Here's an interesting article about a way to tackle the fatigue that comes with dynamic range compression: For the release of Mudcrutch, the new album by the reunited early '70s band that features Tom Petty, Warner Bros. has released two versions. The CD package will contain an album remastered for the "realities of the marketplace," which means it has the sort of loud, compressed sound that caters to iPod headphones. The vinyl LP will include a CD that was made from the vinyl master, which is quieter and more dynamic.

"Everyone is in love with the way vinyl sounds," said Tom Biery, EVP for promotion at Warner Bros. "We started talking about how cool it would be to let people have that experience anywhere they are."

It's an experiment, though. If the CD is meant to be ripped for portability, the lack of compression could mean some parts of songs are lost due to background noise. Just the noise from mild street traffic can overpower music on an iPod. So the question is, Do vinyl buyers want to take the LP on the go, or do they want the digital tracks for home use (where the listening environment is more conducive to a vinyl master)?

As is often the case with vinyl releases, the label treated it as a limited-edition piece and pressed only 3,500 copies. There are few better ways to miss potential sales than to be out of stock. Labels really, really need to address inconsistencies in their vinyl production and distribution. On a positive note, Biery said the label will make more since vinyl sales are rising.

More on dynamic compression:

• "Whatever Happened to Dynamic Range on Compact Discs?"
• "The Loudness War" at YouTube
• "I Want to Break Free from Loudness War" at YouTube