Within hours of the opening of DRM-free online music shop AnywhereCD, Warner Music Group demanded that the site remove the label’s digital albums, Reuters reported. WMG claimed that the start-up had violated an agreement by selling the record company’s music without copy protection software. The opening of a non-DRM digital music store does seem to come at a propitious moment, as EMI said last week it will offer DRM-free versions and to sell those songs at premium prices through Apple’s iTunes and other online shops. WMG stopped short of following in their footsteps, but it did say AnywhereCD could offer a service to let CD buyers rip their albums into MP3 files. What it finds unacceptable is AnywhereCD selling unprotected albums directly to buyers without a license. AnywhereCD only sells complete albums—the only choice is between buying a physical CD, which tends to cost more, or an MP3. Record companies have become increasingly concerned about the “death of the album,” so labels could find at least one thing to like about the start-up.

-- The San Diego-based company was started by Michael Robertson, who has founded a slew of ventures over the years, including the original MP3.com, Lindows/Linspire, SIPPhone, Ajax 13, and MP3Tunes. Users can search for albums by name or through the sites 61 genres. 

-- Wired: AnywhereCD lists artists that that do not sell music through it so consumers can request that AnywhereCD try to add them. If enough people request an artist, it could give AnywhereCD leverage in talks with artists and labels to release their music in a non-DRM MP3 format.

-- Cnet: while the library is small – a quick check shows fewer than 4,000 songs, about 2,700 in the rock/pop category – Robertson says more content will be added shortly.

Related:
-- Renegotiation Dance: Labels To Ask Apple On Starting Subscription Service
-- Beatles Settle With EMI, iTunes Back Catalogue Soon?
-- Warner Shareholder Says EMI’s “Disappointing Results” Would Lower Price