Just after Rhapsody announced it would be entering the mp3 download market with relatively little product integration, a most unlikely source, Hot Topic, announced it would be entering into the market as well. It also has better product integration with its other, much maligned services. Buying an mp3 from Hot Topic's new digital music store, ShockHound, will also allow you to buy merchandise for the appropriate band. Tracks will still be sold at the 99 cents per song, $9.99 per album going rate, and its unclear what the DRM protection of the tracks will be like.

Hot Topic derives most of its revenue from merchandise sales, but its stock has been slumping as the mall-based store has developed a reputation for its Evansecence/Linkin Park aesthetic. But ShockHound plans on offering a more eclectic mix of music, and on using the company's tools for band marketing to make the service as appealing to up-and-coming bands as it hopes to be to new consumers.

Either way, MC Lars is still not impressed;

[New York Times]