Ongoing History Daily: The return of the B-side

December 13, 2024 Alan Cross 0 Comments 0 min read

When it comes to physical media—specifically 7-inch singles and CD singles—a great treat was the B-side. This was another song (or in some cases, songs) that we’re’ the main focus, the track that the label and the band hoped would be a hit.

Some groups—The Beatles, The Smiths, Oasis—had great and famous B-sides. But in the age of digital media and streaming where everything is amorphous and with no physical structure, has the B-side disappeared forever? Not necessarily.

Very quietly, some platforms like Bandcamp and Amazon Music have been offering what they call “bonus tracks,” which are essentially the same as old-school B-sides. Why do this? To help build a fanbase and to serve fans with a little treasure that you can only find in a specific place. Watch for this cool little trend to grow.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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