I can't imagine not having the experience of working hard for and buying music as I was growing up. I remember when I'd get my little check from whatever job I was working and the first thing I'd want to do is hit up "The Wherehouse" or "Tower Records" to get some new tapes for my walkman. Those tapes were the soundtracks to many experiences in my life so when I hear certain songs it takes me back to a place in time.
Nowadays, being that we all have access to millions of albums/songs/artists with just a few mouse clicks/keystrokes it absolutely waters down the whole experience. I feel sorry for my son in that respect because due to the music being so easily acquired he doesn't have that emotional bond to it, it's just a whole different atmosphere now.
I remember listening to tapes over and over again until I could afford new one's, getting very familiar with the artist and the album, having the disappointment when a new tape I had been wanting so bad only had one song I liked on it. Now that stuff is so easily dismissed that what's hot now is old news 5 minutes from now.
Nowadays, being that we all have access to millions of albums/songs/artists with just a few mouse clicks/keystrokes it absolutely waters down the whole experience. I feel sorry for my son in that respect because due to the music being so easily acquired he doesn't have that emotional bond to it, it's just a whole different atmosphere now.
It's an interesting shift, which I've noticed myself and have been affected by. Historically, recorded music was usually taken in as 78rpm "singles" (for the lack of a better word). LP's did not appear until the 1940's, and true conceptual albums not until the mid 1960's (one could argue that this started with "Revolver" or "Pet Sounds"). So, the album has really only had about a 40 year run. And it wasn't always easy to get, when I was young - having to save up to buy an album meant that I would usually play it to death, when I finally got it.
I have faith in the younger generation, however. Music survives. Examples are in this forum: I've read some of you that still buy CD's for the album art and physical experience, and I know there are still bands out there that make great full-length albums and that are enjoyed. And vinyl, amazingly enough, is making a comeback. Embrace your music, as you will determine its future.
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