Chaun's recent music post got me thinking. Like many of us, I became swept up in the age of digital music. It began with just a few songs, but turned into some full fledged albums and I eventually accumulated a nice library of albums. Then a conversation got me thinking, and led me to a realization that I had lost sight of what makes music so important: the experience.

I missed cherishing an album, listening to it on repeat for weeks and weeks. I missed opening the wrapping, than unfolding and reading through the lyrics with the music during the first listen. I wasn't privileged enough growing up to have a turn table, but every time I would put a compact disc in for the first time I never thought the sound could be better. I reached a point where I would frequently not even give an album a thorough play-through before deciding that it wasn't good enough, and then moving on to the next. I would disregard years of hard work bands and artists put into their music within minutes. I felt discouraged; maybe music just wasn't as good anymore?

This was a foolish idea. Over this past year I've purchased a great deal of physical albums, and am constantly impressed by some of the beautiful and unique packaging that many come in. One of the most recent albums I received in the mail(several days before the official release date!) was the new album, High Violet by The National. Wrapped in a beautiful violet printed sleeve with silver foiling sat the simple but striking trifold. The print and paper quality were fantastic, and upon unfolding it was an intensely detailed collection of portraits, showcasing the band members. Before even hearing the album, I could feel it, as I had already began to experience it. This was what I missed, having something tangible to go with the album. The artwork, photography, design; it is all part of the music, the experience. With downloaded music I never felt like I really knew the music; there was always something missing.

Now, you should definitely check out the new album, High Violet by the band/demigods, The National!

Awesome job Distant Station Ltd. for the design of the current and past albums.