The current discussion about CD sales vs. digital music downloads may seem like a bleeding edge, hi-tech issue; but this 1949 article in Time about the new-fangled record-playing machines puts the whole thing in context for me:
To exorcise the speed demon, top executives of RCA Victor, Columbia and Decca have been huddling in quiet meetings. Last week there was still no agreement. Until the industry pulled itself together, record fans had two sensible alternatives : postpone buying or buy a turntable that plays all three speeds. There are about ten on the market, ranging in price from $15 to more than $50.
Bottom line, record companies have always been in the business of screwing their customers out of choice in order to make a profit, and their flagship product—consumer confusion—will never change.
I often find myself wishing for an indie revolution, but independant record labels are so disjointed and disconnected from each other that I can't see it happening any time soon.
Want to Buy a Record Player?
2008-10-20 00:31The current discussion about CD sales vs. digital music downloads may seem like a bleeding edge, hi-tech issue; but this 1949 article in Time about the new-fangled record-playing machines puts the whole thing in context for me:
Bottom line, record companies have always been in the business of screwing their customers out of choice in order to make a profit, and their flagship product—consumer confusion—will never change.
I often find myself wishing for an indie revolution, but independant record labels are so disjointed and disconnected from each other that I can't see it happening any time soon.