I know that PJ can't come close to Radiohead in terms of record sales, but it seems to me that if they're looking for a new model for putting out records, they should take a page from their playbook:

RECORD AN ALBUM, PUT IT OUT IMMEDIATELY VIA DIGITAL DOWNLOAD.

THEN: OFFER A "DELUXE" LIMITED EDITION-- CD/LP with a really nicely designed package (none of that Backspacer/Avocado crap-- PJ's packaging used to be so cool) and liner notes by Ed. Maybe a few bonus tracks and something else that's cool and fun.

Bypass the record companies and keep all the money for themselves. Release it exclusively through the Ten Club.

I know this is KIND OF what happened with Backspacer, but they're leaving out a lot of retailers that way. What Radiohead is doing now, a 50 or 60 dollar deluxe thing, seems like it would sell enough copies to sell out a limited run to their fanbase, especially if it is a strictly limited edition that they could sell online and through the Ten Club. People shell out a lot of money for mugs and t-shirts at shows, I'll bet a really nice looking deluxe set would sell like gangbusters at shows.

True self-distribution. True independence. Isn't this what they've been after for a while?

Pearl Jam would make a $150 deluxe package and you wouldn't get much more.

Radiohead got this right, and despite not immediately releasing it digitally, Bright Eyes got it right with their packages this time around too.

this thread will be fun

I'm pretty sure people asked this very question during the Backspacer debates on this very forum.

They should look to Radiohead for ideas.

However, all it will ultimately do is spawn new complaints about pricing/or not getting the bonus tracks/collcetors stuff etc....that the fan wants.

I guess for this to work they'd have to work on a modest recording budget- short recording sessions, bypass big-name producers. Hell, maybe even produce the album themselves. That'd be interesting.

I say go the Paul westerberg route.

Release random ass recording recorded in their warehouse and say fuck it and just put it out there.

They're all about money these days so that will never happen. I think they would've approached this type of thing in the 90s were it possible.

The why don't they is in your first sentence. They don't have the numbers for this to be viable. Not through 10c alone and certainly not after the assrape fuck ups of the Super Delux Editions. NOBODY will trust them to deliver..

Pearl Jam currently exists to make as much money as possible for the band members. They have side projects to satisfy their love of music.

Sadly, right now i'd agree with that. They're in control of their solo endeavours, there. A whole loada compromise with the group. I know which id pick.

It could be argued that the Radiohead model actually makes more money because people dont have 3 months to forget about your album between the announcement and the release. I'd like to see the numbers.

It also could be argued that the Radiohead model works because they consistently put out quality music.

I could see how this would be the case.

Thing is, I just don't think the guys in Pearl Jam care enough about Pearl Jam to go this route:

In reply it could also be fairly argued that it's a genius marketing stroke that costs virtually nothing and gets people excited and loving the record before Theyve even heard it. Masterful branding. Instant gratification and hassle free. Whats not to like?

I don't trust 10c to have to exclusively handle a release.

a rare misstep for thodoks