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Album Sides

Indulge me this silly topic. Sonics aside, there are two things I lament about the decline of the LP as a source of music in my life. One is the loss of the physical album cover, which we could read (without magnification) and study and relate to, if you know what I mean. I rarely know the names of songs anymore on CDs, because I don't "hang" with the cover.

The other loss is the album side. With an LP, there are two "first songs," and two sequences of songs to suck you in. Song sequencing is a whole different challenge with a CD. Do you remember records where you would listen to one side all the time and even ignore the other side or sides? The CD experience is different.

There have been some remarkable album sides. Which do you love most? A few of mine: Abbey Road side 2, Blonde on Blonde side 2, Moondance side 1, Wheels of Fire side 3, American Beauty side 1 (side 2 also).

drubin
cardinal's avatar
cardinal
36 posts
 
I've always maintained that the way the first side of R.E.M.'s second LP, Reckoning, flows together as one is just transcendent. Unfortunately, the second side falls short of the first. Yeah, I've got to agree that the second side of Blonde on Blonde is also amazing.
hifimaniac
508 posts
 
You nailed some great ones with Blonde on Blonde, Abbey Road (my all time favorite album side) and Moondance(I play that at least one a week). Being a stones fan, I love side one of Exile on Main Street(Rocks off, etc...) and side 4 of same album. Any side of Pink Floyd's The Wall. Robert Palmer's Sneaking Sally through the Alley, Side 1. Who's Next by the Who, Side 2.
jsbail
368 posts
 
Yes, I miss album covers. An artform lost. Also, those double album covers were a great way to seperate out your seeds. Abby Road side is also my most memorable side two. Alman Brothers, The Fillmore Concerts, is my favorite side four. Great thread Drubin.
abstract7
541 posts
 
I like the length of Album sides. I may not have a favorite side, but listening to about 20 minutes of an artist is just right for me--then move on to something different. But just out of habbit, I almost never start the CD in the middle.
milo
58 posts
 
Haven't thought about it in quite a while. Ramones, Rockin' Roll High School, side 1....Allman Brothers Live at The Fillmore East side 1...Springsteen Grretings from Asbury Park side 2
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