Lene Lovich - 2013 Remasters box set !

[Rubellan]

He doesn't seem to realize that Hoffman likes to work from the original tapes, not MP3's on CD-R.

[danadotcom]

I don't think Lovich is being exploited at all, especially considering how close she is to this project. This isn't a case of an artist being at the mercy of a record company because the artist doesn't own the material. It's just the opposite. An artist issuing what practically equates to her entire catalogue on her own, with full artistic and technical control, should have had a firmer, more educated grip over its process. I'm still shocked that she's either this careless or this ignorant or both to let such an inferior representation of her artistry into the hands of those who support her most. When all is said & done Lovich is ultimately responsible--not a record exec, not someone hired by a record exec, not someone who's on the project simply for the paycheck (although, who knows?). There are no middlemen. It's her, and I feel it was a way to exploit her supporters for some quick cash. There's no excuse for anyone to claim oblivion on her part when she's been so intimately associated.

[pinkyblue82]

Um, you email them at one or more addresses and demand your refund. You will get it eventually.

[Barmy]

CDs are rather passé at the moment (and for the infinite future) so CDRs are gaining increasing acceptance. That said, CDRs should be identified as such. I can't speak to shelf life, but I have my doubts.

I've bought 2 of her first 3 CDs on CD in response to this (already had one), and asked for a refund. Haven't heard back yet.

[elviscaprice]

My last reply and answer to Lene on here facebook site.


Elvis Caprice: Also, I'm not here posting because I have bad intentions for Lene's music. I'm here because I care and want to see the proper attention given to the material of a great artist.


LENE LOVICH BAND: Morgan drummer here.. On that note, Lene is extremely pleased with them Elvis, so a great artist is happy, hope that eases your mind.



Elvis Caprice: Then I bid you farewell and good luck!!!


In conclusion, who am I to rain down upon an artists pleasure in their issued material? Thus Lene is happy and aware of her debacle. End of story, as I leave her happy in bliss and myself fully aware to never concern myself with her newly reissued material.

[8D] Elvis

[Rubellan]

Ha! I just read the post on the Facebook page where they thought you were me under an alias. That's hilarious! Like anyone who has an issue with their tactics and methods MUST be me in disguise. Then I guess it's me under multiple alias' asking for a refund as well, right?

The REAL Scott

[idlehands]

I didn't buy the box set in the first place but what really concerns me is the fact that some of the artists themselves don't know any better. How sad that they give refunds in private but defend their actions in public.
Is it strange to expect that anyone willing to pay for a limited box set would (1) want a superior product and (2) scrutinize it with an eagle eye? Honestly, these are the fans that didn't download your entire catalog from a torrent site. These are the fans that are willing to support your artistry from a financial standpoint.
Makes no sense to me.

[elviscaprice]

Spot on Idlehands. I find it sad that the artist in this case, Lene, could be so naive to so.

From the fake Scott,
[8D] Elvis

[Barmy]

After a few emails they are processing a refund for me.

The tipping point for me is the CDR. I am no expert but in my experience they have a limited shelf life and sometimes won't play the last few tracks. I have occasionally bought CDRs from artists where no pressed CDs existed, usually at decent prices. However, here pressed CDs exist. Are there any complaints about the pressed Stateless and Flex (or Stiff collection) remasters? No Man's Land was issued on the dubious German Line label a long time ago but sounds fine to me.

The only plus here is LL is an artist I haven't thought about in ages. Enjoying revisiting her classic output.

[danadotcom]

Elvis & Idle, this is a point I've expressed in a couple posts here, too. I can't believe that an artist would undertake a project of this scope (I mean, we're not talking a deluxe issue of a single album) and offer it to those who've supported her career without educating herself on the process, the latest technology of today, nor the people who will be performing the tasks to pull it together. You know how many artists would love to be in a position to reissue their entire catalog on their own terms, according to their own vision--with no execs involved--and reap all the financial benefits? My goodness, and these dim-wits actually got that chance.

[darkluna]

I got my box set today, but haven't listened to any of the discs yet, other than to look at some spectral analysis of the "Others" disc, and there are definitely some mp3 sourced songs on that one.

Ultimately, I decided not to ask for a refund on mine for a couple of reasons. First, I have all of her albums on vinyl and multiple versions of CDs, so most (all?) of this was redundant for me anyway. Secondly, I like the idea of supporting the Lene directly in some way -- "payback" for all the great music I've enjoyed over the years. Yes it's expensive, and unfortunate this wasn't presented in pristine form, but in retrospect, that was really a pipe dream, especially with 100 copies. I'm moving on.

[elviscaprice]

I disagree, like Danadotcom put it, they had complete control, an artists dream. And they squandered it by buying God who knows what music rights/material from copyright owners without a qualified sound person? Would seem so. Sad, a little bit of pre-investigative work or even the slightest care would have made this project a lasting remembrance. Now it's just a slipped opportunity that will only be remembered for it's lack of instead of the artist themselves and their contribution.

[Barmy]

Then just send her $100. CDRs are utterly unacceptable at these prices. I feel no guilt for canceling. Most of this stuff is available on pressed CDs that sound fine. Never received the package--seems a bit weird that they are refunding without returns. Whatever. I hope they lose a fortune on this disaster. A 60+ woman should be able to figure this stuff out.

[BigManRestless]

I also don't understand why they are planning to re-press the albums on vinyl. Surely that must be more expensive than getting 500 odd proper CDs made? And of even less limited commercial appeal?

I finally got my money back despite being told they couldn't find my order (?) or my multiple requests for a refund (??) yet they knew my email and PayPal address (!!!) following a complaint on the Facebook page.

[FanFan]

Registered here just to spread the latest word on the Lene Lovich weirdness (since a Facebook post to her page would just be deleted). After two polite emails were ignored, I sent a third accusing them of running a scam. I was requesting refunds after giving up hope of the CDs ever arriving.

In my original email, I noted that Pat Dinizio of The Smithereens was able to make a profit off 500 box sets of 21 factory-pressed CDs sold at $60 per set. Won't bore you with my clever retort, but here's the reply I got yesterday. Note that this proud seller won't put a name to his response, and it looks like I'll only get a refund if they can con more people...

**********************************
There is no scam. I apologise if we have been unable to live up to your expected standard of customer service lackies. If by unhappy fans you mean the tiny minority of "shout loud enough and they'll give you your money back and let you keep the CDs" then I commiserate; and you think you're being ripped off?

I'd love to explain music licensing to you, then perhaps you'd understand why Len Fico, the man behind the Smithereens reissues, doesn't have the same legal issues that we do, doesn't get asked for $31,000 to acquire master rights from major labels, or pay all mechanical royalties upfront, like we do (which is standard practice in the UK, but not the US). And I'd love to explain why an item that is specifically advertised as handmade and limited to 100 copies cannot possibly include factory pressed CDs (which themselves are manufactured from a CDR in the first place, by the way), because you can't factory-press less than 1000 of anything.

Perhaps also I could explain why record companies that produce huge bulks of CDs have credit lines with factories, which we don't have. And that Lene Lovich doesn't want to deal with record companies, and that this was a prerequisite of getting her to come back at all. So we had to find another way of doing everything, and that is what we have done.

I apologise that you have had to wait so long for the box set, and I have nothing else to apologise to you for. I will reassign your orders to those who missed out on this collection, and refund you accordingly as they are sold.