Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that negotiations on making the Beatles' music available for download on iTunes had stalled.

"When it's something as big as the Beatles, it's heavy negotiations," he said. "We've been pushing it but there are a couple of sticking points, I understand.

"I really hope it will happen because I think it should."

Sir Paul said he had grown up when you bought a 45 in a record shop, but he thought downloads were "interesting". He said: "I think it's part of life now. I kind of embrace it."

The former Beatle also admitted he watched reality television.

Sir Paul said: "I think there is too much of it. You can't turn on the telly without somebody being judged by four people, whether they are on ice, or on the stage or in the jungle.

"I watch it like everybody. It's compulsive viewing, but so is a traffic accident. I don't think you are going to get a Bob Dylan emerging from those shows."

The songwriter's latest album, released yesterday, is the result of experimentation and improvisation.

Electric Arguments is his third release - the first for 10 years - as The Fireman, a collaboration with producer Youth (aka Martin Glover).

The duo introduced vocals for the first time on the new album.

The star compared the concept of The Fireman with that of the Beatles' Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - which allowed the band to try out new things.

For Electric Arguments, Sir Paul said he "goofed around," ad-libbing and having fun in the studio while they recorded one song a day.

Sir Paul said: "It's a very random process but it's very liberating. It's a little bit indulgent. I'm very lucky to be allowed that."

He added that he preferred working with an independent record label.

"There is a certain freedom," he said. "Also, they seem to be more interested in the records."