Singles
 

Why are the best single tracks released overseas? I just read the thread about REM's new album and it states that the single will be released internationally, but there is no mention of when it will be released in the states. This always seems to be the case. Every time I try to get a single, I can never find it until after the album releases, which somewhat defeats the purpose. And when they do finally show up they are always "Imports" for $10!

What gives?

I buy import UK singles all the time, the best prices +p/h usually is HMV for the latest releases, Amazon.co.uk comes in second for it's great selection as well.

The best and interesting thing about the singles are the B-sides: live cuts, acoustic versions of songs, non-album tracks.

Exactly why I like to get them... I just wish that some of my favorite bands would produce singles in the US. That way I could get them for $2 or $3 instead of having to pay $10 for an import.

I'm guessing singles just don't sell as well here so they don't bother.

well like I said, purchasing singles over the internet is alot cheaper than buying them at say Borders where they mark them up to 10 dollars or more. Tower Records does a better job selling imports at reasonable prices - 7 dollars usually. Tower also does a great job selling and stocking up on US singles releases. The reason why I don't think the US music market endorses the manufacturing and selling of singles as aggressively as say the British or Europeans is simply greed - they want the casual radio listener not to buy the radio song, but the entire album.