Okay, I'm kind of a music snob. Not a vinyl snob, although with the a little disposable income I could easily slide in that direction, but I definitely have very strong feelings about how I get my music. Too me, a Rock N' Roll album is a piece of art. Not just the music, but the actual, physical C.D. or Album itself. The artwork, the liner notes, the whole shebang. So, every time I find myself ordering that single off of iTunes, I feel more than just a little guilty.
It really is nice though. Not just being able to get that unreleased single, but everything that is iTunes. I love the database and I love that they find similar artists and list everything that everyone has ever touched. I love that you can get the history of a band and a review of the album. I love that it tells you what all of Doug Martschs' side projects are or that Craig Wedren has a bunch of movie credits. I have spent hours in front of my computer hunting down rare tracks from my favorite artists and learning more useless trivia than my wife can stand.
What drives me crazy and makes iTunes evil? The bonus track you can't get without buying the whole album. That drives me nuts. I also hate the pre-order thing, but not as much as I hate the new trend in music; marketing your album solely through Target or WalMart. I am completely and totally done with Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins for this very reason. I talked to a local record store owner that wouldn't stock their last album because it cost him so much more than what he was selling to Target for, and his version of the album wouldn't include a number of bonus tracks. And, this was in his home town. Poor form Billy.
So where do I buy my music? I definitely have my favorites. Hard Boiled on Roscoe in Roscoe Village has lots of great Indie labels and a music nut with all kinds of great knowledge behind the counter. Record Breakers just moved from Hoffman Estates into the South Loop. I used to ditch mass when I was living with my parents, little brothers in tow, to drive out to this place. Incredible selection and lots of rare stuff. But, my favorite in the city by far is Laurie's Planet of Sound in Lincoln Square. If you like Indie label stuff, these guys have everything. You don't even have to ask them to order the new Black Francis album, they will have it.
So that's my blather for this week. I'm off to buy the new Wilco album, and probably won't post much mortgage stuff with the holiday coming up. So, have a wonderful Holiday Weekend. Your Chicago Mortgage Guy will be back with more important stuff next week.
Joe Burke
Your Chicago Mortgage Guy
joe@yourchicagomortgageguy.com
773-742-6707
**Disclaimer - Mothers can not hold against their sons any ditching of Sunday Mass that took place more than 10 years ago**
