So, as previously mentioned, Bob Dylan’s next release will be Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Volume 8.

It’s being released as a 2-CD set, currently priced for pre-order at $18.99, and then also as a 3-CD set, currently priced for pre-order at $129.99.

That’s right: the third CD, with 12 additional tracks, costs a cool $111.00. And we’re supposed to weep for the music industry.

OK, in addition to the third CD, you get:

• “150 page deluxe hardcover photo book of Bob Dylan ’singles’ from around the world”
• “60 page booklet with stunning rare photos and in-depth notes”
• “7″ vinyl single of ‘Dreaming of You’ and ‘Ring Them Bells’”

Still, the folks who dreamed up this sales and marketing strategy are well aware that there are a class of people out there called completists who will feel obliged to purchase the deluxe 3-CD set largely for the purpose of owning that third CD. It’s a crime. I mean, c’mon, photo books and commentary on Dylan: you can walk into any bookstore and find shelves full of that stuff. You shouldn’t have to buy a big expensive load of it in order to also purchase his music.

The world being what it is today, lots of people will just choose to buy the 2-CD set and download the third CD somewhere. And no doubt some will decide to just download all three while they’re at it. I don’t know what the answer is for the music industry, if there is any one answer, but it certainly can’t be this.

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