HMV is back!!

SilverScreen wrote: »

Having albums in physical form does not necessarily mean that you are a truer lover of the music itself over those who don't. It's just an old fashioned way of looking at it. The same way you can be a huge fan of a tv show but not own the boxset.

It's good to see HMV reopening but I hope they've learned from their mistakes. Hopefully no more overcharging for albums and a bigger selection of vinyl.

Much of what is sold in digital format is compressed to hell and is unlistenable compared to even a CD. Unless of course someone wants to listen to X factor artistes or chipmunk techno on their phone

Banjoxed wrote: »

Much of what is sold in digital format is compressed to hell and is unlistenable compared to even a CD. Unless of course someone wants to listen to X factor artistes or chipmunk techno on their phone

I have no problem finding mp3s in 256 or 320 kbps which is listenable enough for me not to detract from the music itself, or even FLAC when possible. Stuff ripped at 195 kbps or lower is what I try to avoid. I also take full advantage of Spotify which is like a godsend to me. I have a large collection of CDs, vinyl and cassettes as well and each has it's own strengths and weaknesses. But mp3 are just handy for me these days because I travel a lot.

The original point I was making was that materialism should not be a measure of how much you like something. Of course people will say "buy the CDs and support the artists", but really you're better off supporting them by saving your money for a gig ticket or even donating money directly to them if possible.

3DataModem wrote: »

The idea of physical media for music is very quaint, but ultimately doomed. The amount of plastic and paper in a CD is ridiculously inefficient for such a teeny tiny amount of date (700mb). The idea of a "broswing a record shop" is like a horse and carriage - a nostalgic novelty.

I still love browsing record stores for many reasons, such as the hope of finding a record you really want by chance at a good price, the atmosphere of the place (something perhaps HMV could work on) the people you meet in there etc. However I wouldn't be sad if CDs disappeared from stores completely as long as the price of vinyl stays low.

Hande hoche! wrote: »

Crescent

Crap, the one is town was much better, Cruises street looks lost without it.

That is awesome news! The joint stores won't have as much of a music selection compared to the standalone stores but it's definitely a welcome development.

Beware the Retro Spice Burger scenario.

To wit:

1. Traditional product or business goes to the wall because customers ignoring it.
   
   
2. News of disappearance galvanizes army of online nostalgists who pollute boards and FB with retro fetishism.
   
   
3. Product or business refloated
   
   
4. Army of online nostalgists remember that Spice Burgers actually taste like seasoned dog turds and promptly return to buying bijou ostrich patties from the local craft butcher
   
   
5. Army of online nostalgists realize that record shops are actually full of moody teenage cunts in stupid clothes and staffed by know-it-all, heavily-pierced, twats and return to buying reasonably priced music and games online.
   
   
6. Traditional product or business goes to the wall.
   
   
7. See 1.
   
   

for the Cork stores i don't get why they will bother trying? its going to xtravision in blackpool and Douglas?


Douglas has had two roxy music stores (one in both shopping centers) go to the wall, and a blacktrax, there is no market when you are competing against Tesco and Gamestop in such close quarters, not to mention the xtravision took over where chartbusters were (which also went to the wall) and has been as empty looking since, nobody really ventures outside of the two shopping centers anymore,

Golden discs are in blackpool and thats a complete loss making store tied into a contract in the same center Hmv are proposing a joint store with xtravision in?

how does this make sense?

Will they be accepting HMV Gift Cards?