Vinyl Rights?

I have been a vinyl (12" & 7" records) fan since I was in 3rd grade. Jefferson Starship's "Modern Times" was my first purchase that I made with a gift certificate to Rainbow Records (in Valco Mall) that I won at school. I bought it since my brother told me it had bad words on "Stairway to Cleveland," which it did. Corrupted youth starting at 3rd grade. My next purchases were by Black Flag, Pop-o-Pies, and the Big Boys.

Over the years I have purchased tapes and CDs, but I truly love records. There is something about playing a record that is much more enjoyable than any other format. But at the same time I have become very dependent on my MP3 player. I take it everywhere. It is my stereo at work. The only place my MP3 player is not used is at home. This has caused a dilemma in my life when purchasing music. Do I buy something on vinyl or CD (downloading blows)? If I buy the record I cannot put it on my MP3 player. And if I buy the CD I just do not get the complete satisfaction of buying a record.

Lately a few indie record labels have made this an easy solution. Labels like Matador, Merge, and Quarterstick have been including a coupon for a free download of the album in MP3 format with the purchase of the vinyl record (Mudhoney's last record comes with the CD inside). Great! This past weekend when I bought the newest Brightblack Morning Light (on Matador) release on vinyl I not only got great 12" packaging, and two 180 gram lps, and a set of stoner 3-D glasses so you can trip out on the artwork, and two extra songs not on the CD... but a free download coupon. If you buy the CD or just download the songs you miss out on so much.

I hope more labels start doing the same... it's a good thing. And it keeps record buyers, like me, very happy... and wanting to keep buying records.

Buy this album or vinyl!