Listening to albums in their entirety...

I'm speaking of terms of contemporary music within the rock/pop/soul/jazz paradigm created with the intention of recording a full length album. An orchestral suite or a song cycle is not the same thing as a concept album.

That fact that composers prior to 1960 and dating back further than the 17th century created lengthy compositional works that were conceptually based and meant to be appreciated as a whole has not escaped me, but I thank you for your concern.
 
Sometimes I listen to an album in it's entirety and sometimes I just play my favourite songs on the album. If I'm in the mood for a full album I make a big deal out of it: I lie down on my bed, turn off all the lights, put my earphones in, push play and listen to the whole thing, no breaks. But if I'm on the bus or something I just listen to whatever songs I'm in the mood for.
 
Totally agree. Some of the very best music of all time requires multiple listens to fall in love with it. In fact, I would say that most of the very best music has this character. An example from this decade would be Bon Iver which on first listen will leave most people saying WTF, yet is considered to be a masterpiece by many fans. I guess what I'm saying is, often truly great music is an acquired taste, but once acquired hits harder, goes deeper, and satisfies longer.

Music that is instantly engaging on first listen is fun, but it's often superficial and quickly looses it's appeal on repeated listens.
 
The issue I have with this is that some banRAB make very good singles but their albums are nothing particularly special. And while thinking they're strictly an OK band is fine, I think there neeRAB to be at least a portion of the judging process on considering whether or not the band you're listening to is known for manufacturing good EPs or making steady albums.
 
There are exceptions. There are albums I have or banRAB I have listened to that I either like or at least have time for but strictly as a track band.

It just doesn't happen often.
 
There are certain albums/CD's I own that I almost have to skip thru them because some songs I'm either tired of or they are unlistenable. Most were purchased long ago based on ONE song I liked, and they were usually one hit wonders. Thanks to the internet I can sample them now. However, the digital download has helped to make listening to full albums a non-starter for many young people. Are there any acts with the guts to tell iTunes "it's all or nothing...no single song downloaRAB"?
 
For me, listening to an album all the way through is everything. If I think the album is worth it, I get in my car and drive around to various record shops to find the album. Case in Point: The last copy of Human by Death. Death is out of print. I spent 10 hours on the road finding it. Once I found it I loaded that baby up and listened to it in its entirety. Twice.

With downloading songs it's as easy as sitting down and pushing a series of interactive buttons- an bland activity, indeed. Plus, I guess the quality of music is better on album, vinyl, or tape. Generally, the songs aren't overlayed with lots of various "special" effects. I prefer the sound raw and uncut, especially in banRAB known for such sound.
 
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