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Release Date: August 05, 2009
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Release Date: September 29, 2009
Genre: Rock
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  • Cocked & Loaded

    • 8 out of 10
    • Revolting Cocks
    • It's hard to believe it's been more than a decade since Ministry founder and front man Al Jourgensen's side project Revolting Cocks released any new material. 2006 brings us Cocked and Loaded

  • Quadrophenia

    • 10 out of 10
    • The Who
    • Quadrophenia is everything that Tommy wanted to be, a rock opera that told a story, but one where every song could still stand alone. It was also Pete Townshend's farewell tribute to the Mod

  • The Life Pursuit

    • 8 out of 10
    • Belle & Sebastian
    • The Life Pursuit is a sort of Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. You get Belle & Sebastian's peanut butter (its wistful, often irresistible pop) dipped in a 'Have A Nice Day!' and glam 70s chocol

  • Machine Gun Etiquette

    • 8 out of 10
    • The Damned
    • Punk rock is mostly associated with three chords and a bad attitude, but the Damned were one of the few bands of the era bent on bringing musicianship and a good sense of humor to the scene. And while
  • Every Day: The Best of the Verve Years

    • 8 out of 10
    • Joe Williams
    • Joe Williams was Figure Two in my three-man education in singing. A brilliant vocalist, scatter, and interpreter of jazz and blues, Williams produces music that's totally unique, yet sounds so effortl

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News

iPod Accessory Makers Balk at Increased License Fees [UPDATED]

iPod accessory makers are upset about an increase in their license fees. They'll now have to shell out 10% of their revenue, according to an article by David Richards at the Web site of the Australian magazine Smart House. Mr. Richards noted that the upped fee, which is currently between 1 and 2%, will be charged to the manufacturer of any product that connects to the popular MP3 player.

An Altec Lansing spokesperson told the reporter: "We were told of the port fee some weeks ago. It is ridiculous. It is excessive and will result in many partners re-thinking their relationship with Apple. It will also push up the cost of Apple accessories."

However, an Altec Lansing public relations representative told The iPod Observer that, as far as she knows, no one from their corporate offices spoke with Mr. Richards. She said the company is investigating the matter. She also noted that the anonymous quote is not Altec Lansing's official position on the situation.

Bose also expressed its dissatisfaction, with an executive telling Mr. Richards that "a common port across all MP3 devices" is needed. The unnamed source added: "We also need a common docking design so that people like Bose can develop common accessories."

Rob Small, Apple Australia's marketing manager, said he was not aware of the increased fee but promised to look into the matter.

Meanwhile, the Altec Lansing spokesperson contacted by The iPod Observer said that she is unsure if these so-called "port fees" are the same as the "Made For iPod" logo royalties initiated by Apple in January. She promised to obtain clarification on the matter.

Two Bose public relations representatives contacted by The iPod Observer had not returned phone calls as this revised article was posted. More details to come as they arrive.

4:13 PM EST: Revised article based on comments from Altec Lansing PR representative.

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