Today Pitchfork announced that Beck is releasing a 5.1 surround-sound version of Sea Change. I am totally in favor of this as I think a lot of records can benefit from a surround-sound mix. The one thing I don't appreciate is that they are releasing it a year after the album came out.

One of the biggest frustration of music and movie connoisseurs is when a new format comes out. This means that you need to rebuy your entire collection. I do not like this concept, but it is only completely egregious during the time of transition. If I decide to commit to the new format, then don't release the album/movie in the old format a year before. I don't want to have to buy an album twice in one year.

I have a similar issue with special edition DVDs. The worst example is the Lord of the Rings DVDs. They released the "standard" version in, let's say, August. Then in November they release a four-DVD set with tons of extras. Completely bogus. Don't make me wait three months for the special edition and don't try to take advantage of the people who will certainly buy both.

Each of these issues are not terrible when done in moderation. For instance, all of the Elvis Costello CDs have been rereleased with bonus material and remastered original tracks. I don't mind this because it's been about ten years since the albums came out and they are definitely offering up new material. In terms of DVDs, something like Apocolypse Now: Redux is great because you are releasing something that is new enough where it's worth buying.

These companies have to learn to treat us like intelligent consumers. Instead of trying to trick us into buying the same thing two or three times, why don't they instead work on releasing new, high quality material. Now that would make me happy.