New fangled technology

Despite what you might think, I am not opposed to change. I like the old ways, but I’m also a realist and understand that we have to adapt with the times. I do groan at the encroachment of technology that sometimes means my truck won’t work because a computer is malfunctioning, but ultimately the positives generally outweigh the negatives.

I’d say the one area of technology I most struggled with, strictly out of being a curmudgeon, was embracing the concept of streaming music. I’m an aficionado and have sought out new music my entire life, and while streaming services make that so much easier, it’s just not as fun.

I’m not talking about the various audio issues that streaming presents, but just the basic concept.

While I’m glad to have all the world’s music at my fingertips at any given time, it sort of took away the treasure hunt quality of perusing for new music.

I enjoyed the old ritual of going to the store and browsing around. I cherished the time spent flipping through CD’s hoping to stumble across something I’d yet to discover, knowing it was all a bit of a gamble. The mystery of it was half as intriguing as the music itself; sitting in my truck as track one started, anticipating what the next song might sound like or be about.

Those are some of my favorite memories. It seems like I can remember nearly every CD I bought and what the ride home sounded like. And if I’m honest, I wore my collection like a bit of a badge of honor. Behind the seat were binders and organizers filled with music of all sorts, and no matter what my passenger dreamed up, we could probably listen to it.

It was like a super power.

A friend of was once riding with me and mentioned a song she liked and when I asked her to describe it as I reached behind the seat, she said, “I think it was on the radio las time, not on a CD.” “Ok, but what was it about?”, I asked.

Shortly thereafter, Don Williams was singing his heart out. Another damsel saved from the distress of bad radio music.