When a new album comes out and I read there’s a limited pressing I’m typically quick to act. I appreciate a hard copy over a digital download in most every case. I would imagine I’m not the only one who feels this way and I just don’t want to get caught resting on my laurels and missing out on a great CD. For example, when I heard that Cenotype was putting out a limited edition remix album as a companion to his amazing debut, Origins, I was pretty excited. Then I found out he was self-releasing the disc and pressing a mere 250 copies. I immediately headed over to his Origins Productions site and clicked on buy. This was a more than satisfying purchase as I’m sure you can glean from my review of Origins Unfold. I recently asked Lenny if he sold out of copies and was surprised to learn he still has some left.

Seriously? There weren’t at least 250 people champing at the bit for this release? I realize our tastes in music represent a fairly small, niche crowd but it seems hard to imagine one of the most imaginative new acts couldn’t sell through 250 copies in a short time.

I recently put up a review for SE’s brilliant Epiphora (MySpace page) and mentioned that it was limited to a pressing of 333 copies so prospective buyers should head on over to the Tympanik Audio site and act fast. Yet I’m now wondering if there’s enough of an audience to make it through such a small number. It’s perplexing. We do what we can to get the word out on these great releases but I suppose I find it a little disconcerting that the numbers we’re seeing are so paltry. These are hard times and not everyone has the spare change to throw at CDs but the prices certainly aren’t outrageous.

My only hope is that we don’t come to a point where some of these great artistic minds just decide to give up because they begin to feel there’s little point in making the effort. And I also hope that as fans in such a “niche” market our numbers grow rather than dwindle into nothingness.

Start spreading the word.