2. music
  3. 128350-3621

Balancing time for music: Discovery/acquisition vs. listening

I have limited time to devote to my music/audio hobby.  I love listening to music on my server whenever I get a chance (and this is listening as a destination activity).  But I am also aware there is an incredible amount of music out there to be discovered.  Liking many different genres only expands the music I want to discover.  So, I have to decide how best to use my time:  Listening, or discovery/acquisition.  I discover music largely via internet radio (nearly infinite choices).  I acquire it through a variety of means, from recording music from various sources to buying CDs on line or visiting record shows.  But every minute spent adding music to my collection is a minute spent not listening to music on my system.  What to do?  What do you do?  I know many will suggest Tidal as a way to eliminate the acquisition phase, but I am reluctant to pay a monthly fee, and I have been able to stump Tidal when I have had access to it (stump it, meaning I was able to find music not offered on Tidal - mostly obscure stuff, but, there you go).  I'd appreciate any input you can give me on how you handle this dilemma.  TIA!
bondmanp

Showing 4 responses by bondmanp

bondmanp OP
1,790 posts
 

slaw - I started this thread because time is a very precious commodity.  Note that I participate on Audiogon from work, where, ironically, I have much more free time than at home.  But the listening and discovery/acquisition activities must be done at home, hence the dilemma.  IOW, I desire both, and both must be done during the limited time I have for these activities.  Sometimes I find myself neglecting one or the other, and shift to the neglected activity.  But I soon realize I am neglecting the other activity, and I get a bit frustrated. 


Also, I have been able to "stump" Tidal numerous times, searching for artists Tidal does not offer.  To my way of thinking, if I am going to pay up for such a service, they had better have everything!  Maybe Spotify is better in this regard, but $120/year for MP3-quality music is a big pill to swallow for me.

bondmanp OP
1,790 posts
 

Thanks, Loomis.  I am not ruling out a streaming service, but I am indeed a collector of music - CDs & LPs.  Also, I have no economical way of streaming in the car, and I drive a lot each day.  The car is a very imperfect environment for music listening, but I have a decent car stereo, and I really enjoy listening to CDs on my commute (my older system has no auxiliary input or USB slot).  So, I lean towards collecting physical media.  I know, the 20th Century just called, and it wants its media back.  I'm old.


bondmanp OP
1,790 posts
 

Thanks, jafant.  But if I am flying down the Garden State Parkway at 70 mph and I hear a song I want to add to my collction, what would I do?  Too dangerous.  Years ago, I heard my first The Sundays song on the car radio.  I had to pull over to write it down.  I can't really do that most of the time.

I have other issues with NPR, too, although they are not relevent to this thread.

But I will say that internet radio has been a fantastic source for discovering new music.  I was just listening to Call Me Kat on my way to work today, just one of dozens of internet radio discoveries.

bondmanp OP
1,790 posts
 
Thanks, Spencer.  I might try that, although I still would prefer to listen to my own music in the car.  Internet radio is ideal backround at home while checking emails.  Easy to have a pen & paper nearby, and my Squeezebox Touch usually displays artist & title.  If not, I have Midomi open in a window on my laptop.
More to discover