When I lived in New York, I lived with my brother for 3 years. As I’ve mentioned before, he and I are both avid music lovers. He has a great stereo system with floor speakers that bump so loud, a receiver for CDs, record players,you name it. I can’t tell you how many times we had dance parties on the living room dance floor. Needless to say,  I got spoiled.

When I moved to San Francisco, I lived by myself and had no room to even think about having floor speakers, let alone a huge stereo system in one of those entertainment sets. I was forced to get one of these.

Now don’t get me wrong, it was fine. I could listen to my ipod at loud volumes and have dance parties, but everytime I go back to NYC, and stay with my brother, I am reminded that what you listen to your music on is a big deal! It really is not the same. I LOVE listening to music and hardly do it like that anymore.

It also got me thinking of the state of the music we are listening to these days. Not the most original or unique, as far as pop goes, in my humble opinion. I know pop isn’t supposed to be unique but come on! I can’t tell the difference between any of the good-looking people who sing other people’s songs “artists” anymore. And don’t even get me started on “hip-hop”. I mean, “I wanna kiss you through the phone” is a hip-hop song? since when? I have started using the term hip-pop. Feel free to use it too.

Anyway, my point here is that while technology has made some giant steps forward, music it seems, has not. I think it has to do with the way we listen to it as well. These computer speakers were not made for listening. What I’ve started doing lately is this.

Even though digital recording doesn’t sound as good as analog, that is where we are. So, for my birthday a couple years back, I got a pair of Bose headphones. These things have changed my life. Not only are airplane rides so much more enjoyable because I can’t hear the crying baby that I am always seated one row away from, but I can listen to music and actually hear what’s going on! Parts and sounds that I didn’t hear on my little ipod dock, are now loud and clear and I hear the songs as they are meant to be heard. The only downfall, if there is one, is that you have to listen with headphones by yourself. But, I gotta say, I love it. Some of the best dance parties I’ve had are dance parties of one. Who knows? Maybe listening parties where everyone has a set of headphones is going to be the new thing!

So what do you think? Do you have any methods of listening to music that you want to share? Have you tried listening with a set of GOOD headphones? With the holidays around the corner, I highly suggest putting a pair on your wish-list. Your listening experience will never be the same! And at the very least, it’ll save you from crying babies.

lots of listening love,

Dana danes