Part 10/13:
In the past, purchasing an album involved effort—working a job, saving money, physically going to a store, and truly valuing the music. Collecting records was intertwined with identity, community, and cultural exchange. Sharing a vinyl, reading the album cover, appreciating the production—all fostered a deeper connection.
Today, streaming transforms music into a limitless, faceless resource. For $10.99 a month, listeners can access the entire history of music—from Bach to the Beatles—without any personal investment. As Rick laments, this devalues music to just a click, stripping away the sweat equity and emotional resonance that once made music meaningful.