The music circus is indeed quite special.
In the past, when CDs were the ultimate format and downloads were unknown, bands often released single or maxi CDs. These CDs usually contained one to three album tracks along with a bonus in the form of a live track, a non-album track, or a remix. Sometimes this went to extremes, like the “Rock´n´Roll Übermensch” maxi by die Ärzte. Its playtime was as long as an album.
Then at some point, downloads emerged and the music industry groaned. As a result, the single or maxi CD almost disappeared.
Now they are back, and with bands like THE BOSSHOSS, you can make double the money with such releases. First, everyone buys the album, then the single is purchased, and voilà, the money bag is twice as full. Now, this might not be so bad if something new comes with it. This was the case with the first single release “Don’t Gimme that,” which at least had a mix. Online, it’s the same with “Live it Up,” but the reviewer only gets the song as a single mix and nothing more (I find it hard to consider the single mix as a truly new mix). It’s almost a shame for the resources that go into producing the CD.
The single version of “Live it Up” is shorter than the album version, which also shows that they are aiming for increased radio play and commercial success with this song.
Compared to the album version, the single version of “Live it Up” has more punch and definitely makes more fun. You can relax and feel like cruising through the streets in style. With the album version, it was more about just being relaxed.
THE BOSSHOSS have proven to have a knack for cool sounds.
THE BOSSHOSS are a phenomenon anyway, somewhere between scene and commerce, between white trash fast food and concert halls.
The fan will have fun with the single and... yes, it’s really cool what the band has done, although something like “The Voice of Germany” does take away some of the coolness, but we just talked about the scene and commerce.
Next time, a single release with a live track or a non-album track would definitely be more appealing than this single.
