Palm-sized pop diva Kylie is releasing her new album ‘X’ exclusively on the Nokia Music Store tomorrow, five days ahead of it being launched in dusty old CD form and iTunes. And me senses this sort of digital download exclusive is a trend we’re going to see a helluva lot more of from Nokia’s online song shop going forward.

So, Nokia going toe-to-toe with iTunes was inevitably a war guaranteeing bloodshed and broken noses, but this exclusive is certain to have busted Apple’s nose out of joint.

The usual 8 quid cost applies to download Kylie’s new ‘X’ album from the Nokia Music Store, almost a week ahead of it being available elsewhere.

Interestingly, Miles Leonard, Managing Director of Parlophone, said: “Our partnership with the Nokia Music Store enables EMI to reach music fans in new ways, by giving them instant access to great music direct to their mobile phone or PC.” Suggesting that the Nokia Music Store is a seen as a serious heavyweight contender for more exclusives going forward and that the mobile music stage is set for a rebirth of attention, which will no doubt help Nokia Music Store establish a foothold on the slippery ladder to online music superstardom alongside the likes of iTunes.

Whatever happens, the fight is on, and more sparks are set to fly over the coming months. Can’t wait!