[net.audio] CD Clubs question: RCA

ezf@bbnccv.UUCP (Ed Frankenberry) (06/21/85)

RCA runs the "Compact Disc Club" from Indianapolis.  I took them up on
their introductory offer: a "free" CD when you enroll with no obligation
to buy anything (you just pay shipping).  It's no coincidence that most
of the freebie discs are on the RCA label.  I was pleased with the CD
(Eurythmics - "Touch"), but not with the club.

To begin with, the Compact Disc club has an automatic shipment arrange-
ment.  You need to mail a card back to them if you *don't* want to receive
the featured selection that month (e.g. Alan Parsons Project - "Vulture
Culture").  If you travel often, or take a vacation, you may return to find
several unwanted CDs in your mailbox.  In addition, the prices are relatively
high.  Each disc is normally $16, but due to a "bonus" gimmick, every 3rd
disc is half price, or $8.  Once you add shipping/handling/tax ($1.77 per
disc), your local record stores may seem like a bargain.  The selection
of CDs is fairly limited.  If your musical taste isn't mainstream pop/rock,
you'll be disappointed.  If you're interested in classical, jazz or blues,
or any of the smaller labels forget it.

In short, RCA's Compact Disc club has little to offer.  The prices are
higher and the selection is worse than many large record stores.

	Ed Frankenberry
	ezf@bbn-unix.arpa
	ihnp4!bbncca!ezf

ark@alice.UUCP (Andrew Koenig) (06/21/85)

> To begin with, the Compact Disc club has an automatic shipment arrange-
> ment.  You need to mail a card back to them if you *don't* want to receive
> the featured selection that month.

Let me know if you find a record club without this 'feature'.
I've never seen one.