Petra in the Studio today

[executioner]

Again I really hope I can buy just the single.

So by this you are basically saying that a full length all new material album is really not too important for you? If this doesn't sell we won't get a new album.

So the new label wants to hold the new album hostage? Classic. Hey. Here is a 1978 Camero with new rims. Buy this one and we might sell you a 2014 for the same money next year. No thanks.

If the label thought they had a chance with a new record, they would do it now. How. Many comp records are out there now. Lets count.

Your comparing apples to oranges and it really doesn't fit. I will buy it because it is Petra and it just might help Petra get some radio play or press which in turn could get them all new material. Nobody officially related to Petra will say it but I've been told that Bob is not done making records with this version of Petra and sees a lot of untapped quality product to put out on the market, but he needs the avenue to spark some interest again, so if this does well it will be vital in the process. For reasons unknown to me or my source Bob would prefer bringing it to a label than doing it themselves somewhat like Classic Petra, but Capitol is actually the one that approached Bob about doing this and not the other way around, so someone from Capitol sees some potential for something market wise.

[executioner]

Petra has 21 English studio albums, 2 Spanish studio albums and 4 live albums. This will be compilation no. 14, so for every 3 studio albums there are 2 compilation albums. And then I'm not counting the two re-issues of The Early Years.

I'll buy the whole album anyway, and probably the single on iTunes/digital, just to get to hear it right away. Just wondering why Bob let himself be convinced to compile another 'Ultimate Collection' style album.

Something you have to consider only 2 of those compilations were actually sponsored by Petra and were the only 2 to have any input by actual band members, all the others have been done by two labels that only had an interest in piggybacking a new release Petra was getting ready to release. I will bet Bob probably does not even acknowledge all those compilations.

[brent]

It does fit. It is a hostage record. Sure Bob wants a label. It is someone else's money and connections. They SHOULD have a label.

[zak89]

No fan of compilations myself, but I'll buy it if the artist has their hands on the actual selection and production of the comp. And when it comes to compilations, my favorites are always those that have one or two new songs in the mix - the format of Whiteheart's two "Nothing But the Best" comps, for example.

Otherwise, I tend to view compilations as playlists (and I often create playlists to match comps) - it's an interesting way to experience an artist's music, and a thoughtfully compiled album can give a fresh perspective on a wide-ranging musical career.

So, in short: this sounds like the Petra compilation I actually *wanted* all along - and if it does well commercially (as Sue hints it might), piggy-backing perhaps on the 40th anniversary tour... who knows?

[mikey32187]

Why not do a Kickstarter campaign as well? This may seem like a simplistic approach but the thought just occurred to me, I would definitely like to contribute.

[brent]

Something you have to consider only 2 of those compilations were actually sponsored by Petra and were the only 2 to have any input by actual band members, all the others have been done by two labels that only had an interest in piggybacking a new release Petra was getting ready to release. I will bet Bob probably does not even acknowledge all those compilations.

They know about the comps because Bob has the publishing and gets paid for all of that.

[brent]

Why not do a Kickstarter campaign as well? This may seem like a simplistic approach but the thought just occurred to me, I would definitely like to contribute.

Kickstarter does not build longevity or fund what you need to do beyond the album production. Kickstarter requires people to know about you or care.

[brent]

So, in short: this sounds like the Petra compilation I actually *wanted* all along - and if it does well commercially (as Sue hints it might), piggy-backing perhaps on the 40th anniversary tour... who knows?

You couldn't just build a playlist in the computer? Now, I WOULD like to have a DVD-A disc with Bob giving king of a director's cut narration. I would pay for that.

[mikey32187]

I agree brent, I for one would like to be able to learn some Petra tunes on guitar, a guitar lesson dvd or at least a segment of Bob showing us how to play some of his most famous tunes and riffs would be a nice bonus. But I doubt there would be enough interest in it to even consider doing it.

[HudsonPethead]

Petra answering some questions on Facebook:

The song that was called "Still Thirsty" is now called "Holy Is Your Name." It went through a few upgrades and revisions, including the name, courtesy of Mr. Hartman.
We understand your frustration in regards to another compilation; this is something the label is wanting... and there IS the possibility of a FULL ALBUM to follow! So please be patient.
Classic Petra: not be touring this year, since Bob is going out with Petra. As for 2014, it's a little too soon to say.
In the meantime, you may want to check out II GUYS FROM PETRA, who are getting back together for one concert only in Indianapolis June 22 at the On Fire Fan Convention.

[brent]

I think Sue could have and maybe did say the same thing here as she did on FB.