Leak
Now and days it's pretty much impossible to record an album without it getting leaked onto the Internet. In fact, I believe I have spotted every album I've waited for in the past three or so years online before the actual release. The exception to this is Radiohead's most recent release In Rainbows. Now whether or not this is a terrible epidemic on the music industry depends on who you are asking. For instance Thom Yorke of Radiohead was a bit honored that their past release Amnesiac was passed around amongst fans before the release. He saw this as a sign of sheer devotion towards the band. Of course the number of artists who share these same views are few and far between.What brought me to this topic is the fact that the newest Mars Volta album Bedlam in Goliath leaked onto the Internet not too long ago. The album isn't set to be released until Jan. 29th. As a fan it is pretty tough to refrain from hearing a leak. You wait all this time for an album and there it is right in front of you, and not only before the official release date, but for free! As a fan what would you normally do? Would you choose to download the album? Or would you wait until the official release date?
posted by Jeff at 1:13 PM
4 Comments:
I don't think I've ever listened to a full-album leak. No matter what album I buy, I try not to listen to all the songs so that I can have some freshness when I actually possess it.
If its an album that I really anticipate, I generally try not to listen to much of it at all, except for singles. Sometimes it's better to go in with no expectations and hear the album as the artist meant it to be heard. It's all about the experience. Downloading changes the experience, I think.
I think the recent Radiohead online release is a good example. Between the day of announcement and day of release, everyone was curious about what they'd hear, and that made the online discussion of the album that much more interesting.
I agree, waiting for the album to hit shelves does create more anticipation and excitement. It's always a little bit sweeter opening up the CD and popping it in for the very first time.
I wait. Respecting the artist makes more sense to me than getting my jollies a week early.
-- david
David - Even though I haven't gotten many comments, the consensus seems to be that waiting is the best choice.
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