Here’s A Novel Idea: Release A New Album

About a month from now, Lady Gaga will release her new CD. Interestingly, it looks a lot like her old one though.  The CD is titled The Fame Monster and it’s pretty much The Fame again, except with a second disc of new material.  So, why not just release the new material then?

This seems to be part of a growing trend in the music industry. Artists are releasing old albums again in deluxe or special editions to boost up sales.  Now, I’m not talking about 10 or 20-year anniversary editions.  Three albums that are currently being re-released this year are The Fame, Keane’s Hopes and Fears, and indie artist Bat for Lashes’ Two Suns. All of these albums are from this decade.  Hell, Two Suns came out this April!

Artists need to learn that when it comes to music, fans are not likely to buy the same thing twice, especially when the file sharing is a click away.  These musicians (and more specifically, the record labels) should learn to have confidence in their abilities to strike gold more than once.  Let’s admit it: no one likes getting the same gift twice.