I actually think that one of the greatest things the internet has done is to make it possible to choose what you like and leave the rest, that is why I think we should commit to giving our fans only the best tracks we have produced.
Some of the terms you will find that accompany digital downloads are: a la carte, Unbundling and Bundling. A la carte means the same as you get in the restaurant. You go in, look at the menu and choose the meal you like. This is very different from a fixed menu that you are stuck with. If you don't like what is offered that's bad news. In the same way music fans can now choose whether they will have a fixed menu or a la carte; and when the albums are average, fans are choosing a la carte - picking and buying only the tracks they want.
On the other hand Unbundling and Bundling means that the artist/musician/label can decide that you can Unbundle - buy whatever tracks you want on the album or you have to buy the whole Bundle. Furthermore where there are bundle deals the artist/musician/label tends to add other merchandise to the music to make the Bundle appealing. It is not uncommon for Bundles that include picture discs and tickets to gigs plus numerous additional tracks that cost hundreds of pounds.
If any artist/musician/label continues to release albums that have only 3 good tracks out of 12 then the following will happen:
Fans will begin walking away - they will spread the news that the artist/musician/label doesn't deliver or that their standards have dropped. Such comments are like daggers into the heart of the business. They have the tendency of being viral to the detriment of the artist/musician/label.It will affect our credibility - I recently bought an album by one of my favorite bands and enthusiastically inserted the CD on my way home, but I was greatly disappointed that there was only one track I liked. The other 12 or 13 had their first and last play from me. I also made a decision that I would always listen to all the tracks before I purchase the whole album. In essence they have cost themselves money!
Loss of revenue - today's artists still need to sell albums and other merchandise and the music which develops all other avenues of sale. Without the recorded music there will be no album sales, or live shows and I guess little or no merchandise. People still want to buy albums; so let the artist/musician/label continue to give their best all the way!
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