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Scalped By The Beatles

Must we be scalped?  Not if somebody can do something about it.  We must do something about it.  Let me fill you in.

Tomorrow, on 09/09/09, The Beatles entire catalog will be reissued on CD.  The new video game "The Beatles Rock Band" is also coming out on the same day.

While this all sounds well and good, there are a few problems.  

First off, I'm not interested in video games.  While the game is probably a lot of fun, I have no intention of buying it.

Second off, I'm also not interested in the stereo masters.  What I have is the original first issue of their British catalog on CD.  You know, the ones from the 1980's.  I'm not interested in double-dipping, just because they have new ones.

Here's the problem.  The only thing that really intrigues me is the reissue of all of their material in mono.  Why?  Well, in many ways, mono is superior to stereo.  Yes, my album "Work" was mixed on mono.  This was done on purpose.  In mono, every instrument and voice is blended in a certain way that stereo cannot do.  Everything is heard all together.  That's the way music should be.  And many people agree that the mono versions of "Sgt. Pepper" and "Revolver" are far superior to their stereo counterparts.

My album was also recorded in analog.  Why, again?  Well, here's the deal.  There's a certain sound on the low end (bass) that you can get only with analog equipment.  This is not lost in a transfer to digital.  

Now, I've said all that to say this.  I would love to have "The Beatles In Mono" CD box set.  That would be a dream come true.  I've never heard most of the Beatles songs in mono.  I know that they've got to be awesome!  This is what I've been waiting for.  This is what I'd really like to get.  This is the ultimate in Beatles recorded material!

Well, here's the big let-down.  "The Beatles In Mono" is a "limited edition" box set.  Which means, that if you didn't pre-order it, you ain't gonna get it!  That royally sucks!  Why can't they make this box set a standard issue?  Or, why can't they issue the mono CD's individually?  Now, I'll have to either do without it (which royally sucks!) or buy it from scalpers.

Yes, that's right.  Scalpers.  They're here.  There are people who have pre-ordered these box sets, just so they can sell them at higher prices and make a killing!  I've already seen this on Amazon.  The pre-orders have sold out and there are already 3 available from various sellers.  Yes, the sets are new.  They won't even be released until tomorrow!  And they're for sale for $500!  That's totally ridiculous!

Why can't somebody do something about this?  I hate it when people are out to rip you off like that.  I shouldn't have to pay $500 for a box set of music.  I'm not going to pay that.  I guess I'll have to wait 30 years and find it at a yard sale for a dollar.  

So much for having the greatest CD box set, ever.  So much for my favorite band.  :-(

Music Videos

I now have 5 (count 'em) music videos that you can watch.  Enjoy!

I Just Keep On Going

My song "I Just Keep On Going," has been included on the various artists compilation "Goin' Back Home." No, this song wasn't on the "Work" album. This one is exclusive to this compilation.

The song is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Also, don't forget to go to CD Baby to get my album "Work."

This is so awesome!

I hope ya'll are having a great day!

Now, you can listen to my songs!

All of these songs will be on my new album "Work" which will be available on August 15th!

Coming August 15, 2009: "Work" a new CD by Bryan Harwell

Yes, this is the one you've all been waiting for. 3 years in the making. Okay, 3 years in my spare time. "Work" is a new CD that will finally be released on August 15th, to commemorate what would have been my father's 71st birthday. I think he would be proud of me. 

Anyway, the new album features 12 songs all written, produced and performed by me. I play guitar, bass, drums, tape loops and vocals. I wrote all 12 songs. Well, there's one song which I co-wrote with my brother.

Here is the track listing:

01. Serious Delirious (The Coffee Song)
02. Average Joe
03. Bayou On The Moonlight
04. Sweet Song
05. Who Broke All The Crayons
06. Short Matters Order
07. I Can't Seem To Get It Right
08. It Still Pours
09. I'm Wastin' My Time
10. Empire
11. The Clock Is Broken
12. I Can Be A Happy Man

That's it! I'm really looking forward to this release. Isn't it exciting? I'll post artwork and where to order, shortly. Get ready, kids!

A New Song

I have a new song available on my myspace music page.

http://www.myspace.com/bryanharwellmusic

The song is "I'm Wastin' My Time." I recorded it in June 2007. I play all the instruments and sing. I hope ya'll enjoy it.

My next album is due out in January 2008 on Suitable For Framing Records. Enjoy!