So what do we know is in the Smile Box set ??

[brother john]

It's a pity that if one wants the 4 CDs you also have to have the LPs. I don't want the LPs because I don't have a record player, and they are likely to be just vinyl versions of the 2 CD set anyway.

They should do 2 CD, a 4 CD and a separate vinyl version of the 2 CD. That way we can express as much or as little interest in the project as we like, without having to shell out for stuff we don't want. 

I think it's worth noting that it was the original Billboard announcement that described the release configurations, and NOT the official press release from a few days later. The press release only promises "multiple physical and digital configurations" and "2CD and digital album packages and a deluxe, limited edition box set." I think they left themselves some wiggle room to tweak the configurations, and we'll get the exact specifics when they issue a new press release with the release date and the track list. It's also intriguing (though proof of nothing) that the press release never says FOUR CDs -- that was also in the Billboard article. However, in the accompanying interview Mark Linett said it would take "at least" three CDs to cover the sessions. So...

Good point. Here's hoping for exactly what I want! 

[chris.metcalfe]

It's a pity that if one wants the 4 CDs you also have to have the LPs. I don't want the LPs because I don't have a record player, and they are likely to be just vinyl versions of the 2 CD set anyway.

I'll take them off your hands for the appropriate sum.

[Mikie]

I understand both sides. Those who collected the vinyl before CD's came out and continue to pick up the vinyl for their collections (whether or not they still have turntables) and those who never collected the vinyl before (or after) CD's started coming out in 1985. And also guys like me who pick up the vinyl versions anyway if they're available, just for the collectibility of it and not going to play it -in the short term anyway. Some people, especially the audiophiles, want the vinyl because of its 'warm' audio sound.

And just to get the top of the line set you have to buy the vinyl whether you like it or not. I can understand those who can't use the vinyl (there are many) but are forced to have it anyway if they buy the "limited edition" deluxe set. Some people can't afford it. Brother John has a point - a choice of all CD's or half and half.

I'll take whatever they gimme.  It's SMiLE, you know?

[sockittome]

It's a pity that if one wants the 4 CDs you also have to have the LPs. I don't want the LPs because I don't have a record player,

Dear sir,
 Buy a record player. Do you enjoy listening to music with amazing fidelity and wonderful dynamic range? Buy a record player. If only for the aesthetics of holding a big slab-o-vinyl with large artwork to peruse you should have one. They don't cost much and the format has been around for, like, a hundred years unlike whatever crummy format you must have, and seems unlikely to go away anytime soon. Seriously, get one.

And I'm hoping that if, down the road, they decide to release a big dvd set, they will include some vhs tapes.  That would be cool! 

[hypehat]

You should go to a record shop sometime, vinyl's making a comeback. 

[Jeff]

It's a pity that if one wants the 4 CDs you also have to have the LPs. I don't want the LPs because I don't have a record player,

Dear sir,
 Buy a record player. Do you enjoy listening to music with amazing fidelity and wonderful dynamic range? Buy a record player. If only for the aesthetics of holding a big slab-o-vinyl with large artwork to peruse you should have one. They don't cost much and the format has been around for, like, a hundred years unlike whatever crummy format you must have, and seems unlikely to go away anytime soon. Seriously, get one.

Sounds kinda like a few people in the early 20th century who laughed scornfully at car owners, and told them to "get a horse."

[homeontherange]

Sounds kinda like a few people in the early 20th century who laughed scornfully at car owners, and told them to "get a horse."

Well, vinyl is coming back. I've lately seen that most record stores are focusing on vinyl now. And people are much more interested in vinyl than, say, 10 years ago.
Who wants an ugly CD when you can have a beautiful vinyl album? Everyone downloads and streams their music these days anyway, so I don't really see the point to CDs. A vinyl album is something you can display in your home, like a piece of art.
My projection is that CDs will eventually disappear but vinyl will be with us for a long time because of its magic and warmth. People will continue to stream their music, and some will buy their favorite albums on vinyl and store at home, to look at, and maybe listen to.

[hypehat]

My projection is that CDs will eventually disappear but vinyl will be with us for a long time because of its magic and warmth. People will continue to stream their music, and some will buy their favorite albums on vinyl and store at home, to look at, and maybe listen to.

This is what I do FWIW. Except I definitely listen to vinyl. It's a cheaper way to own classic music, in some circumstances, if you indulge in cratedigging - it becomes two or three quid rather than the 5 or 10 for a CD. Even some new vinyl is competitive with new CDs, f'instance the new Iron & Wine only cost me a pound more.

My CD's are useful for digitising things, but if it's on vinyl, I'll pick it up on vinyl.

[Finishing the composition of his post by candlelight, the young gentleman put on his tweed, got on his horse and rode for the rest of the night to the telegraph office, so the clerk could send it to the 'Internet'] 

[WWDWD?]

I stopped buying CDs years ago. These days, I only buy vinyl and I choose to do so for all the usual reasons people say they like vinyl. I DO listen to my records regularly and most NEW records I buy come with a free digital download. So I've got my big, beautiful 12" album art and great sounding vinyl as well as my digital music-to-go on my ipod. Vinyl seems to be growing in popularity and most of the new bands I get into have released their music on vinyl. Hooray!

Oh, and I can't wait to get SMiLE on vinyl!

[runnersdialzero]

It's a pity that if one wants the 4 CDs you also have to have the LPs. I don't want the LPs because I don't have a record player,

Dear sir,
 Buy a record player. Do you enjoy listening to music with amazing fidelity and wonderful dynamic range? Buy a record player. If only for the aesthetics of holding a big slab-o-vinyl with large artwork to peruse you should have one. They don't cost much and the format has been around for, like, a hundred years unlike whatever crummy format you must have, and seems unlikely to go away anytime soon. Seriously, get one.

Dear sir,
Try to be a bit nicer about how you state things like this in the future. No need to condescend to another over their choice of listening format.