Minky Fresh
Ya know how some people say that downloading digital music from
the Internet leads to more frequent media purchases? I didn't
believe them. Now, you might remember my position against
unethical file sharing – that hasn't changed any. Last week,
however, I discovered that They Might Be Giants was offering ~50
free MP3 files on its Web site, Dial a Song. I grabbed 'em
and transferred 'em to my Pocket PC in a flash (CompactFlash, that
is). As I listened to the more addictive tunes, I kept thinking:
“I wish I had higher-quality versions.” Duh. Some of them were on
existing albums I didn't currently own – until this morning. I'm
now the proud owner of Severe Tire Damage, No!, and (arguably
their best album since Apollo 18) Mink
Car. My only regret is that I didn't get them
any sooner. Anyway, if there's a point to any of this it's that
bands like TMBG deserve to be supported. They're not rebuking the
infobahn – they're embracing it with open glockenspiels. “Another
First Kiss” had potential to be a pop hit, and “Man, It's So Loud
In Here” should have been played in clubs the world over. Both
tracks can be found here
(and on Mink Car).
5 Comments
Anonymous
June 26th, 2002
at 12:37am
I've talked a lot in my blog about Weezer's fight with their record company over the tracks on the new “Maladroit”. They release MP3s on their site (weezer.com) as they write/record new songs, and leave it up to the fans input on suggestions and changes. They even put up bootleg and hard-to-find (non album) tracks. You can also download several demos before they're ready to be released. It's bliss — and I'm so glad the band won the right in court to keep doing so finally.
Anonymous
June 26th, 2002
at 6:57am
That was a pretty wise choice of them to do that. Worked for you obviously… and getting people to buy the album is of course the ultimate goal.
Anonymous
June 26th, 2002
at 7:34am
Because TMBG made its music available for download and because of Chris' impeccable taste, I purchased two CDs! I don't get introduced to new music very often, so it was great to hear a sound I like. Thanks for reducing the size of my wallet, Chris. :)
Anonymous
June 26th, 2002
at 2:20pm
I have heard alot of stuff ab out mp3's and have to say that I used to download alot then delete them and some I've burned to cd's but it is not the same as getting the cd. But if it where not for mp3's I would not have bought three cd's this year because it gave the chance to hear the music before I bought it. which is really cool because there's nothing worse then buying one just to find out it has one good song on it.
Anonymous
June 26th, 2002
at 7:51pm
yes, mp3's do lead to purchase.
radiohead: spent well over $500 on over 30 releases, shirts. posters, buttons and other stuff
modest mouse: 6 cd's and a shirt
clinic: 2 cd's
mogwai: 2cd's
bjork: 5cd's
plus sigur ros, sloan, steven malkmus, the beta band, belle and sebastian, boards of canada, weezer and others
i dont buy anyhting unless i've heard it. unless its something a friend has implored me to buy.