So much of the music business has changed with the internet the past few years. These days, digital is king.
I have always loved buying the actual compact disc. I like to hold the CD in my hands. I like to look through the linear notes. I'm usually opening the CD as I leave a store even if I don't have immediate access to a player. Fighting with the annoying sticker at the top is like unlocking a jewel case treasure chest leading you to a wonderful musical discovery. When I was little I remember being so excited when a local bank said it was offering FREE CDs! (I of course was immediately disappointed once I was properly informed what kind of CD they were offering!)
With hesitation, this past year I've made a gradual switch to downloading (legally) from online. It's usually a lot cheaper and you have it instantly. Also, more and more artists are releasing exclusive tracks and even albums online. I will never completely switch digital. I still love buying vinyl AND I also work in a music department!!! Plus, there are certain types of music that I still "need" on the CD format. These include favorite artists that I already have a collection of and Broadway Cast Recordings (I want the libretto.) These I will copy into my i-Tunes library and add to my ipod.
However, I have found some great music online. Let me know or leave a comment if you are interested in more info on some of these (LEGAL) sights. I can get free downloads for recommending a friend... (I promise that isn't the purpose of this post!)
The purpose is to tell you about two exciting new releases that came out this past Tuesday exclusively on i-tunes.
First is the "Official" soundtrack to the blog-tastical musical "Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog." Check out my past post about this wonderful piece of entertainment. The creator Joss Whedon is set to release the dvd (with the soundtrack and specially written musical commentary!) before Christmas. For now, this is the only way to get the soundtrack (besides inferior bootleg versions that fans have released online.)
The other wonderful release is from an i-tunes series called "i-Tunes LIVE from SoHo." The cast of the Broadway sensation "Spring Awakening" performed selections from th show at the Apple Store in SoHo. The songs sound wonderfully raw on this live recording. They are performed by composer Duncan Shiek, original cast members, as well as "Weeds" star Hunter Parrish (who has gotten great reviews as the current "Melchior" and sounds wonderful on "Left Behind.")
This is the first Broadway show that has been featured on the i-Tunes series.
In other "Spring Awakening" news....
Much like "Wicked: The Grimmerie" (a book about the making of the Broadway musical "Wicked"), "Spring Awakening" has also released a book. It is called "Spring Awakening: In The Flesh." It's designed to look like an old vandalized book and contains photographs, costume and set sketches, drafts of the songs, and the entire libretto.
Finally...
Kyle Riabko (who was "Melchior" before Hunter Parrish joined the cast) is currently starring in the touring production. He has been performing as a singer/guitarist professionally since 15 and has an awesome debut CD. Check out his website for his great music.
Here's a different take on the haunting "Left Behind" that he performed this summer at Joe's Pub in NYC.
6 comments:
You are in SOOOO much trouble for leaving The Renaissance Vinoy early!!! My jaw literally hit the floor when I saw you step out on stage at the ISES event. I almost peed! And then to find out you had already gone home at the end of the show... ;-(
Anyway, great show. Very fun. Hope you're doing well!
E-mail me sometime. tstanton@exhibitormagazine.com
I have always wondered what you were doing as far as the whole Ipod situation went. I know how much you love your CD's, and I know you have a huge collection. I myself haven't purchased an i-pod yet, but I think I might. I am a member of Itunes and it is really great. What other site do you use? I might sign up!
I am thinking about putting all my CD's on the my itunes site, just to get rid of some of my CD's that I don't need hanging around my house. Now I have my lingering queistion answered! Thanks Michael!!
Beth
Did you see the premier of 90210? I had to watch it for work.
But my point is, there was this weird 2nd storyline about a production of Spring Awakening at the high school. The main character is an aspiring performer. The did Mama...something. Sorry I don't know the show. Hopefully you know what I'm talking about.
Anyway, it's cool to see musical theater make it into mainstream pop culture!
Free CDs!!!! Oh, not THOSE kind ... LOL!
Guess who's seeing Hunter Parrish in Spring Awakening next week?!
ME!!!
Can't wait! I've been looking forward to seeing this musical since it first came to Broadway. Yippee!
I am also slowly making the switch from the actual CD to Downloading them from iTunes. And like you, I'm always opening it before I even get to my car. But I'm slowly learning to accept it.
DVD's on the other hand, nope. I will always but those. I need to actually hold it and add to my visable collection. I'm a freak when it comes to DVD's and my collection and PROUD of it!!!!
Hunter Parrish was amazing! He was really good, vocally and acting wise. I was impressed. Didn't love the show as much as I wanted to, but was glad I got to see him do it.
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