Not only will these songs be higher bit-rate AAC, they will also be DRM free. This might reduce the "bitch factor" for some folks, and it certainly makes good news for regular users like me.

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/04/02itunes.html

Let's see what the naysayers will gripe about.

1.) It's not the whole catalog.

2.) It's not until May, why not now?

3.) It's gonna cost 30 cents to upgrade from lower-bit AAC tracks already purchased.

4.) It's still not as good as analog, especially vinyl and tubes!

5.) The $1.29 price is too high!

6.) iTunes is still destroying brick and mortar stores.

7.) Apple is still ruining the music business.

8.) Apple is still ruining the musical and audio values of a generation.

9.) Apple is still ruining the quality reproduction of music in the home.

10.) The old ways are better.

Did I miss any? OFs and others are encouraged to reply.