I don't own any bootlegs of anybody.
The prices are usually ripoffs and they sound quality is usually second rate.
Then again, the Orb's live album sounded worse than a couple bootlegs ive
heard.
I do like the IDEA of bootlegs because it takes money away from record
companies who are either money-grubbers or they are these snooty
ambient/techno 'underground' labels who take themselves too seriously.
When I was doing my radio show I tried a million times to get on the
promo lists of some of these companies and was told 'we dont provide
promotional material to radio, even non-commercial radio'...As if they
made the stuff of life at their company. As a result of those policies I
was unable to provide a lot of new music to listeners who aould have been
reached and promted to buy the stuff retail...etc etc...
So, had I been able to find unauthorized copies of whoever's music, damn
straight id buy it, broadcast it, etc. If they had a gripe, id say:
increase security at your shows and tell your label to step off and make
the music more readily accessible. I live in shitville, deepsouth,
USA...they have a hard time not stocking 100% country down here.
I have to work hard to get these tunes, and they should take that into
account and at least make the stuff available to radio and the media who
review the stuff.
On the retail end, most people wont sell actual bootlegs, and those who
do classify them as 'imports' to get around a few laws and to justify the
40.00+ price tags.
On the bad side, the only bootlegs produced in large quality around here
have been...hmmm...'hootie' and the like.
Anyway...I know that the integrity of the artform is preserved by making
the stuff harder to get and producing limited quantities, etc...
But I agree with G.M. in that the starving know few bounds when it
comes to getting food.
I will do anything but steal the shit from the stores...
And I have come close to doing that. :)
Jasonosaj