I'm trying very hard to compartmentalize my love of the music they released in the 60's and 70's from my antipathy for the elitist, money grubbing conglomerate they've become.
Yes, I know. I have downloaded the content. And while I can make my own disc, that isn't the point. I happen to enjoy having the CDs produced for me with professional artwork, liner notes, mixing, mastering, etc. I don't have time to design and construct my own CD product from FLAC files. And again, why should only a select few fans be able to afford a deluxe set from The Rolling Stones? Most of the fan-base gets FLACs and MP3s of these great shows, and a few wealthy fans get the deluxe box sets? The Rolling Stones have lost sight of the plot as far as I am concerned. $600 box sets, $600 ticket prices, etc. I don't see how anyone can defend this nonsense. These guys used to make great records, put on quality shows for respectable prices, stood for what rock and roll was about. Now they are a punch-line whoring themselves out for top dollar.
Well it's always interesting to see and hear one complete show and I like the Hampton TV show and I'd love to have it in better quality.
I'm thinking somewhere out there is a Market research expert working for these companies who has totally sold the executives on the concept that either "hard core" fans still buying CDs (which makes them of a certain age I guess) either have the stuff already and will only consider buying if it is some extravagant package with books, posters, lithos, marbles, whatever.. They just dont get that hard core fans who still buy CDs (I am 47 now) want the music first.
Yep. Still MP3. I actually bought the MP3 downloads, but I would be really happy if we could have access to FLACs.
The DVD is getting a separate release from Eagle Rock. I will be opting for this. I already have the flac download, I have no desire to spend so much on the box set. The DVD however is essential and will be a nice upgrade to my boot DVD of the TV broadcast.
http://www.eagle-rock.com/product/from-the-vault-hampton-coliseum-live-in-1981/ So far, only scheduled for Europe. Blu-Ray also
I agree the US getting the FLAC files would have been great, but those are some really, really nice sounding MP3's.
I'd guess that a Hampton box set comparable to the Brussels box has been quietly scuttled since the Brussels box understandably hasn't sold all that well.
I was told 2 years ago that L.A. Forum '75 and Hampton '81 would see a Blu-Ray release in the U.S. "soon." Maybe L.A. '75 in Summer 2015...40th Anniversary?
"SD Blu-ray" means this will *not* be in HD video, but standard def like the recent Blu-ray release of the 1992 Freddy Mercury Tribute concert. No doubt because the show was shot on video tape, not film. Hopefully the audio will at least be lossless.
I might get this on stand-alone DVD only; already paid for the 'new' remix in 2012, as a FLAC download on the Stones Archive store. Sounds pretty good, but I don't think Blu-ray 24bit Lossless 5.1 surround is strictly necessary for a rather tepid show (minus that glorious "Satisfaction" moment). Leeds '82 is a better performance, and I imagine they have the whole CCTV video feed for that, too. Would also rather have the full 2005 Toronto Phoenix club show! All in good time, I hope.
