Stephen Malkmus - Real Emotional Trash - Buy Early Get Now

Ok, someone is finally on to something here. If the music industry still wants me to buy CDs (because they get more $$ from selling CDs than through digital downloads like iTunes) they may want to take a page from Matador Records.

Stephen Malkmus' new album, Real Emotional Trash, is due to be officially released on March 4th. However, through their "Buy Early Get Now" promotion a fan can pre-order the physical CD ("Buy Early") and listen to a streaming version of the new album ("Get Now").


That's pretty kool, huh?

Well, at $15.50 after shipping that is still a pretty tough sale vs. the expected $9.99 iTunes price. So here's where Matador comes through. In addition to the streaming they will give you an immediate download of a live Malkmus set performing most of the new album plus some of his solo chestnuts. Wait, there's more . . . you'll also get the first of a least 2 b-sides, and a poster delivered that arrives with the physical CD. Matador also promises more music and goodies even after the album is released.

This actually had me truly excited. Easily worth the $15.50 in my mind. You can even get it for less if you buy it through a local participating store rather than online like I did.

In some cases iTunes will provide an extra (sometimes exclusive) track. I've been a big fan of that in the past. But the Matador deal beats that even for the higher price. I'd certainly pony up the dough for some of my favorite act and goodies like this.

What artists would you pay extra for to get some goodies when they release a new album? Comment below . . .

Dr. SP