Special Edition vrs Normal Release

By James Doc |

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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Yesterday I wrote about a small piece of news about the latest release by Anberlin (you can read it here), a year or so after the release of their latest album, New Surrender, they are releasing a special edition album with extra unreleased tracks, a documentary DVD, etc.  This really annoys me, not the fact that they are releasing this material, but that the fact that they are doing this now!

I really like it when bands decided to give the real fans something extra; the casual listener can buy the normal edition whereas the fans can buy special edition, for a little bit extra, to get a collectors edition.  For example the greatest hits album that has just been released by Delirious? came in two flavours; the normal edition which contained the top 14 Delirious tracks, and the special edition which came as a double disc album of 31 tracks with a DVD of their music videos and a 52 page book.  This gave the casual listener the ability to just buy just the standard edition, while at the same time the fans could buy the special edition with the extras.

What Anberlin, and many other bands, have done is released the standard edition, which the collectors and the casual fans alike can go out and buy, and then released the special edition of the same album a year down the line so the collectors go and buy the album twice just to get these new tracks... some how doesn't seem fair.  From a business point of the band in makes perfect sense to do it, especially coming up to Christmas, however from my view I want to get these new tracks, however I don't want to pay for the whole album again...

What are people's thoughts?

Anberlin Prepare Deluxe Edition of New Surrender

By James Doc |

Monday, November 23, 2009

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Anberlin have just launched their pre-order form for a deluxe edition of their latest album New Surrender which was released back in September '08.  This new edition, being released on the 11th December, contains all the original tracks taken from the album, alongside six extra tracks including their recent cover of True Faith by New Order and an acoustic version of Feel Good Drag.  The release also contains a 26 minute documentary DVD following the band while they were touring in Australia and a music video for Feel Good Drag.  The full track listing is after the break.

You can pre-order the album now from Anberlin's website now for $14 (£8.50).

Hebron - End of an Era

By James Doc |

Thursday, November 19, 2009

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Some of you will know for the last many years I have attended a Scripture Union camp called Hebron and this year I returned as a leader. The Hebron week at the beginning of the summer holidays has been a week that I have always looked forward to and it has been a time that I have made some great friend and really grown in my Christian faith. Hebron is a place where I have many life changing memories. Today, I found that this years Hebron was to be the last Hebron holiday to happen and I really am quite gutted by the news.

I would like to thank Colin and Margy, Matt, Phil, Paul, Dave & Ruth, Dan, Amy, all of those from Nexus and all the other leaders that were there for my first years, thanks for everything that you put into making in happen. Verity; you will never be a real leader, but I love you anyway! Maz & Trev; your cooking is just amazing, kept me going! Also a special thanks to Simon, Ben and Jenny, to Jessie, Ellie, Tom, Giles, Dom & Owen for just being awesome... all of you wow! To everyone else who came as a camper and helped to make these weeks so special for me. And finally to Dave Panting; I owe you a lot, maybe see you again one day?

I've just been flicking back over some old photos... So many great memories.

Wow, Hebron, I will miss you.

IBS-STL up for sale... Not sure who will buy...

By James Doc |

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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The parent company of the Christian bookshop chain Wesley Owen, IBS-STL, announced today that they would be selling of their trading operations because of "severe financial and operational strains".  This means that Authentic Media (book & music publishing), STL distribution and Wesley Owen stores are currently on the market.

The move has come after a succession of financial problems, in particular the failed implementation of a new SAP computer system in October 2008, the effects of which were exacerbated by the economic downturn. These have caused significant cash flow pressures, excess stock, and supply chain and service difficulties in its distribution and retail units. They have culminated in the decision to exit the business.

The CEO of ISB-STL, Keith Danby, said:

Given the severe financial and operational strains we have experienced, the Board of Trustees and management team believe a sale or exit from all or parts of certain operations is a prudent and necessary step. Whilst a difficult decision, we are focused on finding a solution to continue the important work of IBS-STL UK, to secure the jobs of the 490 people employed in our ministry, and to fulfill our financial obligations to our suppliers and creditors. We are working diligently and praying vigilantly for a successful outcome.

It is sad times, and unfortunately not the first time a Christian bookshop chain have had to close in recent years.  Have a read of the press release: Press Release