Hello, again, everyone! It's been quite a while since I've contributed to these forums as I've struggled recently with some health problems - but in addition, I just felt, rather abruptly, uninspired by so many negative comments during my last stretch here (this thread included). However, given the time I've had to think about it all, I've decided to continue my support for this wonderful label by reiterating my adoration for all its hard work over the years and all the spectacular albums they've graced us with through the times. I want to proclaim as boldly as possible that we satisfied fans are out here, standing behind the message that first had Doug and company start this label in the first place - to bring these composers forth through legitimate distribution and have fans all alike relish in such wonderful music that would have gone unheard had these hard-working men and women not been there to construct us a bridge to those darkened vaults. So, thank you again. And remember, no matter what gets thrown around sometimes, sincerity toward these efforts are never too far away. Speaking on my own behalf, I can assure you, Intrada, that you'll forever have my support and respect.
Hocus Pocus has been absolutely a gift. I've enjoyed the record in abundance and couldn't be happier with Intrada's effort in bringing this to its fans; it was long over-due. I stand by my previously-stated point in that it never should have been the focus of what wasn't included, but what was presented to fans after so many years of having nothing at all. That's truly the emphasis I would have enjoyed seeing exchanged when this title, and many others, found a home on CD.
You know - it's been very difficult to see so many passionate fans, for whom I feel truly do care about these composers and the art they've produced in the end, fall victim to the game of detail-oriented collecting and the tug-of-war in regard to the smaller specifics that almost shun the point at hand - the music itself. So many great composers in the past compiled their own album assemblies with that in mind, often times leaving many cues or musical ideas behind for the sake of a great listening experience. And why not? They're composers after all who sought/seek to communicate something through their musical ideas. I can respect the passion for these aforementioned collectors, but in the end, I feel it's far more exciting to glorify and obsess over the music itself once again. Let's put the focus back on this - ignoring what will inevitably happen someday anyway - the values of these physical objects going up in either price and/or desire. Let's not forget to remind ourselves of the enormous talent and often tremendous beauty of the music itself. We fans should have a mission as much as these labels do: to persuade others on why it's so important to preserve and share these wonderful scores and make the composers who created such memorable melodies proud through loving celebration. It's very hard to share all this while concerned about packaging, numbered availability, limited edition status, choice of artwork, etc. These have their place... but its sadly taken over the reasons behind this work. Shall we get back to the basics and remind ourselves of the gifts on those shiny, plastic discs? Everything else we've been obsessing over will naturally fall in place - trust me.
Thank you again, Intrada. You've always been the class act and I will continue to commend you in the future for all the splendid music for which you've cared so much. It has not gone unnoticed.
|