They've stated that these CD releases are for introducing new listeners (younger generations) to Herb and the TJB, hence the minimal packaging vs. the "collector" presentations of the Shout Factory versions. So they are not exactly targeting those who already have owned the music. The plus for some is that a few of these albums are getting a first-ever digital release. Other than "Darlin'" which was either an easter egg or a goof (likely the former), no extras, no bonus tracks, etc. are planned whatsoever. Straight album reissues here.
So definitely, hang onto those few Shout discs that have bonus tracks.
It's hard to compete on box sets today, since so many labels have released "complete" artist box sets at fire sale prices, where the per-disc price is around $3-$4 per disc. (As one example, I paid less for the Bill Withers box set than I did for one single import CD of +'Justments.) Nobody would ever buy a box set if each disc were at the single full-blown retail price. CDs just aren't selling anymore, and those lavish anthology box sets have gone the way of the dinosaur.
I'd love a "package deal" on all of the high-res downloads, or a vinyl box though (if they send the masters to a competent pressing plant this time). Those are selling.
So definitely, hang onto those few Shout discs that have bonus tracks.
It's hard to compete on box sets today, since so many labels have released "complete" artist box sets at fire sale prices, where the per-disc price is around $3-$4 per disc. (As one example, I paid less for the Bill Withers box set than I did for one single import CD of +'Justments.) Nobody would ever buy a box set if each disc were at the single full-blown retail price. CDs just aren't selling anymore, and those lavish anthology box sets have gone the way of the dinosaur.
I'd love a "package deal" on all of the high-res downloads, or a vinyl box though (if they send the masters to a competent pressing plant this time). Those are selling.
They try to oversimplify building a "library" you can access, and take away some of the control.) On a computer I will typically use JRiver for audio (it's the only one I trust to play the correct and full resolution of high-res files), and for video, VLC Media Player. I use a DLNA server which (describing it briefly) gives access to any DLNA-capable player I have, on any device. It is primarily read-only, so it can't delete tracks unless you really try to seek out the feature (provided the player, aka "renderer," even has delete capabilities). The server creates its own library of sorts. On my Oppo BDP-105, I could use the DLNA server if I wanted to, but I tend to go right to the remote filesystem and play the files directly; in that case, there is no way the files can be deleted. Oppo's Media Control app does not have that capability.
