Things just aren't going well for EMI right now. Caught up in a media storm, every little thing that goes on with them is parade about in newfeeds across the world as if it was a Major News Development. But then as far as Music Towers is concerned, anything to do with the Rolling Stones is a Major News Development.

Because Mick, Keith, and the rest of the veteran rockers, look like they might be the first of the Big Name Acts to dump EMI. The band's current record deal with EMI runs out next month, and will be followed by the release on Universal of the band's soundtrack to Martin Scorsese's 'Shine a Light' documentary, a behind-the-scenes look at their 'Bigger Bang' world tour.

The deal with Universal is just for a single release, so Universal aren't whooping their way to Montego Bay just yet. However, what is of much industry attention is the fate of the Stones' post-1971 catalogue - currently owned by EMI, it will almost certainly be a key part of any new deal signed by the band when their contract expires.

Interestingly, the people who currently own the Stones' pre-1971 catalogue are...Universal. Hmmm.....