Springsteen regrets record deal

Springsteen played at President Obama's inauguration celebrations

Rock star Bruce Springsteen has said it was a "mistake" to exclusively release an album with US retail giant Wal-Mart.

The musician told the New York Times: "Our batting average is usually very good, but we missed that one."

Some fans complained about the deal, saying claims made against Wal-Mart's labour practices conflicted with Springsteen's principles on the issue.

He is due to perform during the interval at Sunday's Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida.

'Done different'

"We were in the middle of doing a lot of things, it kind of came down and, really, we didn't vet it the way we usually do," said the musician.

"It was something that if we'd thought about it a little longer, we'd have done something different.

"Fans will call you on that stuff, as it should be," added Springsteen.

The record, a 12-track collection of greatest hits priced at $10(�6.85), went on sale in Wal-Mart outlets on 10 January.

In an earlier interview with Billboard magazine, Springsteen's manager Jon Landau said the release was not advertising the store, while his existing albums are already stocked there.

Wal-Mart said in a statement: "Millions of Springsteen fans have counted on Wal-Mart over the years to deliver his music into their lives.

"We will continue to offer those fans this Greatest Hits exclusive and his other popular albums at unbeatable prices."

It added that it was "proud" of the careers and job opportunities it offers to more than one million Americans.

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