Vodafone (NYSE: VOD) has struck a deal with record label Warner Music to give the operator’s customers early access to music and mobile content from Madonna’s new album, “Hard Candy,” before its April 28th general release. Vodafone customers around the world will get the content—seven music tracks—a week early. Beginning on 21 April, one track will be released each day of the week and will remain live for 24 hours for download before it is replaced by the next track.

Vodafone has also created a Madonna mini site on its Vodafone Live! Portal which will give subscribers access to exclusive mobile content, including ringtones, ringback tones and SMS tones. Starting immediately, Vodafone customers in selected markets including Spain, Portugal, Germany and Belgium will get exclusive mobile access to Madonna’s new single “4 Minutes.” In November, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) struck a deal with EMI’s label Parlaphone to sell Kylie Minogue’s album “X”, five days ahead of its general release. But it will be interesting to see if Vodafone’s tactic of dripping out a song a day, and limiting the time it’s available will boost sales. (release).

• Kylie On Mobile 1st