It used to be you could purchase the deluxe/collector's edition of a particular artist's latest release or just go for the regular version like everyone else. Those were your choices, and that was that.
In recent years, however, the likes of Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails have tried to counteract overall, industry-wide diminishing album sales by offering different versions of the same album and at various price points, depending on how elaborate the packaging or the amount of extra goodies included.
Josh Freese, a well-known session drummer/songwriter who's appeared on some 300 albums and played with everyone from The Vandals, Guns 'N' Roses, A Perfect Circle, The Replacements, Devo, Sting, and up until late 2008, with Nine Inch Nails, has followed in the footsteps of his last employer and is releasing a solo album in 11 different versions.
Ranging from a simple $7 digital download w/3 videos to a $75,000 package, the latter includes among its bonuses: a 5 song EP written by Freese about you; meeting and hanging out with some of his famous co-horts; your choice of any one of his drumsets; have Freese perform in your band for a month (being your personal assistant is the alternate option for non-musicians); and dubiously legal partying in Tijuana.
Actually, for what you're getting in return, each package is a really good deal, as well as a great gimmick to get the album some exposure. Oh, yeah the album: it's called Since 1972 and comes out March 24th. More info at Freese's website (where in addition to details about each package and price point, you can get a free MP3 from the upcoming Since 1972) or check out the clip below.
