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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
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
macdonj's avatar
macdonj
118 posts
 
I find that I remember the music I grew up with by album sides (third song on side one, etc.). That said, I struggle trying to decide which is better, Led Zepplin "Physical Grafitti" side 3 or Rush "Moving Pictures" side 1. Most times I don't have an answer and just play both. Problem solved.

I also miss album covers. I am thankful to artists who include lyrics and liner notes with their CDs.

I am also a member of Sean's camp. I can only think of a handful of 70-minute CDs that have 70 minutes of worthwhile music on them. Most I wish were limited to 45 minutes.
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