To get in touch with 4AD, please go to the Contact Us page.
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System Requirements
This service works on Windows, Mac and Linux.
PC requirements: Windows 98 or above.
Mac requirements: Mac OS9 or OSX
PC users will require a compatible software player (see below). Mac users will need iTunes 4 or above.
What is the quality of the files?
The downloads are AAC format at 192kbps. These downloads are virtually indistinguishable from CD-quality audio and we think offer the best audio quality vs download time.
Do you sell mp3 files?
No, we sell AAC files (technically they are mp4's) which sound better for a smaller file size and quicker download, they are the same files that iTunes sells, but with no DRM, we trust you to respect the music our artists create.
The "Listen" links don't sound CD-quality - is this the same as what I'm buying?
The streaming samples you hear when you click "Listen" or when you listen to a a playlist are of lower quality than the purchased, full AACs. Encoding the samples at a lower bitrate allows you to hear the song samples faster with less time waiting for the files to load.
What software players can I use to play and arrange this music on a computer?
Examples of free compatible software players include:
- iTunes (mac and pc) http://www.apple.com/itunes/
- Windows Media Player (mac and pc) http://windowsmedia.com/download
- Real Player (mac and pc) http://www.real.com/player/
- WinAmp (pc) http://www.winamp.com
- FooBar (pc) http://www.foobar2000.org
- XMMS (linux) http://xmms.org
These are some of the most popular players, but many others support mp3 as well, please check your vendors and shop around.
To hear the sample "Listen" links on the site, you will need Real Player installed.
Can I get my files any time?
We guarantee that the files will be available to download for thirty days after the date of purchase. You can collect your files immediately after completing the checkout process by following the link to the download area, or you can use the link in the email we send you to access the download area at another time within the 30 day period. However it is possible that at times of very heavy demand or in case of exceptional technical problems you may be requested NOT to collect your file(s) immediately.
My files don't play properly, or don't play to the end. What do I do?
Keep trying! If you didn't experience any error messages during download, then your files should be fine, and any playback problems will be to do with your own player. Check the file size on your player, and compare them with the file sizes given on the website. If they match, then the songs have downloaded properly and there is probably a problem with your player. If you still have problems, contact us and we will try to help you.
Can I download multiple copies of my purchased songs?
You can download a second copy of the files to a second computer/storage device OF YOURS. We guarantee that a second copy will be available to you for up to thirty days after the date of purchase.
Will these downloads work with my iPod?
Yes - we use the AAC format which is compatible with the iPod as well as a wide range of other portable devices. If your portable player does not play AAC files you can convert them to mp3's using software players like iTunes.
Why are some releases not available in my country?
Certain products are not available in all territories. This is because we do not own the rights in those territories. Once you have input your country of residence, the system should recognise you in future and you shouldn't be offered products that are unavailable in your country.
Why are some tracks not available to buy individually?
A small number of tracks can only be bought as part of a whole album or single, and cannot be bought individually. This is because they are either very short or very long. In the case of very short tracks we don't believe it is fair to sell them for the full price of an individual track. In the case of very long tracks (duration of longer than 10 minutes) the relatively low price of an individual track is not in fair proportion to the length of the track. If you download these longer tracks as part of an album then the cost per track should not exceed 79p.
Is downloading this music legal?
Yes. Unlike downloading mp3s from Peer-to-Peer networks, all tracks sold through this website are 100% legal and the artists and songwriters receive royalties for every sale, by buying from us you are helping to support the artists and songwriters.
How long does it take to download a track?
Downloading the average AAC on a broadband connection should take you less than 1 minute. If you are on a dial-up connection, expect this download to take a few minutes.
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Delivery time
When we have the items that make up your order in stock, it is despatched quickly. In the UK we use Royal Mail First Class Post; for exports we use standard Air Mail unless instructed otherwise.
Sending The Order
As you browse or search the site, add the items you want to the shopping basket. When you are ready to buy, press the order button, and then fill in the order form with your full name, email address, street address, and credit card details. You will receive an order confirmation once your order has been accepted, and then a second email when we dispatch your purchases.
Cancellations
If you want to cancel your order, please tell us as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee always to be able to cancel items from an order - if your order has already been sent out, we won't be able stop it. This means that, generally, the only chance to cancel arises when we are waiting for products that are out of stock. Cancellation requests must be sent by email, quoting your order number, to Mailorder@AlmaRoad.co.uk
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You can select from a variety of shipping and delivery methods and check their prices using the postage calculator in your shopping basket.
You can also choose to give us a third party delivery address, so you can send your order as a gift.
More Information on each method is listed below.
Standard Mail - Registered Mail - UPS Delivery
Standard Mail
We use Royal Mail First Class - a breakdown of prices is listed for you here.
UK Mainland and NI
CD's and Tapes are £1 for the first item and £0.50 per item thereafter
7" Vinyl are £0.50 for the first item and £0.25 per item thereafter
12" Vinyl are £1 for the first item and £0.50 per item thereafter
Videos, Books, etc are £2 for the first item and £1 per item thereafter
EEC Europe and Eire
CD's and Tapes are £1.50 for the first item and £1.00 per item thereafter
7" Vinyl are £1 for the first item and £0.75 per item thereafter
12" Vinyl are £2 for the first item and £1 per item thereafter
Videos, Books, etc are £3 for the first item and £1.50 per item thereafter
Rest of the World
CD's and Tapes are £2 for the first item and £1 per item thereafter
7" Vinyl are £1.50 for the first item and £1 per item thereafter
12" Vinyl are £3 for the first item and £1.50 per item thereafter
Videos, Books, etc are £4 for the first item and £2 per item thereafter
Registered Mail
For UK Registered Post, add 70p to total postage charges (this service requires a signature on receipt of parcel).
For International Registered Post, add £3.40 to total normal postage charges (a signature is required on receipt of parcel).
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We use HMC as a secure express delivery option. Please include a phone number when you place the order - if they try to deliver your package when you're not in, they can then contact you directly to arrange a more convenient time. Your number will not be passed on anywhere else. Please note, this service is not offered for the orders being sent to the UK.
If you select the express delivery option, please make sure you don't give us a PO Box address, as these deliveries need to be signed for.
Mailorder at Alma Road can provide up-to-date tracking information for you.
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All items are guaranteed to be brand new and they should reach you in perfect condition. CD cases do occasionally get cracked in the post, and we will send replacements if this happens. We will only replace items that are defective, or sent in error.
This is subject to the buyer notifying the company within five working days of receipt of the goods and giving a description of the damage / defect. Do not send anything back without our permission. Please report faulty items by email to Mailorder at Alma Road (mailorder@almaroad.com) - we will send you return instructions.
Please report faulty items by email to Mailorder at Alma Road - we will send you return instructions.
Your orders are processed by Alma Road Mail Order, which is the Mail Order division of the following record labels : 4AD, Beggars Banquet, Mantra, Matador, Mo' Wax, Nation, Too Pure, Wiiija, and XL Recordings. Alma Road Mail Order can supply the entire catalogue for these labels, including exclusive and hard to find items that aren't available elsewhere.
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The 4AD shop is run by Alma Road Mail Order who are owned by The Beggars Group.
We want to look after all data fairly and securely. Any information you give us about yourself will be stored by us and may be disclosed to, processed and used by ourselves, or Datacash who assist us in providing services to you. e.g. we may use the information to confirm identity or credit details, for fraud prevention procedures, money laundering checks, audit confirmations or debt collection procedures. this may involve transferring your data to countries outside the european economic area. 4AD or Datacash may use and analyse your data to give you information about products and services which may be of interest to you.
We will not disclose your information to any other third parties.
You must keep secret any personal identification numbers or other security codes that we give you for access to the 4AD shop system, and comply with all reasonable instructions that 4AD issues in relation to keeping such personal details safe. You should also make sure that any internet payment transaction you make is done in a secure environment. So make sure no one is looking over your shoulder, right!
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Prices
If you would like to convert GB Pounds into your own currency, visit the Currency Convertor website at:www.xe.com
Stock
We only sell brand new CDs and videos, not used items.Most CDs we carry in stock and can be despatched quickly. Items which are not in the building when we receive your order can take up to 10 days to be ready for despatch.
Secure Web Order & Credit Card
We can only accept Mastercard, Visa, Visa Delta and Switch cards for payment. Your card is debited only after the items are sent.Credit card fraud attempts will be reported to the authorities.
When entering credit card details take GREAT care that they are correct as this is the most common cause of delays. The credit card number is the long number across the middle of the card (NOT the "Card No." sometimes printed at the bottom) and it should contain no letters. Enter the expiry date (NOT the valid from date). Switch users must also include the issue number.
Thanks for shopping with us !
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We do listen to the demos we receive. Eventually.
Sadly, there just aren't enough hours in the day to respond to everything that comes in. We'll only get in touch if we really like something.
Please bear in mind that every minute we spend fielding a phone call about whether or not a certain package got here is a minute we spend not listening to demos.
Send your CDs or vinyl to :
A&R
4AD
17-19 Alma Road
London
SW18 1AA
UK
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Project management and co-ordination : Jane Pollard and Simon Wheeler.
Art direction and design : Vaughan Oliver and Chris Bigg at v23 with Jane Pollard and David Emery.
Wheel design and animation : Paul Farrington at StudioTonne.
Site build : David Emery with the team at Consolidated Independent and State51.
Fact-checking, data assembly and extensive 4AD knowledge : Jo Brooks.
Jo thanks: Creig Jacobson, Jeff Keibel, Alistair Walder, Ralf Henneking, Marko Hunjak, Bernd Hugo and George Partakides.
Artist biographies : Manish Agarwal.
Invaluable research : Jane Abernethy and Sonja Schaile.
Thanks also 4AD and Beggars staff, past and present, who contributed contacts, ephemera, and the contents of their memories.
And, of course, thanks to all the artists. Without you, we are nothing.