WogBlog: Paul sues Sony/ATV

WogBlog: Paul sues Sony/ATV

Gloversville record plant

Free image due to age and lack of copyright

    I remembered hearing over a decade ago about a record plant close to the Adirondacks that was going out of business (it closed for good in 2005 after being opened in 1931 by Decca/Brunswick Records during the Depression [Decca UK & US split several years later because WWII was brewing, making multinational operations impossible for a period, not reunited until three generations later]). Universal Music Group wound up getting it with the acquisition of PolyGram (which bought Decca UK/London Records in 1979) and others. At the time it was though no one was buying new vinyl anymore. Now it ought to reopen, even if UMG doesn't need it themselves. A small company could take it over and instead of virgin vinyl from fossil fuels they could recycle old LPs and sleeves. This was done as far back as the '70s during the oil crisis, but the technology to filtre out impurities and what-have-you may have come on since then. Numerous LPs languishing in charity shops and bargain bins could all go there, particularly ones that were purchased by those who are either now deceased or just too old to bother buying and playing them again at this point. Greatest Generation-geared legends like Mantovani, Ray Conniff, Glenn Miller, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, and Anita Bryant for that matter come to mind. Fulton County and neighbouring Montgomery County have suffered in recent decades with factories closing. Like Cuyahoga County two states away, these were factory towns. The demand for vinyl is back albeit to a lesser extent than generations past.  Indie labels could have their albums pressed there. Unwanted albums and 45s that can't even get sold for pennies online could just be donated. A registered charity would have to be established in order to give people and businesses a chance to write it off their taxes but I'm not the Bob Geldof of manufacturing. A grassroots campaign might work but I don't know. There are enough other places yet to reopen but that's covered more on our sister blog NYRRU. As for LPs across the seaway in Canada they get new LPs from the States if not Europe. A licencing arrangement has to be made for the boys' later albums to be sold on their turf. This plant back in Upstate NY however would now cater to small time indie cult artists with a niche following. Perhaps limited editions to save money and to see if 5,000 for a start would sell out.

UPDATE: I learnt that this has since become a warehouse, and they rent out space that could be used for such an operation, despite the environmental risks of melting down PVC instead of upcycling it into cute things to sell on Etsy. At least I can take solace in finding a suitable photo on Facebook.