The phenomenon of the special edition CD, ostensibly a treat for the fans,can also be seen of something of a cynical record company ploy. Essentially repackaging an identical, recently released record with a couple of extra tracks, perhaps a video and a snazzier cover, all rushed out in time for said band's latest tour, can be an easy way of getting your fanbase to rebuy the same thing.
Latterly, though, a little value for money has entered the concept, withRoadrunner's reissue of "The Impossibility of Reason" - 2003's already heartily acclaimed third album by Ohio hard metaller's Chimaira - being a case in point. Not only do you get the original release, a fine collection of Slayer-endorsed pummellingly heavy rock, but also a further CD's worth of extra tracks. Admittedly there's nothing especially new available, but there is quite a lot of it - the chugging "Army Of Me" from the Jason Vs Freddy
soundtrack (also available on Roadrunner), three videos, two live tracks, a documentary feature and a batch of demo tracks and out-takes from 2001's breakthrough "Pass Out Of Existence" album, including a raw-throated version of The Cure's "Fascination Street."
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If you already own the original then, depending on commitment and disposable income levels, this is possibly worth forking out for again. If new to the band, then this is a thorough collection, and a great example of the kind of thumping, gritty stuff that constitutes the burgeoning 'new wave of American heavy metal'.
As special editions become more widespread record company policy, though, it makes you curious - are initial sales becoming affected by people who don't bother buying a record first time out, knowing that a souped-up edition will inevitably follow in a few months?
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