Digital Vinyl

For years the enjoyment of buying the vinyl format of your favorite new album was always burdened by having to purchase a copy of that same album in the boring and worthless compact disc format as well. Over the past year or so, record companies have begun to realize the popularity that the vinyl format still holds for many fans and collectors. As you may know, some of these companies have started to package a free mp3 album download code with the purchase of the vinyl. Some have even gone as far as to include an actual cd in a paper sleeve, tucked inside the vinyl sleeve, as was the case this year with the Wilco release "Blue Sky Blue". In most cases, these vinyl albums that include a download ticket usually cost the same as the cd format alone would cost you, but possibly $2-$3 more than the cd.

In this digital age, most of us no longer care to own a cd. We're content with files. On our computer and in our cars. If you buy a new cd, you are almost sure to watch it drop in value from the day you purchase it for $12, until the day you cant get rid of it for $2. Vinyl records on the other hand almost never loose their value. Most increase in value over the years due to small quantities and limited runs.

So Ive decided to try and keep track of as many indie albums as I can that are released on vinyl and include a free digital album download ticket. People should know.

First up:

Matt Pond PA - Last Light 2xLP with FREE digital download - $15.99 at insound.com. The CD is $13.99.

A few others so far this year...

Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
The New Pornographers - Challengers
The Shins - Wincing The Night Away