why are most new releases going to four sides?

So vat vood be so terrrrible to put it on da tree sides for tventee minut apiece, end to leeve wun side blenk??
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While the switch to 45 RPM does bring with it some sonic improvements, I can't help but think that some of the switch is motivated by the record companies to gouge the consumer for more money. The move to heavier and thicker vinyl certainly is; it really adds nothing to the quality of these pressings and Classic's 200 gram vinyl appears to be turning into a quality control nightmare. Prices are getting outrageous-$50 here in Canada for the Clapton/Cale album (which I wouldn't buy because I'm not big on the music anyway) and $70 for the 45 RPM re-issues. If Dylan's Modern Times can be sold as a double for $25 in Canada, why is the Clapton/Cale $50? Because its 45 RPM? Give me a break. When you start talking $50-$70 for records, particularly if they're re-issues of older material, it starts to make sense to seek out originals or pre-digital re-issues which can sound great and be very cost effective. Not always easy, but at these prices it might be worth the effort particularly if you can buy 3 originals to get one good one and still end up paying the same price that you would to get the reissue.

Audiophiles seem to like to spend money though, and they seem to like gimmicks. While the 45 thing is not a total gimmick, the heavy vinyl thing definitely is.

Nsgarch - I like your 3 side ideas. Then we could have one blank side to test antiskating on!

Super Furry Animals 'Phantom Power' was cut on three sides. Personally, sound quality is the main reason why I buy vinyl and not CD. Having invested heavily on my front end (Platine Verdier/Schroeder 2/Allaerts MC1B), ,it would be pointless if the software was useless. I like 4 sides to an album. You get twice the number of records, twice the artwork, what's the problem? For mainstream releases, they also cost the same as single LP albums eg Razorlight.

Bottom line is that 45 rpm has better frequency response, but to fit all the music onto 2 sides requires a compromise in dynamic range and low bass. It should be noted that the blank side has better contact with the platter to drain away resonances. I do not agree that heavy vinyl is a waste. In general, heavy vinyl dampens resonances better and is less susceptible to warping. An extreme case of heavy vinyl is a Mobile Fidelity UHQR. Compare that to the standard Mo Fi issue and you will quickly see what heavy vinyl is good for. Yes, 4 sides is a trade off and these albums are probably best suited for demo purposes. Finally, "why are most new releases going to four sides?" Most are not, only some.