Re: 2008 so far...

--- In [email protected], "schokofueralle" <schokofueralle@...> wrote:
> * how the whole cataloguing system is getting screwed-up (gaps, 
> download-only video "releases", rereleases with current cat#'s, box 
> sets of rereleases with another current cat# [but just if look at the 
> barcode!]) 

to be fair, everything now needs a catalogue number - it has to be in the systems, 
including videos - as everything (ideally) will be digitized and available. There's gaps, but 
actually, there's also a hell of a lot coming up. (I'll take requests if you have any 
suggestions) - I've had to create a lot of new catalogue numbers, as you can't really have 
Heidi Berry's 'Pomegranate' video available at iTunes... as it doesn't exist! If you see what I 
mean... we can get away with singles that don't have the same name as the video, but 
that's about it... 

There shouldn't be gaps though - I'm allocating catalogue numbers at the moment, and so 
far everything is chronological - and taken - but just not yet released! The DCD box set 
was a difficult one, so that took that barcode. I could waffle on about 4AD barcodes, but I 
fear I'd bore you all :-)
> 
> * how service and communication with the worried fanbase was 
> radically reduced (breakdown of the subscription, one nice person 
> playing the punching bag on the message board, then occasional 
> comments by some new but very busy people, then great big nothing)
> 
> * how some limited releases are only available through one or two 
> internet services (downloads at Rough Trade, Beatport and not to 
> forget gloriously monopolisitc i-tunes - and strictly limited bonus 
> 7"s if you order your vinyl copy in the US only [where you even get a 
> free download thrown in as well while the european copy adds nothing -
>  thank you very much]!)

Unfortunately, this seems to be the way things are going digitally, worldwide. I know that 
limited 7" wise, that the 4AD store does get a limited quantity, but then there's no real 
outlet to let anyone know it's in stock and for sale - and I certainly don't know...

> * how signings are getting increasingly arbitrary (the cooking vinyl 
> syndrome) finally cumulating into the merging with two other well-
> respected labels (which had a totally individual profile to them)
> 
> * and how not one of these issues got adressed on the official 4AD 
> homepage nor the journal (save for one tiny note on the journal 
> anouncing the message board would return, but that was 5 months ago!)

re the Message Board, I'm led to believe it wont come back now. I could be wrong, but as I 
seemed to spend the most time on there, and my job now doesn't leave me with a huge 
amount of time, I'm not confident it'll ever reappear.

> is all getting me furious! But still nobody else seems to bother at 
> all! Just a brief note about the news without any comment and that's 
> it. Could it be that I am the last one who actually cares? 
> 
> I mean, i'm still trying to see things positive. Hey! One of my 
> favourite 90's groops (Stereolab) arrived at 4AD and another one 
> (Tindersticks) might [or might not] follow. There even was a short 
> time around 1993 when i toyed with collecting Too Pure and now 
> they're part of 4AD. 
> Ain't life grand?

It isn't all bad. I'm reserving any judgement on what I think of the all-new 4AD until at 
least a year has gone by. Same as I did with Chris and Ed (who I think did a marvellous 
job). As things stand this week, it looks like the label has another chart-bound album with 
the new TV On The Radio - and if that means even more interesting bands join the roster 
in the future, that can only be a good thing... we'll see...


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