This week in overpriced vinyl addendum: MBV

From the moment it popped up on the internet we've had people asking when/ if /how much the new My Bloody Valentine record will be available.  Well it appears now the answer to when is Tuesday March 12th.  The vinyl has been available as a mail order from the band's official site for $33.99 + shipping from the UK.

The details on the distributed edition:  1LP (180g) in a gatefold sleeve + 1CD... at our regular markup would retail for $44.98.  But because that's insane, and we're poor like you we will be offering the first batch of pre-orders of the album to you for $34.98 (that's a very slight markup over our cost).

What you must do to qualify for this deal: inform us of your desire for the album in the form of a pre-order sometime between now and next Monday (March 4th).  You can do so by coming into the store (preferred), emailing us at backstreetrecords@gmail.com, or calling us at (506) 458-8832.  If it's your first time special ordering from us we'll require a $10 deposit to confirm your spot.  And these sales won't be covered by store credit, either new or pre-existing.

As always we will be subject to the whims of shipping, fill and other things out of our control, so there is always the possibility we won't receive our full order on the 12th depending on demand.  But if you get your order in before March 4th we will honor the $34.98 sales price until the order is filled.

For people ordering after March 4th the full $44.98 sales price will be in effect.

Thanks and let us know.

This week in overpriced vinyl // (A selection of selections)

Once again in the interest of keeping you informed about the world of reissues we present a haphazard list of titles that have recently rejoined the ranks of availability.  Because of their somewhat inflated prices we don't risk stocking them in a speculative way, but know that they are available should your wallet be a-bulging.

Ryan Adams - Love is Hell (3LP) [Mobile Fidelity ]  $85.98
Allman Brothers Band  - Brothers And Sisters (180g) [Mobile Fidelity] $39.98
Allman Brothers Band  - Eat A Peach (2LP 180g) [Mobile Fidelity] $55.98
Genesis - Trespass [Virgin] $42.98
Genesis - Selling England By The Pound [Virgin] $42.98
Genesis - Nursery Cryme [Virgin] $42.98
Genesis - The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (2LP) [Virgin] $59.98
Genesis - Foxtrot  [Virgin] $42.98
Run DMC - King of Rock [Music on Vinyl] $39.98
Tenacious D - S/T (12th anniversary Ed) [Legacy] $37.98

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On the flipside here are are a couple of recent or soon-to-be releases that are more affordable and earn the Backstreet seal of approval:

The Como Mamas - Get an Understanding (Daptone) $22.98

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Bauhaus - In the Flat Fields [reissue] (Beggars Banquet} $21.98

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Benoit Pioulard - Hymnal (Kranky) $18.98

History repeats, and with smelly results

It's no secret to regular perusers of our stacks that vinyl is back in a big way.  The number of new releases and, especially, reissues is steadily on the rise.  But scarcely a month into 2013 and I've been seeing things that make me scratch my head, wondering who is the target market for some of this stuff... or more accurately the "supposed market."

It's one thing to reissue the thirteen Beatles studio albums and offer them in the $23-$25 range.  That makes sense, no mystery or argument.  But then there are quite obscure things on tiny boutique labels... groups that had one hit in 1971 and now their album, that probably only sold a few thousand copies at the time, now back on shelves.  But even then, some research must've gone into the demand, therefore just because I don't know who the audience is, doesn't mean there ISN'T one.

What gets my headscratching hand primed and vibrating is when certain releases that had cultural impact, albeit limited and dubious, pop back into availability... at grossly inflated prices.  FOR EXAMPLE:

I'm currently looking over this week's offerings at one of our distributor and I note that The Bloodhound Gang's One Fierce Beer Coaster, an album from 1996 with such insightful tracks as "Kiss Me Where it Smells Funny," is now available once more.  Now, there may be a few men in their late mid-to-late 30s with overly developed nostalgia glands, acerbated by one too many tequila shots or barb wire tattoo infections, who might welcome a chance to own this slice of theirstory.  I can't argue with that.  With a $20 price tag, sure.  Maybe being ok with shelling out $25, I can see it.

But it's going for $45.98.  I mean... WHO?  Or am I wrong?