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After a two-year absence, Coolfer emails are returning. I know a lot of readers prefer to get information in email, and as a Blackberry owner I know email is preferable in some situations. Time constraints aren't what they used to be, so the emails are back.

This Los Angeles Times article about pay-what-you-want release of Girl Talk's new album has a few things to note.

Anita Elberse, the Harvard Business School professor who recently wrote an article -- "Should You Invest in the Long Tail?" -- that questioned some of the assertions in Chris Anders

• In an effort to improve margins, Universal Music Group will bring back deluxe editions of CD releases for the fourth quarter (at least in the UK). Standard versions will also be available. (Music Week)

• Colombian star Shakira has signed a ten-year deal with Live Nation that is estimated to be in the $70 million to $100 million range. It's a multi-rights deal, but Shakira still owes Sony BMG three albums (one is a greatest hits). (Los Angeles Times)

Earlier today, Rhapsody launched a new MP3 store as well as many other initiatives (read the press release here). Users of Rhapsody's subscription service will feel at home, and users of its free streaming web site will notice similarities.

The Tennessean has a very comprehensive series of articles on how Nashville and country music are changing in the fact of new technologies and retail climates. The feature also looks at what these changes mean for fans.

• A report says the first Portuguese citizen convicted of illegally downloading music has received a 90-day prison sentence. (The Portugal News)

The House Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property passed the Performance Rights Act today. Up for consideration is terrestrial radio's exemption from paying performance royalties for the use of sound recordings.

• Based on information for industry sources, this article at The Register predicts the UK may have legal broadband music subscriptions by the end of the year. (The Register)