Warning: I haven't proof read this. Okay, I normally don't proof read blog entries either.
Music formats really piss me off. I don’t really want to get
into the history of what is what, but when it comes to physical media, the
entire thing is completely screwed. Currently, if my sources are correct (don’t
care if they’re not) 12”, 10” and 7” records are still considered the standard
formats, despite the fact that most bands do not put out 10” records. Next you have
the record speeds of 33 1/3, 45, and 78 revolutions per minute. Practically all
albums are recorded in 33 and 1/3, except for “audiophile” versions, which are
usually 2 or more 12” LP’s that run at 45, and most 7” records are 45, yet some
are also in 33 and 1/3, and of course, 78 is practically obsolete, but some
people still press it. Then you have the time capacities of SP (which now means
single play, and usually has two, not one, songs), EP (which still means
extended play, and usually has 3 or more songs, but not enough to be considered
an album in length), and the LP (which will always mean long play, thankfully.)
My question is why there isn’t an actual standard in the music industry, since
it is controlled by only a handful of people?
Supposedly, an album that plays at 45 rpms sounds better
than 33 because the needle is getting more information passed through it.
Naturally, the only problem with this is that the longer revolutions require
more space, and that is why you can’t put an album out in 45 without putting it
on 2 or 3 discs. I confess that it’s a bit of a pain in the ass to keep
flipping anything recorded in 45, especially an entire album. Since most people
can’t even tell the difference between the way each sound, we might as well
eliminate 45 because it’s more of a problem for lazy music listeners, like
myself, who want to sit back and relax drinking a few beers before having to flip
the damn thing. The size formats are fine, but they need to be better utilized.
How about SP for singles go on 7” records (which kind of sound stupid when
called doubles, so the original name is fine,) and EPs all go on 10” records,
and naturally, LPs go on 12” records. For any music overflow that won’t fit on
one album, you could easily add one of the other formats, depending upon number
of songs and length, to carry it. Additionally, record labels can run limited
edition albums recorded in 45 as a way to rip people off and please
audiophiles. Don’t get me started on cassettes and CDs.
Also: I naturally own music in all formats and said formats do not bother me, but the lack of standards do.
No. Just no.