Physical Media - Why I Love It
It’s a bit of a nerdy and almost elitist thing to claim I love physical media, but I do. I like owning stuff, and nothing’s better than having a collection of records, books, DVDs, CDs, and anything else that falls under that category. Pile it up baby!
It’s nice to see a resurgence in some of these departments, particularly with vinyl. I don’t imagine physical media will ever be close to where things were sales-wise, such as when my parents were kids, and that’s okay. All I hope is that it doesn’t dissipate completely, at least in my lifetime.
Figured it’d also make for a worthwhile blog to share a few pieces from my various collections–detailing where I got them and whatnot. Moving will always be a challenge, but at least I’m tidy.
Brian Eno - Another Green World
I’m a huge fan of Brian Eno, and his third record, Another Green World, marked a turn in his catalog. Transitioning from his earlier rock-oriented music, Another Green World steers toward the minimalist instrumental style he became known for in his late 1970s ambient compositions.
Out of its fourteen tracks, vocals appear in only five, and Eno employed various unconventional recording methods and instrumental approaches, resulting in distinctive instrument credits like the quote-on-quote “snake guitar" and "uncertain piano."
I came across this CD in Leeds, UK, on the last day of a European tour I did in mid-July. I can’t remember the record spot's name (though I’m sure if I scroll Google a bit I could find it), but it was a nice spot around the city center. I saw the CD scrounging around and immediately knew it was what I was purchasing.
Part of the fun in touring is grabbing records, CDs, books, and whatever interests you in cities you normally wouldn’t be in. I’m a tad upset because I purchased a comic that same day and accidentally left it in the hotel that night. I didn’t even get a chance to read it. Suppose that’s the way it goes.
No New York
For another record from my Eno collection, we have No New York. If you don’t know, this record is a quintessential document of New York City's late-1970s no-wave movement, curated by Eno and released in 1978 under the Antilles record label.
Despite featuring songs from just four distinct artists—Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, Mars, Contortions, and D.N.A.—this compilation album is widely regarded as a seminal representation of the era.
I picked it up in Rochester, NY at Needle Drop Records last summer. My brother and our buddy take short trips whenever I’m in town to frisbee golf (exciting, I know), and I popped into the store before we grabbed grub. I’m happy I did because this record is one of the strangest listens out there. Definitely check it out.
Osamu Dazai - No Longer Human
Part of the excitement of going to a record store or bookshop is to come across stuff you’ve never heard of, check it out, and roll the dice. Also, last summer, I went to Barnes and Noble with my gal Syd, as we often do, and saw No Longer Human in the curated BookTok section.
The cover caught my eye, and the existential and depressed description of the story sold it to me. It ended up being one of my favorite books and one I look back on every few months for writing inspiration.
The 1948 novel by Japanese author Osamu Dazai, unfolds the tale of a troubled individual who grapples with an inability to authentically reveal his true self to those around him.
Instead, he opts to project a façade of superficial joviality. Over time, he descends into a life marked by alcoholism and drug abuse, ultimately culminating in his mysterious disappearance. Some real cheery stuff.
Before Trilogy
Last, we have the Before Trilogy, a practically flawless romance trilogy from filmmaker Richard Linklater starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. The trilogy begins with Before Sunrise (1995) and continues with two sequels, Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013).
Set and shot at nine-year intervals, these films document the romantic journey between Jesse (Hawke) and Céline (Delpy) across three distinct life stages. Even if you’re not a fan of romance films (for whatever reason), no one can deny the genius of these movies.
I first watched the entire trilogy on a Saturday with Syd, and the three films immediately hooked us. Later that year, she got me the Criterion Collection of the three for my birthday, and I plan to watch them again with her in the fall. These films are magical and are required viewing.
Each film is minimalist, primarily featuring monologues and casual conversations that include extended dialogues between the characters. Within the series, contrasting viewpoints and perspectives on life and love are meticulously explored, touching upon themes such as time, self-discovery, aging, loss, and parenthood.