Death of the Album?

[RW James]

What do you think?

[JacksonMIA]

I think with the pop mentality that's prevalent in music today (it's not just plaguing rock, either) has really led to a shortage of albums in that sense. I'm not sure if it's that there are fewer that are doing it or if it's just that the "we'll throw a few songs out there for radio play and slap another few on so they feel like they're buying a full CD" mentality is so common it overshadows the others.

Even Aerosmith said that they were having trouble selling albums so they got a "song doctor" to write them some hits that would sell records and then they'd throw their own stuff on as the filler. Anything to get their music heard. I don't know that it's iTunes and Napster to blame so much as our ever-shortening attention spans and just the capability of picking and chosing songs. "Why do I need to listen to this Aerosmith song that I haven't heard on the radio when I can switch to U2's most recent hit" kind of attitude.

Not at all to say that there aren't still albums being made that are taking the whole into consideration. There are some amazingly talented artists out there. Unfortunately, they just don't get as much play time.

[DankStar]

I have to listen to complete albums. I really hate compilation CDs, or "random selects" on MP3 players/ipods. There's usually a vibe with an album you just can't get with a song or two. I love albums like Captain Beyond or King Diamond's Abigail that take you on a journey for like 40 minutes, but with relatively short songs.

That's why I've been hesitant to send my friends my latest recordings. I want to package them all up into an album of sorts. If I email a song here and there, they just go by the wayside. If they get a CD in the mail with all the lyrics and such, it's much more impacting.

[Corbic]

Sadly enough, artists today don't care about making the next "Who's Next," but rather, just making singles that stay at the top of the charts and get them money until they release the next single.

[ratherdashing]

Sadly enough, artists today don't care about making the next "Who's Next," but rather, just making singles that stay at the top of the charts and get them money until they release the next single.

Replace "artists" with "record labels" and I think you're right on the money. I'm sure most musicians would prefer to release a really solid album than single after single.

[big_black]

Sadly enough, artists today don't care about making the next "Who's Next," but rather, just making singles that stay at the top of the charts and get them money until they release the next single.

Maybe pop musicians, but "artists today" is kind of a broad statement.

The album is not going anywhere IMO.

[Skarekrough]

It's not the artists making singles but the industry pushing them as simply singles. All the money and time goes into tweaking that one perfect single and they don't bother with making the rest of the release as much of a quality work.

In essence the industry has created artists that JUST make singles.

Now, there are artists that make albums. Look at a band like Radiohead. They've established themselves as more of the experience of the album as a whole than the single alone.

You hear Radiohead on the radio and you know that it's just one small chunk of the puzzle. The song may be decent, but there's more there to it.

Personally, I think iTunes does alot of service for the album format by offering it for under ten bucks. Getting to listen to the clips makes informed consumers. Informed consumers can make the call whether all the tracks are worth their money or not.

[ratherdashing]

Personally, I think iTunes does alot of service for the album format by offering it for under ten bucks. Getting to listen to the clips makes informed consumers. Informed consumers can make the call whether all the tracks are worth their money or not.

I was thinking the same thing. The album is basically a "bulk discount" way of buying music on iTunes.

[TimmyPage]

10 classic ‘concept’ albums*


*That aren’t by Pink Floyd or the Who

Haha, I read the first part, and immediately thought of Floyd and the Who, then the second part and just cracked up laughing.

[That90'sGuy]

+1 on a lot of what Skarekrough said. I would also add Tool to the list of bands that create albums that are an experience. When you listen to bands like Tool and Radiohead, you're on a huge trip throughout the album.

I don't really like singles (anything I hear too often doesn't encourage me to buy the album) and I personally hate EPs, I don't think they're long enough to really get a feel for the band. That is one thing I'm battling with my band. There is a push for releasing 5 song EPs. After gigging and rehearsing for a year, I'm ready for a 12 song full length album to be released. After writing 18+ songs as a band, I think it sucks to be only able to showcase a few select songs. I guess everything comes in time...

[34029324079]

I am happy to receive the new technology and agree with Tom Petty -

yes the boy bands, disposable one hit wonders and pop music with no theme will probably take a heavy hit

I remember buying albums based on a song I heard on the radio and being disappointed; I think amazon.com and the ability to buy 1 song will revolutionize things for the better; better recording ability accessible to the masses is leveling the playing field for one thing imo