Autumn Marathon

Bought a CD at a Record Store

…possibly for the last time ever.  I spent about 20 minutes in J&R “Music World” this afternoon listening to Santana, browsing CDs (even a few LPs), and checking out what other people were buying.  It reminded me what a great hangout well-curated record stores are.  In general, I believe that information technology and the internet have added to the experience and enjoyment of music: it has become much easier to learn about new music, find out where to buy/download it, interact with other fans, and attend concerts.  So, the short visit to J&R reminded me that we have lost something with the disruption of old-line music industry.  I myself was there only because I happened to be picking up something at the J&R computer shop next door.  And I purchased the new Sade on a CD only because the disc was cheaper than the download price on either iTunes or Amazon.  The store was noticeably emptier than it was a decade ago.  J&R is a very well-managed business: it will be surprising if it continues to devote so much of its expensive real estate to what is rapidly becoming a niche product.