Recently I have been more aware how seldom I completely immerse myself in a complete recording. skipping through songs to see if they are suitable for DJ sets earmarking for later or they increasingly end up in the "listen to later" pile of records in the lounge room which has increased to several crates in their own fully fledged area.
I've decided to put some time to listen to a classic album in full with no distractions focusing on the music only on a regular basis..
I suppose the concept is pretty simple in itself be totally present in the moment much like when you completely focus on your breath when meditating or on the wave when surfing as some examples.
No smartphones, tablets facebook, twitter just the music. Do you remember the last time you actually did that? Active listening is the term coined by Colleen “Cosmo” Murphy from Classic Album Sundays who explains the idea in more detail below.
"When is the last time you listened to an album from beginning to end? And sticking it on in the background while working on the computer, talking on the phone or doing chores around the house does not count. I mean sitting down and giving the album your full attention. For many of us, it has been awhile. Hearing is like breathing and smelling – it does not require an active, directed effort; we do it subconciously. When we want to look at something, we direct our gaze toward the object; when we want to touch something, we must reach out. In short, we have to focus our attention. Hearing, however, is different as we constantly hear 360 degrees around us. We can hear things going on in the other room while we chat to a friend whether or not we are trying to listen. We cannot shut our ears and therefore we often take our sense of hearing for granted."
Greg Wilson prominent UK DJ personality has been heavily involved which you can find more of his input on his blog here.If you would like to get involved yourself but are unsure where to start maybe try the top five records of all time from Mute Records Bossman Daniel Miller, Martin Ware, Trojan Sound System or Ashley Beedle or the many other suggestions on the site
I just got myself a new turntable preamp hand made my the lovely folks at Condesa Electronics which is in the post on it's way from Adelaide.
The first record I have randomly picked out is Prince & the Revolution - Around the world in a Day which I'll admit not listening to yet but Prince is a boss so that works for me. .
Wikipedia tells me that Prince asked the record companies to release this on the downlow with minimal promotion after Purple Rain did so well. It still managed to go platinum and have several number one hits.
Let me know if you plan on or have done the same.. What was the last album that you listened to in full with no distractions?
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