Waves

BBC News - Are record clubs the new book clubs?

A growing number of music-lovers unhappy about the way album tracks are enjoyed in a pick-and-mix fashion have decided to take action.

The rules are strict. No talking. No texting. You must listen to every song on the album.

Classic Album Sundays treat our best-loved records like great symphonies and are being set up in London, Scotland and Wales.

Groups of music fans sit in front of a vinyl turntable, with the best speakers they can afford, dim the lights and listen to a classic album all the way through.

This monthly club in north London is run by Colleen Murphy and for her it is a strike against "'download culture", the sense that music has just become an endless compilation of random songs used as background noise.

"Everyone, stop multi-tasking, sit down, open your ears and do some heavy listening."

The set album this month was Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. We sat in silence even as David Bowie's record was turned over to side two.

The seats were soft, someone had lit some incense. Some people closed their eyes, others nodded in rhythmic appreciation. There was a sense of being collectively submerged in Bowie's music.

"You're not even allowed to use the bathroom here, it's too noisy," says Ms Murphy.





Would U visit one of these things?

What do u think about these brits and their whacky "respect for art" and shit?

Do U ever listen to music just by itself with no other distractions? Is it fun or boring?

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The years go fast and the days go so slow

Jimmycube

hmmm.... i could see listening to an album like ziggy stardust all the way through and just enjoying it. Mostly because almost every track on the album is great. Its easy to do when your listening to a "classic" album but i would like to see them try this with say a katie perry record lol.

The whole thing kinda comes off as snobbish and a bit elitist to me honestly. Lighting incense *smoking weed probably is what they meant* dimming the lights *easier to give hand jobs* is all ok i suppose. I would have to draw the line at no bathroom breaks though...that is just silly. Again it all just sounds like a bunch of elitists to me.

Kinda like, look at us, we really just love the artistry because we are sophisticated. Man, fuck that, music brings out a primal feeling in most people and makes them want to dance and get lost in the music and the movement it causes. It certainly doesnt make me want to just sit down and do nothing *unless psychedelics are involved perhaps*

Also as a "artist" myself (even though i hate being called one) in the mediums of painting, mixed media, graphic design, sculpting, photography and writing, not so much music i dont feel art is about respect, its more about provocation, action and forming new ideas.

To me , if somebody really wanted to show genuine respect for my art they most certainly would not be sitting down and not speaking. They would be out doing and discussing new ideas.

but thats just my take on it

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my_scatterheart

I can listen to tons of albums straight through. But I don't need some faggy club to do it, and I certainly want to take a piss if I need to.

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farmergiles

Goddam crazy brits.

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Lloydy

fucking students

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The Rev

I could listen to Floyd's Dark Side like that every weekend. The no bathroom rule goes too far, IMO. I mean, how can you relax and take in the music in all it's sublime beauty with a turtle head poking out?

I like the idea of toning down the multi-tasking in life, for sure. We stretch our attention too thin these day, IMO.



The Rev

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SageTree

At one point of my life I intentionally sat down and listened to the albums I thought were worthy of the title 'Album', that is an expression front to back.

So then, I listened also with headphones each night when I sat down for a smoke.
just burned a joint and tuned into

Many picks, many genres.

I can't even say how many bands catalogs I did this with as well as this album or that album from other artists.


Did I mention this was a time I was spending a lot of time alone, living in a strange state ?


I think it's cool to have intentional things like is being discussed in the OP, but would also agree to and add the sentiment that I hope people are doing this already in their own homes as well......

There are just some albums so great they deserve your utter focus and attention....


*edit... WTF... no bathroom?!!!

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The Rev

An album I HIGHLY recommend to listen to in this way is Philip Glass' score for the film "Koyaanisqatsi". You smoke some decent Sativa and just take it in, and I guarantee you an amazing audio experience. It's beautiful and breathtaking music.



The Rev

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Bearsy

On What there's a album trading club where you're paired up with another member and you suggest an album for the other to download and listen to. After some listens you give it a review.
I really enjoy that. But there's no douchey rules like this club.

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John F. Kerry

im sure weed is involved, if it isnt , damn

and this is actually an awesome idea except for the fact that most artists dont make 'albums' these days - i wish artists made them , and that more people listened to them as albums, but since they dont, they dont .

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John F. Kerry

heres some more awesome phillip glass rev.

the movie is pretty awesome too .

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Sir-Ex

I still lay down and listen to an album and do nothing else rather frequently.


Music is one of my favourite things. Though I've never really been much of a dancer, music has the ability to bring me out of my body. It's like my spirit (consciousness) just rides the waves of it.. it's awesome.

Dancing is a thing I do at a live show though for sure. Lots of fun.

At home it's all about laying back and leaving the physical.

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Smile

Ditch the cigs!!!!!!

Qui-Bong Jinn

I lay down and listen to music all the time, music is always playing in my room.