It’s great to observe the fan joy surrounding Future Past. Wisely, Duran chose to release this album in multiple formats. Producer Erol Alkan posted his green vinyl edition. I posted my regret at NOT purchasing the vinyl version as I don’t own a record player anymore. The red, green, and white vinyl versions look amazing. The various fans posts caused me to ponder the mediums through which I’ve listened to Duran Duran’s catalog from newest to oldest.
Streaming Service
I came late to the streaming game. I’ve been listening to Future Past at work through a streaming service. The sound quality isn’t the best as it is dependent upon my computer speakers. I do like the availability and the extra content that is occasionally available. My work mates have caught me casually smiling as I listen to this new LP. Streaming Duran’s music has made my work day seem shorter or more enjoyable.
Digital Download
My iPod has hundreds of Duran Duran songs loaded on it. If it ever fails, I shall weep. My iPad and iPhone had Future Past download alerts when I awoke on October 22nd. I felt like it was my birthday again-LOL. I downloaded the individual songs as they became available but I needed to hear the album in its totality before I could form a true opinion. I confess that the digital versions have been the preferred format to delve into Future Past quickly. My car must have a decent sound system as I really enjoy driving to this album. It helped me find my favorites.
CDs
I purchased a CD version for my car but haven’t used it there yet. I did go “old school” and popped the Future Past CD into my stereo with ginormous headphones. The audio quality is good. I miss the days where I spent hours with my CDs. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time that I used to spend sedentary beside the stereo. I remember repurchasing my Duran collection during the Big Thing Era. I wish I had kept the long, paper album sleeves that accompanied them. The CD is my vinyl in that I think I will always purchase one physical copy. My 2022 wish is that the world will calm enough for the band to do several “record store” autograph signings.
Cassettes
Aaah…the cassettes. I still have many of my cassettes stored in my home’s basement on a top shelf to avoid water damage. My stereo does have the dual cassette players but I won’t play them anymore. I have some lovingly collected radio moments on cassettes. I’m sure I’m not the only one who remembers waiting to push the ‘Record’ button at that exact moment to capture an interview or walking down the street with the cassette player strapped onto our belts. They are collectors’ items now. They’re just too fragile. I definitely don’t miss using a pencil to rescrew the tape back into an errant cassette. Someday, I can envision myself building a bonfire to burn my Duran cassettes like a Viking funeral. They deserve that.
Vinyl
Now I’m back full circle to vinyl. My albums and 12 inch singles are stored in plastic tubs in my basement. They are banished with honor due to my lack of turntables. I prefer the lushness of vinyl. It’s probably my imagination but music on vinyl feels warm and comforting. It’s probably because it’s the first format I bought. Do Duran eight tracks even exist? I’ve heard some fan lamentations about ten tracks on vinyl vs twelve on other formats. The beauty of vinyl was flipping it over to hear the other side of the album. We know the band spent time discussing Future Past’s track listing. Vinyl would be the embodiment of that discussion. I knew that I learned to be careful with my record player’s needle. A scratch is tragic. An album crack was devastating. Vinyl’s liner notes were great too. I learned so many lyrics with a full sized album lyric sheet. Alas, today’s youth won’t experience this phenomenon as we did.
As the holidays approach, I’m considering a record player purchase. I’m sure I would retroactively purchase Future Past on vinyl. No matter what medium or medium you purchased, I hope you are enjoying the sonic experience of this LP.
In Peace & Tunes,
Nat
