Is the "Album" Dead?
I read an article today (how many posts do I begin like that?) that asked that question. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14011748/?GT1=8307)
It suggests that due to iTunes and other similar programs, consumers are taking singles only and forgetting the rest of the album.
According to the article, for some bands, this may be a good thing, since their albums are merely a few catchy singles and the rest just mediocre filler material. But for me, the bands I listen to are still creating "albums," with much more power in the entire product than their few stand-out songs.
When Scott posted his blog about the most-listened-to songs on his iPod, I had a hard time singling them out because I still listen to albums in their entirety. I like the full effect. Albums like "Siren Song of the Counter Culture" by Rise Against, "The Process of Belief" by Bad Religion, "The War on Errorism" by NOFX, and "Indestructibe" by Rancid are, to me, some of the most powerful in recent years. Though not necessarily "concept albums," when listened to from top to bottom they cover a full spectrum of emotions, one song only validating the next, relaying the feelings the band experienced when writing the album. When put into the context of the bands' experiences, they become all the more complete. "Indestructible," for example, was written before, during, and after singer Tim Armstrong's divorce with his wife, Brody. This is definitely evident throughout the album and only adds impact.
But I ramble. What are some of your favorite albums that wouldn't be the same if a select few songs were taken out and the rest discarded?
It suggests that due to iTunes and other similar programs, consumers are taking singles only and forgetting the rest of the album.
According to the article, for some bands, this may be a good thing, since their albums are merely a few catchy singles and the rest just mediocre filler material. But for me, the bands I listen to are still creating "albums," with much more power in the entire product than their few stand-out songs.
When Scott posted his blog about the most-listened-to songs on his iPod, I had a hard time singling them out because I still listen to albums in their entirety. I like the full effect. Albums like "Siren Song of the Counter Culture" by Rise Against, "The Process of Belief" by Bad Religion, "The War on Errorism" by NOFX, and "Indestructibe" by Rancid are, to me, some of the most powerful in recent years. Though not necessarily "concept albums," when listened to from top to bottom they cover a full spectrum of emotions, one song only validating the next, relaying the feelings the band experienced when writing the album. When put into the context of the bands' experiences, they become all the more complete. "Indestructible," for example, was written before, during, and after singer Tim Armstrong's divorce with his wife, Brody. This is definitely evident throughout the album and only adds impact.
But I ramble. What are some of your favorite albums that wouldn't be the same if a select few songs were taken out and the rest discarded?
posted by Anonymous at 7/26/2006 08:21:00 AM
1 Comments:
I'm glad the recording industry is moving to a more "single-based" distribution platform. It forces artists to be masters of their craft on every recorded second. SO many bands have a few songs that they have really thought out, but then going into record they realize their well is dry and they still have to fill a 10-12 track album. So they regurgitate the formula they've bitten into, and throw up a song with all the same ingredients, just with different words. If artists want to be truly successful, and financially compensated, they have to make a complete album.
I don't think albums will necessarily die out just because people may prefer one song at a time, but there may be less full-length albums. Ben Folds recorded 3 four-song LP's in a row because iTunes made it possible, they were successful, and I love them. Artists can produce in both formats and be successful IF they care about every note.
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