The four biggest major record labels became three in 2012, as courts cleared the way for Universal Music Group to acquire EMI. Universal, in turn, had to auction a third of its assets as part of antitrust conditions. This may not be the sexiest music story of this year, but it's certainly significant, as major labels show signs of a continuing struggle keeping their individual imprints afloat in this entertainment economy. (Just remember: less than 15 years ago, there were six major label groups.) While artists like Amanda Palmer (who earned +$1 million via Kickstarter) can make their own fortunes independently, major labels still dominate radio airplay, the mainline of mass commercial success.