It's rare these days that a group release a collection of songs (what we used call an LP!) that requires me to buy it on the first day that it is available. The last one was Dream Theaters' "Black clouds and silver linings" back in June, but before that...I really can't remember!
This week Muse released their new album "The Resistance" and I actually bought it twice on the day of release! The first time was the CD version, which was for Matt, but being a parent I made a contribution to the cost! As it was absolutely vital that without a seconds delay it was delivered to him, so that he could listen to it (remember those days?), I didn't get to hear it!
Following a new version of iTunes being released recently, you can now buy some albums (about 5 at present) in a "new" LP format. Not the most original name but they are an attempt to overcome the "lack of something to read while you listen to the music" challenge that downloads present. I have lots of friends who dismiss downloading for that reason and this is Apple's answer to that problem.
The initial LP's on iTunes were by Bob Dylan, The Doors, Nora Jones and Grateful Dead so I left those well alone, but then iTunes advised that the Muse album would be available in the LP format and so that was how I purchased the second copy of the new album.
First point to say, no extra charge, usual £7.99. Second, you get
- the lyrics (to read why you listen to the song)
- artwork
- Matt Bellamy's notes on each song, the inspiration and what it's trying to say.
- sleeve notes (i.e. who played third violin on the last song etc...)
- three videos
All in all a good attempt by Apple to bring back some of the emotion attached to opening the LP cover and taking in every facet of the new album by your heroes. True you still have nothing to hold, but in reality since the CD replaced the LP we have missed the true impact of the physical experience. This is actually more like that, than a CD ever was. The LP is back!
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