So I was looking around on the internet. (You know, that place? Where your neighbor is plotting against you? And, They're writing his or her own blog about it? Nevermind the fact that they are stupid enough to chew on the keyboard in anger and not realize this is public knowledge now.)
No really, I am looking on the internet and I found CCR on the "net". It's a kind of hokey moment where the albums I spun as a teenager at 33 and 1\2 are gone to binary bits with an MP3 extension. I felt a sullen, and subtle bitterness. Mostly for the idea that my roots in music were so easily accessible. No artwork, or album. No story of lawns mowed or dogshit removed on hot summer days. No explanation of the hunt for the album and the victory of purchase. Nor, the reward of playing said music on the stereo "turntable".
I see that the generation gap has been transformed into this vast chasm of instant gratification and music without any of the afore mentioned grief and tears. The experience of the album has seemingly gone to the wayside and no appreciation to the album art that accompanies the music. I shed a tear in chagrin. I was obsolete for my taste in music collection.
I was sharing this music with others ,of course, because I needed to know the lyrics and coudn't remember. I found them and the music together. I was shocked how I could easily get this and if I wanted I could buy this song for a buck. How cheap. (really that was what the button said to click your purchase request)
I am pointing this out because somewhere out there there must be other folks who appreciate the album for its art and the time "taken" to go and get the album. It in itself is an art that has been forgotten. I will divulge a little personal history now:
I would go on a day off and get a coffee from a coffe shop (not starschmucks) and sit outside and watch the morning traffic and light up a "fashionable" cigarrillo. I'd enjoy my coffee and nicotine breakfast. Especially if it was a weekday, I could watch the world rush to work and try killing everyone else trying to get there.
When I was finished doing so I would usually go over the the music store (another thing gone) and browse the isles looking for something to inerest me. Usually it was some form of rock and roll, but sometimes new age, or techno, disco, etcetera. The time was lost in browsing and trying to get something that would catch the eye. It was relaxing to do something constructive and yet so leisurely. The album found was the prize.
After purchasing this album, there miht be a meal because an hour or two would go by. and this was a treat too,.. usually a chili burger or chili fries. Maybe a coke or all of this would be sacrificed for an icecream sundae. I didn't matter, it was a "day off". The time was enjoyed in a slow and unfocused way.
Now I could finish this but I won't. That's because there is a point to make here. The music of yesteryear can be found quickly and be consumed like a hamburger at mcdonald's. Dont Believe me? (or maybe you do) Take a good look at the fast food music sites now and for a buck you get a song you want. Of course it will sit on the hard drive of you PC and collect data dust waiting to be played but instead of a beefy album or even a CD in a rack its all a single file on your PC now. It's kinda sad.
But, I am just pointing out that later you have nothing if the PC dies and nothing but aggravation to get that file back. Too bad you never took the time to get that album. Sure its 14 bucks for one song,.. but you have a master copy and great artwork. And think of the time you took to get it. was it fun? relaxing? Did you enjoy yourself?
And, this is why my heart is lost. Because as I found something quickly, I saw also a time of enojoyment to a secret hobby was lost in the attainment of information. I hope your endeavors never get there.
Please note that its good to have music at your fingertips, but keep in mind you can only best experience it when there is a story to the "acquisition". How you met someone, watched some event as you were getting there or during the hunt. Maybe those fries you wanted were yours after you bought your album. Or just loaded in your cd player and donned your headphones and enjoyed the scenery as you had a coffee and cigarillo.
I don't know, its your life,.. shouldn't it be enjoyable?
You choose.
Well good night for now,.. the eyes of my abode are watching me and plotting to kill me again on their own blog.
See ya all!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment