Word is that Google is stepping up its effort to get its Google Music service out before the year is over, and the company’s Android lead, Andy Rubin, is already in accelerated discussions with the Harry Fox Agency in order to access at least 27,000 songs, aside from its other deals. A move to deal with smaller groups has led folks to speculate that Google has already concluded deals with major labels, and is currently focusing on rights for independents. If everything goes according to plan, speculation is that the Google Music service could be up and running by November or December, offering users a per-track store along with a streaming music service. With Apple rumored to be launching a cloud-based iTunes music service, it’s probably a smart move by Google to try and get its service on the road before Apple releases its own offering.