wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

John's comment at the end of the show nailed it: there is room for both. Some songs can stand on their own and in fact are most enjoyable when left on their own.

But some artists are able to put together something in longer form that is, I think, qualitatively different from one or several songs -- that is, a collection of songs. In fact, I'd say that there are two versions of this long format: an album that has some sort of coherence to it (either through a musical theme or through its lyrics) or an album that is simply an interesting collection of songs (the way that a good DJ can also provide). It's interesting that John brought up The Hold Steady. I'd say that they have made great albums of both sorts, with Separation Sunday showing some coherence of story and character (and being a great collection of songs) and all the other albums being great collections of songs, but lacking much stronger coherence.

I really think that the second category of great album -- the great collection -- deserves its due and was largely overlooked on the show; I'm always happy to hear the sort of journey that a great band can take me on and would be sad if that were to go away. Anyone who's a fan of The National's album Boxer should contemplate how much different it would have been if those songs had dribbled out over time. And, for my part, I'd say that we'd all be poorer if those songs hadn't been released in that package.

Aren't singles the format of the past? Early rock and soul (pre-Beatles) was all singles-based. Then came AOR. Now it's come full circle with singles again.

Musical formats should be as long as is needed for an artist to say what they need to say. If it's only one really great song, so be it. Why waste everyone's time with an album of filler if you only have that one good song? On the other hand, if you have a collection of good songs and maybe a unifying concept, theme, or mood, release an entire album.

I love Radiohead but their recent, more experimental stuff might sound better in the context of a larger album. It's so atmospheric that I would love to be enveloped in an album's worth.

Hey singles are (and have been) always an available option, (great background Mr. Greenman) iTunes has got much $$$ from me for the one hits, and sure they are great for a lot of stuff! Digging a little deeper can make for such a rich experience though. Of course if you get a crummy album from a talentless "artist" or party band propped up by hype then yes, there will probably be some filler tracks.

I did want In Rainbows with all the liner notes so I waited and got the physical product, so I think the Apple liner notes extended package is very smart. I thought Decemberists' latest album might slyly be working toward getting consumers to pick up the whole thing too by integrating all the songs. BTW Mark, Style Council had at least a few GREAT complete albums!

I think the single v. lp is the difference between the emotion v. intellect. Yes, if you just want the best material you can gorge on singles, but if you want to think about the arc of a musicians work, you want some of the not-so-good material to see their progression and to serve as contrast for the better material. It's a little like reading only the best chapters of a book versus reading the entire book.

There are often gems in b-sides. All songs may not appeal to everyone, but an album can introduce some fantastic music to listeners that they may not have had the chance to be exposed to. The Beetles Revolution Number 9 may not have been a hit, but I believe everyone is better for it.

I feel singles are superficial, For better or worse, I'm committed to albums.

Wasn't music previously released only as singles, ie 45s with a-sides and b-sides?

Isn't the idea of an album relatively new?

Single vs. Album. I love albums, and hate looking for all those great singles I love, but is there another format that isn't be discussed or hasn't been 'invented' yet? I dunno.

Only time will tell, but I don't think artists/musicians can build long lasting careers only on singles. Singles alone do not make a body of work.

its all about money.
if studios could pick hit singles, then we would move to only singles. but the truth is no one can pick a single. they have to make an album and then try to make a few of those songs hits.

radiohead and lil wayne are special. they can do whatever they want. and they do no wrong.

doesn't soundcheck tackle this question weekly? neither format represents "the future" -- I think it is an artist-specific question.

is this really a debate? why would anyone want to listen to music released only as singles. that's so crazy i don't even know how to react to something so ridiculous.

listening to a whole album from start to finish is such a great experience. why would anyone want to do away with it?

This is absurd, as most of these smackdowns are.
There are Album artists and Single Artists. Its that simple. Some artists aren't capable of making albums. Their talent or style may be more suited to the single. While other artists are more artist than pop star and suited for the long playing storylike format of an album. These artists however can release singles from the album.

The format of the future is going to be or is something more like Guitar Hero or Rockband. The future isn't going to be something so rooted in the past, like albums and singles.

Vinyl sounds best.

Digital leaves you cold.

Many of us have become dubious of albums where some singles are a la carte, while others are album bundle only. Makes one think that the artist and distributor are admitting there are "garbage" tracks included. Now that we can sample the songs, just let me buy what I want. If the artist wants to group songs- let me know but dont prohibit me from the individual purpose.

I don't think there is a big enough audience of intelligent listeners to warrant musicians releasing their material in album format. That said, I'd love to see more album formats but I fear the number of potential listeners will decrease with the passage of time.

If you are a musician or band and you have enough songs to make a good album, go for it! However I have quite a collection of CD's that have one good song...(Fine Young Cannibals, Spacehog, Thriving Ivory come to mind). I haven't gotten into downloading singles yet, but I see that as a viable way to get that one song I can't live without without spending 15 bucks.

I think there's room for both, but singles and EPs have more longevity. I believe people are tired of spending so much money on albums when they really want a couple songs. The only real reason for an album is if it's a concept album.

PS. Go Maura from Idolator!

Long-form music will always have a place despite the benefits of the digital age. I don't think people will ever move away from wanting a complete experience or mood that a good complete album can provide.

With all due respect to Mr. Yorke and his band...

1) Didn't Paul Weller make this claim in the 80's when he started the Style Council? Best I can recall they made a pretty strong effort to stay true to singles-only form.

2) Don't get me wrong, I love Radiohead and feel they are a great outfit but why do we always seem to hang on Mr. Yorke's every word? Why do we confuse creative musical talent with the ability to speak for and predict the desires of The Market?

In the end, either it's great music or it's not. Format, medium, length, etc. won't change that. Will it?

Thom Yorke and Radiohead will try to become a singles band, miss the longer format, and start producing albums again..

I appreciate context, so I hope they stick with the EP or several pieces released at once. It's harder to keep track of a constant trickle; it seems more inconsequential and scattershot to me and harder to build up excitement or market... then again I am sure they have some incredibly savvy experts advising that the blogs will go wild more often and their hit factor and search quotient will improve. Either that or they're tired of fighting the battle of music release after In Rainbows' questionable profitability in the pay what you want stunt. There's always a reason for everything; luckily for them they are a known entity so people do have a catalog they will want to add to. Don't know if it would be better for new artists though.

the album isn't dead...for the same reason that the physical book isn't dead because of the kindle.