S J Birkill
MV Administrator
just a sensible reserve
Posts: 893
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Re: MP3 Files
« Reply #2: 24.04.06 at 09:24 » |
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Hello Ashley
The short answer is unfortunately the right one. There's no physical reason we can't just upload the entire catalogue in MP3 format, but there are several good legal reasons not to do it. And yes, they're pretty much all to do with copyright, not just Pete's and Clive's on the songs and the words (which they wouldn't in any case wish to place in the public domain: it could be argued that the availability of lyrics and chords on Smash Flops already prejudices their rights, but this risk they are kind enough (to us, the fans) to take), but also those of various entities in the performances and the recordings.
Pete has explained parts of this complex web (involving Essex Music and its successors, and not least one Radio Corporation of America and its), once or twice in MV history. In due course I hope that he will (or I shall) attempt to draw all the disparate pieces together for everyone's reference and place them in the (currently empty) "Atkin FAQ" on this forum.
Until then, you might like to read his exposition in the MV archives: follow this link to the text version of MV's 7th year, and scroll down to message MV10644. It's quite long but I think it's a clear explanation of the situation.
Of course none of us have given up on the prospect of a future full re-reissue, either by Pete himself through Hillside, should he ever penetrate all the barriers, or by some other means such as the record companies opening their vaults to on-line MP3 sales (with all the DRM hassles attached, no doubt). Until then, the lucky ones can be thankful they were here (with MV) at the right time (our middle period) to grab the treasures on CD; those less fortunate can only search out the ever-rarer resales of the CDs (or the vinyl that's still around), but be thankful that Pete is still able and willing to play the songs for us live, and even to come up with new ones, year after year.
Steve
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