Well, not really, but you’ll see what I mean …

Like any good Pavement fan, I was very excited to find out from Stranger Jay yesterday that Pavement’s 1996 masterpiece – and my favorite Pavement album - Brighten the Corners is going to be remastered and re-released on Nov. 18. (Unlike any good Pavement fan, I just found out yesterday.) Matador Records is making the album available now, and if you buy early, you get some – to borrow a phrase from John McCain – “goodies” like access to a stream of the album now and a free live album from the Brighten the Corners era, that never got released. Cool! The problem?

The live album is vinyl.

Now, I know I’m on the wrong side of this issue, and am likely in the vast minority of Pavement fans who feel this way, but: What gives? I have no affection toward vinyl. The “warm, rich” sound, the crackle, the unwieldy large discs? Does nothing for me. I grew up on vinyl, happily switched to tapes for sheer logistical reasons, then moved to CDs because they didn’t explode into a tangled mess of fragile celluloid and am now in a happy relationship with MP3s. In all their compressed, tinny glory.

The reason? Sheer logistics, folks. CDs sound awesome, but the record companies overcharge for them and they require massive players that don’t come with e-mail or Internet access. Plus, I can’t bring myself to buy earphones that would actually make a difference.

Anyway, it’s a bit obnoxious that Matador is offering the live album only in vinyl. How about a set of MP3s to go along with it? No cost, happy customers. I’m still going to buy it, but what in the world am I going to do with the massive, black plate they send to me?

If Vague Panther promises to mix it with something cool, I may give it up. Otherwise, l may try spinning it on my finger and playing it with a safety pin. Look, I know I’m wrong. I’m sorry. Hurl invective in the comments.

MP3s: