Are You Experienced?
I visited my local Target the other night to run a few errands with my family. After walking through the store and grabbing what we needed, I stumbled into the CD section just to see what they had. Though the section isn't... shall we say... as plentiful as it could be or used to be, for me it's still refreshing to browse through rows of music instead of buttons on iTunes. I think it makes discovering music so much more fun.
I used to buy CDs all the time from my favorite independent and major music stores, but they are becoming harder and harder to find. With the rise of iTunes, Amazon and internet radio (along with other sites in which to get music we won't name), people just aren't buying (physical) music like they used to. Myself included.
Just a few months ago, the record industry announced the lowest sales of CDs since they started recording purchasing data.... sad, sad, sad.
http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/02/news/companies/napster_music_industry/
So there I am browsing through the rows of music, hoping to find something worthy of my purchase and a few new albums caught my eye. (Yes, I like calling CDs albums). I ended up grabbing the latest releases by The Black Crowes (a best-of acoustic double album for $9.99) and the new Filter CD ($7.99). Both were excellent prices so I couldn't refuse buying them.
To my surprise upon opening the CDs, I realized what I've missed by buying digital music lately—outstanding artwork and well designed packaging. Both of these, coincidentally, were the paper digi-pak (not the clear plastic containers) and both revealed wonderful pop-up artwork.
It made for a better user experience opening the CDs and browsing the artwork while listening to the music. It sounds odd writing this because I remember when that was the only option there was, when all music was only available as tangible products. Some bands and record labels realize the need for this experience and are trying to push the envelope by making new and interesting music and packaging. While it’s getting increasingly expensive, let's not let this impactful artform die.
There's no denying its importance as a universal language, but music has lost its value by becoming a digital commodity. Buying CDs from artists you love not only helps support them, but you get a better understanding of what the artist is trying to say. I charge you to go buy some real music and fully experience it the way the artist hoped. We owe it to them.
Comments
Totally agree, Ryan. I visit the local record store in Durham about once a month and let myself completely splurge. Record labels and wholesale stores have been saying that vinyl records are what's keeping them afloat-the return of this fad has been extremely helpful in the sales department.
I'm one of the people buying these vinyl records, and it's for 3 reasons. One, I love the sound of vinyl. It makes for a much more intimate experience, and having to manually flip the record over once, twice, or even three times requires me to pay closer attention and stay near the player. This allows me to really have the full experience, whereas when I'm on my computer, my mind is often elsewhere. Two, I like having the hard copy and I consider my records collectibles. It's a growing collection and it's so fun to see my own new releases next to my parents' collection that I have a piece of. And three, just like you said, it's so fun to have great artwork and packaging in my hands. Lots of vinyl packages come with full sized posters, and every side of the packaging is covered in beautiful artwork. Even the artwork on the vinyl itself can be mesmerizing.
Enough babbling from me, but just wanted to say that you hit the nail on the head! Thanks for an interesting read!
I would absolutely agree with the fact that music has lost its value because of the way it is marketed. Not only is music losing its value, but artists are losing the value of their artistry as well. CD's sometimes tell a story, the artwork, and illustrations becomes a more intimate look into the mind and emotions of the artist. Not to mention, I think it is tough to see many CD stores going out of business because of downloading or purchasing music. As far as the actual hard copy of albums go, I believe that artists create labels in their album in order to brand their music, and make for a better sell because of the more intimate view into their creation.
Also meant to add that as a music blogger, I obviously stand out as a promoter of mp3 downloads. And while I do believe in that progressive side of the business, I always try to encourage people to purchase the entire album in an effort to support the artists. But that still isn't the same experience, which is why I often insert stories about my trips to the record store. Hopefully people follow suit.
the MP3 has it's advantages in terms of convenience, portability and size. But there are tradeoffs involved. You've hit a key point here with the packaging and artwork that gets lost from a CD to an MP3. The artists who did album covers bemoaned the fact that their canvases shrunk when music moved from the LP to the CD. (I guess Roger Dean artwork looks much better at 12" square as opposed to 5" square.)
As the proud owner of a CD library at home, I still find the physical album to be my main purchase. I want the liner notes, musicians, and recording information with the music. To me it's an essential part. I can then rip the songs to MP3 to put in my iPod.
But I'm in the minority, and more artist should start including digital booklets with their downloads. Liner notes, song lyrics, and other add-ons would be a great incentive for the buyer. Every format has it's pluses and minuses.
In an unrelated side note, how can Target make money on a double album priced at $9.99!?
Ryan, I appreciated your blog post here. I still to this day always prefer purchasing albums on Vinyl or CD. Maybe it has a lot to do with my early obsession with collecting baseball cards as a kid. I have about 800 CDs and 100 vinyl records. I've only purchased on album ever online - picked up a Bruce Springsteen via iTunes because I was on deadline for making a mix CD for a friend's birthday. I couldn't agree with you more about all the "experience" benefits that come from buying non-digital. My only worry is that as demand drops from non-digital, the price will continue to rise. I spent almost $30 on a DMB vinyl last week! Anyways, keep up the good posts. - Ryal
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