Re: [microsound] nin

[Bryan Teoh <bryanteoh@xxxxxxxxx>]

Music and music distribution is changing, and our perception of the product
is changing along with it.  I don't get as excited about new releases
because I've been able to receive my media on demand. I realize it's
partially object fetishization, but I really enjoyed going to random record
stores when I was in a neighboring city just to see what they carried.  I
liked flipping through albums on racks and finding some cd's I was looking
for and some that I wasn't.  There was a process, or perhaps ritual, that
accompanied the process of listening to a new album.  Every person had their
own trick for opening cellophane and removing that effing sticker.  The
enjoyment of the touch of the cd the first time you removed it from the
case.  Listening to the album on repeat while you read through the liner
notes and searched out every detail in the photos or illustrations.  I liked
that.  I download almost all of the music that I listen to these days.  I
still enjoy hearing new things, but when you've got 20 albums in queue, it's
difficult to really care about the album you just got.  As much as it's
true, the music will have to influence you more on the first listen in order
to warrant relistening (something that some have argued would elevate our
standards and thus the craft), perhaps we will also become less discerning
to subtle nuances?
I will continue downloading music because there is an incredible amount of
stuff out there that I need to listen to but can't afford, and because I
like the idea of art being available to anyone.  That said, I would love to
see some sort of grassroots return to physical media.  Wouldn't it be fun to
have to exercise tantric listening?  To have to wait to hear something brand
new?  Someday, when I have more money, I'll go back to buying physical
albums.  someday...

B
-- 
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