With the recent release of a new iTunes version, Apple created a new distribution model called “iTunes LP.” The premise of this new model is that it gives you all the same information we used to get on a traditional LP album, neatly packaged in clickable html links, available within the iTunes bowser.

When you download an iTunes album, a link to the html package sits within the song list. Simply click on this link, and iTunes turns into a hyperlinked browser full of html goodness (or click on the small icon when hovering over the album cover). Through this interface users can choose which song to play, read liner notes content such as artist info, bios, and productions notes, access photos, or accomplish any another browser-supported activity. An “x” in the upper left corner of the iTunes window brings the user out of the html interface, back into the iTunes’ regular song list or album view.

The roll-out of “iTunes LP” has either been rather quiet, or more realistically, has yet to create much media or web notice. Perhaps Apple intended to spawn some buzz with the release of a free iTunes Christmas sampler in the new format.Yesterday, a free Starbucks compilation memed its way across Facebook, exposing the new format to millions.

If it doesn’t catch on, it won’t be the first iTunes feature that fails to hit the mainstream. Buried deep within the personal iTunes account interface is a feature allowing users to embed an iTunes widget on personal websites. I’ve yet to see that widget anywhere, except for my own website.

It’s unknown how Apple plans use this distribution model. Close to two generations of music buyers have passed since the days of the traditional LP and its liner note goodness. Do current music buyers even want the extra content?. Will buyers have a choice to purchase extra content via the iTunes LP? Will all albums eventually follow the iTunes LP model and provide extra content as a matter of course? All of this remains to be seen.

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