Los Angeles - Starbucks will test a new digital audio format, developed by veteran producer T-Bone Burnett and a team of engineers, on a forthcoming John Mellencamp album due for release via the Hear Music imprint, Digital Music News reported. The album, "Life, Death, Love and Freedom" is due for release on July 15, and will come both on CD and in the new "CODE" format -- which attempts to "closely mirror the fidelity of original, master recordings" -- on an included DVD that allows for transfers to computers and portable devices.

Seattle - Starbucks (NYSE: SBUX) announced on Friday that it is restructuring the entertainment side of its business, and, after just a year at the helm, will turn over management of its Hear Music record label to partner Concord Music Group. In connection with the change in strategy, Ken Lombard, SVP and president of Starbucks Entertainment, has left the company to pursue other business interests, while chief technology officer Chris Bruzzo was promoted to SVP and head of the Entertainment group.

Seattle - Confirming earlier rumors, Starbucks and partner Concord Music Group announced on Thursday that former Beatle Paul McCartney has signed on as the first artist on Starbucks' new Hear Music record label. McCartney's forthcoming album is slated for release early this summer and will be available at all traditional music retail outlets as well as in Starbucks locations around the world.