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Weekly survey: What are your thoughts on posthumous album releases?

In case you missed the news, a new Gord Downie album was announced today. Away is Mine, due October 16 (one day before the third anniversary of Gord’s death), will feature ten songs, each in two forms: one electric and and one acoustic. This material was recorded at The Hip’s Bathhouse studios in July 17 and features Gord’s close friends and his son, Lou on drums.

Posthumous releases have always been big business. Just look at Jimi Hendrix who left behind enough material when he died 50 years ago for dozens and dozens of records. Material keeps slipping out from the Linkin Park vaults. The Chris Cornell estate gives us something from the archives every once in a while.

While many fans love being able to hear new music from musical heroes that have passed on, others find this exploitive, a money grab, using material the artist felt wasn’t worth releasing when he/she was still alive.

What are your thoughts?

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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2 thoughts on “Weekly survey: What are your thoughts on posthumous album releases?

  • I think it’s great as we get to listen to songs that were based on ideas that the artist had going on in their minds during that specific moment whether they were happy, sad, under the influence, sober, etc.. If they didn’t feel that these were not worthy for release and shouldn’t see the light of day, then any copies should’ve been destroyed immediately.

    Reply
  • Gives fans an opportunity to experience what was going on with the artist at the time. I think it’s important to hear.

    Reply

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