If I remember correctly Tom Fine did a listing of existing vinyl pressing plants a couple of years ago. Last week an article mentioned that there are 20 plants in operation (supposedly in the U.S. but not specified) and that they are BOOKED SOLID and that indi companies are finding it difficult to get on the presses because the majors have them monopolized for Record Store Day releases! Some of the indi's are calling for a boycott of RSD! http://noisey.vice.com/blog/how-independent-artists-and-labels-are-getting-squeezed-out-by-the-vinyl-revival Our "local" store -- by "local" I mean sixty miles away -- is looking forward to RSD to celebrate their 20th anniversary. I was there last week and went through their 78s. But unless they discount them enough to make the ones I didn't get worthwhile, I think I might spend RSD on eBay! Mike Biel [log in to unmask] -------- Original Message -------- From: Tom Fine <[log in to unmask]> Date: Tue, April 14, 2015 8:33 pm To: [log in to unmask] Hi Jim: Don't bet on 24-bit. Many LPs are mastered from the CD or CD master file. Only the careful bands and labels go with the 24-bit files. I can see your point, but I don't totally agree with it. If you like a modern release, isn't there some value in 12x12 graphics, and perhaps (again if the artist and label are careful and/or care anything about sound quality) a less-crunched version of the music? To my thinking, unless an LP version of a recent release offers better dynamic range, wider frequency range or some other sonic improvement over the CD release, the only reason to buy it would be for the artifact. Some cover art being produced today is quite compelling/ For instance Tanya Donelly was recently interviewed in TapeOp mag talking about her recent Swan Song Series of digital-only releases: http://www.tanyadonelly.com/ She had artwork done to go with each song, and she commented it would be neat to see them collected on vinyl, with packaging that showed the artwork in greater prominance. -- Tom Fine ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Sam" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2015 8:17 PM > "I've attended three consecutive RSDs, but I'm not sure I'll participate > in RSD this year. The manufactured exclusivity of the often overpriced > records and their unequal distribution/availability are problematic." > > I'm in complete agreement with that. > > The other thing I'll add is, my tastes run distinctly modern, and I have a > hard time paying money for releases on vinyl when the odds that it was > 24-bit LPCM at some point are quite high (even for remasters, etc.). > Especially when I know the albums might wind up on high-resolution internet > stores a few months later. > > On Tue, Apr 14, 2015 at 5:05 PM, Aaron Levinson <[log in to unmask]> > wrote: > >> I found the article both right and wrong in approximately equal measure. I >> like the fact that my many friends who or work at these stores have a >> Christmas in July moment but I dislike the often superfluous things that >> are sometimes put out. His blanket contention that virtually any/all >> unsold RSD releases hemorrhage in value every subsequent day is untrue. >> Some will and some most certainly will not. >> >> Is it a marketing driven strategy? >> Of course, but that doesn't make it bad... >> >> AA >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> > On Apr 14, 2015, at 7:39 PM, Eric Cartier <[log in to unmask]> >> wrote: >> > >> > Hi all, >> > >> > The eighth annual Record Store Day (RSD) is set for this Saturday, and >> Eric >> > Harvey, Pitchfork contributor/Assistant Professor of Communication at >> Weber >> > State University, wrote an interesting article about RSD: >> > >> http://pitchfork.com/thepitch/736-record-store-day-and-the-ambivalent-branding-of-independence/ >> > >> > I regularly visit record stores to look for and buy used vinyl, I >> > occasionally purchase select new releases with accompanying download >> cards, >> > and I've attended three consecutive RSDs, but I'm not sure I'll >> participate >> > in RSD this year. The manufactured exclusivity of the often overpriced >> > records and their unequal distribution/availability are problematic. >> > >> > What do you all think about this recorded sound holiday? >> > >> > Sincerely, >> > >> > Eric Cartier >> > Digital Librarian >> > University of Maryland Libraries >> > >