Does any one remember the band Sabbat? Until I came across this bunch of concert schwag I completely forgot about them. This collection of giveaways includes promotional t-shirts, which are always a popular concert giveaway.

I’d never miss an opportunity to blog about my favorite progressive rock jam band, Umphrey’s McGee - especially when band merch is involved! I recently received this jumbo promotional sticker after purchasing a digital recording of a live show that I attended at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. Looks like UM has decided to send out a sticker to everyone who buys a copy of these live recordings, and it’s certainly a good idea. Right now I’ve stuck the high-quality sticker on the bumper of my car where plenty of people can see it. A small investment for Umphrey’s, but they just gained more respect from an existing fan, and more exposure to potential fans!

Seattle based record label Sub Pop has a long, rich history in the alternative, grunge and indie rock scenes. The label released music by notable musicians such as Nirvana (Bleach is Sub Pop’s only platinum album), Sunny Day Real Estate, The Shins, and The Postal Service. This year marks Sub Pop’s 20th anniversary. While still not legal to drink in the United States, Sub Pop is still seriously celebrating! This past weekend (July 12 and 13) the label hosted an Anniversary show at Redmond, WA’s Marymoor Park where bands such as Iron and Wine, The Helio Sequence and Wolf Parade (to name a few) performed. Tickets came with a nice little surprise: a 20th anniversary Sub-Pop compilation CD!

The free music movement (as I call it) is really catching on despite the outrage of Music Executives (and Metallica, I’m sure).  Last year anyone who bought the Sunday Mail found Prince’s new album tucked within its pages.  Radiohead then allowed free downloading of their newest album in late 2007.  Artists’ Oasis and Jamiroquai are said to follow suit.  With the growth of free music there will probably be less free merch considering bands will no be dependent on the sale of things that aren’t albums for revenue.  Which would you rather get free music or free merch?   

Cornelius does make music that is best listened to with headphones, so why not package a deluxe version of the album with limited edition Cornelius-branded headphones? For the Japanese release, where extravagant packaging is always appreciated, it was  a no brainer.