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Innovative Band Combines Vinyl Release, Digital Download

The CD-replacement boom of the 90s has led to several nasty hangovers. On the business end, labels have been struggling to adapt to a new business climate characterized by fewer disc purchases, as well as a piracy boom fueled by music mostly ripped from unprotected CDs. But on the consumer end, many die-hard music fans may now be having some pangs of nostalgia and guilt. For those who trashed their old vinyl classics years ago, the pain can be acute. And younger buyers are also growing curious about the format. While the vinyl format remains a niche overall, a recent quarterly sales report by the BPI pointed to an 80 percent increase in 7-inch vinyl (to 800,000 units), and sales in the US of LPs topped 1.2 million last year. Not a cash cow, but not as dead as some think.

Now, one group is hoping to satisfy its vinyl aficionados, while also offering a modern twist. A new release from London-based Clientele (Merge) can be purchased in the classic LP format, but the album also comes with a coupon to download the album digitally. For those that only want the warm glow of vinyl, the extras are unneeded. But for fans who prefer to listen to a burned disc in the car, the digital option exists at no extra cost. A CD is also available for the same price as the vinyl copy. In the end, Clientele fans get their choice of format, and a new level of flexibility. Others may also try similar multi-format twists, especially if vinyl sales experience more unexpected increases.