London, Feb 1: Rocker Bruce Springsteen has confessed that releasing an album exclusively with US retail giant Wal-Mart was a "mistake."

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

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

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

"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 dollars, went on sale in Wal-Mart outlets on 10 January.

While in a previous 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." (ANI)