No Excuses

Hi Friends,

There's really no excuse for the delayed release of an album around the World these days. Once music is available online it's available in every single territory immediately.

I can't tell you how many times I've gone to the iTunes music store only to see that a particular track or album is unavailable in my territory. It's my record shop - and if it isn't there when I walk through the doors I'm not happy. The labels need to push them out globally at the same time. It's the press of a button or click of a mouse. Digital files mean that there are no manufacturing costs associated with the release. I apologize - I'm sure there's some costs - but nothing compared to manufacturing from 10 years ago to release an Import. Not having it available causes people to take thing into their own hands and get it through other sources. The one's you're fighting so hard to keep them away from. It seems to be changing - but at a slow pace. It's a step in the right direction so keep going.

In the past year I've seen some of the record labels release albums digitally first to see if it's going to make sense in a particular country. Now that's smart. It's also a way to get the avid consumers buying it, spreading the word, and paving the way for the rest. Perhaps a marketing objective - but even if it isn't - I like the fact that they're doing this.

Here are a few examples of releases in the past year that labels have released digitally first.

• Glasvegas - 'Glasvegas'
• Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
• Gossip - 'Music for Men'
• Plan B - 'Welcome to Hell'

I love consuming music. I love searching, hunting, collecting, compiling, talking and even buying it. Music makes everything better.

I really enjoy having iTunes open at all times as a reference. I can't tell you how many times I've had to press pause on a show, movie or ad so I could find a piece of music. Be it a new song that just worked in the moment - or a oldie I hadn't heard in a while. I must to have immediately. This is how I consume music today.

I bought Smokey Robinson's 'Tracks of My Tears' while watching the movie Platoon. I've also bought tracks while watching the amazing TV series SKINS including Gossip, Adele, MGMT and Glasvegas to name a few. For me its Movies, Television commercials, HBO and Showtime that teach me about great new music. That and music Mondays on Twitter of course. #musicmondays

I digress.

This really is a small plea to the labels. Make sure that the shelves in the iTunes music store are stocked! Help me help you :)

Support music and consume the hell out of it.

Thanks for reading.

Gregg