When the new Linkin Park CD "Meteora" is released by Warner Bros. on March 25, it will have a list price of $19.98–a first for a single disc album in some time other than a soundtrack or greatest hits compilation. Granted that the CD will contain some extras–a 40-page booklet, links to the video Web site Linkin Park TV, a screensaver designed by the band, a promo spot for Linkin Park's fan club and others bonuses–but in a time when CD sales are decreasing and internet downloads are increasing, this seems to be an unusual stance for a major label to take. There will also be a limited edition version featuring a separate DVD priced at $24.98. However, there will be no cheaper version without extras. The label plans to ship instant platinum–1.5 million copies.
Sal Nunziato of NYCD, a retail store on the Upper West Side of New York, has this to say about this about the pricing: "
What if you went into a restaurant and ordered a cheeseburger, french fries and a coke–which by normal standards should cost you between $6-$8 –and the waiter said, 'Here's your cheeseburger, fries, and coke plus I'm giving you a BLT, some cole slaw, an iced coffee and two pieces of Key Lime Pie. That'll be $16.99, please.'"
"No one gives a crap about the CD-extras," he continued. "NO ONE. The numbers would be the same, if not higher, if the CD was 10-14 bucks, instead of 20 bucks! And then, sales would inject life into the business, and the label morons wouldn't have to lay off the working morons who probably don't deserve to work in the music business anyway."
