I still can’t pull the trigger on cancelling my eMusic subscription. I don’t think it’s a terrible value proposition. Even with the price increase, it’s still cheaper than any other download site. But there are two things they could be doing to improve the experience and make it a better value:
- more social recommendation features that allow you to see what your pals are downloading (similar to Netflix)
- on-line streaming of your library (like Lala and Amie Street)
Since they seem disinclined to pursue either option, I’m reluctant to continue giving them money. On the other hand, I’ve been a member since August 2001, and I’ve got a rich history of downloads all recorded there on the site. So instead of cancelling, I’ve put my account on hold for 90 days, and I’ll revisit the issue a bit later.
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My eMusic moratorium is actually a bit broader than that. Lately, I’ve not been purchasing music from any source. With a kid on the way, I’ve definitely got to scrutinize expenses. But money is only part of the equation. I have crap tons of music I’ve barely heard. More than 25,000 tracks on my hard drive, with hundreds more CDs sitting in a cabinet near my desk. Who needs this much music?
I’ve got stuff in my collection I’d like to re-visit. To listen more deeply, the way I did when I purchased music one CD at a time. If that can even be done. Here’s what’s on my to-do list:
- Continue to jam the first three Cheap Trick records. I’ve always known the singles, but this band’s deep tracks have been a revelation. Not sure why I waited so long.
- Absorb Thee Oh Sees. I have all their records, and they may be at the center of my increasing affection for garage punk bands. The last two or three years, this is what I keep coming back to: thee assorted bands of Billy Childish, Greg Cartwright, and John Dwyer.
- Silkworm’s Lifestyle has been kicking my butt lately. It’s the only Silkworm record I know at all. I should really fix that.
- I’m still working on expanding my knowledge of R&B. I’ve been listening my way through a couple of huge collections: Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-74 and The Complete Stax-Volt Singles.
- Another recent discovery has been the amazing Flamin’ Groovies. Their Shake Some Action record has been a constant repeater. The kind of record that makes me want more of whatever that is immediately. I found them when I started investigating the covers included on Yo La Tengo’s 1990 Fakebook record, which features the Groovies’ “You Tore Me Down” from SSA. Turns out the entire record is that good. I’ve been meaning to delve into the Fakebook originals for quite a long time. But I’ve had the record since 1994. Not sure why it’s taken so long (this is a theme).
Oh, and when I get done with all that, it will be time for some R. Kelly. I’m coming for you, sir.
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I’ve been trying out a new Web site that’s similar to Pandora called TheRadio.com. Love it. It’s got annoying video ads, but they’re pretty infrequent. And its worth it to be able to surf among a heady number of channels, including pre-WWII blues, Cosmic American, Hair Bands Rock, and White Jumpsuit (which I think might be esoteric disco). Refreshingly, there is no sign-up required and it’s just stupid easy to use.
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I’m a huge fan of the show True Blood. But I might be a bigger fan of it’s wonderful theme song, “Bad Things”. It’s probably the best Chris Isaak song Chris Isaak didn’t write. I think it’s the organ darting through the verses that puts it over the top. It’s a great tune and the musicians play the hell out of it.
The song is written by a one-time, would-be Nashville star name Jace Everett. He’s put out three records, in 2005, 2007, and 2009. This song has been on all of them. I’ve listened to his other stuff (including songs by other songwriters), and nothing else comes close to “Bad Things”, which he wrote himself. It made me wonder, would I rather have one, singular song that rated a 10 (while all my other stuff hung around a 4 or 5) or build a career out of tunes that consistently measured a 7 or 8?
To be sure, neither choice has ever really been an option for me. But I think I’d want to avoid playing that singular song at every single show for the rest of my life. That would be hell.
