LONDON - Music giant EMI is to introduce a new system of prices for CD singles in an attempt to revive sales. Most singles will be available on two-track discs for £1.99 - but releases by the biggest names will be priced at £3.99. The changes come as the UK music industry tries to recover from a sales drop that has seen almost 40% fewer singles sold so far this year compared with the same period in 2002.

  The company's new policy will see £1.99 two-track CDs released from September, backed up by £2.99 versions with added extras, such as DVD tracks. The £3.99 releases will be reserved for a select few "blockbuster" artists.

  EMI chairman Tony Wadsworth said: "There is confusion among consumers about pricing. They see singles at £1.99, £2.99 and £3.99 and don't know why. The singles will remain at the same price for the duration of their release - rather than being discounted in the first week but reverting to a higher price."

• BBC article