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I miss scarcity

This is not a complaint. Or, if it is a complaint, it's half-aimed at me. Mostly this is a reflection.

In the old days, I got to know music really well -- in great detail, sonically, musically, reading all the credits, the liner notes, etc. A friend would have an album I didn't, so I'd go to his house to listen. We'd talk about the music. We'd talk about how album sides hung together or didn't. We were thrilled by double albums.

Now, a torrent of information is everywhere. I listen alone, often to a single song, often not listening to anything over and over again.

You will tell me, "That's your choice." I'd half agree. It's like agreeing that "It's my choice not to live off the electrical grid." 

As I read and teach about AI, I am learning that our tools often prioritize speed and information glut. It seems, initially, like a cornucopia but it becomes a wash of "content." I must admit, I'm losing my talent for managing all this content, and I'm losing my love for it. And it's making me into a different person, somewhat, and I am not so sure I want to be that person. End of reflection.

Wizard Conjuring Cosmic Chaos Art Print featuring the drawing Let There be Content by Benjamin Schwartz

hilde45
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sokogear
1,160 posts
 

No streaming for me (except TV programs & movies). At this point, I know what I like and have enough records (and some CDs when I know I don't want to touch anything for at least 45 minutes). I get some exposure to new things when I listen to Sirrius in the car, or see a band on TV or get a recommendation from a friend or relative who knows what I like, and it has led me to buy some new records selectively, usually expanding the catalogue of a particular artist I own, but not always. I don't add to my library without some real consideration, because it means it will get played at least 2-3 times a year. If I wasn't able to listen to somethng I really like at least that often, what is the point? 

I find when I listen to my Phone on pretty good headphones (pretty rare) when I have to look at a screen and make an album selection, it wastes time doing something I don't want to do. Plus I think it damages your hearing.

For me there is much enjoyment from upgrading an album I own and hearing new things or more engaging sound, then selling the old one.

Also, I find when  i am llistening on my headphones, I tend to skip around and nto appreciate a complete album the way it was conceived by the artist..

george53
50 posts
 

Dopamine drives everything.  Music enjoyment too.  For some of us, music is attached to a moment, a place, a person.  I recently had my first receiver repaired.  Sansui 2000x.  Moved it into a back bedroom that’s seldom used.  Brought up the Original Large Advents.  Then an old Sony 5 disc.  The window/view is 30 years old but I’m never there, right.  My living room setup is light years ahead of this.  But you know, same music (quiet) in a different spot watching the leaves fall.  Dopamine.  I love music while driving.  Contemplative music, windows down, just before sunset.  Here in Kansas, home of the empty 2 lane blacktop.  I’m a sucker for audio gear, but it helps to add something to the recipe.  Maybe in all things

privatefuture
56 posts
 

I’ve been on a deep dive analyzing how I came to like the music in my life, looking at how I became aware of it and why it mattered at the time. I know what I like and I like what I know.

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