Why do artists release "regular" and "deluxe" editions of CDs?

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 9/14/10 at 10:19pm

Ok, so I went to buy the new Brandon Flowers CD (yes I know, I'm old school), but what is the trend with artists releasing a "regular" edition and a "deluxe" edition with extra songs? Are there people who look at the two versions and say, "yes, I'd like the edition with 4 less songs?"

Am I missing something-and its not just Brandon Flowers most artists do this now. It makes no sense. Why no just release one version with all the extra goodies?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/14/10 at 10:23pm

$$$$

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 9/14/10 at 10:56pm

Yes CATS, I could understand if the two had different features, but the deluxe versions are the regular version with extras. Just charge the deluxe price and sell one version.

[BroadwayBenny]

Posted: 9/14/10 at 11:34pm

What ticks me off is when they have different deluxe version available exclusively to different companies and you have to get the iTunes deluxe version, the Best Buy deluxe version and the Target, Barnes & Noble etc. versions to get to hear all the exclusive tracks.

[mikem]

Posted: 9/14/10 at 11:49pm

The record company sells two versions because the shorter version is at the regular price that they usually use and the longer version is at "deluxe" price. If there were only one version (which would be the longer version), then it would be hard to explain why this album is being sold at the "deluxe" price, and the longer version would have to be sold at the regular price. But this way, the record company feels justified in selling the longer version at a higher price than normal.

Yes, it is idiotic.

Updated On: 9/14/10 at 11:49 PM

[Eris0303]

Posted: 9/15/10 at 1:48am

I've run into this issue a bit lately. I've stated before that I enjoy the music of Celtic Thunder. Their Christmas album is due out on October 12. Last week they were selling a "special edition" on QVC with two songs that won't be available on the store bought edition (one of the songs was previously released on the Act II album). Also, their QVC cd will ship right away and we would get the cd this month instead of next.

That's all fine and dandy in theory. Spend a little extra to get two extra songs and the CD now. But upon comparing the track list for the QVC version and the track list on amazon.com there are two songs on THAT cd that aren't on the QVC cd. So anyone who wants all of the songs would have to purchase both CDs (or just the QVC one and the additional songs on October 12 through iTunes). But seriously! The special edition isn't that special now.

[StockardFan]

Posted: 9/15/10 at 7:19am

The first Daughtry CD had a deluxe edition but it came out about a year after the original. It had a DVD with all of the videos of the singles they had released from the CD plus some concert footage. Plus 4 extra songs on the CD.

[tazber]

Posted: 9/15/10 at 8:56am

It's a strategy that was originally used to compel people to buy a hard copy as opposed to a digital copy (before itunes offered all the extras they do now). Then it morphed into a strategy where after about a year of strong sales, the company would re-release the same album but now with bonus tracks to entice people to buy the same album again for the extra tracks.
(Taylor Swift did this last year to great success)

Now, two versions come out on the same day and it's a useless concept.

I think a lot of people have a perception that if the songs are "extra" they must not have made the cut for the original album and are therefore inferior. This isn't always true of course.
And some of the extras are video and EPK stuff which really is just fluff.

One thing the companies should do is simply release an EP of the extra tracks a few months after the album release. That would counter the perception of inferior product and spur sales. (Lady Gaga did this and it was a HUGE success. Plus, the songs were as strong as anything on her first album)

As far as I'm concerned, I rarely buy the deluxe versions unless it's an artist I really love. I think I've bought one (not including stand alone EPs) and I can't even remember who it was.

btw, I love Brandon Flowers. He's a great songwriter and a hottie to boot. Unfortunately, he's also a Morm. Oh well, two out of three ain't bad.

Posted: 9/15/10 at 11:34am

It's all about the Benjamins. IT started back in the day when CDs were new and people would actually debate- Is it worth $12.99 for the CD or should I just buy the LP (or cassette) for $7.99? So they started putting "Bonus tracks" on the CD to inspire them to spend the extra.

When the Cassettes and LPs went away, the idea morphed into special editions for some retailers or deluxe editions with extra tracks or a DVD or poster or T-Shirt to get you to spend more.

And yes, people are dumb enough to buy them. I remember CDs with "Limited edition" covers that real fans would buy TWO of- SO they could keep one unopened on their shelf.

Recently the idea has really turned nasty with artists releasing an album then, six to 9 months later releasing a "Deluxe" edition with a couple more songs or remixes knowing the fans will buy it all over again.

[StockardFan]

Posted: 9/15/10 at 12:43pm

Taz, that's what Daughtry did with their 2nd CD. They released an EP of 6 new songs called "The B Sides", and honestly I think all 6 of them are as good as anything on the regular CD.

Posted: 9/15/10 at 8:21pm

Well, sure, but when you consider how much that 2nd CD stank it's not saying much. I understand they considered "The P.U. Sides" as a title.

[StockardFan]

Posted: 9/15/10 at 8:40pm

Joe, seriously what is your problem. The CD is platinum. Are you a jealous Taylor Hicks fan or what?

[[tos]fan999]

Posted: 9/15/10 at 9:57pm

Sara Bareilles did this with her most recent album. Although the "special edition" disc was only available at Target, with 3 extra songs (well, 1 extra song and 2 alternate versions of songs on the album). But it was also available digitally as an EP on iTunes, which was helpful to me because I pre-ordered the album from her website.