No one NEEDS physical media anymore - so why do we buy it?

[@ChrisPropfeMusicallyObsessed]

Great question, Frank. I still buy physical media because I like to collect and build my music library. It’s also aesthetically pleasing for me to see records and CDs in my house.

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

Chris Propfe rules

[@ChrisPropfeMusicallyObsessed]

@@theflipside-vinylcommunity Thank you, brother!

[@armin.nerraka]

Well said

[@ChrisPropfeMusicallyObsessed]

@@armin.nerraka Thank you!

[@Faxie83]

My records won't crash or go offline

[@tobiaskarlsson8784]

As a swede i have some trouble bashing Spotify : ), BUT after throwing all my CD´s and casette tapes about 10 years ago i went too strictly streaming music. The convenience of streaming was the thing we all were dreaming about " imagine having every song a click away " but the same convenience was the same hing that made music booring. i remember trying to copy a song from the radio and beeing soo happy when i finnaly manage to record the song. So the hunt and it not beeing so easy for me is a part of the fun. Whent back to bying physical media about three years ago and started bying records wich is before my time. never owned any vinyl records when i was younger. But i love having something real to play and collecting all the records i like, and also finding records i didn´t know i like :) i only use streaming when im out and obout. Thanks for a great channel

[@SaintMartins]

I think it's just human nature. People like surrounding themselves with things they love. People, pictures of loved ones, paintings, books, films, music etc. It's about creating an environment that comforts you and makes you happy. Also "collecting" things gives you something to do when you have nothing to do. Hobbies reduces stress.

[@Channel33RPM]

Interesting points - I agree with you.

[@RUfromthe40s]

@@Channel33RPM i also do

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

You make a very valid point with your comment.

[@nickconnolly2192]

The big thing for me is that vinyl forces me to reconnect with full albums. I get choice overload and flip thru the shuffle constantly while driving. Having a physical collection of my favorite albums makes me appreciate the album more like I used to before having the whole world's music at my fingertips The other thing I love is having a collection of music that represents me as a person. Now everyone's "music library" is just Spotify. I like the idea of going to someone's home and looking through their records and seeing what they're really into. What they cared enough to buy a physical copy of. Music is always a part of identity for me and streaming services make me feel like I have the same identity as everyone else. My record collection shows more of who I am and what I really like

[@raggeragnar]

I can only speak for myself and my wife. We collect our favourite music , movies , games , magazines and books in the physical form for the purpose of really experience it 100%. We both have lists of music and movies on various streaming services , but comparing a first time listening of a newly released album on my record player vs streamed via bluetooth , is no contest. I’ve gotten 3 old mates ressurect their vinyl collecting by just playing a few wax when they visited. Seeing me flip the records , hearing/feeling the oh so familiar sound and letting them hold the covers does the trick.

[@brunogolsen2302]

Streaming media is temporary. I can't be sure that a song or album is available on my preferred streaming service - or will stay available. Or even on any streaming service. So, to be sure to be able to listen to something - I would need to own a copy of it. An example: Yes, Hounds of love by Kate Bush is available on my streaming service (both, actually) - but none of them have the original version available, on which the beginning of one of the songs hasn't been changed. So, I got a copy of the record from the original release year. EDIT: Oh yeah, another example is F.L.M. by Mel & Kim, it was available on my first streaming service but then the album disappeared. Got the record in stead

[@Splashadian]

So if you like an album go buy a Hi-Res version. I do agree with you about re-recordings and such. That is my biggest issue with streaming and I still buy music in physical formats nearly always a record I just can't bring myself to spend money on CD's anymore when the same or better quality is available in the digital realms of streaming and downloading from Band Camp or a myriad of other sources for purchase.

[@boscotheman82]

@@Splashadian A cd or record will last way longer than the site or hard drive your digital version resides on

[@Houndouur]

@@boscotheman82 but it takes like 30 seconds to put your digital version on a cd if you really really want to make sure it stays intact, heck make 5 cds or put one on an Mdisc whatever

[@BluDeadwaxOutpost]

You are absolutely right. Furthermore, physical media makes it trickier skipping a song. So on vinyl, cassette and even cd's, you get to know the whole album. Even giving songs a chance that you otherwise would have skipped.

[@ellisgarbutt1925]

I have done that many on cd thebe there is a point where I listen to thst track abother time amd end up liking the song

[@tomfurgas2844]

Part of the allure of physical media (both vinyl and CD's) is the packaging; cover art, lyric sheets, etc. Also, one can pick up the CD or record and play it anytime; it's always available whereas streaming services are dependent on the internet connection and not all music is permanently available. I've enjoyed music posted on You Tube only to find that at some point it had been deleted either by You Tube or the person who posted it. Brian Eno was also critical of streaming, saying that it gave music consumers an incredible glut of music, "an endless gushing faucet of music" as he put it. So it does cheapen the value of the music when there is simply too much of it. I like checking out new music on, say, Bandcamp, and sometime I buy and download it. But I always then burn the music to CD so that I have it on a readily available physical format.

[@vit.budina]

I originally got into record collecting with the premise of physically OWNING a piece of music that I really, really like, such as OSTs from my favourite games or albums from my favourite bands. Soon after, I found myself buying records that I knew nothing about, just for the album art or the genre, and when you put on a record you have never heard before, it's a whole new experience. Also, it's a great form of keeping time while working or reading, because you have to consciously turn over the records after 15-ish minutes. Another thing I like about vinyl is that the spinning record introduces some simple movement into your surroundings, similar to a fireplace or a candle. And lastly, unlike streaming, CDs or tapes, the playback of a vinyl record is purely mechanical (aside from amplification). Even if your speakers aren't connected, you can hear the needle playing your music!

[@taillightsandtachometers5861]

Why I like buying Physical Media is because not only do I love the experience but it also feels more personal to me. Every Movie, CD, Record, and Cassette I own, I own because I have some form of attachment to it. One of my favorite examples personally of this was when I got the CD and Record of Princes 1987 black album. The album is not available to stream or purchase digitally so the only way of listening to it is by CD or Vinyl. I had always wanted to hear the album on a nice turntable and wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

[@jtmichaelson]

I load all of my CDs up on iTunes and set up my playlists daily, but at least is it a database for all of my physical media and a player as well. All of the bad things you hear about iTunes really don't apply when it's just a database and player of your physical media. And, every once in a while, if there's a song I want but don't want to buy the CD, like say a one hit wonder type thing, the Apple store is right there and quick to own and download if need be

[@mat.b.]

my only issue with Apple Music is that it now matches albums by default, and it doesnt back up your full rips. Thats fine if you can back up everything on a hard drive, but it really adds up quick if you want a flac rip of every album.

[@ivantheterrible2796]

A downside to streaming over owning is availability. For example one of my fav Canadian albums Thundermug - Strikes (1972). Is sort of available. It is now called the Strikes ep. half of the album is missing. Their biggest hit Africa is not even on it. its also missing the incredible cover of You Really Got Me and my fav song on the album Jane J James. Im sure it has to do with licensing issues but it takes the soul out of the album. I LOVE this album front to back.

[@CarlosRamiro76]

Hi Frank! Very good point! I continue to buy an average of 100 records a year I guess... It's a question of the difference in experience when spinnig a record in your music room! Cover Art, Booklet with lyrics... Even the smell of wax! It's alone time enjoying your favorite album! This cannot be achieved by streaming. On the other hand, streaming services has made music ubiquitous! Inside cars, at oools and beaches, flights, waiting rooms, taking an uber or running in a park... Always listening to your favorite music! This would only be possible with Streaming! They are complementary and not competing things in my view!

[@musicmaniac2165]

I use streaming service to discover and explore music I generally won't buy although when I find music I really like I'll buy it in static platforms cd or vinyl. Thanks for your commentary 👍

[@vinylordie1301]

Streaming has it’s place, for sure. In the car, while you’re working, things like that… but the physical inaccessibility to true hi-fi sound is part of what makes vinyl great! You have to go out of your way. You have to sit down and give it your attention in a world where we have no attention span… greatness!

[@Channel33RPM]

Hard to argue with that.

[@rickruiz2387]

I have been streaming since 2000, starting off with Rhapsody and moving to Tidal (Hifi) in 2010. For myself personally, I find streaming as convenient on the road and a wonderful source to find new music. I also love listening to the complete album before making a purchase. I love purchasing Albums for the artwork and ritual of playing as well as enjoying knowing that I have supported an artist that I like. As for sound quality, it’s a mixed bag. Some pressings are trash and some streams (think over-compressed remasters) are trash, And flip side, and again only in my experience, with a higher end DAC, Beautifully detailed highs and warm base is possible, beating vinyl w lower end cartridge and matching with higher end carts. I love both!

[@Valerifon1]

We buy it because it is permanent. Hard drives fail, internet can be intermittent or slow. Vinyl lasts a long time. I have tape from 1974 that still plays fine. I've seen CDs go clear so not sure about that medium. Virtual media, like solar panels, is fair-weather technology and is very convenient but this, in my mind, does not negate having onsite media in the least...

[@scottmackenzie6699]

Physical media specifically a vinyl record hits me in all the feels. I don’t get that same tangible excitement from streaming. Looking at a record spin, reading liner notes, singing the sleeve lyrics and appreciating the art work makes for an experience. Whereas streaming is more like dating, playing a physical record is a committed relationship. You are there for each other! (Ok, I need to get out more! 😂)

[@MegaSaintAugustine]

I listen to streaming music at work, but more often I use streaming to listen to podcasts. What I have also learned is that not every album under the sun is on streaming. Neil Young has notably withdrawn from Spotify. I have searched for other albums, and could not find them. So that is why owning physical copies is still relevant.

[@jplus2601]

For me a lot of it is the ritual, I like the “process” of playing an album or even a cd, I also enjoy the album artwork and reading liner notes and credits

[@noogie1]

I love what Bandcamp does. Where you can buy the physical copy of the album and get a digital version of the album. I used to hate streaming devices (it's the audio for me), but now it's just convenient, specially when I don't have a CD/tape player in my car anymore.

[@Channel33RPM]

I have become a big Bandcamp fan over the last couple of years.

[@memal25]

Every tool has it's task, and nothing beats how quickly you can pull a song up on Spotify. But ever since a movie I bought on a service was removed because they lost the right to offer that movie I've come back around to having a physical version of everything new. And I try to find versions where I can get a digital copy as well. The physical versions, despite their limitations and work it takes to put them on, just always seem to look and sound a little better and provide a better experience.

[@Bloodrose75]

Feeling optimistic and I think we're in safe hands guys. I always invested in CDs (usually limited editions) and only today bought 3 CDs on Bandcamp from the Goth band 'London After Midnight'. I love supporting the bands directly - we,re their 'Bread & Butter and often the only reason they can exist. Often with CD's you get not just lyrics and credits, but photos, posters, thank you cards, artwork (painted/drawn or photographed by the artist themselves which takes you on a complete and personal journey of the artist's vision. My 14 year old Godson get's it - much to him parent's dismay. They always empisised the work ethic of 'you can't get anything in life for nothing' This 14 year old cast that quote back to his Dad and said 'But you play bass, how would you like it if people came to see the band but didn't pay a penny to get in'. Reality sank in pretty quickly at this point. His Dad said that he could get anything by streaming, then my Godson set a challenge; To get his Dad to find certain tracks and albums. After a week they had failed and the few they could find in physical format were £70 - £300 including P&P. He has them in his collection and has now converted Mum & Dad. He also gave a speech at School on the value and permanence of physical media - It is something his Teacher said she had 'never thought about.' She and many classmates are now 'blown away' by what you can get in real terms. New converts I think - You got a love the little guy!

[@RUfromthe40s]

i also search for new bands on Bandcamp and i discover a rock band ,only instrumental muisc from South America, Black Sky Giant

[@mat.b.]

I recently got back into collecting/owning LPs (previously it was more of a collection of new stuff that comes out, not back catalog), but now I feel a need to at least have a library of my favorites that I can sit down and listen the whole way through. With streaming we lost the 'album' , the full experience, and have gone back in time to the day of singles. Its great that we can mix and match, create playlists, and jump between everything with ease, but there's something satisfying about being locked in for the experience. Also, as I shift my digital library more and more from personal rips to just streaming rights on new stuff, I loath the idea of someday losing the rights and having to back everything up again. At least with vinyl I know my favorites are safe forever. With movies, at least I can keep 1080p rips of the best on a hard drive, with music its a bit harder to integrate.

[@aaronmuthaalamare4165]

Killer video Frank! I never stream but i have nothing against people who do ! I just prefer to listen to physical copies, i even avoid hearing songs until i can hear them on vinyl or CD as the whole album, awesome video, one of your best 👍🤘🤘

[@kalebyoung4098]

I agree 100% with everything you've said. I'm not a huge fan of streaming, but I do it when, as you said, I'm working or busy doing something that requires my attention. But I will always have my physical media as long as I'm physically able to drop the needle on an LP or a CD in the tray! Sometimes, I even throw in a cassette or 8-track tape. We are creatures who experience our world thru tactile contact and I don't think that will ever change!

[@sandysmith9869]

How else are we going to get posters, head shot photographs of the performers, lyric sheets, and other types of "goodies." I love the surprises when you look into a record jacket.

[@TKRVideoCentral]

I'm a lot like you when it comes to music - I stream quite a bit, but I also ccllect, and these days, that includes vinyl, CDs, and MP3s. I have been in this for a long time and have learned not to trust the people in the industry, so I prefer to own what I like, and what I use for my shows. I also support indie releases with artists who aren't available outside of Soundcloud or Bandcamp, and that gives me an insight into the changing world of music today. To me, though it's about the music, I do like having the physical media, the notes, the photos and such whenever possible, but new stuff is so pricey these days that from 2000-2020 or so I pretty much purchased MP3s nearly exclusively, with an odd CD or two thrown in here or there. Being back in the VC since 2020, Ive spent way too much on new vinyl, LOL! But I still really enjoy it! Thanks for the great show this week!

[@CF-oe1ti]

Great points Frank. I 100% feel the same as you. I also like the fact that in a small way, I help support a local business, charity shop or a fellow music lover by buying something from them. There is also the hunt! I love coming across something rare or interesting that is totally unexpected. You just don't get that with streaming.

[@SirVicc]

Another couple of reasons I collect physical media is that streaming tends to have the latest "loudness wars" remixes and masters over the original masters. And they are usually over compressed and just don't sound as good. Zz Top's First Album is a great example. So you need original copies, or as close as you can get to hear it the way it became legendary. Also, streaming is starting to censor songs. Patty Smith for example. Even if she's the censor. How long will Money for Nothing's original mix survive streaming? Or Brown Sugar? If you want music or movies the way they were, better have a physical copy.

[@NeedleDropRules]

I agree with all of your points. Three of the biggest things for me as to why I still buy my music is that I own it and it's mine for the rest of my life, I love to collect and hold a tangible object vs renting it, and that my purchase will typically benefit the artist financially more than via streaming. That being said, I do stream music all day long at work and in my car. What I've done differently with my streaming is that I made a playlist with songs that are only in my record collection, so when it is shuffling all day, I still feel like I'm listening to my record collection even though I'm away at home.

[@jimstamatic]

Another interesting, relevant video. Thanks! I grew up listening to the radio, records and tapes as an activity, either alone, with my brothers or with friends. It was what we did when we hung out at each other's houses. Listening to the radio or a tape would sometimes be background music, but listening to records seldom was. We listened to the music and talked about life. We bought and listened to records we really liked. The music meant something to us. We also used to care about the bands. We watched their videos on MTV. We were connected and committed to the music. While I can probably stream all of the records and CDs I own, it feels like one or two degrees of separation.

[@GustavoScafuro]

I used Pandora when I lived in USA for almost 4 years once I was away from my physical collection. It's a good concept but I don't use it anymore since I moved back to Brazil. I like to listen my digital library offline so I can easily create playlists for my projects, or to carry around (driving) in a pendrive. I quit listening radio for quality music a long time ago (40 years?). A small percentage of my library has been ripped from physical copies and everything else was found through reliable torrent sites (promotional purposes). Yes, you can't have them all (unless your name is Zero Freitas) due to space restrains, but mainly because it isn't available for selling or is unaffordable to buy. Great topic!

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

Streaming music is like listening to the radio. I have a well loved and appreciated copy of Cheap Trick At Budokan, that I will not part with. It has been in my collection since 1979. Streaming the music you only hear it. With a purchased physical copy of the album, you have the memory of finding it in the store and the anticipation of making the purchase and owning Your Copy of the record. I can put on my copy of Budokan and remember being a Junior in High School. I doubt that would happen for me, if I only heard it via streaming. Another aspect for me is you can ask the artist to sign your favorite album of theirs. A copy of that album personalized to you from the artist. You can't do that with an mp3 or a streamed album. I remember riding my bike to the department store to buy a copy of Devo's first album. In my high school years, a physical copy of the album represented your enthusiasm for the music.

[@BubbaBigDude]

How ironic that I came home from the local record store today, having bought 3 LPs and 2 CDs, then saw this video. Physical media still rules... you have actual art in your hands and not just on a screen, and physical media just sounds better overall than streaming. I don't collect as many movies as I used to, but still get my favorites on blu-ray like action, sci-fi, and superhero movies. Like you and other people, I'll listen to streaming music on my computer while I work sometimes, but I do have a CD drive hooked up to my work computer so I can play CDs.

[@Metalung]

Usually you only watch a movie once, on the other hand you can listen to the same album lots of times

[@adhiantos]

I feel that streaming is a supplementary to physical media as it allows me to listen to the album first hah. Personally I still buy physical media as firstly, it's been a hobby of mine for 20 years! Two, it's a great (or the best) way to support the musician. Three, I love the "ritual" as you mentioned. Opening up the package, admiring the album cover, inspecting the vinyl, putting it on the platter and then just listening to the music playing. I have to agree about the "too many choices" part. I used to religiously listen to Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist every Monday. But there was a time where I actually discovered like 3 great artists and they have many great albums too. I ended up "not knowing" how to enjoy these albums as suddenly I have like 7 albums to listen to haha. So I ended up stopping this practice. I just really discover music as I go along. Be it through KZbin, social media (friends' recommendation etc) and so on. Which brings me to my next question: How do you actually listen to music? Like do you create playlists etc?

[@tommandeno4571]

Excellent video Frank! Absolutely agree. I have really noticed how it can devalue music. There are just too many options which makes it harder to appreciate individual songs or albums. Before I buy an album, I do some thorough investigation (using streaming of course) to determine whether it's worth it. I listen to the whole thing because I'm going to invest in it. Sometimes I question it because I have spent so much, but that's what you pay for I guess.

[@fever28]

I've been thinking about this a lot over the last few years, and I agree with everything you've said. I'd add a tangential discussion point on the "too much choice" topic: in the internet age, there are sooo many artists that can relatively put their art out to the masses (via youtube, tiktok etc), but, controversial opinion here, a lot of that art is mediocre at best, and is simply not worth listening to. The old system of record executives, A&R reps and radio essentially gatekeeping what content is available to the public certainly had a tonne of flaws, but one positive thing it did was filtering out artists who didn't have the chops to really get noticed. As a result, the public at large generally got excited about a few bands in the genre of their choice, and this led to the mega bands of the 60s - 90s. Now, there are too many artists making retread crappy music that's been done to death, it sounds more and more homogenous, and music in general just doesn't sound as exciting anymore. Also, with people being interested in sooo many different artists, it's more and more rare for a lot of people to be excited for the same artist for a long period of time. It's too easy to be into one artist one week, and then move on to the next artist quite quickly. People don't become life long fans of a band the way they used to.

[@robertjamesstove]

Preach, Frank! I have only recently discovered your channel. Like you, I am a nerd who wants to know the details of a recording's origin. Streaming is hopeless for the most part in this area. Half the time, streaming platforms confuse the composer with the performer. (And they'll refer to instrumental tracks as "songs.")

[@pure666metal9]

You are spot on, streaming devalues music, because many people I work with think music is free and think I am nuts for buying CD's and records. I also enjoy reading the booklets and liner notes. I also feel buying physical supports an artist more than streaming.

[@andyshacks7812]

Steaming does have its place. Like you, over a typical week I probably stream more than play physical copies of music , for example when I’m cooking or doing jobs round the house. But when I really want to sit down and listen to something, it’s always on physical, usually vinyl. Totally agree too about investing in an artist. Also I find it makes me “cherish “ music more !

[@ThiKu]

I love this video, Frank! I buy physical media so it can never be taken, I buy it for the real-to-life experience and connection. Everything you said. Music is an experience and streaming removes the experience. I stream tho, every day. Wonderfully handy way in my house situation, where the CD and turntable are tucked downstairs, we can pop something on quickly for us or the toddler, and same in the car - we have lots of stuff to bring for the kids so also packing CD isn’t realistic.

[@darlenegoodwin]

I enjoy collecting physical media because I can keep them and if I meet someone who was involved with the media, I can get an autograph. You can't sign a streaming service. I love doing the work for it. It's a lot of work, but I love them. And of course I am not against streaming, but your can do both.

[@danrosewarne6986]

Totally agree with everything that you said, Frank! Here’s my list of reasons why physical media still wins for me: the sound (investment in quality Hifi means that music on cd and vinyl still sound best), supporting the artist, ownership of a work of art, the tactile aspect, a medium that reduces the ‘skip’ option (especially vinyl), something that satisfies the collector instinct (😀) and being able to follow lyrics/read who played on the album. Like you, streaming is still good - but I use it to effectively ‘audition’ albums that may go on to be bought on cd or vinyl 👍 Oh, nearly forgot: when you stream, you’re at the mercy of having to think and identify what you want to listen to. When you have a collection, you can sometimes look through it and play something you might never have thought of..

[@sdavifcom]

Frank, you need to make a "mix tape". Or actually a "mix flash drive". If your car radio has a USB port, you just put all your favorite songs (or albums) on a USB flash drive, stick it in the radio and listen to hours (or even days) of music. In my car, my USB stick is so large that it takes weeks before I hear the same song again. It's great. Talking of great, GREAT video again. Thanks.

[@davidcurry8440]

I use streaming to remind myself of older artists which helps me decide if I’m going to purchase the physical media. Also, streaming helps me discover new artists, and again, helps me decide if I’m going to purchase the physical media. Tom Pettys Filmore concerts is what I’m listening to at the moment and deciding if I’m going to make the purchase. And finally, not everything is available on streaming platforms. Some artists only allow/post some of their catalog. I also stream while driving.

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

Great question bro. I sometimes ponder this

[@davidtraube7921]

You make some great points Frank. Just today I was listening to one of my all-time favorite CDs, Live on Letterman. It's an amazing compilation of live performances from the David Letterman show during the CBS era. I can't imagine that disk or those performances ever being released to streaming services. Never say never I suppose but licensing all those artists and performances seems like something that would be too cost prohibitive. So I'm beyond grateful that I kept my CDs and can listen to this gem whenever I wish.

[@JohanLaffra]

The feeling of owning something, no risk something becomes unavailable and off course supporting the artist aside, lots I collect (soundtracks for instance and specific classical music) isn’t available on the streaming services. Buying digital files makes no sense. So, I’ll keep buying psychical until they stop manufacturing.

[@dankairgadam8841]

I'm completely the opposite. I collect physical movies, videogames, and books. I use streaming for music and TV shows. The reason is that I like to revisit my favorite movies, games, and books frequently and there's a finite amount I really love so it's easy to pinpoint them and collect them. With music, there's far too much out there for me to ever collect it all and most albums only have 1 or 2 songs that I really like enough to own. I stream TV shows because they take so much time to watch that I typically only watch a series once and move on.

[@mat.b.]

For me the biggest benefit to streaming is being able to listen to an entire album, in lossess/HD, the day of release without paying anything. Heck, being able to demo music in general has allowed me to discover so much more music rather than be restricted by a budget; or to get back to my first point, being able to try without buying has helped me dodged quite a few bad releases from bands I (used to) love and buy on sight. This gives a greater incentive to brands not to phone it in (results to be determined). While kids today won't understand the experience of walking into an HMV and rifling through the shelves and picking new music based on how cool a logo or cover art was, it was an expensive gamble!

[@dutchcoyote]

Hi Frank, I often do streaming audio for example in my car and on my desktop and then also to listen to music in advance before buying it on LP or CD, so in the end it comes down to I like physical and I always will

[@vinylized9089]

Oh I am a movie collector with just over 300 Blu-rays and DVDs and even some special music VHS tapes. I like owning movies just like my music and not a big streamer but I am not opposed to it. listening and watching is an experience for me and streaming doesn't feel the same experience. Nailed it with this topic.

[@davidbindert]

I thought it was great that you presented this along side of the movie streaming experience. In both cases owning a physical copy of the media makes the owner feel more invested. Also in both cases streaming, while convenient, lends itself to a more passive experience with the media. A physical copy feels more like an interaction with the art/artist.

[@AttackFromDownunda]

I think of streaming as something akin to a old " jukebox ", just play what i'm in the mood for. I get a different experience when i pull out a old record and look at the gatefold, and play one side of a record. I have a coffee and really experience the music more. Its more immersive.

[@ditlefchristianjacobsen5351]

Thank you for this great video. I only use KZbin for online listening. But I do think physical media is the best way of listening to music and music files which I purchased. Buying a copy of a music release connects you to that artist or band or group in a wonderful way, reading and looking at the cover. The feeling of supporting your favourite artist, band is rewarding knowing all the hard work they had arranging, playing and recording it. I love vinyl especially played on a vintage setup. I am a repairman of audio equipment and find that job also rewarding. Wishing you all a wonderful day. Take care.😊

[@cameronzywina906]

Hi Frank, I only started streaming this past May when I returned to working in the office and wanted an easy way to play some of my favorite tunes while working, as well as discover some new for me artists. I have Amazon Prime because of benefits for shipping, plus my kids watch the exclusive films and play games. I am often disappointed by the absence of many of my favorite artists on Prime, especially more obscure artists. Nevertheless, it is good enough to satisfy the needs of all members of my family. When I'm at home, however, I mostly listen to my CDs. I'm not sure the reason, but I have slowed down buying and listening to vinyl. It's probably because I listen most often to my stereo in the living room nowadays where I have a new CD player rather than the turntable which is in my music den. Of course, that could change at anytime. I buy more CDs than LPs due to their abundance and cheap prices in record stores and thrift shops. Cheap CDs also help me to inexpensively discover the music from the 90s to 2010s, which I ignored when it came out. Like you and most of your viewers, as much as I can appreciate streaming, I think I will continue to listen to records and CDs for the foreseeable future. Thanks for the interesting video!

[@thebestoffools]

For me it's streaming for discovering new music, vinyl for listening to music. I've bought so many records from bands, old and new, I've discovered on Spotify. Streaming is what keeps my passion alive. But to me music just sounds so much better on vinyl records when they are played on a good hi-fi system.

[@SteelRiderCarl]

There are plenty of albums that are simply not available on any streaming platform, or not available as a high quality copy, so for that physical beats streaming. Now, I copy all my CDs to my computer's hard drive, too, and send them to my phone. That way I have everything instantly available even without internet and I pick the quality! Even if I can't stream, I still have my copy and I can still listen.

[@marka351]

One thing about physical media is the quality of the playback. With movies especially I find that a physical 4K UHD movie looks and sounds better than a 4k streaming movie. I don't notice it as much with music but in movies I do. Plus as you said if you ever have lived in an area with not very good internet physical media is the way to go.

[@neilcoligan8621]

One of the things physical media has over streaming is the art and information that comes with the packaging of CDs, vinyl, cassettes, etc. There's a reason the album/single was presented this way which leads to a greater engagement and investigation into the artist and the folks who helped the artist. Naturally some music is better appreciated, or more expansively appreciated, as a live event. Jazz naturally fits this category because of improvisation, but it also applies to just about any other music since the presenter has the opportunity to enhance the recreation of what's on the recording. Physical media does come with its drawbacks, especially over time because our lives change and our need or ability to live with all this stuff changes. It also begs the question, if you didn't spend the money on physical media, what would you have spent it on? Just some thoughts although there is much more to be said.

[@lpquagmire3621]

I may be no one, but I still need physical media.

[@tomhaylock5730]

I buy lots of vinyl and cds simply because im old school.i like to have a physical product.however i do like streaming if i want to preview an artist that im not familar with.

[@bf9616]

Sadly we live in a world that moves to fast, people think that siting and playing a record its a waste of time... Streaming fits better in that 'fast moving' world that we have created, but what people who only stream music seem not to know, is that they dispatch songs as fast as they are created... Songs are available on one 'click', yes,, but they can be dipatched as easy as clicking in the next song... You cant do that on a record...(at list not as easy) (Sorry for my english, there might be mistakes)

[@pez7031]

There are quite a few boutique/smaller reissue labels that DON’T make their releases available to stream. Rubellan Remasters and Iconoclassic are two I have 40 plus CDs from- the remastering is always fantastic as well as the added bonus tracks- some of the stuff was only ever limited to vinyl so awesome for a CD enthusiast like myself.

[@gringogreen4719]

I use streaming to filter record and CD purchases. So I end up with killer vs filler in my recent purchases. I will say its still neat to buy a record just based on album art and a hunch. Especially when that album, single, EP is not on KZbin or streaming service. The plus of streaming is that you are not limited to the actual physical limitation of physical copies in local record stores.

[@martinfarnworth6659]

I catalogued most of my vinyl/CD collection on discogs which was a pleasant surprise in terms of the value. Although I've no plans to sell it. I remember a while back there were some artist's thinking about not releasing music in the album format due to way music is consumed Thankfully the album format seems very much alive. However must be very frustrating for artist's waiting for vinyl to be pressed at the moment.

[@edwarde5452]

I enjoy physical media because it can be touched and held. That makes it real to me. As someone who spends too much time on his phone, sometimes putting the phone down in favor of a record or CD is favorable. I love the accidental nature of physical music. I might go through my closet and find a burned mixed cd from ten years ago. Suddenly I'm listening to it when I may not have considered it while streaming. I guess holding your music creates a bond. Streaming doesn't feel real to me. I do enjoy it though. Records are generally charming. Don't sleep on CDs. There's a reason everyone in the 80s lost their minds for them. They sound amazing.

[@williamschneider3355]

I don't stream. Have signed up for trials, but it's too overwhelming. I enjoy the discovery of finding new and new to me music in a store.

[@l0rd_breeigo-sama954]

Because we literally need to SOLIDIFY our love of what we love, weather its music, movies, series, anything we love.

[@phonatic]

I merely see streaming as an additional tool for discovery, yet by no means a viable substitute for physical media.

[@rusrus555]

Hello, Frank! I buy music and movies on physical media! I like to rummage around on the shelf, take a box with a CD or DVD disc, then put it in the player! and the booklet is interesting to look through!)

[@TheBoomerPlace]

I love physical media. I have 4k vids, 1080p blu-rays, dvds, about 800 records (2 turntables), cds, dvd audio, sacds and, yes, cassettes. I also have Apple Music. I like both formats and ignore the analog vs digital opinion wars. But with streaming, in the back on my mind, I can’t help think that at any time, Apple could delete an album or decide to just stop the service. That would be the end of almost 1900 streaming albums plus multiple play lists 😢. With physical media, it’s always there waiting for me to make up my mind what to listen to. Great vid again Frank.

[@ediblehorse]

You make many valid points Frank. For me, streaming is useful for 2 purposes. Having a party and checking out music I'm considering buying on vinyl.

[@markh351]

I still occasionally buy physical media, and mostly for the reasons you mention, but with streaming services readily available, I'm a LOT more selective about what I buy now just because of the amount of physical space it can take up. I shrunk my movie collection for this reason by getting rid of some stuff and moving other stuff into wallets or paper sleeves.

[@stopthink9000]

Physical media is just a different experience. I have albums I would never stream but really like to listen to on the turntable or CD player. The best way I can describe it is fast food snacking (streaming) vs a nice sit-down restaurant (physical media). Streaming I do to alleviate boredom, physical media I do for enjoyment.

[@Drackleyrva]

Great points. Searching, buying, cleaning and playing vinyl (or tapes) is an 'event' that you don't get with streaming songs.

[@Channel33RPM]

Absolutely!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

I mostly agree with you. If I hadn't grown up in the era of physical media, sure, I might have been inclined to rely on streaming. It certainly is convenient, but you have to pay for it. At this point, I already pay for too many online services and don't want to pay for anything more. Radio, like TV is full of too many commercials, which is why I DVR the TV programs to zip past all the commercials. After a week or so, the DVR does this automatically. I am an Amazon Prime member and enjoy steaming video entertainment there and I also subscribe to Paramount+ and Netflix. The exclusive shows and programming keeps me subscribing. I am a physical music media collector ranging from Edison cylinders to the latest records and CD's(including SACD's, DVD-A and music Blu-rays). My wife can't understand why I am always buying new records and CD's, so I tell her that I am a physical media collector and atleast I have something to show for my purchases. Streaming just doesn't sound right to me. I prefer the sounds of records and CD's. You may call me a collector of video formats, starting with video tapes because streaming wasn't around back then. I moved on to DVD's and then Blu-rays, but have been happy to rent them. I have way too many digital video discs, with 3 Sony 400 disc changers(2 are full to capacity and one also plays Blu-rays). Mostly I buy boxed collections and am only buying more to keep, say, my James Bond collection current, etc. Some concerts or programs are only available on physical media. As I don't subscribe to HBO, I have bought DVD's of their exclusive programming like "Westworld". I'd rather own a physical copy than pay for another subscription. Nope, I prefer physical media and I'm always going to be that way.

[@williamhuff5641]

I think the difference we feel about streaming music and movies is based on history. Back in the day, you had to buy physical music at the record store, going all the way back to the beginning of recoded music. At that same time, you could not own a film, you went to the theater and watched it, paying for the privilege of seeing it once. But even today you can own a cylinder of music or an old 78 and can play it if you have the proper equipment. So we as a society have a long history of ownership of music and a short history of ownership of film. I think this is why we think nothing of renting film, but we want to own music.

[@Kevin_Carlson]

I love physical media of all formats. However in defense of streaming services, since 2004 I've been able to enjoy thousands of albums that I'd never be able to purchase on vinyl or CD. It's also allowed me to immerse myself in different genres. During the "stay at home" period of the pandemic I had the opportunity to listen to and learn about the great jazz albums of the 1960's. Someday I hope to purchase some my favorites on vinyl. One final thing... those of us who live in developing countries can only dream about purchasing physical media. It's simply not an option. Streaming is a gift from heaven😊

[@darcyska]

As someone who watches this channel, it's likely obvious that I collect some sort of physical media. For me, I'm a fan of collecting music on vinyl, as well as videogames. I think there are a number of reasons- My vinyl listening habits are largely based around supporting an artist with something physical- I certainly stream and download music all the time, but I tend to really appreciate something that I've decided to go look for, a hidden treasure, or even just to have the 'best available' version of an album. I suppose I have a similar approach for gaming. I likely have way more games purchased through digital storefronts that I could ever own physically, but there is something very tangible with a physical copy of a game that I think gets lost in translation to a simple download.

[@Helaw0lf]

I like buying physical for line art, lyrics, personal messages of life to fans, et cetera.

[@jimk2000]

I am living overseas now.. I had 30-40 boxes of vinyl records and CDs that I had to leave behind in storage... It would have been prohibited for me to ship all of that overseas so I have resorted to streaming my music from Spotify or KZbin or from downloads on my laptop... I thought I would miss all of my physical music but found out I really don't miss it and has saved me thousands of dollars not having to buy records or audio equipment... After all isn't the idea of music to just listen and enjoy?

[@jenscee7679]

Having a thing, whether it’s vinyl, CD or even cassette is great. It also forces you to sit down and listen to the music properly, especially albums. They are designed for a certain order that takes you on a journey. If I’m on a train, digital is good too but it’s a different experience.

[@blahblahblah6]

I stream all the time. So I've had songs and albums drop off services. I buy less music now. But if I know I'm going to want something for life, I buy it.

[@Gajodareactividade]

I think you mentioned all that I can also relate. Except for streaming. I never used spotify. Sometimes youtube, just to check if the album I'm listening is worth buying a physical copy or not. Anyway, with physical formats, I have to select what I want to buy - and to listen. More than once or twice. Listening in a way to make worth the investiment of the album. I like the feeling of being selective, instead of having everything available in a glance.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

We buy them because we want too. I have CD , but love my vinyl by far. I about 300 movies and 100 television shows on DVD. Over 200 CD. Own over 2000 records.

[@andrewmachado6988]

I still enjoy buying CDs but I’ve slowed down over the last few years. I have a Spotify subscription and a good set of headphones and that’s where I listen to all my music now. I’ll only buy CDs if it’s used for a good price, something I really want or if it’s some sort of Deluxe box set. Space is a big issue for some people as well. Owning physical media takes up a lot of space which some people don’t have.

[@yorkemar]

Streaming is convenient..but i still enjoy cds and vinyl records. It's possible that the cds and vinyl sound a bit better.

[@rosswarren436]

Another thing to consider for "serious" listeners is that according to the "audiophiles" at Audiogon, to equal the sound quality you get from physical media playing on say a $1000 turntable with a $300 cartridge (or a $800 CD player), you HAVE to spend about $3000 on a digital streamer and DAC front end. Yeah, digital will keep getting better and cheaper but that might take another 5 to 10 years.

[@BubbaBigDude]

Oh yeah, according to some of the "audiophiles" you need a very expensive setup that can do DSD and all the other fancy digital technologies to "match" a good vinyl or CD setup.

[@Channel33RPM]

Best to ignore those audiophiles.

[@MrMusic193]

As an example, if you just stream music, let’s say your favorite album is no longer available on streaming then what are you gonna do. This is why I believe in buying and owning physical media. I agree with you exactly about owning music, but being OK with streaming movies. The only movies I buy are a lot of the classic ones that I liked but the new stuff I’m fine with streaming.

[@mapp4751]

HI FRANK I tend to agree with you! streaming for me is a great way to sample music very seldom do i actually listen to music on my laptop where most of the streaming is done.i do have a full audio system and i regularly purchase cds/lps! Cheers

[@PrankZabba]

I accidentally deleted my Spotify downloads off my phone, and couldn't be happier. Because what sucked was having everything right there, yet i could just put the cd or lp on. So this time around, im just adding stuff i dont have at all. But thats where i noticed that its not all there now. So, in some ways im glad i can finally listen to those rare albums that bands got uploaded, but they aint all there. Which, may as well grab the cd and go. Or rip the cd then add it in my phone. Its just as bad. But i sure do like finding some stuff at the touch of a button. But really sucks when its not their, as im guessing by choice of the artists themselves. So you end up being stuck trying to find those rare albums.

[@TheSkuncle]

Well here’s my take, I don’t stream, to me it’s like listening to the radio. Back in the day we could just record our favorite songs off the radio but I still bought the records. Music today is completely disposable, both literally and figuratively. Streaming contributes greatly to this. When I was a kid, in the 70’s, owning movies wasn’t a reality, you saw them in the theater or on TV. It wasn’t until the 1980’s when VHS tapes became readily available. Music however has always been available to own. Music is art, owning a physical copy is owning the art. If you hear music as background noise then streaming is probably more your thing. On the other hand if you can actually sit and appreciate the words, the music, the melody, the rhythm, then owning is more than likely where you fit in.

[@bobby666666]

I prefer physical because I own it. I listen to a fair bit of K-Pop and a while ago due to some licensing issues a lot of songs were removed. They did come back, but it doesn't always happen. I love the K-Pop Girl group Dreamcatcher. I have listened to their material on streaming, but I have a few of their releases on CD. I played the CD of their first full album the other night and I heard bits in the music, I cannot hear on streaming as there is very little hi-res for a lot of K-Pop artists including Dreamcatcher. On the other hand, I follow a local female songwriter called Imogen Hart. She has a small amount on streaming, but nothing on CD or Vinyl, so streaming is useful sometimes. I did see her perform live a few months ago and her voice sounds more powerful in the live setting.

[@ArturdeSousaRocha]

Definitely agree. Streaming and rental devalued music. Multiple reasons behind it, including supply overload. And it feels bad that the artist you're listening to might not even get any money because of how streaming payouts work.

[@stephensmall4172]

I guess it depends on you as an individual. I am approaching 59 and really have all the physical media I need. I am finding modern classical artists/music from Scandinavia and jazz from Japan which like all physical media is too expensive for me to keep buying now, so I can enjoy this streamed and certain pieces that grab me I will buy. If I wefe starting again, I would always want my favourites physically, but a much smaller collection with more being streamed. I have friends of a similar age and we would all tell you that we have lots of records in our collections that we will simply never play again. As you age your tastes do change. Not a problem with streaming.

[@grahambiggs9822]

I just love to own my own music. Its mine to look at, to memorise the tracks and in the particular order they were placed on the record. I have the ability to review my collection.. and say..wow I havent listened to that in a while, and off I go. I do the same with my favouritr movies and own them on DVD. You are absolutely right, there is no need to own your own music.. but I honestly feel sorry for the artist now. How do small artists make money on Spotify... its impossible, they have to continually tour and sell t-shirts now which was never the dream, when they decided to form a band. There are plenty of arguments for streaming.. but not for me !!