Dual-Disc train wreck

I've been a Springsteen fan for long time. I was born in New Jersey and grew up with "The Boss." I'm the kind of guy who buys new Bruce music on day one.

I was very excited about his new album, Devils & Dust. As you may know, it's being released on new format called "Dual Disc". Dual-Disc has the CD audio and one side and DVD video on the other. Seems like a good idea, audio + video, just like I mentioned in my recent PMC post. I picked it up at Costco on release day.

But there's a problem. A big problem. A big "they don't get it it" problem. You can't read these CDs in your PC (or Mac I assume, I'll try it in a few days on my G4). Therefore, no ripping of the music for your music player.

Maybe the record label thought this would deter piracy. In any event, it won't because it will be cracked - of course cracked only by pirates, not by us consumers. You could simply take the audio line out from your CD player and run that back in to an A/D board and get you files that way. Consumers don't go through these hassles but pirates do.

No, all this will do is get people like me angry - those who actually pay for stuff.

So today I will be going back to Costco and returning the Springsteen Dual Disc. Hopefully that sends a small message. I suggest you do the same - buy it and then return it. That extra effort will tell the record labels that "yes we want the music" but "no we don't want your lame format". Spaeking of sending a message, Andrew Lack is the CEO of Sony BMG and you can send him an email. Please be polite.

Meanwhile I will just buy it online - MSN Music has it for about the same price as Costco, minus the idiocy.

Comments

[Walter]

How was was the Springseen album? Aside from the lame format?

I'm a huge fan from years gone by... but have faded away since Tom Joad. I'd love to pick up the new one -- I'm a little confused. You said you'd buy it on-line -- is that a differnt format than the "dual disc" you got a Costco?

Best --

Walter

[Digital Dad]

The album is great, especially if you liked "Joad."

What I meant in the post was buy the music on-line, via download through iTunes or MSN Music. I did that and I really made things confusing, but that's another topic (doh!).