They Might Be Giants have opened an artist owned and operated Internet music store selling DRM-free MP3s. $0.99 a song, $9.99 an album. Plus web exclusives, and of course the usual assortment of free downloads. Only two albums offered so far, and no ability to preview a track yet, but a neat idea.

As of today, the iTunes music store has eight TMBG albums, with similar prices and the ability to preview. When you buy, you get AAC files, which include copy protection. Randall Stross of the New York Times wonders if iTunes files are worth collecting.