BonusTracks- a mini expose
I'm working to compile my top ten for the year and I find myself troubled. Bonus Tracks (and I consider those stupid ass hidden or unnamed tracks bonus tracks as well). Are they supposed to be considered a part of the release? Are they a true bonus for the consumer for buying the disc? If they are, and everyone get them, are they a true bonus? If the are only on select discs, why should I buy the regular? And are they worth the extra that is sometimes added to such releases? Are they leftovers? Songs that are not worthy for true consideration as part of the artist's output?
In my opinion there should not be anything called "bonus tracks" (and you have probably realized that I truly hate hidden tracks). Bonus tracks are like b-sides or better yet- unreleased material. I have no problem with a release of previously unreleased songs, but don't pepper new (I don't mean greatest hit) releases with bonus tracks. I no longer feel I am getting a bonus.
The great director Mike Mongillo once said, and I quote, "There is usually a reason why songs are not released. Because they usually suck." I tend to agree, and if bonus tracks is a way to market less than stellar recordings I am not for it.
So I ask you- when contemplating a recording's worth or greatness, should one take into account "bonus tracks", especially if the extra tracks are on only certain releases? If a disc is okay, but the bonus track happens to be so awesome that it ratchets up the greatness, should that be considered.
Please take this essay to the throne for more thorough postulating.
Bo Nusnono
posted by PSF Press @ 7:25 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Damn fine question, and one that is not answered easily. When submitting an old disc, I never include the bonus tracks, so a judgement can be made on what the artist released originally.
It gets a little more dicey when you consider new releases. When I submitted REM this summer, I left off the bonus cuts and my rating was not influenced by them.
That said, the 3 "hidden" songs dumped into one track at the end of the Hold Steady cd are (in my opinion) essential to evaluating the disc as a whole, and I did take those (that?)into consideration.
I agree that bonus cuts on new discs are bogus. Not sure there's an absolute when it comes to using said songs as part of your analysis.
W. Ishywashy
You know, I'd give you an answer, but I'm contemplating things that seem more relevant. Like the CFL draft. Or the upcoming CHIPS reunion show.
Thought maybe you were busy trying to find the rest of the f'ing Whitesnake catalog...
Warm Regards,
Mike
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