Industry Surrenders on Used CDs
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It’s difficult to refute the industry’s arguments against used CD sales, mostly because it doesn’t really have any (“New and used CD sales simply don’t mix,” wrote Bach last month). Mostly the labels didn’t want consumers to have the opportunity to avoid paying their cartel prices. Rather than consider lowering them, CEMA, which distributes Capitol records and a host of smaller labels, led the industry’s campaign to take advertising co-op dollars away from stores that retail both new and used products. The LA-based chain Wherehouse and an alliance of independent outlets promptly instituted suits. Spice was added to the debate when country superstar cum corporate toady Garth Brooks said he didn’t want his new album In Pieces to be sold in stores that handle used CDs. (Though Brooks is known for his cheap concert tickets, he’s also allowed his last two albums to lead industry price hikes.) But now CEMA will halt the restrictions on co-op ads; the rest of the industry is expected to follow suit; and, to make the surrender complete, In Pieces will be sold to any store that wants it. Bach made the decision without telling Brooks. “I was going to get sued personally,” says Brooks in the same issue of Billboard, trying to save face. “I think they did me a favor.”
Censorship at Musicland?
