Thanks! I rarely buy singles, so I'm not entirely sure how these things work (especially these days), but is it normal for a second single (Wedding Bell Blues) to be promoted before the first single (Lover-To-Be) has been released? And, in the digital era, is it normal to promote an album track that isn't a single (It's Over)?
It's not the easiest of things to answer to be honest.
To answer the first part: no, if
It's Over was the first 'single' then, yes, it would be odd for shops to be listing/picturing
Wedding Bell Blues beforehand.
Probably, the idea of a vinyl release came and went & Morrissey Central just jumped the gun before it was a certainty.
IMHO, if they wanted to push the track, they'd of done similar to
Spent The Day In Bed, but it was not to be.
I think things changed and with a narrow time frame -
It's Over just became an inducement to pre-order the album.
The second part of your question is debatable - depending on the artist/company.
I think the term to get interest in an album by selling a track off it (not necessarily the first single) is referred to as an "instant grat".
It will normally lead people to pre-order the album minus the cost of the track. That said, the instant grat (normally hosted on YouTube then sold digitally) can be the lead single too - with physical product thereafter. So, all very confusing.
BMG have done this previously. Similarly, they've staggered release times between digital & physical products - something that was never historically done prior (especially if a certain someone likes high chart placement).
It may all come out in the wash one day
Regards,
FWD.
