So, I just got my copy of The New Pornographers' "Challengers: Executive Edition". What is it, you ask? Well you can say it's a Special/Limited Edition of their latest album, with a twist.Usually, record labels put out a Special Edition of an album with a bonus disc, which could be a DVD, with some extra songs or behind-the-scenes video. They would release it in limited number along when the album is released, catch is they won't have enough satisfying material to fill the disc since it was just released. So sometimes they pull your leg by releasing it a year later, with a disc chock-full of bonus materials like all the music videos from the album.
So, what would The New Pornographers do? They put out this Executive Edition early, with three bonus discs. To put even more twist, the three bonus discs are blank CD-Rs.
The idea is, they would release the bonus materials over time on their website, Buy Early Get Now. Then when all the materials for a disc have been released, they'll notify you so you can burn those files into the blank discs. Nifty. So far they've released all of the second disc: b-sides, demos, and alternate mixes. Up and coming are live shows and video/photos of the band. Right now I can't think of a more brilliant idea for a Special Edition disc. Thanks, New Pornographers. Thanks, Matador Records.
