Compilation Shmompilation

I don’t really like compilation albums, because I am an obsessive iTunes archivist. I dislike having tracks that I don’t actually like in my iTunes, because when I set it on shuffle (or, the newest greatest thing, Genius), I may run across a song I don’t know. That’s not what I want to happen.

I come about this topic because I am going through and listening to the Paste compilation CDs. I usually pull them out and say that I will get to them eventually; I usually don’t. I like learning about artists in Paste, but if I see an artist that piques my interest, I’m just going to go to the myspace or buy the album. This is why I love Langhorne Slim (his myspace) and how I ended up with the Mates of States’ Re-arrange Us. Although, to be fair, I did listen to and fall in love with “My Only Offer” on one of their mixtapes. But I read about them there and it drove me to that track on the compilation album. Also my friend Brian drove me to buy it, because he likes them a bunch.

All this to say, I don’t like compilation albums that much, because I usually listen to them one time and then toss ‘em. I may burn the best tracks to my computer, but it’s not my preferred method of getting new music. I’d much rather have it recommended to me by a magazine and then search it out. Feels like I’m doin’ some work for my music. And I like that.

Although I am glad that this particular Paste CD (46) is giving me a free Bon Iver track. I really like Bon Iver; I should buy his album soon. I’ve heard it several times already and it’s good. My friend Daniel played it for me, along with William Fitzsimmons (and Dave Matthews, which kinda sucked; I’ve always disliked Dave, but that’s a differnt article altogether).

That’s another way I like hearing about music; from friends. Then we have (another) something in common, when they tell me or I tell them about an artist. It’s great.