I will concede that an album can afford more nuance and development than 12 songs released separately, but I would argue that the reality is that 99% of music is listened to at the “song” level so most of that nuance is lost on most “customers.”

The difference between a song done in garageband at short order and a song worked on over weeks will continue to erode given time and talent. Compare the difference between an amateur and pro today vs. 10 years ago.

As far as consistent quality and time to produce, you’re right, of course. But producing a short story and a novel are different feats and I would argue a band that can’t produce at that level is not fundamentally different from a band that can’t produce a good album once a year. They’re both in the wrong business or operating under the wrong model.

Obviously, you are the one with a successful music career so I’m probably more wrong that I care to admit, and I am not arguing that this is the only way to “sell” music. But I think it does address some of the problems facing the music industry and leverage some opportunities.

-I would also argue that very few artists have the time to produce that much content, because touring continues to be a huge part of how artist connect to fans, and generate new fans.

-Also, “you can make a pretty damn good song in a few hours using Garageband”– but you can’t make a great record. I think we are seeing standards fall on the quality of recorded music. My most recent LP sounds MUCH better than my most recent EP for this reason. I’m proud of the EP, and it has its charm, but if all recordings were done at that level, I think it would continue the trend we’re seeing where music is more and more disposable.

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