The Internet is hell on record labels. Because they have to send out advance copies to reporters and radio stations, music companies also run the serious risk of having the music downloaded and spread for free before it is even released.
To dodge the problem, they are making the CDs ever more heavily encrypted — to the point they no longer play music.
Some advance discs are designed to not play in computers — to thwart illegal downloads. But they also don’t play in DVD players, Playstations or car CD players.
There go all my options for listening to them.
The technology is also getting ahead of itself for consumers. In an attempt to deter illegal copying, some full-priced CDs don’t play in computers at all, while others are using a new technology that allows a limited amount of copies to blank discs, but prevents copying onto iPods and other MP3 players.
Understandably, artists and labels want to prevent folks from putting music on all their friends’ iPods, but people who legally buy music should be allowed to listen to it however they wish.
Studies show the biggest music traders are also the biggest music buyers — music addicts getting their fix however they can.
Red Rocks update
It’s official. Dave Matthews Band is playing three nights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in September. Tickets cost $58.50, and are on sale Saturday, July 9, through Ticketmaster.
Tickets are also still available for Lyle Lovett and Shawn Colvin on Friday on the Rocks.
Get out of town
Saturday, July 9, brings an all-day folk festival to Winter Park. Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Iron are headlining the show. Guthrie is the granddaughter of Woody Guthrie, and Iron is a former member of Dillon Fence. Together, they write and sing pretty folk-rock songs.
For more information, visit www.winterpark-info.com or call 1-800-903-7275.
Grahamophone is a column highlighting live local music. Any area band or venue that would like to be included should e-mail steveg@milehighnews.com or call 303-279-5541, Ext. 235.