Sean Brennan wrote:
VittraEternity wrote:
I would hope that you release a full-length album. In my opinion it would be a shame if artists abandoned the idea of the album. I think an album is much more powerful and meaningful, an EP will always come off as being underwhelming. 

I think the music industry really killed off the album, with its absurd over-emphasis on singles. I know it used to be about singles way back when, but with the idea of albums being present for so long, why attempt continue on in that manner? Like, I understand why a band would want to have a single with regards promoting albums, tours etc. but when its all about the singles rather than albums, how can one expect potential listeners to care enough to buy the album?

Well, that's the problem. No one IS buying CDs anymore, anyway. And since a CD's shelf life is at most 6 months, due to lack of stores still in business and shelf space being unavailable, then a full album is actually a waste (as are DVDs, because virtually no stores stock DVDs unless they are from really large bands). Releasing 2 EPs in place a full CD is a better option I think, as it keeps the artist in the public's eye longer via press and shelf space in stores.

I think the only way an EP can be underwhelming is if the songs are underwhelming. I understand if fans want more songs from an artist, but the fans need to consider that they themselves have brought this on by insisting that filesharing does no harm.

Sean

I can see your point. I would agree that in your position, you would probably have more success releasing two EPs than an album, these days. 

Not to say that you have to define them as EPs because really, Selected Scenes isn't a very lengthy album. It's only 7 songs and about 35mins total if you exclude additional alternate version of "Your Best Nightmare." However, in no way does it feel like anything less than an album. Proof that an album doesn't have to be lengthy to be good, it's all in the execution.

It's just that for whatever reason it seems standard that EPs will only have six songs, so it's like a conscious effort to either limit what goes onto them, or if there isn't six worthy songs, then compensate by including additional, weaker material that wouldn't normally find its way onto an album. This lessens the impact of the release and sort of carries with it, a connotation that suggests it isn't such a worthwhile, and sincere release. However, there are several EPs that I think are excellent, but I find even those to be a bit underwhelming because it feels unfinished and you're left to desire more. It's almost like listening to half of an album. Very rarely do I find an EP that has a sense of completion to it, like that of which you would find on a full-length album. 

But off the top of my head I really can't think of any examples where a band divided an album into two EPs and released it as that. This would obviously differ from typical EPs. 

Edit: Billy Corgan is doing something like this, but what he is releasing all just seems like b-side material.


Last Edited By: VittraEternity Mar 19 11 2:10 PM. Edited 1 times.