I downloaded a new album this weekend and realized I really miss having records, tapes, and then CDs, with the inserts. One of my favorite things to do from elementary school into my 20s was sit down and listen to a new album and read the lyrics while listening along. I learned about band members, what they played, who wrote the songs, what they all looked like, and knew all the words to every song after a couple of times through.

Now I hear something I like and just download it. Half the time I don’t even know the band’s name, let alone the names of the members and writers. I miss the effort of it, like having to figure which albums I wanted the most based on how much I could afford. Listening to them in the store. Then taking it to my room as soon as I got home, shutting the door, and living in my own little musical world for an hour.

I think I appreciated the artists more when I still did all that. It’s easy and convenient now, and way cheaper, which is nice. But I just…miss that.