More evidence that LPS are still alive

Several bands here in the Twin Cities (including mine) are releasing LP only. Five years ago this would have never happened.

RCA had announced back in the 1980s that by 1987 they would be done making vinyl (boy were *they* wrong). In the course of 27 years, CDs failed to stamp out LPs (no pun intended). Obviously that will never happen either, though that is not to say that LPs will never die- it just that something better than CDs will be required.

Chadnliz, here's why: you can hear our band and do a download at myspace.com.thunderboltpagoda (the cuts are from a live show), but if we make a CD, somewhere someone will copy it and post it online. CD sales will then be weak. This is what is happening with the major record labels.

Although by no means impossible, it is a lot harder to 'rip' an LP. This reduces IP theft. In addition, the LP sounds better, plus the kids think they are cool. One of the most popular bands in the Twin Cities did an LP with no CD release, and from what I have heard are already sold out on the first press. So **someone** is hearing their stuff...

A lot of new releases have either a download certificate an/or a CD included with the vinyl purchase. So far, LP is the best way to prevent illegal copies and at the same time give the best quality to the listener- win/win.

Chadnliz, the point is that if/when the album is ripped and posted, after that the sales are limited. If you are watching the bottom line, this is an impediment to doing big numbers. But- if you make LPs, smaller projects will be able to do bigger numbers and better overall.

Plus you get the benefit of better sound. Even 24-bit 88.4KHz recordings made from the master don't equal the finished LPs.