We’re not sure who’s to blame here, Hollywood Records or the iTunes Music Store, but someone surely is.

If we recall correctly, the soundtrack to Thumbsucker was originally planned to be an album of covers by Elliott Smith. But as Elliott’s final days swiftly took him downhill, then away from us forever, the project was taken over by Tim DeLaughter (and Polyphonic Spree). The result, released today, is primarily a Polyphonic Spree album, with Smith covers of Big Star’s “Thirteen” and Cat Stevens’ “Trouble,” along with Elliott’s own “Let’s Get Lost.” Plus 20 tracks by Tim DeLaughter and Polyphonic Spree.

Now, we don’t really care much one way or the other for the Spree’s music. We’re sure it’s fine, if you happen to like that sort of thing. We don’t, but we do like Elliott Smith. A lot, in fact. And for some reason, his songs (along with a 30-minute Spree track) are the only ones on this album that are not available for individual purchase, but are for sale by “album only.” Did we miss something? Wasn’t the whole point of individual song sales so that you didn’t get stuck paying $12 for two songs you want (plus one you like, but already own)?

Not that we’d encourage anyone to illegally fileshare, rip a streamed version, or download these tracks from MP3 blogs of course. Someone, probably Hollywood Records, is doing a fine job of that, all by themselves.