G7 Welcoming Committee Records. Uncooperative since 1997.
You appear to be using a shitty web browser. Brent suggests getting a better one.
One small step for G7
Posted by D-Rock on 12/07/06 (G7, Music)
So, as you may or may not have noticed, we today launched our very own little download store (with the help of the folks at IODA and DownloadCentric), featuring digitized versions of (most of) our entire catalogue. We’ve also digitized the album artwork (meaning full booklets and liner notes) for all of these records, and posted them for free download. We’re kinda stoked on this. But maybe we’re alone.
What’s the verdict amongst the G7 blog-readers? (Thats right, I’m talking ot both of you.)
47 fragments of dialogue thus far ...
(Subscribe to discussion about this post via RSS)
Comment by tom on December 7th, 2006 at 12:09 pm:
the queue and a would be very funny if i was still 6 and i just shit my pants.
fucking u.s. dollars! fucking credit cards! fucking computers!
all in all, i think it’s better for the enviroment. and as poisonous, toxic plastic pieces of shit become more accesible to people (like the lower middle class), more and more people will have access!
Comment by drew on December 7th, 2006 at 12:42 pm:
as tom said, its definitely better for the environment, but having said that, its still damn hard for me to shake the desire of wanting the real thing in my hands with the booklet and everything. there’s just something about that that the whole digital thing kinda takes away. but i must be rational here, whats more important, this earth, or a plastic cd in my hand?
does using recycled materials for the case and booklet help much? is that an option G7 would use again?
Comment by Belinda on December 7th, 2006 at 3:29 pm:
Well, if there was a hint of this news earlier, I wouldn’t have bought so many G7 releases from emusic (and at half the bitrate that G7 is offering). I definately appreciate the lyric books being posted though, especially for Mico’s Our Living Language. Don’t worry, I still want to order some shirts and books when festivus is over.
Comment by tom on December 7th, 2006 at 3:38 pm:
are you going to release your books in digital formats as well? i’m tired of ordering the emma goldman book and receiving them with the pages all stuck together.
are the books you put out recycled? because, damn, there’s whole trees in there…
Comment by bits on December 7th, 2006 at 3:57 pm:
methinks it’s wonderful and puts g7 as a vanguard as it’s the way the whole industry will have to go. i can see it now: goodbye shitty mall “record” stores, shitty plastics, scratched up cds, and the bane-of-my-existence — stupid CD towers. It’s nice to see a record company acknowledge this and assumedly rely on the fact that people pay for what they deem morally acceptable capitalism.
Saying that i probably won’t buy many as I recieve my music through other means(free music at work, mix-tapes/cds, and only a bit of “illegal” file sharing etc), but then I buy more of G7s books than albums…
Comment by bits on December 7th, 2006 at 4:05 pm:
oh and I have to agree with drew, having your favorite albums in your hand is a great feeling, and i guess in the long run I see the industry moving into the electronic sphere (I have a feeling the kids today will be called the ipod generation) but would hope those bands truly involved in music release vinyl, not too many would hsave to be pressed but it would mean alot for “die-hard” fans which are so important to bands and companies.
I hope in the long run all music becomes free as well. It would be neat if a socan-type system (used in the media now) were set up where bands are paid according to how much their songs are downloaded, maybe through some canadian cultural initiative, oe advertising, magazines etc…one less thing for the earth to worry about; 10 billion more to bring down…
Comment by D-Rock on December 7th, 2006 at 5:11 pm:
Drew: the problems with using recycled materials for CDs are:
1) Currently, no feasible recycled CDs (the discs themselves). Made of a petro product, major benzyne usage in production as well.
2) Truly recycled paper is crazy expensive.
3) Still the problems of shipping all over the world, shrink-wrap, etc, etc.
4) The financial investment - still there (more so). Half the appeal of digital is the low overhead.
Tom: We don’t print our books - we just buy them and distribute them. Chances are there’s some recycled content in there.
Belinda: We did drop hints! Example. Plus, we actually ran many ads saying that this was going to be launching last August. Oops. Better late then never!
Thanks for the comments folks.
Comment by Yaniv on December 7th, 2006 at 11:32 pm:
Finally! Buying albums from iTunes or E-music without the much-appreciated booklet is truly discouraging. Thanks for this one, G7. It took quite a while, but the wait is over and it’s worth it.
Though not a drastic change, the new site layout looks much better.
There’s just one more thing…accede to consumer demands: bring back the radio!
Comment by Belinda on December 8th, 2006 at 12:52 am:
Drat! That’s what I get for skimming instead of reading properly. Well, I’ll still buy some shirts after festivus.
Comment by adam on December 8th, 2006 at 1:30 am:
Ahhhh…I wish I waited a couple weeks so I didn’t order G7 albums off of iTurds. I was waiting for G7s own service but alas my impatience got the better of me.
Comment by Nathan on December 8th, 2006 at 10:48 am:
I would be even more interested in audio books of your books. Read by the former front man from a certain band.
Let’s say Creed.
Comment by Nathan on December 8th, 2006 at 10:49 am:
Oh, and where has G7 radio gone?
Comment by D-Rock on December 8th, 2006 at 12:44 pm:
We made an attempt to revive G7 radio recently. It didn’t go well. There are tentative plans to release a box set of episodes 1 - 7, with outtakes and an in-depth booklet and photo gallery.
Comment by Craig on December 8th, 2006 at 1:28 pm:
Everyone acts like downloading music doesn’t have an environmental impact. I reckon you’d be surprised by how many resources have to be chewed up and how much toxic pollution is created by the manufacturing of these high-tech toys (and the network infrastructure that supports them). Let’s not even talk about the super-toxic lithium batteries that you need to power those toys.
Besides, CDs sound better… but I guess that doesn’t matter if you’re listening to the music through your crappy cell phone speaker.
-Craig
Comment by D-Rock on December 8th, 2006 at 1:46 pm:
Craig: I don’t think anyone here pretends that computers don’t have negative environmental impacts. E-waste is a huge issue, and is mostly dumped on developing countries where environmental regulations are slim to none.
Of course, no one buys a computer just to listen to music - MP3s are not driving the demand for them. Digital music players are a different story, yes …
… but CD players and stereos - necessary to play CDs! - also have these problematic manufacturing and disposal issues.
I think it’s fair to say that as a form of distributing music, the digital form is more environmentally-sane, hands-down.
As for sound quality - you’d be hard-pressed to distinguish between a 320 kbps MP3 and a CD track.
And who listens to music on a cell-phone?
I hope I have addressed your concerns.
You stupid contrarian motherfucking asshole.
Comment by dtrain on December 8th, 2006 at 6:27 pm:
I still don’t have the capital to buy one of those new fandangled mp3 players. I prefer the aesthetic and sound of vinyl. Honestly, if I buy an album on vinyl, I’d be more inclined to download a second copy like a freedom hater. But I’ve heard there are conversion programs now, so if I ever do buy an mp3 player to listen to music I will have to get one of those.
Good move though G7. I know a lot of people who plan on taking advantage of your new section.
Here’s to bringing back G7 radioooo oh oh oh. I know you guys have nothing better to do then slapping dinks in the winter anyways.
Comment by drew on December 8th, 2006 at 6:36 pm:
We made an attempt to revive G7 radio recently. It didn’t go well. There are tentative plans to release a box set of episodes 1 - 7, with outtakes and an in-depth booklet and photo gallery.
holy shit! are you serious? this is great news. would the box set be a real tangible release?
may i ask why the revival didnt go well?
Comment by Marc on December 8th, 2006 at 10:13 pm:
I’m not buying shit from G7 unless you guys start distributing this guy’s shit:
http://www.youtube.c.../watch?v=OmGFVLZC3os
Comment by Bob Lawblaw on December 8th, 2006 at 10:34 pm:
Oh man I’m in dire need of another hit of g7 radio…. There is only so many times you can laugh “ Meat eaters can all go sit on a shit.”
Comment by Danarcho on December 9th, 2006 at 2:38 am:
I don’t have a credit card. I don’t want one. I do like your music. I’ll continue to buy it if I can. Otherwise, to be honest, I’ll just end up stealing it. Sorry!
Also, I don’t have an mp3 player. I’m crazy enough to have this computer, and I have to spend my hard earned money/government loan/scholarship cash/bursaries on other items. So if I want to, I’ll just burn the music to a cd.
Student loans: buying me beer and other shit I don’t need (and the education…can’t forget the education…)
I dunno. I guess it’s cool for those who can utilize the store. But is it ironic that the poorest people of society, those you are trying to help, will never hear none of this music?
Yeah I’m grumpier than normal. I have an imperial history exam tomorrow. I’m going to sleep.
Comment by D-Rock on December 9th, 2006 at 10:09 am:
Actually, no.
Inappropriate touching mainly.
Comment by D-Rock on December 9th, 2006 at 10:17 am:
We will be adding PayPal as an option soon, for which you do not need a credit card, so that should solve your problem. :-)
There are a few things wrong with this assertion (is G7’s mandate to “help” the “poorest people in society”? Do the said people buy CD players and $15 - $20 CDs?). But it is nonetheless not ironic.
Comment by Will on December 9th, 2006 at 2:17 pm:
Are you guys still making that DVD you announced a long time ago?
And if so, will it be availavle for download too?
Comment by D-Rock on December 9th, 2006 at 4:07 pm:
Will: a DVD is indeed still in the works - in fact I’m in the process of authoring it right now. Expect more new on that in the new year.
Available for download? That’s tough - video files are much more difficult to offer in a digital format. Worth investigating though …
Comment by Steve, on December 9th, 2006 at 5:55 pm:
I think putting focus on digital music is a great leap forward for G7, and I’m sure it not only does good by the environment also the whole label itself. Not having to pay for distribution of product, printing covers, pressing records, blah blah blah. It’s much more convenient and the next logical step in “buying” music. I’ve been getting into the whole mp3 thing a lot lately simply because it just makes more sense to consume less and less material bullshit…especially when you can cut through to straight audio bullshit.
As for the one screaming purist asshole contained in that space between my stinky damaged liver and my heart, I have a major issue with the aesthetic lackings of digital over analog. Then again, art has kind of fallen by the wayside when it comes to mainstream music…understatement of the year. But despite my inclination to turn to a whinier/less-talented Steve Albini at the mentioning of mp3s, I must commend G7 in their attempt to bring that part of the “contextual experience” back to the fold.
More digital-only releases would be cool especially to bring a lot of attention to the store. Reissuing Painted Thin and Giant Sons, and Mico’s new record was a brilliant move. Need more of that.
Best of luck.
Comment by gerty on December 9th, 2006 at 9:33 pm:
haha I appreciate the ‘bob loblaw’ reference/handle. There are some electronic recyling places out there dont forget. g7 radio Box set I’m relieved thats a joke. But I would love to hear G7 radio again. you just need some confidence in you. drink, smoke or inject it between your toes if you have to.
Comment by Danarcho on December 10th, 2006 at 3:49 am:
Eh, pay pal is ok I guess, however the hell one gets that. Banks banks banks.
I forgot to mention that the albums are a little cheaper. But are the mark up price a little higher? You guys are gonna be rolling in cash! Cha ching!
Sorry if I came off sounding rude/stupid yesterday, I was miserable and stressed from tests at school. But now I’m happier, a little drunk, and wrote those Leninists back to hell sorta deal. Yeah.
But you don’t see yourselves as helping the poor and margianalized in society? What is the point of all of this then? The music? The monetary gain (ha)?
Personally, your music and others like it have helped me. I grew up in a poor family, homeless at some points in my life. Thanks to a couple flukes and chance hearings on the radio, I eventually got into punk/hardcore music, then picked up books and started to learn. Which is why I’m at this school, to learn, and even to hopefully teach others and do my part to eliminate suffering of the poor. I dunno, just comes from my own experiences.
I guess this eliminates my argument from yesterday. I guess what I am really curious is why G7 and really the whole anarchist music scene actually exists.
Hmmm. I don’t think this will make sense in my head tomorrow so I’m going to post it. Good night.
Comment by LJ on December 10th, 2006 at 11:33 am:
The DVD wasn’t Chris’ newsletter bullshit!? Thats so awesome Derek! I love you.
Comment by kyle on December 10th, 2006 at 4:47 pm:
I really like this. I’ve never paid to download music in my life, but I’ve already bought three albums from the iShit store. It’s convenient, and I imagine it’s more inexpensive to release albums like Balanced on a Pin in this format.
You ought to accompany every future release with a digital release for those of us who are too impatient to wait for the postal service to ship our album and who are just as happy burning a CD as having a fancy painted one.
Comment by Anthony on December 10th, 2006 at 5:11 pm:
Can I download Jord ripping rectal belches into a microphone?
Comment by Dan on December 10th, 2006 at 9:13 pm:
Glad to see there will finally be a paypal option and I can download the Giant Sons discography.
Any idea on how “soon” this will actually be?
Comment by longy on December 10th, 2006 at 10:44 pm:
I dont know enough about the environmental damages and stuff (some links would be nice anyone?), and im a fucking luddite. I think the artworks integral as part of a release aswell, I checked your website out Derek, some lovely work goin on. It just seems like digital set ups might not be as permanent for people, it can be costly. this aint even my computer im writing from, and its 56k dial up connection, in other words, a piece of shit. I cant see myself printing off the artwork on good quality paper and stuff due to lack of computer resources/energy (ahem) either, so heres what i think. If were all gonna have to “get with the programme”, you should digitally release - for free download - some KILLER live shows. Propagandhi, Clann Zu, Weakerthans, EVERYTHING US GOOD PEOPLE WANT.Dont you be actin like you aint got em now either,thats straight up Bullshit and every one on here knows it. haha. Pleeeeeease.Ok, frees maybe too much to ask. But cheap?
Comment by atomynous on December 11th, 2006 at 12:16 pm:
DON’T WORRY GUYS- i’ve already started manufacturing a million copies of the authentic john k. samson cd, with full liner notes, autographed by john k. samson himself. the cd will even come with a partially smoked cigarette: HALF-SMOKED BY NONE OTHER THAN JOHHNY K!
please send your credit card information to:
atrophic [dot] limbs [at] gmail [dot] com
so take that you enviromentally-conscious-soon-to-be-releasing-fartporn-dvd’s-for-cash-digital-douchebags!
Comment by tom on December 11th, 2006 at 1:28 pm:
let’s say i buy every single digital release in the e-store, plus rhythym activism’s jesus was gay. then, a few hours later, i get really horny and start rubbing my laptop hard and fast against my anus. and in a bizarre accident of orgasm/farting, i accidentally spatter my cpu full of happy shit, effectively destroying it.
THEN- 3 months later i find myself missing john k. samson’s ep really bad, like really really really bad, and im just jonesing, and i’ve already paid for the mp3s, but they’re not on my new 200,000$ computer i just got for christmas.
WHAT HAPPENS THEN, D-ROCK?
Comment by D-Rock on December 11th, 2006 at 1:40 pm:
Dan: I can’t give an ETA on PayPal payment integration - sorry. Hopefully earlier in the new year. It’s not up to us.
Longy: The artwork isn’t really meant for printing - more for screen-reading. As for live shows, that’s not a bad idea. “Killer” live shows are hard to come by unfortunately. But we’ll keep it in mind!
Tom: If you’re going to be shitting on your computer, I guess you’d better back up your music onto CDRs.
Comment by longy on December 11th, 2006 at 2:05 pm:
Screen reading? Man. Its gonna belike Blade Runner. I kinda get the feeling that of the G7 fanbase/blog readers, we’re all prety much nerds about the bands on the label. Itd be a great way to raise money aswell, Fugazi did it recently. Some amazing shows. Id probably shit my pants if you put up a live show from the Potemkin City Limits tour. You could even do it as seperate mp3s, so people could just choose a track, and purchase. “Hmmm, i have 79 pence in my bank account, i cant buy fuck all…oh wait…whats this?…Fixed Frequencies live from Dublin…click click” Thats a fuckin idea and a half that, and i dont even want money for it!
Comment by gerty on December 11th, 2006 at 8:37 pm:
I should say that I really really appreciate the album art sections as well as the previewing of songs and of course the free spoken word files. I for one think this is great.
Also just watched Terrorstorm not sure what to make of it. Alex Jones is a bit weird but makes pretty powerful arguments. anyone else seen that?
Comment by jordan on December 11th, 2006 at 8:41 pm:
Complete (or nearly) catalogue available for digital download?
It’s about time! Good move team!
Comment by rob on December 12th, 2006 at 3:44 am:
I’m a fan of CDs, but have happily bought albums from your site (now) and previously through emusic. So that’s one convert at least.
I’d be up for paying for live shows too… even middling to fair ones. some of us live on the wrong side of the world, hence don’t get to experience G7 bands live, so live shows can fill that gap.. or maybe I need to get out more. Either way, it’d be cool.
Comment by tom on December 12th, 2006 at 10:09 am:
ah D-Rock, you’re just a mutated creation of the problems we didn’t face…
Comment by mike a. on December 13th, 2006 at 10:39 am:
CD TOWERS ARE THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE!!!
Comment by dumdiddee on December 14th, 2006 at 12:44 pm:
well, let’s see here, you quit peddling clothing and now the music catalog is fully automated. Shit, what are you guys gonna do around the office now? :)
seems to me y’all got it made in the shade now. And i say all the more power to ya. Plus, i DO believe it makes sense from an environmental point of view.
Comment by nomeansno on December 16th, 2006 at 10:11 am:
d-rock,
does the “enhanced cd” portion of Today’s Empires come with the download? if not, i think it would be a good idea to look into that, as there were a lot of good videos and information on there.
Comment by nomeansno on December 16th, 2006 at 10:13 am:
and, out of curiosity, howcome the release from …But Alive is not available for download?
Comment by D-Rock on December 16th, 2006 at 1:50 pm:
nomeansno:
The video portions of Empires are not included, but they are freely accessible on Prop’s site.
Re: But Alive (and others) - certian records we license for very specific territories, and only for physical distribution, i.e. we are not authorized to sell them on The Internets. Wish we could offer the whole shebang, but alas …
Actually, the BA record would be worth asking Marcus about for digital rights, as I don’t think it’s represented anywhere currently.
Comment by caítlin on December 16th, 2006 at 2:49 pm:
I like CDs, and I don’t have a CD writer thingamabobby, but I think this is a good idea. Especially considering a fair few of those digital music sites only serve the North American amongst us…
I think I speak for both myself and this adorable little fella *(mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/im…) when I say; good work fellas!
[* may not actually represent the views of lil duckie]
Comment by tom on December 17th, 2006 at 12:21 am:
to tell you the truth, i just compared the size of my cd/vynil/cher memorabilia collection to the size of my penis, i mean my computer, and considering my laptop is like 1/23rd the FUCKING size of all those cd’s, computers (which can hold so much information) is a much more enviromentally effecient way of selling your brainwashing chomsky cd’s.
and speaking of the theory of evolution, that book evolution was amazing. i’ve decided from now on i’m gonna take my shits from the treetops. it’s the sanest way.