The Ledge

Go Back   The Ledge > Main Forums > Chit Chat
User Name
Password
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read


Make the Ads Go Away! Click here.
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-29-2015, 05:05 PM
SisterNightroad's Avatar
SisterNightroad SisterNightroad is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Italy
Posts: 5,242
Default Catalog Albums Outsell New Records Online for the First Time

‘OLD’ ALBUMS NOW OUTSELL NEW ALBUMS ON ITUNES IN AMERICA
JANUARY 29, 2015 BY TIM INGHAM

They don’t make ‘em like they used to: MBW has discovered that ‘new’ albums were outsold by ‘old’ (catalogue) albums online in the US for the first time in 2014.

The feat of catalogue albums outselling frontline releases was first achieved back in 2012, but that was a momentary blip; it’s never taken place over a whole year before.

The iTunes/downloads tipping point, as shown by Nielsen stats, is undoubtedly a cute moment, but it also highlights what will be a serious worry for the industry in the future: as you can read/see below, there has been a shocking erosion of sales of ‘new’ albums on physical formats in the past decade.

Such data asks two very clear questions of record labels: are people merely starting to consume their new music on streaming services rather than buying it in album form? Or are they increasingly less impressed with the new album releases that arrive year-in, year-out?

One thing looks certain: it now only appears a matter of time – very possibly in 2015 – when catalogue albums outsell new releases across all formats in a single year.





PHYSICAL ALBUM SALES
Annual physical album sales of ‘current’ or new albums fell by a shocking 80% from 2005 to 2014, down from 379.8m to just 77.6m.

Interestingly, the fall in catalogue sales has been more gentle, dropping 67% in the same time period, down from 222.8m to 73m.





OVERALL ALBUM SALES
As the graph below demonstrates, catalogue album sales on all formats have proven notably more stable than new album sales in the US in the past decade.

Annual ‘new’ album sales have fallen by a massive 150m since 2005, down to 130.5m in 2014.

Meanwhile, catalogue album sales have dropped by 103m in the same period.

If the decline in current album sales continues at its current pace, catalogue albums will almost certainly outsell new albums on all formats by 2016, and possibly even in 2015.

If you want a one-glance indication at how the might of the new album has fallen vs. its catalogue sister product, check out the graph at the bottom – obviously, the space between the two lines represents the dominance of new albums in any given year.








http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.co...tunes-america/
Reply With Quote
.
  #2  
Old 01-29-2015, 10:09 PM
Macfanforever's Avatar
Macfanforever Macfanforever is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Wallyworld CT
Posts: 10,537
Default

Maybe I did not read this right.I probably need some sleep.

What are they comparing here.

Old music from a band or artist with their new current release or old artists to new artists.
__________________
Skip R........

Stevie fan forever and ever amen.......
the Wildheart at Edge of Seventeen and the Gypsy.....

My sweet Buttons .I love you. RIP 2009 to 08/24/2016
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-30-2015, 05:07 AM
SisterNightroad's Avatar
SisterNightroad SisterNightroad is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Italy
Posts: 5,242
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Macfanforever View Post
Maybe I did not read this right.I probably need some sleep.

What are they comparing here.

Old music from a band or artist with their new current release or old artists to new artists.
English is not my first language, but they are absolutely comparing sales of old albums vs sales of new albums during this past year.
I found it interesting because in effect during this year I haven't bought any newly released album besides 24K gold, I bought the umpteenth Janis Joplin greatest hits, a David Bowie LP and an old Black Sabbath album but the only other new release I purchased I downloaded it for free.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-30-2015, 08:20 AM
wetcamelfood wetcamelfood is offline
Addicted Ledgie
Supporting Ledgie
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Peabody, MA., USA
Posts: 2,048
Exclamation

I'd like to think people are increasingly less impressed with the new album releases that arrive year-in, year-out but rather than admit that they poke their nose in and decide they know what people want in new product (and don't) the labels will deflect all blame by claiming it's because people are merely starting to consume their new music on streaming services rather than buying it in album form. There may be some truth to this to an extent anyways assuming it's younger consumers who would buy the new albums and I doubt they care about a physical product (though I think they should, so they can re-rip etc. if necessary instead of being forced to rebuy an e-copy of something which is clearly where companies want to go anyway, like how you can't get CD-R's of software anymore because they just want to give you the 3 PC download rule so you have to buy the e-version from them again later).

John
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-30-2015, 09:29 AM
SisterNightroad's Avatar
SisterNightroad SisterNightroad is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Italy
Posts: 5,242
Default

Quote:
they poke their nose in and decide they know what people want in new product (and don't)
That's certainly true but market laws have always been the same, always working this way.
I think it's a combination of a new culture of fast-music that quickly lose interest in music products and prefers hit singles instead of the over the quality of a whole album and the musical industry that takes advantage of it in a mutual circle.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-30-2015, 10:14 AM
wetcamelfood wetcamelfood is offline
Addicted Ledgie
Supporting Ledgie
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Peabody, MA., USA
Posts: 2,048
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by SisterNightroad View Post
That's certainly true but market laws have always been the same, always working this way.
I think it's a combination of a new culture of fast-music that quickly lose interest in music products and prefers hit singles instead of the over the quality of a whole album and the musical industry that takes advantage of it in a mutual circle.
Yes, the fact you can buy just a song now instead of a whole album has added to this as well (I guess it could be argued you could buy singles "in the old days" but that still cost a lot more than downloading 1 mp3 now).

John
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-30-2015, 10:49 AM
SisterNightroad's Avatar
SisterNightroad SisterNightroad is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Italy
Posts: 5,242
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by wetcamelfood View Post
Yes, the fact you can buy just a song now instead of a whole album has added to this as well (I guess it could be argued you could buy singles "in the old days" but that still cost a lot more than downloading 1 mp3 now).

John
Bingo and you can also pirate all the music you want on the web.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-31-2015, 12:21 AM
TrueFaith77's Avatar
TrueFaith77 TrueFaith77 is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: New York City!
Posts: 5,012
Default

I bet Rumours outsold many new releases
__________________
"They love each other so much, they think they hate each other."

Imagine paying $1000 to hear "Don't Dream It's Over" instead of "Go Your Own Way"

Fleetwood Mac helped me through a time of heartbreak. 12 years later, they broke my heart.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-31-2015, 06:16 AM
PenguinHead's Avatar
PenguinHead PenguinHead is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,471
Default

I believe in the sustainability of the album format as an art form, even though technology now allows consumers to self-select individual songs -- not taking the time to respect and see the album as a whole. Personal instant gratification takes precedence. In this instant process of pick and choose, songs they might grow to love in time aren't given a chance and are discarded.

Perhaps because of the easy accessibility of music from generations past, listeners are discovering a world of artists and groups that they were unaware of; music that is appealing to them. There is so much great music previous eras that holds value. It's like discovering buried treasures. Just because something is new and currently popular doesn't mean it's better that what came before it. In fact, most new music owes it's viability the influences of past artists.

I'm always impressed when an contestant on American Idol or The Voice chooses a great song generations behind them. It shows they have a depth of reference and influences beyond their current demographic. If they choose a more current or recent popular song, it reveals they influences have only scratched the surface.
__________________
Life passes before me like an unknown circumstance

Last edited by PenguinHead; 02-01-2015 at 11:58 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-31-2015, 09:20 AM
SisterNightroad's Avatar
SisterNightroad SisterNightroad is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Italy
Posts: 5,242
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by PenguinHead View Post
I believe in the sustainability of the album format as an art form, even though technology now allows consumers to self-select individual songs -- not taking the time to respect and see the album as a whole. Personal instant gratification takes precedence. In this instant process of pick and choose, songs they might grow to love in time are given a chance and are discarded.
That's very true, I think one of the results of this tendency is the disappearance of the "concept album". In the past they were very present, The who, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Beach boys, David Bowie and the Kinks widely used concept album as an artistic mean but the only modern concept album that I know of is American idiot, and that was 10-15 years ago.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-31-2015, 12:24 PM
Macfanforever's Avatar
Macfanforever Macfanforever is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Wallyworld CT
Posts: 10,537
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SisterNightroad View Post
English is not my first language, but they are absolutely comparing sales of old albums vs sales of new albums during this past year.
I found it interesting because in effect during this year I haven't bought any newly released album besides 24K gold, I bought the umpteenth Janis Joplin greatest hits, a David Bowie LP and an old Black Sabbath album but the only other new release I purchased I downloaded it for free.
OK I understand.I have not buy any other classic artists or bands myself besides Stevie's work.I know it sounds crud for the artists.Most of their work shows up on Youtube or other video sites for free.
__________________
Skip R........

Stevie fan forever and ever amen.......
the Wildheart at Edge of Seventeen and the Gypsy.....

My sweet Buttons .I love you. RIP 2009 to 08/24/2016
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 01-31-2015, 12:26 PM
Macfanforever's Avatar
Macfanforever Macfanforever is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Wallyworld CT
Posts: 10,537
Default

I wish this single pick feature was available when I was buying albums like hotcakes back in the 1970's and 80's.It would eliminate all the filler crap tunes.It would be music a la carte .Pick what you went.Eliminate the fluff filler.
__________________
Skip R........

Stevie fan forever and ever amen.......
the Wildheart at Edge of Seventeen and the Gypsy.....

My sweet Buttons .I love you. RIP 2009 to 08/24/2016

Last edited by Macfanforever; 01-31-2015 at 12:41 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 01-31-2015, 01:17 PM
SisterNightroad's Avatar
SisterNightroad SisterNightroad is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Italy
Posts: 5,242
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Macfanforever View Post
I wish this single pick feature was available when I was buying albums like hotcakes back in the 1970's and 80's.It would eliminate all the filler crap tunes.It would be music a la carte .Pick what you went.Eliminate the fluff filler.
Yes it's very useful, but it transforms music into another capitalist consumer good to use and then trash when it's not in vogue anymore.
I prefer to listen free online and then if I really like the music I'll buy the CD.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 01-31-2015, 11:46 PM
Macfanforever's Avatar
Macfanforever Macfanforever is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Wallyworld CT
Posts: 10,537
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SisterNightroad View Post
Yes it's very useful, but it transforms music into another capitalist consumer good to use and then trash when it's not in vogue anymore.
I prefer to listen free online and then if I really like the music I'll buy the CD.
Yes .I like that feature of previewing before you buy.Its like the local record shop in town years ago let you take it for a spin in their turntable before you buy it.

I never had to do that for Stevie records.
__________________
Skip R........

Stevie fan forever and ever amen.......
the Wildheart at Edge of Seventeen and the Gypsy.....

My sweet Buttons .I love you. RIP 2009 to 08/24/2016
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 02-02-2015, 12:12 AM
PenguinHead's Avatar
PenguinHead PenguinHead is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,471
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SisterNightroad View Post
That's very true, I think one of the results of this tendency is the disappearance of the "concept album". In the past they were very present, The who, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Beach boys, David Bowie and the Kinks widely used concept album as an artistic mean but the only modern concept album that I know of is American idiot, and that was 10-15 years ago.
I just saw and corrected an unfortunate misspell in my previous post ( though it matters little now).

In this instant process of pick and choose, songs they might grow to love in time aren't given a chance and are discarded.
__________________
Life passes before me like an unknown circumstance
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump


BEKKA BRAMLETT - I Got News For You - CD - **Excellent Condition** - RARE picture

BEKKA BRAMLETT - I Got News For You - CD - **Excellent Condition** - RARE

$59.95



RITA COOLIDGE CD THINKIN' ABOUT YOU BEKKA BRAMLETT LETTING YOU GO WITH LOVE 1998 picture

RITA COOLIDGE CD THINKIN' ABOUT YOU BEKKA BRAMLETT LETTING YOU GO WITH LOVE 1998

$14.99



The Zoo Shakin' the Cage CD Mick Fleetwood Bekka Bramlett Billy Thorpe picture

The Zoo Shakin' the Cage CD Mick Fleetwood Bekka Bramlett Billy Thorpe

$14.72



I Got News for You - Audio CD By Bekka Bramlett - VERY GOOD picture

I Got News for You - Audio CD By Bekka Bramlett - VERY GOOD

$249.52



Bekka (Bramlett) & Billy (Burnette) - Bekka & Billy - 1997 Almo Sounds - Used CD picture

Bekka (Bramlett) & Billy (Burnette) - Bekka & Billy - 1997 Almo Sounds - Used CD

$9.00




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:35 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
© 1995-2003 Martin and Lisa Adelson, All Rights Reserved