How do you 'listen' to new music?

That's a great question!

With Classical you'll have to understand what is expected (which takes work). You can enjoy the melodies, but you'll have to know how composers work within guidelines to come up with something new and unexpected, yet satisfying, terrifying, etc. Obviously, there is more to it than that, but it does take understanding the background and how it was developed.

Jazz is something that's hard to nail down also, but it's modern enough that you can just listen to some of the original stuff and understand it right off the bat.

But what the heck do I know. There has to be someone who could explain these types of music better than I just did.

Rob

Oh I forgot to mention:

"The Joy of Music" by Leonard Bernstein is a great book that talks about Music including Jazz and Classical.

Rob

Tim,

I think most people are like that. One nice thing these days is that you can download a song (or sample) and test it out before you buy a CD. In the past it was just hoping the CD was good without any idea what was on there unless it was on the radio first.

I justify downloading music through file sharing programs in order to listen to songs that are on the CD. I then erase them (seriously) after I've decided to buy the CD or not. The only factor left is the sound quality. That's the only chance I take unless there is a writeup online about that.

With used LPs, it's just taking a chance. Who knows what I'll find, whether it's worn out, scratched, or badly recorded. But given the used price of LPs, getting one good one out of 3-4 makes it worth it.

It does take time with new stuff, but I'm like you as far as not having a huge collection. The stuff I have I really enjoy.

Rob