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Eminem's 'The Marshall Mathers LP2' streams on iTunes Radio ahead of album's official release
The Real Slim Shady's back with another album, titled The Marshall Mathers LP2. And if you're a fan of Eminem and have iTunes Radio, then there's a way to listen to his latest work in full without going the, well, shady way. Starting today in the US, Eminem's MMLP2 (as it's known for short) can be streamed on the "First Play" station of Apple's newfangled music service, allowing users to tune in to the set of tracks ahead of next Tuesday's scheduled release. As 9to5Mac notes, this marks the first time that an entire album is being given early access to exclusively on iTunes Radio, and it could certainly pave the way for more artists to follow suit. Above all, it is another example of how the music industry is adjusting itself as new services become available -- even if it might not be too excited about it.
Sony and Future creating new UK PS3 video show to replace FirstPlay
Sony and Future Publishing's PlayStation Network-exclusive show, FirstPlay, may have ended on July 6, but it doesn't mark the end of original HD offerings on PS3 from the partnership. CVG reports that Sony and Future are already working on a new PS3 show. No details about the actual content (or the name) have been announced, but Future's Entertainment Group Publisher Simon Maxwell said that production is "well under way," and that the show is "HD video magazine content," much like FirstPlay and North America's Qore. While those of you in the UK (or with accounts on that region's PSN) wait for news on the new show, let this scintillating marketing speak from SCE UK Marketing Director Alan Duncan build your anticipation: "This is a great content initiative which forms a key part of SCEUK's strategy to reward and engage with our consumers in a more meaningful way."
European PSN releases for April 8
There's a handful of mysterious offerings in this week's European PSN update -- the most notable being the launch of chapters 4 - 6 of Blue Toad Murder Files, which, by its very nature, is extremely mysterious. Then there's the mystery of the misspelled moniker of Freekscape: Escape from Hell and, finally, the mystery of "no, seriously, what the hell is FirstPlay, and why am I paying £8.99 for three months of it?" Let the sleuthing begin! Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
FirstPlay: it's like Qore, but weekly, and for Europe
We generally opt for punnier headlines, but it's difficult when the news is as uninspiring as this. GamesRadar's much-hyped PS3 exclusive announcement has been revealed: FirstPlay, a weekly digital "magazine" for European PS3 owners. Much like Qore, it will provide video previews and exclusive demos of anticipated PlayStation titles. However, unlike Qore, it will be produced weekly. FirstPlay will be available in the UK beginning in March, with other European territories to follow shortly thereafter. Individual episodes can be purchased for 99p, while a three month subscription will cost £8.99. Replacing Veronica Belmont for this strictly-European offering is British comedian Lucy Porter. Hopefully, she'll find some time to make fun of the people that thought this announcement was going to be about Resistance 3.
