the middle man that is Apple's monstrously successful iTunes store in favor of DRM-free, lossless alternatives, while still providing MP3s for the average consumer.
So, if you've been feeling shitty about ripping off all those unsung, penniless Merge signees such as The Arcade Fire and Spoon by downloading their tracks for free, get your ass on down there and spend some dough already!