Download albums hit wrong notes for value

MUSIC fans who download albums off the internet can get a better deal by buying compact discs in traditional record shops or via mail-order instead, an Irish Examiner survey can reveal.

Of the top 15 albums on Apple’s Irish iTunes website, nine are cheaper or as cheap to buy through conventional methods — with savings of up to 23%.

iTunes, which is Ireland’s most popular download site, charges €12.99 for the 19-track version of the latest U2 album, U218 Singles.