Oh Billy, How Could You?

It was announced that the new Smashing Pumpkins will be releasing their new album 'Zeitgeist' with four different versions; one through iTunes, Best Buy, Target and one for independent record stores across the country. However, only fans that buy the album at Best Buy, Target or iTunes will receive the bonus tracks on the album, and you have to visit all of these outlets to get the four different versions.

Those of us that decide to buy the album at an independent store will not receive any of the bonus tracks. This might not seem like a big deal, but I really feel it is a slap in the face to all independent music stores in this country that try so hard to compete with the likes of Best Buy and Target. These stores don't even focus on music anyway. Best Buy's CD collection has depleted to a small section in the corner of the store. They only carry the latest of corporate cookie cutter crap and probably still have 200 copies on their shelf of Kid Rock's 'Cocky' album.

While Smashing Pumpkins may feel that they're going to extend themselves to a bigger audience they might just lose the fans that got them there by pulling a corporate stunt like this. I am curious as to what my independent music store employee friend will think of this move. He defends the Smashing Pumpkins like a Republican defends Bush. I'll pester him later today.