In a move typical of the slumping record industry, Columbia Records dropped eclectic songwriter/musician Nellie McKay from its artist roster a couple of weeks ago, after sending out review copies of her new album, "Pretty Little Head," but before the CD's planned release date of Jan. 3.

McKay had been fighting with the label for weeks over the length of the album. Columbia sent out a 16-track version to reviewers, while McKay was loudly protesting that they should release the full 23-track album that she submitted.