Steven Wilson begging in Facebook

I don't know if I speak for a lot of prog fans (I'd like to think I do here), but I absolutely want a physical copy of this album - be it the CD version, the LP version, a DVD Audio version, etc. Actually - make that ANY album period.

I've been buying LP's and CD's my whole life, and I'm not interested in hoarding a bunch of data on a computer.

Besides, I think especially progressive rock fans appreciate elaborate artwork, intricate cover artwork, packaging, CD booklets, LP gatefold sleeves, etc. I love scanning over the lyrics, inner sleeves, etc, maybe even displaying a special album on a wall.

Hope plenty of others feel the same way!

Aussie-Byrd-Brother wrote: I don't know if I speak for a lot of prog fans (I'd like to think I do here), but I absolutely want a physical copy of this album - be it the CD version, the LP version, a DVD Audio version, etc. Actually - make that ANY album period. I've been buying LP's and CD's my whole life, and I'm not interested in hoarding a bunch of data on a computer. Besides, I think especially progressive rock fans appreciate elaborate artwork, intricate cover artwork, packaging, CD booklets, LP gatefold sleeves, etc. I love scanning over the lyrics, inner sleeves, etc, maybe even displaying a special album on a wall. Hope plenty of others feel the same way!

120% agreed. 

In addition to what you have so aptly stated: If Steven Wilson's audience has any appreciation for his wizardly skills in sound engineering, they would know the difference between a 128 kbps and let's say a properly recorded CD, or, even better, a properly mastered, cut and pressed LP, played through a single-ended tube ("valve") amp. 

Roger makes a good point....I kind of just assumed the album was out because of the numerous reviews, and was planning on heading to my local store to snap up a copy when I finish nightshift on Wednesday morning.

Now I'm to understand it's not even actaully out yet? What is the actual release date?

On a side-note, it really ticks me off people who write negative reviews over simply hearing a pirated version they didn't pay a damn cent for....

Yep the 25th.
Maybe Steven was a little too generous with the promos eh?
It's insane how many people have rated this. Do they really think it benefits Wilson, if they overtly display a fondness for an album of his that they stole?

As Wilson/Burning Shed says, leaks are inevitable. We can fight their use in pre-release ratings and reviews here but it is an endeavour comparable to the trial of Sisyphus, hindered by the early review copies that are legitimately owned by people who post reviews on sites such as ours. If early review copies are used on reviews then we should insist the reviewer states that in their review and make it site policy that all rating-only prior to release date are simply disabled. Policing that for every new release is a time-consuming job. Of course once the official release date has passed we can no longer police the reviews and ratings for illegal downloading - we simply have no way of telling how anyone obtained the copy they are reviewing or rating. That in itself could be a solid argument for not policing them prior to the official release date. I'm not saying we should condone pre-release reviews and ratings and encourage reviews and ratings of illegally downloaded albums in general, but I am saying there is not a great deal we can do about them.

rogerthat wrote: ^^^^ That's the worst part, there's a rot within.  Somebody deemed trustworthy enough for a promo copy leaked it to the pirates.   And this has been going on for the last few years.  Even Metallica didn't shrug when Death Magnetic leaked.

It is a double-edged sword for the artist and record labels because all publicity is good publicity, it's just costing a lot more than they budgeted for. Wilson's current plea is a good response - shame people who have downloaded the illegal copy into buying the official version.

I totally support the idea of being honest and pay for the music you get. If the artist decides to give it free, like Mike Grande and others, that's a different story, but let's be honest, is not that prog artists make a lot of money selling their music, and if on top we find a way to get it and not pay for it, we are harming the people who put the effort to compose, play and record the music we love, so let's give them some respect and buy the music.

I'm not a huge fan of his work (PT is okay), but listening to a leak beforehand can definitely affect your long-term enjoyment of an album...I agree with Steven's standpoint and think more artists should stand up against this annoying trend.

I really really doubt Wilson is gonna have any financial difficulties if some people don't buy his record. Because if that was the case then every single musician out there right now would be broke and starving because people download everything. It seems I have the outlier opinion here... I'd speak my piece but I don't want to seem "stupid enough to argue this in public.". there is obvious animosity here.

Sumdeus wrote: I really really doubt Wilson is gonna have any financial difficulties if some people don't buy his record. Because if that was the case then every single musician out there right now would be broke and starving because people download everything. It seems I have the outlier opinion here... I'd speak my piece but I don't want to seem "stupid enough to argue this in public.". there is obvious animosity here.

You probably won't have financial difficulties neither if your manager at work tomorrow decides not to pay you anymore for a random number of worked hours. It's not like you'll starve or go broke right. Just eat your soles if you're hungry.

Do you even realize what you are saying?