CD MANIA: Is it possible that consumers...

CD MANIA: Is it possible that consumers are getting short-changed on those much-touted new Beatles CDs? That’s the intriguing question raised by Pete Howard, publisher of ICE (International CD Exchange), the new, monthly compact-disc newsletter. In the information-packed debut issue, Howard writes that “the Beatles CDs would have easily fit into a couple of nice ‘two-fers’ sets. All four CDs are under 35 minutes in length. Just makes one appreciate all the more a company like Motown, which definitely provides more cluck for the buck with their catalogue two-fer series.”

A former deejay and CBS Records staffer, Howard has dug up all sorts of intriguing tidbits of CD information. The new issue reveals that many stereo versions of Rolling Stones CD tracks, including “Satisfaction” and “Time Is on My Side,” are going to be permanently deleted from future pressings. It also cautions Beatles fans that many classic songs--including “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Day Tripper” and “Hey Jude”--are not part of Capitol’s massive Beatles CD releases (though they may be out in a special CD collection later this summer). Also noted: the new RCA Jefferson Airplane compilation, “2400 Fulton St.,” offers 11 more songs than the LP, including a batch of vintage Levi’s radio spots. And Boss fanatics should be on the lookout for the first Japanese CD pressings of “Nebraska,” which offer an unreleased master tape of “My Father’s House.”

There’s plenty more, including info on upcoming CD releases (Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde” is coming at the end of the month) and “marketplace” wanted ads for hard-to-find releases. “The whole idea was to put together a newsletter which could serve as a clearing house for a wide variety of information, news and gossip about CDs,” Howard explained. “It’s been a real challenge for me, though I’m doing it more for love than for money.” For more information, write ICE, P.O. Box 3043, Santa Monica 90403.