2003 into 2004: Where Do We Go From Here?

Most music lovers won't argue with the abject pleasure of popping a new CD out of its jewel case, placing it in the player and pulling the book out to read the liners. I just purchased a Count V compilation on Big Beat. Is there anything more enjoyable than reading Alec Palao liner notes? Other than listening to the music, there is nothing better.

It was the same with vinyl: that big gatefold sleeve, the graphics: it was and will always be a sensory experience. The truth is, however, that all of that packaging, the one-stops, the retailers and the record companies themselves have always placed their prices so that everyone in the food chain could profit handsomely. The trip between the sound recording and the consumer is filled with tollbooths on a very expensive turnpike. The problem for the bigger media companies who have grown fat with this business model is that they have failed to realize that the model is dead. We are just starting to understand that it is about time to have a proper burial.

Sure, the digital delivery model isn't new. Mp3.com, emusic.com and others were pioneers in the advancement of the model and they should be applauded. Their inability to really grab hold is related to many things beyond the scope of this piece. I have a feeling that these companies and others will adapt to the current climate of change. Maybe they will prosper. I for one hope that they do.

Consider my following statement: "...when Apple made iTunes software compatible with Windows PCs, the digital download model finally took root. Mechanically reproduced music will take a back seat to digitally delivered music by 2010."

What am I talking about?

On October 16, 2003, Apple announced that iTunes, its music software, would be available for both Windows and Mac. They announced 4 days later that 1 million copies of the software had been downloaded in 3 1/2 days.

Why is this so important?

Bill Gates realized that the key to success of the Windows operating system was to give away his software and browser. Apple and Steve Jobs learned from Gates: make the iTunes software the easiest to use, make it available to everyone, make it usable on any computer and make a deal so that the consumer can get access to all of the major label music. Then, people will buy their hardware and download the music if it's easy and cheap enough.

Sorry, Music Match, but iTunes is easier to use. It is instantly compatible with Firewire. One can upload an entire CD in 5 seconds. No problems. No one needs problems.

The digital delivery model will really take hold when Apple makes deals to expand the genres of music offered (indie rock, jazz, others) and figures out how to give the consumer the gratification of the Reading of the Liner Notes experience. But that has to be on its way.

The iPod. Eventually, you will own one. Probably within 18 months. I recently purchased one for the hefty price tag of $500. But I stored the equivalent of the most important, significant recordings from any genre on the thing. My whole collection became instantly recallable, including everything in the Recommended Section as well as entire catalogs of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, The Byrds, Beach Boys, Kinks and others. The price of this device will come down. When it does, it will be more common than the Walkman.

A key feature for the audiophile is that one has the option of uploading in .wav format (if using a PC) or .aiff format (if using a Mac). Either format will give you close to an exact copy of a CD. So, you can plug your iPod into your home stereo and get absolutely no degradation in sound quality! Now, mp3 at 192 still sounds great to the average Joe and files are much smaller. It's likely you probably don't need to use the .wav format. But it is about choices, and the iPod gives you that.

The iPod or something like it that has ability to handle different bit rates will become the storage and delivery method of the future. Bit rate is like the definition in a picture. Current CDs are 16 bit. SACDs and DVD-Audio are presented at a higher bit rate and sound more detailed. I definitely see the day when we will get our music at a very high bit rate to be delivered online for digital download. We will have the ability to download it or upload it to any delivery/storage device at whatever resolution we want. The iPod is one of the first such delivery/storage devices.

This is a very exciting time in music history. We are one step closer to convergence. Music prices will fall, we will figure out how to solve the peer to peer dilemma and the artist and consumer will win out.

There was so much great music released in 2003. Next month we will have our annual Best Of issue. I want to thank everyone for visiting this year. Since our re-launch in July, our hit counts have doubled. I am glad that people enjoy what we present here. As you may or may not know, none of us make a nickel on Fufkin. It is done for the sheer joy of giving a platform to write about music that is truly worthy that, in some cases, will not see one bit of publicity. A lot of the music does get publicity, but only because it is so great that it just can't be ignored. If you can, support the bands we talk about. The CD you buy today might allow your favorite guitar player to buy strings for his guitar in Iowa, or allow him to buy gas on I-75 so that he can get to that gig in your town. Your support might keep the next great musician from giving up and doing something else. Your support means everything. It is everything. And honestly it doesn't matter who you like. Just support that band or artist.

To all of my friends, acquaintances and visitors to this site, my best wishes during the Holidays and always.

Here's to the future of music and 2004...I can't wait.

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