Oct 2014

1.  Around the world, the music business has shifted toward downloads and streaming. But in Japan, the compact disc is still king. On a drizzly Sunday afternoon recently, Tower Records here was packed with customers like Kimiaki Koinuma, a 23 year old engineer in a Dee Dee Ramone T-shirt. He says he spends little time with digital services and prefers his music on disc. Reasons include the Japanese love for collectibles and promotions that include concert tickets contained in the CD. CD sales have been declining, but online sales have dropped from $1 billion to $400 million. Tower records closed its 89 American outlets in 2006, but the Japanese branch still has 85 outlets. [Personally I tried a few downloads as a novelty, but if I seriously want something I buy the CD, "Hi-Rez" downloads have no interest for me--DBH] NYT 17Se14

2.  Hi All, The next AudioKarma fest is Saturday 10/25 at 55 Sterling St. Clinton MA, same location as before. (ed. note - That was Feb 2013, BTW)  It starts around 11am and continues until 5 pm. Features demonstrations, workshops, talks, music, and sales (buy, or bring your stuff to sell). Food and drink are shared, bring your own or something to share. Please spread the word.

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