Many disjointed thoughts...
-The format (33 1/3 LP) and concept of a collection of songs were somewhat joined at the hip therefore the loss of one means the loss of the other
-Many bands didn’t have more to say than a few songs or an EP’s worth...albums had a lot of filler even from good bands
-Unfortunately the by-the-song purchase format in the digital age plays right into the hands of the bubblegummers (both producers and audience) and is a return to the bad old days of the 78 when albums were a rarity and songs were purchased on a whim not because of interest in or loyalty to any one artist.
-Modern albums are blighted by record companies’ stupid tricks in the form of expanded/deluxe/special/fanclub editions on the first day of release. If you’re going to issue an album as a statement, then make ONE statement and let it stand.
-As always, the record companies’ desire to hold onto to old delivery media and sales methods clashed with quickly changing buyer tastes and preferences.
My best friend, Neil Zaza, is a world renown guitarist. His cd albums sell world-wide. But the music world no longer includes the US. Our popular music really sucks!
I remember very well the 45 rpm days, when nobody had anything to say, but they said it well. These records cost 75 cents or so. IIRC. I remember walking home from the A&P with my purchase of the Markeys’ Last Night, thinking about how great a thing it was that I should be doing this, in so many thoughts. I know I was looking at the record in my hands and feeling this!
Ah, Bartelby! Ah, humanity!