pepperonigin

Parachutes, front to back, is excellent, the other two less so but I enjoy songs off of each. 
 
I don't know, they have a bit of a negative connotation and they really fell off later in their careers. Something being a guilty pleasure doesn't make it bad, I just probably wouldn't admit to most people that I enjoy Coldplay. Probably my own hang up more than anything else.

Looking past the fact that their website looks like a storefront for sexy toys hosted on Geocities, you know you’re a credible source of music critique when you have to rely on mental disorders as descriptors.  I thought that was a parody site until I saw how seriously they review all their literally-who metal bands on the front page.

Probably not that much considering they move thousands and thousands of records every month. They could repress anything and they'll sell out of it, I'm sure most labels/artists would love to be involved.

I personally really enjoyed Oceania, I thought that kid they got to play the drums was exceptional.  The Chimera is probably my favorite track on there, thought it was very reminiscent of the old SP sound.  Just like pepperonigin, Monuments didn't grab me either, but I don't know that I've given it enough of a chance yet.

Update to my previous posts: went to the show last night based on recommendations and it was absolutely fantastic. I hope others on the fence will do the same. 

Best seats in Radio City were $250, cheapest was $75 for third mezz. I'm resigned to the fact that mid acts will be around $40-$50 and big names over $100 but to charge $250 and you have to wait around for 6 hours is crazy in my opinion. Obviously people were willing to do this and pay it so whatever.

I love the idea of a physical, box office only release. It rewards fans and gives them a chance to get good seats (if they have the time of course). However, ticket prices for concerts are getting out of control for some artists and it’s really discouraging to see Trent and company charge $200-$250 face to fans willing to wait out in the pouring rain for hours. Disappointed I’ll be missing them but I can’t justify those prices. 

Best seats in Radio City were $250, cheapest was $75 for third mezz. I'm resigned to the fact that mid acts will be around $40-$50 and big names over $100 but to charge $250 and you have to wait around for 6 hours is crazy in my opinion. Obviously people were willing to do this and pay it so whatever.

I guess it depends on the city and where your ticket is. Face price for the worst tickets in Detroit (gallery) were $40 + fees. But the pit and good main floor tickets were $175. And the back rows of the mainfloor  were still $95. As far as I recall NIN has never charged anywhere near that much for the best seats when they've done these smaller shows in the past. At least they haven't at the cities near me.
 
If you're making people at a lot of these cities wait 6+ hours to even get them, maybe don't screw them and charge 2x the norm for those good seats. But Trent and co know that if you are willing to wait that long then you are willing to pay that much.

Very much needing to talk to your
Manager
Please

I understand companies make mistakes and they're culpable (to an extent) but what do these people want, to put them out of business? Keep sending records back for minor issues and see where that gets you. Go find something better to do with your time and maybe listen to your records instead of looking at them.

I saw them open for Saves the Day a couple of years ago and they were incredible, and I’m seeing them again tonight. Can’t wait. 

They've got someone from another band doing all the extra auxilary stuff in addition to the 4 regular members and they're all soooooo fucking talented. I saw them the other day on her birthday and she hit every note (even after this pic I'm gonna include). She stands a lot further from the mic too... those pipes. Oh and they played 7 of the 9 new songs, 5 from Painted Shut and 2 from Get Disowned.
 
 
 

We're at war with VMP.  Strap up. 

Mother of God... I just caught up on all of this... C R I N G E
 

 
 

They'll go up as soon as those 20% off coupons they sent out last year expire next month. 

Quit bragging about your gatefold.

I post more on the VMP side as a lot of their exclusives and store variants actually end up cheaper for us Canucks than ordering direct through US/EU stores. I'm a big supporter and really enjoy how they expose me to music I wouldn't find on my own given time constraints, where I look, etc.
 
That said, the forum is toxic as heck sometimes. There's a group of on/off/disgruntled members that struggle to not sweat the small stuff, and I just don't get it (I should, it's the god damn internet...). When I log on, 1/2 the time it feels like I walked into a restaurant with a bunch of people who HATE the restaurant but keep coming back to let the chefs and management know how they fucked up, or like a child who keeps telling you they are going to call the social services on you but you know they never will. Give up the ghost, please...
 
Anyways, I do want to say that all communities have their issues, as I think VC can sometimes also display those aggressive / over-obsessive tendencies. But damn, the VMP forum takes it to another level sometimes...

There's no finer moment than when you slowly slit open the cellophane wrapping down the opening spine of your newly-delivered overpriced record reissue. After fumbling through the awkward process of tearing that baby off, you slowly turn her around, sneaking glances at every corner to make sure she's as perfect as the early mockup looked. Not a bumped corner or wrinkle in sight. You advance now as your heart rate increases.
 
And then, the moment that can only be rivaled by actual coitus,  you grab the opening slit with your fingertips to unveil its inner gatefold beauty and WHAT IN THE ABSOLUTE FUCK, IT'S JUST A SINGLE SLEEVE???

I posted in the Doggystyle bitching thread and I'm getting torn apart by the hivemind lol
 
Edit: oh my fucking god
 

Yeah it all seems fairly pleasant over there - I've never had a negative experience and everyone's nice. Just some really, really peculiar driving factors as to why purchases are made. Happens here too but it's mostly band-based (or genre sometimes).
Over there it seems like some people will force themselves to like something just because it's getting the VMP treatment.
 
As a social experiment VMP should reissue Kidz Bop Vol. 1 on starburst vinyl with a tip-on glittered gatefold and watch what ensues.
 

This right here is exactly why I’ve tried like three times to be active on the VMP forums and I just can’t do it. It’s so incredibly alien to me to have that/those mindset(s).
 
Feels like I’m the only one there without $100,000 of excess spending money at any given point in time. Its pretty goddamn ridiculous that people will buy shit for no reason other than “it’s there and it looks cool” but  the same people don’t want to buy something because it isn’t a fucking gatefold.

The VMP forums are a strange corner of the internet. As swb mentioned a post above me, they always pitch very specific details about the packaging, materials, design, etc - which is fine and dandy but also sets them up for backlash when their detail-obsessive customer base is shortchanged in any way.
 
More alarming for me was when I ventured into the Member Store thread the other day. Stuff along the lines of:
 
"I've never heard of this band but the cover art for that looks SWEET and I don't want FOMO - insta-buy!!!!"
and
"I tried to listen but think it's just OK. Can anyone convince me to like this music because the vinyl's aesthetics look so good I need it on my shelves". 
 

I get that part.  I just can't imagine not buying, or returning an album, because it's a double album isn't a gatefold.  I do agree that non gatefold double albums do kind of suck because it causes more wear and tear on the jacket.  

That's on VMP. A big part of their sales pitch is hyping up details like that and setting the expectation. If a significant part of your marketing focuses on tip-on jackets and gatefold artwork and liner notes and the lifestyle experience, your customers are going to perceive that as a significant part of the value. Meanwhile, when you and I buy records from listings that are just a digital proof of the LP cover and no other details other than vinyl color or weight, we're happy with whatever comes as long as it is in new condition, plays, and sounds good. The healthy vinyl lifestyle, IMO.