Is now the time to reissue and release DVDs?

Parrot Monkey · Post by **Parrot Monkey** » July 10, 2004 4:55 pm

Yes I know what was going through everyone’s mind as they read the title and saw the author. “There goes PM creating another friggin MCA thread”. Maybe it is, but in the other threads I have felt hopeless, unable to speak the language of record labels ($). Now I can. I posted in another thread that in the light of the hype of LTC, many new PHs will be coming on board and Jimmy is expected to gain popularity. This will most likely create demand for Jimmy’s back catalogue. Not only are (like I have said millions of times before) the 73-86 CD issues garbage (3rd party master tapes, no liner notes, art credits etc.) but they have been on the market waaaaayyyy to long. So what you say? Well, many stores have most likely discontinued many of the CDs due to lack of sales for a long period of time. I don’t know about where everyone else is, but in my area, all I can get is compilations and maybe 2 or 3 of the albums. With reissues, retail will treat all the CDs as new products and they will be easier to find. So not only would we get better quality and all the LP jacket stuff this time around, but they will be easier to find in the stores. And then there are Jimmy’s two videos: Live by the Bay and Tales from Margaritavison. Those two titles are only available on the dinosaur VHS format, which deteriorates after each play. The DVD format has been around since the late 90’s and has been the main in the major stores. Because stores devote so little space to VHS tapes, Jimmy’s two videos are nowhere to be found in stores and must be bought at one of the M’ville stores or online. If they are put on DVD, not only will those who already have them on VHS upgrade, but it will catch new PHs eyes on the racks.

If MCA is going to make their move, I say they do it now. Everyone agree?

Parrot Monkey · Post by **Parrot Monkey** » July 11, 2004 10:52 am

I know care is low for the artwork and all that (as much as it bugs me)...

But think of this: Imagine if George Lucas and Steven Speilberg decided to use VHS tapes to transfer the programs for the Indiana Jones Trilogy to DVD. The picture and sound quality would be quite inferior and Amazon (and many other) reviewers would have a field day. It’s no different in this case, it’s just easier to cover up with just audio. Everyone remember the Beanie Baby craze? Remember all those "imposter" Beanies that everyone avoided? This is no different. All those 70s and 80s Jimmy CDs you have are "imposter" versions. Just because the the label released it does not mean it is offical. Sorry to ramble on with the MCA bashing, but truth is truth and I'm not stoping until every PH understands exactly what is on the CDs they own. The PH Handbook from the box set states that all the tracks were remastered for BBB&B. The same holds true with MMIM, all the previously released tracks have been remastered. This proves the orignal master tapes are still avalible and in Jimmy's access, so something could be done. It bugs me that the compilations get first class treatment and the orignal releases (where all the songs debuted) get treated like dirt.

"Real" CDs for the 70s and 80s albums and DVD releases of Live by the Bay and Tails from Margaritavison would make the perfect compaions for LTC.

If LTC puts Jimmy in the spotlight like everyone is forseeing, MCA would be foolish not to cash in on it. And how else could they do it but to re-release the oldies but goodies?

ExPO9600 · Post by **ExPO9600** » July 11, 2004 12:57 pm

Preach Brother, Preach!

Tony5150RN · Post by **Tony5150RN** » July 11, 2004 2:02 pm

I agree 100%, especially about the DVDs. My VHS copies of LBTB and TFM are really showing their age because they've been played so darn much. I'd really hate to drop money on two new VHS tapes, I want Jimmy on DVD!

mjcatl2 · Post by **mjcatl2** » July 11, 2004 3:21 pm

I mentioned my support on the other thread (or some other thread) as well. It is sad to look at the cds that were made in the 80s with the generic MCA packaging. I think fans who might think that this stuff doesn't matter would be into it once they saw them in the stores.

Additionally with all of the live cds he has released, it would be nice to have new concert dvd. Or if they could find footage from a good 90s show at least. How great would a Banana Wind or Baromter Soup tour dvd be???

Parrot Monkey · Post by **Parrot Monkey** » July 12, 2004 10:17 am

Just imagine picking up A1A in a store, turning it around and seeing that picture of the highway instead of that maroon garbage...

Jahfin · Post by **Jahfin** » July 12, 2004 11:41 am

I agree that now is the time to strike while the iron is still hot but I'm not holding my breath. One other method would be for me to start purchasing all the old releases on CD that I've been holding off on for so long. That would surely do the trick...

Zanzibar · Post by **Zanzibar** » July 12, 2004 1:40 pm

Parrot Monkey wrote:Just imagine picking up A1A in a store, turning it around and seeing that picture of the highway instead of that maroon garbage...

I agree it would be nice to see the highway..I forget what it even looks like..and for re releasing the 2 videos would be great..I think it would also be good if they did release a good full concert on dvd...that minimatinee wasnt enough

Parrot Monkey · Post by **Parrot Monkey** » July 14, 2004 5:31 pm

Being the money hungry people they are (they are a record company, so I guess that's a given) MCA will have to hit back with something to cash in on LTC's hype. What else could they do by re-release what the material they already have?

I'm not holding my breath either, because I don't think the people who manage JB's MCA albums are that bright and won't even relize they are in charge of his catalogue when acknowledgeing LTC's success.

Parrot Monkey · Post by **Parrot Monkey** » July 14, 2004 9:36 pm

Just read the LTC liner notes, and in them, Jimmy mentions the Tom McGuane AWSCAPC notes. After reading that, I must conclude that Jimmy most likely dosen't know about those MCA CDs.

If he did, I think he would have his layers take some form of action. I know MCA did nothing ilegal, but can't layers provide some pull on this, such as contacting those in charge? If they really want to protect Jimmy, they should look into this instead of suing people for using the term "Parrot Head".

Key Lime Lee · Post by **Key Lime Lee** » July 14, 2004 10:23 pm

Parrot Monkey wrote:If they really want to protect Jimmy, they should look into this instead of suing people for using the term "Parrot Head".

1) They haven't been suing people for using the term Parrot Head. They've been sending cease and desist letters.

2) MCA owns the masters, so any lawyer (not layer) would look like an idiot trying to press a case that MCA is somehow obligated to do more with its own property...

I know you're just trying to find any thinly relevant reason to keep reposting but...

Tiki Bar · Post by **Tiki Bar** » July 14, 2004 10:38 pm

Hey Parrot Monkey,

I see you're still pleading your case, which doesn't bother me in the least. I'm not as passionate about it as you, because I always take the cd's out of the packaging, put them in my 240 portable cd holder, and rarely look at it again. I think it would be nice if it had all the bells and whistles as the LP's, but it's probably due to people like me that they don't.

What I'm just curious about is 1) do you send these "arguments" to MCA, Mailboat, Margaritaville, etc? And 2) have you used this "argument" for either persuasive speeches in Speech Class, or persuasive writing in English Composition Class?

You gather and organize your facts well, I was just curious who all you share them with. Thanks!

Parrot Monkey · Post by **Parrot Monkey** » July 14, 2004 11:04 pm

Key Lime Lee wrote:
Parrot Monkey wrote:If they really want to protect Jimmy, they should look into this instead of suing people for using the term "Parrot Head".
1) They haven't been suing people for using the term Parrot Head. They've been sending cease and desist letters.

2) MCA owns the masters, so any lawyer (not layer) would look like an idiot trying to press a case that MCA is somehow obligated to do more with its own property...

I know you're just trying to find any thinly relevant reason to keep reposting but...

I hesitated in posting that as I knew you would say something of that nature to counter me. Keep in mind I never said I thought his lawyers (I know how it is spelled, I just don't always take the time to proofread every post I make) should press a case, I just thought they could contact the powers in charge to touch base regarding the situation. It may as well be a "thinly relevant reason to keep reposting" but if that’s what I have to do, so be it. I know I do sound like an idiot in these threads sometimes and fail to meet the intellectual level due to my age and lack of knowledge on the music industry, but please realize that I am no industry expert, just a fan who feels ripped off.

Parrot Monkey · Post by **Parrot Monkey** » July 14, 2004 11:10 pm

Tiki Bar wrote:1) do you send these "arguments" to MCA, Mailboat, Margaritaville, etc?

Yes, I have sent e-mail messages to all three, and I'm working on writing a physical letter to the management company in charge of JB's catalogue.

Tiki Bar wrote:2) have you used this "argument" for either persuasive speeches in Speech Class, or persuasive writing in English Composition Class?

Nope, no I never had any assignments of that nature. I would in flash, given the oppertunity.

Tiki Bar · Post by **Tiki Bar** » July 14, 2004 11:40 pm

Parrot Monkey wrote:
Tiki Bar wrote:2) have you used this "argument" for either persuasive speeches in Speech Class, or persuasive writing in English Composition Class?
Nope, no I never had any assignments of that nature. I would in flash, given the oppertunity.

Thanks PM! I remember having assignments of both types for a number of years, and I'd have to come up with a topic out of thin air. At least you know you'll be prepared should the situation present itself!

And I don't know that argument is the word I was looking for... I don't think you're argumentative, just committed. And not committed like you're insane and should be institutionalized

!

One last question... is your issue strictly with Buffett albums, or are there other artists as well that you feel leave the fans short changed?

Parrot Monkey · Post by **Parrot Monkey** » July 14, 2004 11:48 pm

Tiki Bar wrote:One last question... is your issue strictly with Buffett albums, or are there other artists as well that you feel leave the fans short changed?

Well, I taught for awhile that Jimmy’s CDs were the only remaining CDCP issues, but I discovered that there are more out there. But still, Jimmy has the most at a whopping 12 albums. Dave Mason’s “Alone Together” is another album that has yet to be reissued. Don’t know who he is, but no artist deserves to have their albums striped of art, liner notes and to have third party tapes used for the CD programs. On Amazon’s page for that Dave Mason album, almost every review says something like “The only thing missing is the artwork”. How come no one says anything about that when reviewing Jimmy’s CDs?

Mr Play · Post by **Mr Play** » July 15, 2004 1:38 am

PM - did you ever get a response from your email or letter? Last I recall you hadn't.

meisinger · Post by **meisinger** » July 15, 2004 7:39 am

Parrot Monkey wrote:
Key Lime Lee wrote:
Parrot Monkey wrote:If they really want to protect Jimmy, they should look into this instead of suing people for using the term "Parrot Head".
1) They haven't been suing people for using the term Parrot Head. They've been sending cease and desist letters.

2) MCA owns the masters, so any lawyer (not layer) would look like an idiot trying to press a case that MCA is somehow obligated to do more with its own property...

I know you're just trying to find any thinly relevant reason to keep reposting but...
I hesitated in posting that as I knew you would say something of that nature to counter me. Keep in mind I never said I thought his lawyers (I know how it is spelled, I just don't always take the time to proofread every post I make) should press a case, I just thought they could contact the powers in charge to touch base regarding the situation. It may as well be a "thinly relevant reason to keep reposting" but if that’s what I have to do, so be it. I know I do sound like an idiot in these threads sometimes and fail to meet the intellectual level due to my age and lack of knowledge on the music industry, but please realize that I am no industry expert, just a fan who feels ripped off.

I don't think you sound like an idiot. Just hopeful and perhaps a bit unrealistic. While I understand from a fans point of view why this seems like a good time to reissue catalog, from a labels view, there couldn't be a worse time. There is an industry term called drivers. These are things that push people to buy records. Two of the best ones are tours and new albums (and all the press and media that goes along with). MCA/UMVD has been paying nothing in the way of tour support (yes, in most cases the label pays for the tour up front, then hopes to recoup on album sales) and reaped the benefits of his touring for a while. Now, they can sit back and watch RCA feed the monster and see a huge increase on visibility for one of their heritage artists. All this, with out spending a dime. I'm sure JB will get the royal treatment on reissues someday. Just not now, while there's huge profit to be made. Remember this is the same company that created the Jump Start program, which basically eliminated all co-op money. They do not spend or invest unless they have to for profit. I would guess Jimmy is one of the most profitable acts in their catalog.

Parrot Monkey · Post by **Parrot Monkey** » July 15, 2004 9:51 am

There might be a financial reason that MCA should take into consideration. In another thread I created awhile back that was about why there are so many greatest hits compilations on CD racks and few back albums, someone said (I quite sure it was you meisinger) that many stores policy is that after a CD has sat in the bin unsold for a prolonged period of time, it gets discontinued. Since these CDs in question have been on the market for an estimate of 15 years, this has most likely happened with many of the CDs, as why they are hard to find. If reissued, they will be treated as new albums and be easier to find thus generating more sales.

changingchannels · Post by **changingchannels** » July 15, 2004 10:05 am

what we really need is a live DVD set of concerts through the years!that would really be giving us something special..