Pirated U2 album hits Internet

estranged4life · #1 11-10-2004, 01:11 PM

"Illicit copies available on file-sharing networks throw official release of new album into question.
November 8, 2004: 3:54 PM EST

LONDON (Reuters) - Pirated versions of U2's new album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" have emerged on Internet file-sharing networks two weeks before it goes on sale, throwing into question its official release date.

A London spokeswoman for the band on Monday would only say that U2 was aware of the illicit copies, but that no decision had yet been made on changing the release date.

The Irish rock band has been due to release the album on Nov. 22 in Europe and the following day in the United States. It is the first studio album in four years for the band signed to Island Records, a unit of Universal Music.

Earlier this summer, a tape containing rough tracks from the upcoming album went missing from a studio in Nice, France where the band was recording. At the time, the band said it might move the release date if the tracks appear online first.

The online appearance of unsanctioned versions of an album before the official release has dogged many music acts.

Record labels fight back by sending copy-proof promotional copies to radio stations and journalists, and hiring firms to flood file-sharing networks with "spoof" tracks with poor sound quality, which crowd out better-sounding pirated versions.

"With any major release, the record companies start about a week in advance flooding the networks. That way users are more likely to download a spoofed copy," said Jim Graham, a spokesman for California-based online piracy tracking firm BayTSP.

"But over time, the pirated versions win out. It's very cat and mouse. It's like the Cold War," he added.

In the past month, release dates for American rap artist Eminem and hip-hop star Snoop Dogg, both signed to Universal's Interscope Records, have been pushed forward by a few days due to the appearance of pirated tracks online."

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I guess some people are just too impatient to wait just 2 weeks for the official release date

Brian j.

hayley · #2 11-10-2004, 03:30 PM

I think it leaking is going to be good for them, actually- I won't download it, but everyone I know who has is just raving about it. It's supposed to be absolutely fantastic, and hopefully all this buzz will help get some of the people who were turned off by ATYCLB.

estranged4life · #3 11-10-2004, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hayley

I think it leaking is going to be good for them, actually- I won't download it, but everyone I know who has is just raving about it. It's supposed to be absolutely fantastic, and hopefully all this buzz will help get some of the people who were turned off by ATYCLB.

I have read have been less than stellar in regards to the new album...But I will wait til the 23rd and buy a copy to make up my own opinion, Seems most of the reviews are by known U2 haters.

Brian "Thank God for McDonald's Best Buy Bucks" j.

hayley · #4 11-10-2004, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estranged4life

I have read have been less than stellar in regards to the new album...But I will wait til the 23rd and buy a copy to make up my own opinion, Seems most of the reviews are by known U2 haters.

Brian "Thank God for McDonald's Best Buy Bucks" j.

Yeah, most of what I've heard about it is from fans. Consensus from them seems to be that it's almost as good as Achtung. I can't wait to hear it in general, but I LOVE Vertigo. I shake my booty to it even if it's just on in the short iPod commercials!

estranged4life · #5 11-10-2004, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hayley

Yeah, most of what I've heard about it is from fans. Consensus from them seems to be that it's almost as good as Achtung. I can't wait to hear it in general, but I LOVE Vertigo. I shake my booty to it even if it's just on in the short iPod commercials!

but I am undecided on which version of the album to purchase, The regular compact disc version or the DVD/CD higher premium priced set?

I know the cd single for Vertigo (2 versions of the single) is already available for purchase.

Cant wait for the tour in early 2005.

Brian j.

Bryan · #6 11-10-2004, 05:43 PM

I've heard good things about the upcoming album. Apparently the rest of the album is nothing like Vertigo,which is such a relief because Vertigo has got to be one of the worst songs U2's ever made. I'm a HUGE U2 fan but i'm SO disappointed by the first single off the album. I HATE the chorus the most. It coulda been such a better song with a few changes. It sounds like another generic rock'n'roll song

Oh well,the rest of the album's gotta be great,U2 never mess up when it comes to an entire album.

-Bryan

hayley · #7 11-11-2004, 11:02 AM

Chicago's WXRT is playing the album all day on repeat! You can stream if it at WXRT.com. Currently listening to "Love and Peace or Else"!

ontheEdgeof17 · #8 11-11-2004, 11:06 AM

Beside a few songs here and there, I don't like this band. Am I the only one?

Janet · #9 11-11-2004, 11:37 AM

I love U2 and I really enjoy Vertigo.

U2 and Gwen's albums I can't wait for!

Gypsy-Rhiannon · #10 11-11-2004, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ontheEdgeof17

Beside a few songs here and there, I don't like this band. Am I the only one?

I've never really liked U2

Pip

estranged4life · #11 11-11-2004, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hayley

Chicago's WXRT is playing the album all day on repeat! You can stream if it at WXRT.com. Currently listening to "Love and Peace or Else"!

but I am going to hold off listening until the 23rd...

Guess I may purchase the version with the hardcover book/DVD/CD