Albums vs Singles

It’s a funny topic (Albums vs Singles) in this digital age but the split seems to be here still.  Frankly, I like both.  Firstly, singles (now in the form of individual mp3’s) have made a comeback (but then again, ironically, so has vinyl . . . go figure!).  There is an art in putting all your energies in 3-4 minutes.  Collections of songs are fun . . . but – – – they can be poorly done. Hence, the art of the DJ.  The art of knowing what following what produces a flow, a mood.  Just putting random on your mp3 player does not do it.  Inevitably, there will be something that doesn’t fit and so you have to skip to the next song . . . no flow.

Back in “ye olde days” I used to make assorted tapes (and I’d work damn hard on them) then when I’d go to a bar/nightclub/party I’d award it to some unsuspecting soul that I thought would appreciate it and/or deserved it.  Most of the time I would not ever see them again but, occasionally, I’d see them again and they would say, “Wow!  That tape was really great.  Where did you find this stuff.  I never heard of these bands but they’re great!”  Now we have YouTube which is great but, even then, people still miss stuff and their suggestions can be less than helpful (to say the least).  But individual songs can be great.  A great single is not easy.  This is to be distinguished from a “popular” song.  Nowadays, just as before,  a lot of things that chart are only there because a.) someone promoted the hell out of it b.) got it played on a commercial or movie c.) someone got paid off/ blackmailed/made a deal with the devil.   Uh oh, the cynic in me got out!  Once, I ran across a statement that mp3’s are today’s equivalent sonically to AM radio.  I’m inclined to agree.  Ah, plus c’est la chance.

Albums, though, are my favorite.  You can apply the same criteria to the making of mixed tape to make a great album except it all comes from you and/or your band.  There was a movement in the 90’s where people would try to slip cd’s of sound collages into the sales bins of stores.  These people fantasized about store clerks being confused at the customer trying to buy the said cd and selling it to them anyway.  Their justification was that the collage was a legitimate art form therefore . . . blah, blah, blah.  As you can tell it was doomed to failure but, at the same time, they do have a little point.  Collage, though, is a very limited art form with less coming from the artist than other forms.  Like sampling, it should be done sparingly with some sense of originality.  Unfortunately,   it mostly turns out to be pretty bland and soulless.  But, of course, your friends will go “oh, wow”  and then forget.

My point (though I digress) is that albums have unity.  There’s a mood that’s purposely created.   That’s the beauty of say, Dark Side of the Moon.  Good albums don’t necessarily have to have a concept or a theme but at least some continuity.  It’s a joy when you can listen to an album from end to end and feel like you’ve had an experience.

Albums vs Singles?  To me it’s apples and oranges.  Two different things to be appreciated in their own right.  No conflict here.

56 thoughts on “Albums vs Singles

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