To Stream or Not to Stream, that is the Question
8-Tracks, Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, Pandora, Spotify; did I get all of them?
I’m a musician. My first clarinet lesson was in the second grade in 1977. I actually wanted to learn the drums, but my Dad bought me a brand new clarinet instead. To this day, I still don’t know what prompted him to buy that for me. I am not one to argue with my Dad, especially at the age of 7, so I accepted it and started to learn how to play it. I had already liked music up to that point in my short life, but learning an instrument took me to a different level. I have been a musician and a music lover ever since that summer day in ‘77.
As a new teacher, I sometimes forget who my audience is when I’m talking about how I listened to music when I was younger. My grandfather and father enjoyed listening to music on records and 8-track tapes. ( I know, what’s an 8-track right?) I grew up at the tail end of the 8-track era so vinyl, and of course those convenient cassette tapes, was the trend. Then in the late 80s those even more convenient compact discs became the greatest invention. I wasn’t a fan of CD’s when they first came out because they were and are bigger than the cassette tapes and they definitely took more room. However, you didn’t have to flip a CD. You could let it play and even set it to repeat your favorite tune over and over. Yes, CD’s were the thing. Until…..
Streaming music is what’s happening right now. Although vinyl records are making a comeback, streaming music is the most popular. We have Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and Spotify, just to name a few. I’m sure I didn’t list them all. Spotify has become my personal favorite. I can listen to music from my era or any other genre that interests me. Streaming literally gives you the ability to take your music with you. Yes we had the Sony Walkman back in the 80’s, and yes I did own one. In fact, I still have mine and it works great. However, the limitation of the Walkman, or whatever portable device you used back then, was you could only take one cassette or you could only listen to AM/FM radio. I loved using my Walkman and it certainly served its purpose, but compared to today’s demand for music, it was very limited.
Today, you can listen to your music anytime, anywhere. You can listen on your smartphone, your tablet, in most newer vehicles there is an “aux” jack so you can plug in your device and stream your music through the speakers as opposed to listening to the radio. If you’re into podcasts, most of the streaming services have those available as well. Who needs AM/FM radio?
Speaking of terrestrial radio, it is not what it used to be. Even before streaming became popular, Sirius/XM radio made their mark here in the United States as well as Canada and Mexico. I subscribe to satellite radio and in my humble opinion is way better than AM/FM. My vehicle doesn’t have an “aux” jack so I have rely heavily on XM which has several options.
So why am I rambling about music? Lately I’ve been fascinated with how Spotify works and enthralled by how access to music has evolved. I’m curious what you think. Does music sound better on a streaming service? Did compact discs provide the ultimate listening experience? Some still argue vinyl provided the best sound. Whether you listen to music on your old AM/FM radio, an iPod, or you may still use your Walkman, the bottom line is we all have choices. Maybe too many choices but it’s nice to have choices. So set your record player to 33, or take out those Air Pods, pick a song, any song.
I want to know what you think. Tell me your favorite way to listen to music. Even if you’re not into music at all these days, tell me how you listened when you were younger. Make a comment below and thanks for subscribing. Tell your friends.
“Without music, life would be a mistake.” - Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols