[ARSCLIST] Recession and CD end of the road -- two possible signs

[Tom Fine <tflists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Interestingly, in recent months, Universal has brought back into print some jazz and classical 
titles. I don't think they did any remastering, but the new versions are steeply discounted compared 
to the last time in print. The discount is achieved by really cheap packaging and what appears to be 
limited distribution through online sellers.

Two cases in point:

1. The Dorati Haydn symphony cycle, out of print for a few years and formerly street priced at over 
$100. Now back in print for just over $2 per disc at Arkivmusic. There appears to be a minimalist 
booklet in the minimalist box.

2. A new jazz reissue series "Verve Originals." Unlike previous Verve "LP-alike" reissues, which had 
the cardboard color CD case and a pull-out 10x10 replica of the LP front and back, these have no 
booklet and the LP cover is replicated in 5x5 CD size (so forget reading the liner notes without a 
magnifier).

It will be interesting to see if this continues. It's sort of the reverse of the late 90's, a 
downmarket, non-deluxe reissue series. No added tunes, no deluxe notes/booklet, no attempts at 
LP-sized graphics.

-- Tom Fine