http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=/08...xmh.html&e=l_news_dm

"Robbie: "Rudebox" recycled

A million unsold copies of Robbie Williams' "Rudebox" solo album are to be destroyed and used to pave roads in China, according to reports.

Guy Hands, embattled owner of EMI Records, revealed news of the unusual initiative, which follows the critically panned release.

Apparently more than a million copies of the album were made but not sold and will now be sent abroad, crushed and reused.

"Roughly 85 per cent of what EMI does get to release never makes a profit, in part because of the cash spent signing bands and partly due to ill-made bets on the number of CDs the market requires for particular acts", Hands explained.

The recycled copies of "Rudebox", which was released in October 2006, are ultimately to be used on the road surface and street lighting."


one for the road, eh, Rob?

did EMI really pay him £80 million?

I remember back around then Robbie Williams 'casually dropped in' on Radio 2's Steve Wright show. SW and his team interviewed him and gave us, the listening a public, a listen of his 'Rudebox' single (desperate for publicity I wonder?). God, it was absolute pap. Never been an RW fan but at least some his previous efforts have been quite catchy.

Sounds like China have the right idea!

the problem with Rudebox was the writing team-

without Guy Chambers writing the songs you won't get the hits.

I don't really understand what's happening with EMI- it just seems like people with lots of money and no sense, especially in terms of judging the appeal of music and the demand of the market, and a lot of money being wasted as a result- EMI might as well try their luck at a casino.

EMI would probably have better luck in a casino than they are having at the moment.

apparently both Rudebox and The Magic Numbers' 2nd album are being flogged on Amazon for 46p.
not looking good for EMI.

46p for a Robbie Williams album?...That's a bit steep!

quote:

Originally posted by Vanilla Ice:
without Guy Chambers writing the songs you won't get the hits.

And without him exercising quality control and keeping egos in check too I suspect.