I didn't try to handle it out of context. I don't understand what is the problem with releasing digital version early. There are mostly 2 groups - people who will go only for the media in the format convenient to them (either CD, or a download) and those who will get more products because they're more involved fans.
How does releasing one product early affect any of those groups? How does it affect sales in a bad way? Maybe I am missing something obvious, but I cannot imagine a bad result here. Fans will want to go to a gig anyways. Amon Tobin is bound to fill venues - it's not like they're fighting for customers there. If the worry is that people will buy only one format and not both, they could always offer pre-orders.
How does releasing one product early affect any of those groups? How does it affect sales in a bad way? Maybe I am missing something obvious, but I cannot imagine a bad result here. Fans will want to go to a gig anyways. Amon Tobin is bound to fill venues - it's not like they're fighting for customers there. If the worry is that people will buy only one format and not both, they could always offer pre-orders.