The Tale of Music Clubs: Nostalgia and Gaming the System
Remember those days when music clubs offered deals that seemed too good to be true? From the good ol' days of Columbia House to BM, these clubs provided an accessible way to explore a vast catalog of music. In this article, we'll delve into the history, the thrill, and the tricks behind these music clubs.
Unlocking the Magic of Music Clubs
The Columbia House CD Club, established in 1998, was a popular choice among young adults eager to build their music libraries. According to one enthusiast, 'I joined the Columbia House CD club in 1998 when I was 20 years of age. I have ordered CDs from them before they went out of business.' This club allowed members to receive 12 CDs for a small fee, offering a way to discover a variety of music that might not have been accessible otherwise.
The allure of BMG and 8 for a Penny
Another notable club was BMG, which offered an even better deal with '8 for a Penny.' A member recalled, 'I loved it. If you didn’t keep up with it, you would quickly sink. But I loved my membership and was dedicated to it for years.' BMG's 8 for a Penny club made it easy to explore a range of music, from obscure to mainstream, all at rock-bottom prices. BMG and Columbia House were both part of a larger strategy by record labels to promote their products, even if it meant making a profit through membership fees and shipping costs.
Global Music Clusters and Their Offerings
Across the globe, similar clubs provided a platform for both emerging and established artists. For instance, in the early 1970s, a music enthusiast joined a '12 LPs for a Penny' club. While it was challenging to find the dozen records they wanted, the allure of getting albums from lesser-known bands like Osibisa, King Crimson, and others for such a low cost made it worthwhile. This club not only introduced many to lesser-known music but also to iconic albums that would have otherwise been out of reach.
Strategies and Tricks for Music Lovers
Many members engaged in gaming the system to get the most out of these clubs. Some planned their orders strategically, waiting for 'buy 1 get 1 free' sales or carefully choosing albums that sold for just under the boatload price. One member excitedly mentioned, 'I purchased a ton of CDs through there. Along with a lot of chochtkas that wound up as stocking stuffers or birthday presents.' Others, like a younger music lover in the 1970s, discovered the fine print of a similar deal, learning the hard way about hidden costs and the need to buy full-price albums to remain a member. As they wrote, 'if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t.'
Endings and Beginnings
Despite the excitement of these music clubs, the end of companies like Columbia House marked the end of a particular era in music acquisition. However, for those who joined in the past, the memories and the music continue to provide a lasting connection to a time when discovering new music was both affordable and exciting. Whether you heard rumors of Uglys CD left in stock or reminisce about the deals of days gone by, these music clubs remain a cherished part of music history.
When it comes to discovering music, there is a wealth of resources available today. Streaming platforms, online marketplaces, and the resurgence of physical music formats offer new ways to explore and own music, but the nostalgia of these clubs remains. If you have a story about a music club you belonged to, share it in the comments below! Let's revive the joy and excitement of those music club days!