14.28
Bredonborough I…
II...
III...
The electrician arrived at 07.50, did what he could & left after an hour. He is returning tomorrow at 08.00.
Workstation…
In from a pal…
A spat over a Deep Purple live CD is a potent reminder of record companies’ priorities
Tom Robinson Saturday March 3, 2007 The Guardian
The jibe by Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan about "opportunistic fat cats" seems to have had the desired effect. This week Sony BMG recalled their recording of his band’s "worst gig ever", while issuing a handsome apology for ever releasing it. So that’s all right then.
This money-for-old-rope episode is a useful reminder of exactly whose interests record companies - and their trade association, the British Phonographic Industry - exist to serve. Obviously not the consumer’s. Even in the internet age, albums are still more expensive in Britain than almost anywhere…
Record companies are not ripping off musicians
The labels invest massively in new talent. But only one in 10 artists is successful, says Geoff Taylor Thursday March 15, 2007 The Guardian
Tom Robinson’s determination to decry the record industry has blinded him to the facts, and he disregards the essential role the record industry plays as the key investor in the wider music business (The fat-cat jukebox, March 3).
Contrary to what he says, albums are not "still more expensive in Britain than almost anywhere". In fact, an international cost-of-living survey last year found that CDs in London were cheaper than in most major cities in the world. And, for the record, nearly three-quarters of CD albums now sell for £10 or less. Since British music fans buy more recorded music per capita than in any other country in the world, it is clearly not a major disincentive to purchase…
I note, on mid-price sales artists receive half-royalties; but, conventionally, royalty deductions remain the same as on a full-price CD.
Well, this is a larger debate. The record industry was a growth area 1968-78, a good place for ambitious young businessmen (such as SG Alder Esq.) but not today. Four companies of my professional acquaintance – Island, Atlantic & Warners, Virgin – were music companies. Business zones, yes; but with Power Possessors who had a passion for music, and some understanding of those who played it. Today, none of these four are music zones, as I know the term; their character changed in the 1990s. They join Decca & Polydor as companies I don’t associate with music, although I have been associated with both.
For artists: the only thing worse than a record company that takes no interest in you, is a record company that takes an interest in you.
As a principle for business: do not allow your business to be dependent upon artists.
Where does that leave us? The word that springs to mind is plumbing.
19.51
Another day of mixed weather. An afternoon of computing & stuff. Now, an evening of practising.
"Helpful people are a nuisance."
