The digital environment is imperiling this dimension: regardless of what an artist may attempt to achieve, listeners more than ever are choosing to bypass the packaging and hone in only on constituent parts. Artists communicate not only in their choice of songs, and their marshaling of skill and talent in performing songs, but also in their sequencing of multiple songs, whether it be on a product like an LP or CD, or in a setlist for a live performance.There are two principles in record production that the digital environment (like, downloading single tracks ripping to iTunes, loading to smartphone or mobile music player, filesharing, etc) has thrown into chaos. And by track 11, “Pi‘i I Ka Nahele,” it became imperative to go get the jewel case and the booklet and take a closer look. What made this listening exceptional from earlier listenings is that around track 4, “Ku‘u Pua Pakalana,” I suddenly sensed that something special was happening. So it is with ‘Ã, so much so that I am moved to share some of the many thoughts that todayʻs listening brought to mind. Equally rare–or perhaps more so–is the experience of having a CD draw in the listener by its very unfolding. It is so rare when the luxury presents itself to sit with a CD and listen to it from start to finish.
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