Above: They want to fight for your right to latte.
The Starbucks in our town (Liberty) didn't overrun a paradise, but there on its site there is a paved parking lot where there used to be a few acres of suburban wilderness. So here's the kind of news that isn't really shocking any more: On Sept. 24, Joni Mitchell will release her new album, "Shine," on Hear Music, the Starbucks label. "Shine" will include a new version of "Big Yellow Taxi."
That follows this news: "Hits Are For Squares," a compilation of Sonic Youth songs handpicked by famous friends, including Jeff Tweedy, Beck and Eddie Vedder, will be released on the Hear Music label and sold in Starbucks outlets. The album is due early next year. Here's Thurston Moore's explanation:
"I never thought of it as being more radical than recording for Universal Music. They're both corporations that have ties to things that people find sort of problematic. The compilation came out of the idea that I wanted (newest album) Rather Ripped to be in Starbucks stores because that's where people were seeing CDs. They aren't going into record stores anymore."
While you're shopping for that or any other music at Starbucks, you can also pick up a copy of "The Mix Up," the latest album from the Beastie Boys, who apparently feel "independent" means free to sell your stuff wherever you want.
| Timothy Finn, The Star
The Eagles and Barth Grooks selling their music exclusively at WalMart ain't making me running to Waltonville.
I'm sure this makes the independent record stores miffed but they probably make more off what's charting on the indies.
I'd go to Lovegarden or Needmore for my new purchases because I support the little guy. Call me old fashioned.
Posted by: Gary | July 26, 2007 at 08:57 AM