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It also sounds like it was recorded in a shed.
But I’m listening to the future.
The future wasn’t the song, but the format.
I still listen to U2.
But not as MP3s.
Why I decided to ditch digital
Streaming has broken music.
It’s also broken many artists' ability to make a living from music.
When you wince at the cost of your concert ticket or merch, streaming did that.
And it’s getting worse: Spotifywill no longer pay royalties for two-thirds of its catalog.
The next step, surely, is charging artists to be included.
It’s broken ownership too.
You don’t own streamed music; you rent it.
That means you’re able to’t be sure it’ll be available forever.
And every year the streaming landlords ask you to pay more rent.
you’re free to’t even rely on keeping things you’ve bought.
They can’t do that with vinyl, CDs or Blu-rays.
Why I’ve fallen back in love with physical media
That’s the bad stuff.
Now let’s talk about the good.
It’s not just the sound.
It’s the everything else too.
I’d forgotten how much fun music can be.
The riffling through the racks looking for treasure.
The satisfaction of the last-second eBay bid that leaves rival fans in the dust.
And most of all, the physicality of it.
With vinyl, it’s much more interesting, on a much bigger canvas.
It’s an invitation to explore.
It’s also much more involving.
There’s always music around him, but it’s always streaming in the background.
You know the guys.
My turntable hardly considered to be one of the most high-end,best turntables cost around 300.
The amp, although pre-owned and older thanSpotify, was over 100.
The speakers cost another few hundred.
But even the expense can be a positive thing.
Why I’m back in black (vinyl)
I’m not ditching digital media altogether.
And I can’t exactly play vinyl in the car or when I’m on the subway.
But like the food I’m cooking, convenience isn’t the only consideration.
And that’s great; it meets a need, satisfies a craving.
It fills a hole.
With physical media, it feels like it is.
