Recently, Brian Eno’s releases containing the word ‘Ambient’ in their title have been added a series, ‘Ambient (2)’, and given as serial number the number included in the release title. See here some examples:
According to RSG §4.6.2, it seems that such releases are not considered a series:
“Releases that are not a series include numbered or otherwise ordered original works by an artist, for example, Led Zeppelin l / II / III / IV, Beethoven's Symphony No.1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 etc, Selected Ambient Works 85-92 and Selected Ambient Works Volume II. If the releases are connected in some manner, but have no branding on the releases, then are not considered a series […]”
Shouldn’t the series be removed from these (numerous) submissions?
As an aside to whether they are valid updates, the series was added to one of my subs 3 years ago, so not particularly recent...
The 'series' incorporates two releases by Brian Eno, one by Brian Eno and Harold Budd and one by Larajji, so comparisons with Led Zep 1 to 3 ( I thought the 4th was untitled anyway) and Beethoven's exclusive work are not particularly useful.
It's difficult to prove series as the releases came out long before the internet and there are lots of references to this as a series 'after the fact', so they should carry little weight. I used to subscribe to the Opal newsletter (small periodical) and can an interview where Brian refers to both these and the 'Obscure' releases as a series (different series I add!) but whether that satisfies the RSG, I don't know.
If it is a 'series' maybe we need to update the titles to drop the Ambient x leader (shown in larger typeface than the titles) on the cover. I'm not worried either way if they stay or go, but if we accept the series, maybe adjust the titles to the deprecated print?
I recall either an EG or an Editions EG inner bag that listed the Obscure albums as a series and (I think) the Ambient albums as a series. I've still got the Penguin Café Orchestra Mini Album so I'll check that when I can get to it.
It seems I missed this discussion - I sorely wish I'd found this before I took the initiative on my own (never a good idea...) and put all of the instances I found of the Eno/Ambient releases into the Ambient (2) series (save one or two.)
In fact, I agree; I think that the guidelines' interpretation of Series is strict for a good reason. The reason I went to all that effort was merely for the convenience of seeing them all organized under that heading. But, and this should have been simple enough, they already were organized - under master releases.
I guess I feel like undoing what I did. But this time I will not do so unless I hear from the "group conscience" that this would make sense. I see that there is not exactly consensus yet as to how to treat these releases. I will sit tight and await further discussion/instructions.
My apologies if my actions have put anyone off or made the situation worse. I should mention that I did get several Correct votes on this move - which is why I continued on beyond the first stab at it - but I know that that doesn't necessarily indicate any sort of consensus.
I recently noticed that too and my first reaction was "no" but then...would the similar artwork qualify as "branding" in some sense? The enlarged map motif at least acts as a common theme amongst all four releases, along with the shared "Ambient" title. I'm probably in the series camp now.
Clogwhistle
I recall either an EG or an Editions EG inner bag that listed the Obscure albums as a series and (I think) the Ambient albums as a series. I've still got the Penguin Café Orchestra Mini Album so I'll check that when I can get to it.
To confirm: I have an Editions EG inner bag (EGIN 1) with my copy of Penguin Cafe Orchestra - The Penguin Cafe Orchestra Mini Album. On one side it lists the albums EGED 1 through to EGED 16. On the other side it lists "The AMBIENT Series" EGED 17 to EGED 20, and "The obscure Series" EGED 21 to EGED 30.
I don't have a camera to image this yet but I'll see if I can sort something out.
...However, coming back to Discogs' RSG §4.6.2, "Releases that are not a series include numbered or otherwise ordered original works by an artist, for example, Led Zeppelin l / II / III / IV, Beethoven's Symphony No.1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 etc[...]"
Clogwhistle
To confirm: I have an Editions EG inner bag (EGIN 1) with my copy of Penguin Cafe Orchestra - The Penguin Cafe Orchestra Mini Album. On one side it lists the albums EGED 1 through to EGED 16. On the other side it lists "The AMBIENT Series" EGED 17 to EGED 20, and "The obscure Series" EGED 21 to EGED 30.
I don't have a camera to image this yet but I'll see if I can sort something out.
So I guess we can settle for AMBIENT being a series!
Well, I won't fight it.
Series definition Discogs: The word can also appear on the back of the release, or externally on official websites or publications.
A sleeve of the label is official enough, I think … and one more series won't hurt the database.
hafler3o
Now a close-up of those blocks added to the series profile?
I have no idea if they are meaningful - perhaps this was a one off bit of graphic design.
However, my scanner can manage part of a 12" x 12" image; but not the whole thing. Give me a day or two...
