Apple iTunes Sells Band Catalog Through App Store

The PUSA app for the iPhone and iPod touch was created by Seattle-based Melodeo and offers the four albums by the band plus extras and exclusives that will be updated in the future. The PUSA app is currently going for $2.99.

Apple approved the application for sale in its iTunes store.

What's compelling about the application is that it could offer a new way to deliver digital music to customers who are worried about controlling their music. Even though the Apple iTunes store is offering DRM-free music for purchase, some customers may still be skittish about buying music they can't take wherever they want.

Granted, the PUSA app doesn't solve that problem. In fact, in some ways customers who purchase the application are even more limited in how they listen -- only on an iPhone, iPod touch or any other device Apple eventually puts on the market that can access applications.

Still, it is noteworthy because Apple did approve the application, which could pave the way for other bands to begin offering their music in app format. Now, instead of selling individual songs for about a dollar, bands, particularly those without large followings, can push a chunk of their music out to customers who are interested in listening.

Additionally, it is something of a surprise that the PUSA was approved by Apple, as it theoretically could hurt their sales through the iTunes store -- think of the Podcaster application that was turned down.

Whether or not this type of delivery method for music actually catches on and whether or not Apple continues to approve these types of apps remains to be seen.