Is Epic Records Hearing A Death Knell?

The Hollywood Reporter has an interesting article on who killed Epic Records. Rob Stringer chairman of the Sony Music Label Group goes on record, yet there are quotes from others at the diminished label.  Amanda Ghost the songwriter (You're Beautiful -hit for James Blunt) is the main focus of the label's demise.  She was hired 20 months ago for the excitement and enthusiasm that Stringer though she would bring to Epic.  According to co-workers she showed excitement by throwing a CD across the room. 

Two of my top 10 favorite albums of all time were on Epic: Heaven Tonight by Cheap Trick and London Calling by The Clash.  It would be a shame to see a label with such a great past go down the drain.  This piece seems to think it's inevitable. 

Sony Music's Biggest Deal Ever

The Wall Street Journal reported that since Mr. Jackson's death on June 25, Sony has sold an estimated 31 million of his albums globally. This number is staggering and it's albums, not single songs. I guess that's why Sony Music was willing to pay his estate a minimum of $200 million for 10 future albums including some unreleased material over a period of seven years. The piece states that half of the money will pay down Jackson's debts including $35 million to AEG who were the promoters of his never materialized tour and refinance his Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Neverland Ranch. Will the gloved one's catalog have the staying power to generate enough revenue to make this deal lucrative for Sony? What a time to take the risk.