So the music industry is in trouble. Not according to figures for released for download sales in 2008. More than 1 billion digital songs were purchased during 2008.

The report released by Nielsen SoundScan showed that the 1 billion benchmark was passed on December 14.

Leona Lewis has the biggest selling download of 2008. More than 3.3 million people purchased ‘Bleeding Love’ in the USA alone.

Download sales have doubled since 2006 and are up more than 150 million on last year. That is a 27% increase.

Digital sales are expected to be around 1.04 billion.

Lets see what happens.

The 12th U2 album `No Line On The Horizon` will be available in 5 different formats.

Album Versions:

Standard jewel case - with album CD and 24 page booklet

LP vinyl - limited edition with 2 black vinyl discs, gatefold sleeve, and a 16 page booklet

3 Limited Edition Versions with Unique Bonus Material:

Digipak format - limited edition with album CD, 36 page colour booklet and fold out poster. Features access to exclusive downloadable Anton Corbijn film.

Magazine format - limited edition with album CD, with 60 page magazine. Features access to exclusive downloadable Anton Corbijn film.

Box format - limited edition bespoke box containing digipak format album CD, DVD of Anton Corbijn’s exclusive film, 64 page hardback book, plus a fold out poster.

Harmonix and MTV Games confirmed that ‘Ten’, the debut album that sold 12 million copies and introduced the world to Pearl Jam in 1991, will be offered for download in the Rock Band Music Store from March 23rd 2009 - the same day the album’s long-awaited reissue arrives in shops.

Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games and Music for MTV Networks Music / Logo Group, added, “Just hearing the first few notes of ‘Jeremy’ or ‘Alive’ brings back all the raw emotion of this incredible, hugely important album. We are honoured to be working with Pearl Jam to deliver ‘Ten’ as it is re-issued.”

Pearl Jam released ‘Ten’ on August 27th 1991. The album reached no. 2 on the US album chart, sold 12 million copies and became one of the cultural touchstones of the 1990s. Songs such as ‘Alive,’ ‘Black,’ ‘Even Flow’ and ‘Jeremy’ became staples of rock radio, and still make frequent appearances on the band’s concert setlists. The album was produced by Rick Parasher. Pearl Jam’s 1991 lineup was Jeff Ament (bass), Stone Gossard (guitar), Dave Krusen (drums), Mike McCready (guitar) and Eddie Vedder (vocals).