I was just over in the 2008 section and people are talking about songs from yet unreleased albums (I'm partially guilty having heard a few songs from Vampire Weekend).

My question is whether this takes away from the experience of buying a new CD? It does for me. For the most part I try to ignore an artists new songs if I know they have an album coming out soon. For example, I love Hot Chip and know their new album is out in a few months, so I am intentionally ignoring their MySpace page.

Would most people rather hear the songs as early as possible, or, like me wait till the CD comes out? And does hearing the songs early diminish the buying of the CD?

Patience young padawans, let songs build into album you should. Do not diminish the album in advance; upon release, consume it you will and strong be the musical force in you, yes.

Agree with you, I'd rather wait till the CD comes at and hear it all at once, for the first time. I don't think hearing a song or two in advance diminishes it though, especially if you only listen to it, say, once or twice.