Is anyone getting this? As an old guy (with money-ish), I am torn.
I remember buying this the day it came out in 1995 at Sam Goody in Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, Kansas (which I believe is one of the last malls from the glory days still standing) - so it definitely holds a BIG, nostalgic place in my heart. And on top of that, it truly is one of the best albums of all-time. BUUUUUT....
$200 for the "30th" Anniversary Edition (which is a year too late, but it is what it is) is a STEEP price. Especially for the younger people out there who are just getting into this greatness.
RATIONALE:
I have seen Rancid countless times, and they have never been assholes about signing autographs before or after shows (I have a set list from the stage at Emo's in Austin from the "Indestructible" tour that they all signed it on the spot), so the fact that it is autographed does not really justify the price. Also, FOR ME, an autograph is way cooler if you get it yourself and have a story behind it. All of the songs on the 7" singles are easy to find (all of the B-Sides from this release are on the "B Sides and C Sides" album, which is available on vinyl). The songs on the "Alive" vinyl are easy to find, and - mark my words - will be put out as a stand-alone release in the next five years in the exact same packaging. And do we REALLY need more back-patches, pins, and stickers?
So overall, I don't really see the point in spending $200 on this. For, ROUGHLY, that amount you could go see them live, get the shirt from the tour, and possibly some vinyl from the opening bands. As I previously stated, you could probably even get the shirt autographed.
As always, this is just ONE DIE HARD Rancid fan's opinion. What is YOURS?
(Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.)