Thursday Thoughts: Is Streaming Depersonalizing Music?

 

 Up until a few decades ago, you had to actually have a physical copy of an album to hear it in your own home.

 

    Well,  unless you wanted to gamble on whether or not it would be on the radio. But having something physical to hold, it gave a totally different experience than just typing in any album you can think of and having instant access. 

 

    Liner notes, extra pictures, lyrics, credits, it all gave music a more special feeling. A tangible proof that you were supporting the artist.  

 

    And you could actually show off your music collection, too.  

 

    Having shelves full of vinyl, CDs, tapes or 8 tracks was a way more satisfying way of showing people that you were a music buff than pulling up a playlist on your phone, or saying "hey, my music folder is like, 200 gigs!" 

 

     Don't get me wrong, I think streaming is great. Having unfettered access to all the world's music is amazing, especially for someone like me. But, I can't help but to think to myself sometimes;

 Wouldn't it be cooler to actually have a copy of Alpha Centauri? I'm really glad someone got me that copy of Maggot Brain I've been wanting. I wonder how many other people even have Six String Giant?

 

    Having instant access is cool, but the feeling of knowing you're supporting the artist in a more immediate way is even better. A lot of bandcamp artists do limited runs of physical released now, so having one of those is kind of like being in an exclusive club, as corny as that sounds.

 

    What do you guys think? Would you rather own an album physically, or is streaming or downloading good enough for you? Let me know!

 

-internet goblin