Sony Music and online digital music retailer eMusic announced on Monday that music that is more than two years old from the record label will be added to eMusic's online store. While specifics of the deal were not disclosed, a direct result of it will see eMusic raise its prices slightly and reduce the number of downloads in its monthly plans. The classic recordings from Sony Music labels that include Columbia, RCA, and Jive, as well as artists such as Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and Johnny Cash, will be added to eMusic's catalog in the third quarter of the year.

NYC-based eMusic's near 400,000 subscribers pay a monthly fee to download a set number of MP3 songs during that time period. The basic plan costs $12 per month for 24 music tracks, and the website targets listeners who are at least 25 years old.

Danny Stein, eMusic’s chief executive, has been involved with other major music labels to bring their tracks to the retailer, including Warner Music, the Universal Music Group and EMI. Many independents have asked eMusic to raise pricing. Major music labels have been traditionally against selling songs in the unprotected and easily shareable MP3 format. [via NYTimes]