Music for 2022- Is It Just Me Or?..

@bigtwin 

I find your comments interesting with regards to the periods of influence and how tastes change over time (which I definitely agree with). For me, having had a love for listening to music since the age of 5 (when I got my first Beatles records) my interest has been long running. In my case I would say I was very influenced between the age of 10 to my early 20’s but something changed when I reached my 30’s. I think that change was driven by access to more available funds and the growth (as well as my exposure) of the internet.

I’m in my late 50’s now and have I would say that from age 35 on I have been more interested in music than I was in my teen years. In fact- I’ve bought more music in the last 10 years than at any other point in my life.

As for changing tastes I have realized this as well- but mostly in a broader sense. I’ve become more aware of the vast collection of music that is available and with that a greater appreciation of it. This motivates me to continue seeking new artists and music.  

As for the “unaccepting” aspect of it- that would fall solely into rap/hip hop or any of the “whiny” pop vocal music that seems rampant today. Not only do I not get it- I don’t see that it holds any artistic value (but to each his own).

I’m not sure where my preferences will be in another 10 years or more but I do see my interests changing and I think that’s a good thing!

But still- I think 2022 was a slow year when it comes to music.

For me it has nothing to do with the lack of new music. The reason I have knocked down 90% of my vinyl and CD purchases is streaming. Duh. I now feel stupid buying new records when I can get them for free other than a small monthly fee.

About a couple times a month I will purchase a physical copy of some album that is just out of this world to my ears, but buying about 10 to 20 a month will never happen again. Plus with over 2k vinyl and 300 CDs, I am running out of storage room. Thank you streaming, life saver, best music invention since stereo.

@baylinor 

So it sounds as if you’ve moved in the direction of streaming- have you found equipment that satisfies you equally to your vinyl setup? Close to or just livable?

@designsfx 

Check my house of stereo system. It includes vinyl, CDs and streaming. The three systems have a slightly different presentation but there is no way I can say I prefer one over another. Streaming actually offers a wider soundstage on most recordings. The key is to be able to have a setup that allows you to control the low frequencies, i.e. subwoofers. Streaming in my room requires a little more toned down low frequencies than CDs or specially vinyl. My vinyl rig cost three times the cost of my streaming rig and twice my CD rig. So in my experience streaming is the future and folks on this site eventually talked me into it even so I used to say I would never do it as I liked tangible media too much. So glad I kept an open mind since a totally new world of musical discoveries has opened to me.

stereo5

I am looking forward in reading about your impressions and thoughts on the Animals SACD. I, too, have multiple copies on CD.

Happy Listening!