As far as I'm concerned, this Roger Manning album IS the long-awaited followup to "Spilt Milk".

I just downloaded the Weedshare software needed to purchase the 11 tracks.

Weedshare is an interesting variation on the ITunes distribution model, I checked all of the User Agreement fine print very carefully before installing and it looks okay.

The entire "Solid State Warrior" album came to $13.75 via PayPal.

According to the Weedshare folks, 50% of the proceeds go directly to Mr. Manning himself.

I believe the remainder gets split between the host of the website where the files were located and the Weedshare people.

Supposedly, If I were to post these same files somewhere and someone bought them off my site, I would get a percentage cut, too.

Not really interested in getting into the distribution side of things, but it was a fun way to purchase an essential piece of power pop music.

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Is it ONLY available as a download? Or can I buy the disc somewhere?

A different heads-up: Ben Folds' new record, which isn't out until April, is being sold (via his site) on preorder with a bonus disc. It's pricey, but limited.

quote:

Originally posted by philosopherEric:
Is it ONLY available as a download? Or can I buy the disc somewhere?

For now, download only.

I don't even know if he's got an actual record deal for this yet.

The story I'm hearing from the Jellyfish mail list is that Roger finished these tracks up like, two weeks ago and his fans talked him into doing an early release via this Weedshare thing.

He's supposed to have his own website up and running in the near future, at which point he will presumably advise folks about the if's and where's and when's of a packaged CD release.

I'd heard that this same sort of thing happened with the Rogue Wave album; it was available online for about a year before a packaged CD hit the stores.

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Jayhawks fans:

There's a second volume of the "Live from the Women's Club" series out now. I'm not sure if you can get it from the band (try www.jayhawksfanpage.com) but I know you can get it from Gary and Marc, who are touring together. Volume One was available from the band on the 2003-2004 tours.

It documents a 2002 show as an acoustic trio (Louris, Perlman, and drummer Tim O'Reagan). The first volume has 17 live tracks and 2 demos. The second volume has 11 MORE live tracks (from the same show) with 4 outtakes and demos.

I got mine as a b-day present from my buddy in the ATL. Jayhawks fans will want these, for sure.

The Coalition record stores have a few exclusive goodies out there now...they're carrying a new Neko Case record (Canadian Amp) that was tour-only, the American Music Club live record AND the AMC compilation that were both tour/mail order only, and there's a 6-song live Doves ep.

If you're not sure which are the Coalition stores, check here:

http://www.cimsmusic.com/

The list of exclusives is down the left side.