I think this move is about recognizing that they're not going to make any more money on the old catalog, so they're using it as a way to connect directly with t

I think this move is about recognizing that they're not going to make any more money on the old catalog, so they're using it as a way to connect directly with their fans - via collected email addresses. Next, I would expect they'll release new material and target it directly at these people. They can charge a minimal amount of money and make more than if they went through any label or, say iTunes. TL;DR They're doing this to build their email list to create a direct channel for marketing future material.