Previously, a listener who only had an audio player could not easily listen to a CD-ROM; track one of the CD was reserved for the CD-ROM information, which could (if played on a regular audio player) either blow out the speakers or cause a tremendous earsplitting noise.
ActiveAudio (TM), the PAMS name for the new breakthrough technology, helps to solve this problem. By storing the computer section at the "inner" part of the disc, ActiveAudio can hide the computer data from audio players, ensuring regular playing of the disc.
The first band which has been selected for this breakthrough technology is the Australian teenage group GF4, formerly known as Girlfriend. Their song, a dance cover of the Grass Roots "Sooner or Later", comes off sounding a bit like Bananarama.
One of the group's singers, Jacqui Cowell, told Australia's Rip It Up magazine that, "We all had a lot of input into exactly what would go into the program and there were a lot of days filming different types of stuff. It was really good that way but it did take a lot longer than it would for a normal single to get onto the market."
The entire process, from start to finish (for the video supplements), took about 6 months to complete. Although the time for the single to reach the stores increases, the consumer's final cost does not. The single costs roughly $5.90, which is the same price as most American CD singles.
An audio listener of "Sooner or Later" would hear 5 mixes of the Australian hit. However, a CD-ROM listener not only gets those 5 mixes, but 4 additional audio mixes and 340 MB of computer data which includes 20 minutes of video and 50 photos of the group. It is anticipated that the videos, with the "right" group and image, can make major breakthroughs in the marketplace, similar to Duran Duran's video breakthrough on MTV in the early 1980's.
The next work which will receive the ActiveAudio treatment is the new Divinyls disc, slated for release in early 1995.
> Two Arizona men are coordinating efforts to produce a compilation tape of bands covering their favorite band, The Fall.
"We just want to spread some fun and interesting music at a very cheap price", says Jonathan Kandell, one of the originators of the compilation. "Due to lead singer's Mark E Smith's personal charisma, The Fall (as a band) rises above the quality of its songs.
Initial plans have the cassette's distribution to be limited to the Internet computer network, although some college radio stations have already contacted the duo for the release. The cassette will be available to interested listeners at roughly $4 (U.S.), to recoup costs of the project.
Bands interested in submitting material must do so before the January 1 deadline. The address is: Jonathan Kandell, English Dept., ML 445, University of Arizona,Tucson AZ 85721
For further information on the compilation, contact Jonathan Kandell (jkandell@ccit.arizona.edu) or Andy Halper (ahalper@cs.arizona.edu).
> Consumable Online's own Jeremy Ashcroft has produced The Pleasure Principle, a zine for people interested in the Chicago based group Urge Overkill.
The premier issue of the zine covers U.O.'s 1993 tour around the United Kingdom, and quotes, tidbits and information on the band.
Each issue costs 2 pounds, or $4 American. For further information, Jeremy may be contacted at: The Pleasure Principle, 21 Henley Avenue, Connah's Quay, Clwyd CH5 4HT Great Britain, or via the Internet at jeremy.ashcroft@almac.co.uk
