Re: iTunes Originals

["weapons of mass destruction-related program activities" <spamtony>]

Gary Jucha (gainga) wrote:
 
> this press release:
> []
> Patti Smith's "iTunes Originals," a full-length set of 
> new performances, classic tracks and revelatory interviews 
> debuts exclusively on iTunes on Tuesday, January 8. 
> Structured around new interviews and performances 
> recorded at New York's Electric Lady Studios in the 
> spring of 2007, the 90 minute "iTunes Originals" 
> premieres new studio recordings of Smith's "pissing 
> in the river," "ghost dance," and "peaceable kingdom" 
> as well as exclusive new versions of the Allman 
> Brothers' "Midnight Rider," the Doors' "Soul 
> Kitchen," and Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," 
> featuring guest artist Steve Earle. 

Thumbs up: 

* All of the musical performances are available for 
  individual (99-cent) purchase. You don't have to buy 
  the whole $11.99 "iTunes Originals" package to get 
  any of the new music, and you don't have to buy any 
  music tracks you already own just to get ones you 
  don't. 

Thumbs down: 

* If you're a big fan of Patti interviews, then yes, 
  you WILL have to buy the whole $11.99 package to 
  get the interview segments. These are not available 
  for individual sale. 

* The music tracks are the standard 128kb AAC format. 
  As battered and bruised as my own ears are, I can hear 
  128kb AAC from a mile away. It sucks. And the copyright 
  on this collection is Sony/BMG, the last major group to 
  see the light on eschewing DRM, so I don't think we'll 
  be offered the "iTunes Plus" sonic upgrade on this 
  collection by Apple any time soon.