U2 News and Discussion

It’s March 17th and although the new torn-up artwork is neat, I’m disappointed U2′s new remix album is not “Not for Sale” anymore.

Announced yesterday, a triple vinyl “collectors edition” of Artificial Horizon is available for pre-ordering now through May 14.

The release features the same tracks as the version sent out earlier this month to U2.com subscribers, but in a new format and with new artwork. Buyers will immediately receive a download of the new “Unknown Caller” remix by Snow Patrol upon purchase.

U2.com used a splash page to announce the triple vinyl, sharing some background on the release and as well as Mixmag‘s thoughts on each of the tracks. The page also lists two price options for Artificial Horizon: $35 for U2.com non-members or $30 for new or returning subscribers.

With those details out of the way, I’d just like to repeat that I’m disappointed with this edition of Artificial Horizon. Although I’m not a member of U2.com, I’m still insulted that what was once a Fan Club Only release is now up for sale.

Granted, it’s not the same exact item. (I suspect there would be a major uproar if those who’d bought a $50 U2.com subscription for the bonus remix album ever saw the CD made commercial.) But there’s a certain principle being betrayed here: don’t give away something and then put a slightly different version of it up for sale.

I’m also irked by how mechanized the production of this version is coming across. According to the splash page, “This collectors edition vinyl release of Artificial Horizon will be pressed up on May 14th 2010, the day orders close, and mailed to customers immediately after manufacturing.”

Regardless of whether or not the process ends up running at this level of efficiency, the fact remains that U2.com is promising customers they won’t have to wait for their purchase. And although Artificial Horizon may be “worth the wait,” subscribers already did quite a bit of sitting around anticipating its delivery this past winter.

Let there be no doubt, this is a collectors’ edition: a time-sensitive pressing of a three-record set. Still, although LPs have seen a resurgence in the past few years, I’m sure those thirsty to hear the album-exclusive remixes will head to Blogspot before they even think of buying with Livenation.com — Snow Patrol remix or not.

(And a side note: why three discs? I’m sure it’s a matter of track time and running order, but couldn’t this have been released on one LP?)

If a triple vinyl of U2 remixes is exactly what you’ve been looking for, I mean you no slight. But obviously, this release is just not for me.