Record Labels

Just curious, does it matter to you whether an album was released via a particular label? I'm asking because in 2011 I purchased a bunch of albums which were released via Icarus and some via Scarecrow. Both of these are labels from Latin America that distribute albums released by Nuclear Blast, Century Media and Metal Blade elsewhere in other parts of the world.

They are legit copies but rather than having the Nuclear Blast (etc.) logo on the spine, it says Icarus. Is this something of importance to you as a collector - does it bother you if you purchase an album and it is released via a different label/distributor than you originally anticipated?

In this case I had no way of knowing as the store in question, which happened to be local, advertised the albums as being released on Nuclear Blast (etc.) and made no mention of the distributor. Price is not always an indication, I have seen albums released via Icarus that cost about the same (or more in some cases) as those released via a European or American distributor for Nuclear Blast.

Incidentally, do you own any albums released via Icarus or Scarecrow and if so what is your impression of the packaging and the product? Personally, I cannot tell any real difference (other than my comment re. the spine).

I have a copy of Crucible Of Man, bought from Newbury Comics, that is on Scarecrow...not a big deal, really. Came with a poster and everything...seems legit.

I have a bunch of those and I dont see a difference. As far as I know its all the same. As long as its not a CDR I dont care.

I'm kinda in two mindsets - you're right as long as it's not a CDR at the same time I just think I prefer the German or US made cds, not sure why maybe because I am just used to having those in my collection.

Ah it's one of those nitpicking habits I need to rid myself of lol

I don't give a crap if it's an American, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, South American, or Martian pressing - if it's a CD I don't have and the price is right, I'll take it.

Alex Dee Rokket wrote:

I'm kinda in two mindsets - you're right as long as it's not a CDR at the same time I just think I prefer the German or US made cds, not sure why maybe because I am just used to having those in my collection.

Ah it's one of those nitpicking habits I need to rid myself of lol

haha yea I know what you mean but you can only drive yourself nuts only so much. its something so insignifficant its not even worth worrying about it. I look at it this way now, since cds are slowly dying and they eventually won't be worth even half of what we are paying for them now who cares. Like Freddy says if the price is right then I'll take it.

Fat Freddy wrote:

I don't give a crap if it's an American, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, South American, or Martian pressing - if it's a CD I don't have and the price is right, I'll take it.

I'm with you! It's not like in the days of cassette and vinyl when you don't know if you are getting a decent quality recording of the album for the other countries. I had friend in the Navy back in the late 80's/early 90's and they would come back from cruises with tons of cassettes they bought cheap in other countries (most where probably boots) and the recordings sounded like crap - like a 4th generation of a cassette recording of the vinyl. As long as it's not a CDR I am good.

It doesn't really bother me what label it is as long as it's a legit version. I'll try and get the same versions within an artist's discography though i.e. if they have original and remastered versions on different labels i'll try and get one or the other.

Phoenix Reign Drummer wrote:

I have a bunch of those and I dont see a difference. As far as I know its all the same. As long as its not a CDR I dont care.

same here.

Quote :

Just curious, does it matter to you whether an album was released via a particular label?

Nope.

Usually I go after Japenese pressings whenever I can get them because of the superior sound quality. Other then that, the only label I've collected is Under One Flag releases.

No.