The Magic of The Album

Music’s effect has been felt by many a casual listener; spanning across several generations. It’s subjective as to whether or not its overall effect has changed, but the way we listen to it certainly has. From humble beginnings…………listening to and/or recording an artist’s work on 33’s, 45’s, and even 75’s and so on. Records served as the primary medium through which most music goers chose to internalize their selective sound waves. This remained a constant until the 80’s or so. Electronic technology emerged and has continued to sit high upon its dominance in the music world.

In the years since “hands-off” musical technology has given way, some (including myself) have taken the chance to get cozy with what once was. The concept of the album (or vinyl) is all but a lost art. On ipods or mp3 players, when a song is chosen, the album art always shows up along with the song’s title. The listener may be able to see the artist’s intentions for the cover artwork, but they can not feel it. There’s an incredible amount of freedom that beholds to such (digital) technology. One can pick, choose, play, pause, rewind or do whatever to a particular song. Some could say it bears a resemblance to what some wish they could do with his or her’s life.

None to true to an album. Choose your artist. Admire the album’s beautiful cover. Remove the record from its cover. Place it, gently, upon the record player. Move the needle over the black and slick vinyl. And just listen. No pausing, no stopping, no rewinding. If the listener happens upon a tune that fails to caress them, just brave it through and hope that fortune will be kind to them in the near future…………………………………………