Let’s Talk About Physical Music Vs. Downloads (Pt. 2).

As I said in my previous post, I believe that physical music media (such as CDs or vinyl records) are a better investment then downloads.

“Yeah, and you still haven’t answered me: what if I only want one song on the record?  I don’t want to spend 12 songs worth of money if I just want one!”

This can be considered a disadvantage for CD purchases to some.  In my opinion though, all great albums have more than one good song on them, therefore purchasing the entire package is a good investment.  I mean, sure “Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2” is a great song from Pink Floyd’s The Wall, but you know what else is a good song? … THE ENTIRE REST OF THE ALBUM!  If you just purchase one of those songs, you miss out on the entire construction of Pink Floyd’s wall.  Do you even know why he believes he “don’t need no education” in the first place?  Of course you don’t, because you didn’t hear the preceding songs!

“Okay that makes sense, but what’s wrong with downloading the entire album from iTunes instead of walking all the way to the record store?”

Let me just say this: I love Apple and have many Apple products.  That being said, I think they make enough money.  You know who doesn’t make enough money?  Steve, the owner of the downtown record store.  This is truly a shame, because the record store has a certain atmosphere that no website can copy (this is also the reason why I’m sad that Borders closed).  If we lose the record store, we lose the atmosphere.

Also if you’re not fully convinced to go outside and support record stores, you can also order CDs and vinyls on Amazon without leaving your bed.  And if that ain’t jivin’ enough for you, most CD and vinyl purchases on Amazon come with a free MP3 download (best of both worlds).

To me, there are just really no detriments to purchasing physical music.  I mean sure you lose some bookshelf space, but let’s be honest: if you’re the sort of person who downloads music, do you even own books?

-T

P.S.  Don’t download books either!  Browse Barnes & Noble, darn it!

Let’s Talk About Physical Music Vs. Downloads.

Well let’s get get this out of the way real quick: physical music is a much better investment than an iTunes download.

I really should end the post right here, but I think we might need an explanation of my stance.

Personally I prefer to purchase vinyl records, and here’s why.  Under every Beatles record that is in my possession, it says these words:

• “THIS MONOGRAPHIC MICROGROOVE RECORDING IS PLAYABLE ON MONOPHONIC AND STEREO PHONOGRAPHS. IT CANNOT BECOME OBSOLETE. IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE A SOURCE OF OUTSTANDING SOUND REPRODUCTION, PROVIDING THE FINEST MONOPHONIC PERFORMANCE FROM ANY PHONOGRAPH.”

I have been able to inherit vinyl records from grandparents, and even though these vinyl LPs were pressed in the 60s and 70s, they are still playable.  I can spin Abbey Road whenever I want without having to “upgrade my system” or “purchase more cloud memory.”  

Also, buying a vinyl record gives the listener the sense that he is leaving the store with a giant work of art.  He can rejoice in bliss as onlookers stare jealously as he walks with Pink Floyd’s The Wall through the parking lot.  Then when he gets home, he can read the cool lyrics booklets and frame the cover on his wall so his friends can be jealous (tee hee: hanging The Wall on a wall).  

For this reason, vinyl sales have gone up drastically since 2008.  Take a look at this graph:

“But I like listening to my favorite artists in my car, and my car doesn’t come with an vinyl player.  What do you suggest for me, Mr. Smarty-Pants!?!”

Boy oh boy, do I have the solution for you!  I also appreciate the sound of a good Compact Disc.  “CDs,” as they are known to the laypeople, can be played in most every car, can be played on most every stereo, and can be uploaded to most any computer (then transferred to iPhones, etc.).  I’m sure you have heard horror stories of people losing their entire iTunes libraries after a horrible small fire destroys their MacBook.  These people needn’t fear if they have their music backed up on the CDs that they purchased originally.

CDs are also awesome because many artists (such as Tool and the Beatles) do not offer their repertoire on certain music streaming and downloading sites and instead will only release their music on CD.

“But what if I only want one song?  I don’t want to have to spend 12 songs worth of money if I only want one!”

I’ll go into that on a later day, I feel like I’ve already written too much about the benefits of physicality.

-T