The iTunes dilemma

02.17.2005

To buy a CD, or to buy from iTunes? That is the question. I can get an entire Club 8 album from iTunes for $9.99. And I get it now, instantly, as soon as the tracks download. Alternatively, I can order the CD from Darla Records for $12.60 (plus shipping). I get it in a few days, but I get the album art, liner notes, a physical CD, and the joy of filing it next to the other Club 8 CDs in my collection.

It’s a real dilemma. The difference is about $3. I could purchase more albums from iTunes than by buying regular albums. So what does that extra $3 get me, besides the extra physical materiality of the album & packaging?

I get to keep Darla in business. And March. And Kindercore. And Acuarela. And Elefant. Etc. ad infinitum. Which means they can continue making compilation CDs that introduce me to new bands. That $3 is an investment in further production of things I value.

You can guess what direction I lean towards.

BTW. About Club 8. If you like Belle & Sebastian, and Camera Obscura, and Portishead, and similar bands? You’ll love Club 8. Probably the best thing to come out of Sweden since Svegards.

Also, interesting side note about music & how outa touch I’ve become. Last night, on the way to WIDR bowl, Nick dropped the name of a top 40 band (to explain how people who tune in to WIDR often request these bands, and he wonders why they don’t just change the dial to any one of a half dozen stations that play top 40 ’round the clock). I’d never heard of the band he named. And it hit me. People around me drop names of indie bands & labels all the time. And I’ve frequently heard of them, even if I don’t like them. But someone drops the name of a top 40 band (the name itself escapes me now) & I’ve never heard of them.

Posted by Miguel at 05:36 PM

Comments

I discovered Club 8 about two months ago. Very worthwhile.

Posted by: tom at February 17, 2005 05:47 PM

How about those people who think these "obscure" bands are not very good because they aren't on corporate radio or MTV?

All of the music I listen to has been the result of the internet. There are some very good mp3 blogs and forums where like-minded people recommend new bands.

Posted by: eduardo at February 18, 2005 01:12 PM

Agreed.

Posted by: Miguel [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 18, 2005 02:27 PM

Miguel,

I applaud your approach to buying "real" discs. However, wouldn't it be the case that the labels would get just as much if not more from the internet sales? They don't have to pay for extra manufacturing costs for packaging, discs, etc...
Obviously this is all dependent upon what the profit-sharing/royalty rates paid to labels from itunes is, but from what I had gathered it actually pays about equally to selling a disc without the added manufacturing costs.
Again, it has been a long time since I've looked into such things and I may be incorrect.
Also, does anyone here have any good recomendations for mp3 blogs. I love the idea, but I have a hard time tracking down directories etc... for them.

-Josh

Posted by: Josh Upson at February 19, 2005 02:18 PM

Good point, JU. I'll have to look into that. Because you're right, it might put more $$ in the small labels pockets to buy from iTunes.

Ask Simon about mp3 blogs, he knows quite a few.

Posted by: Miguel [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 19, 2005 02:45 PM