NPR: Why Archives Matter

[Wigwam Jones]

Great article!

http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/...sic-history-in-your-hands-why-archives-matter

Holding Music History In Your Hands: Why Archives Matter
by ANN POWERS
November 01, 2013 8:00 AM

...

In other words, music is not a thing, but things are important to music. You can't really understand 1920s blues without learning how to shimmy and slow drag. Gospel becomes richer once you hold the songbooks, and the prayerbooks, that created a holy framework for its squalls and deep harmonies. You can't grasp what made one artist popular and another obscure without examining the nascent music industry that packaged and put them on the road — a road that, in the time of Paramount records, was segregated and rough. Even on the most personal level — buying the argument that a song can be an unvarnished outpouring of one touched soul — it's incredibly enriching to discover the stuff an artist kept around, the notes that hold answers in their margins, the lucky charms and ritual objects of an artistic life.

...

To me, the history of music is as interesting as the music itself. The history of the music, the industry, the artists, the companies, all of it. Fascinating stuff to me. And then having a basic understanding of those things while holding an actual record that ties it all together? Fantastic.

 

[ra7c7er]

I agree with the article. Music is history.

 

[KrisM]

Interesting article.
Also interesting that Paramount was brought up. About 12 years ago a Charley Patton box came out, and it was awesome. Way out of my price range, but I borrowed it from the library for a couple of weeks. It was put together with that "feel it in your hands" vibe. I had to settle for a cheaper box(the Catfish one), but I still remember that big box.

I totally get it about the archives thing. I saw John Hammond once, and he broke a string mid-song. I was sitting front row(another story), and I knew I was going to grab it when the set was done, and I did. I still have it, and it will always be a connection to his music and my enjoyment of music at the time. I can't imagine what it would be like to have something like from the days of Patton, etc.

 

[Naptown Rob]

Music is history.

Or Sociology.:scratch2:

 

[WaynerN]

So why is NPR in the title? They are not the only ones that archive music, WE ALL DO!!!!

Wayner

 

[KiM3Ce]

I will take this opportunity to plug the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix; you must see it when you are here.

 

[Wigwam Jones]

So why is NPR in the title? They are not the only ones that archive music, WE ALL DO!!!!

Wayner

NPR wrote the article.

 

[toxcrusadr]

I totally get it about the archives thing. I saw John Hammond once, and he broke a string mid-song. I was sitting front row(another story), and I knew I was going to grab it when the set was done, and I did. I still have it, and it will always be a connection to his music and my enjoyment of music at the time. I can't imagine what it would be like to have something like from the days of Patton, etc.

I hope you put a label on that thing so when you're gone, it's not just a broken string the drawer.

This whole topic is undervalued. There is so much information and meaning and eyewitness accounts that are not recorded and not preserved.

 

[KrisM]

I hope you put a label on that thing so when you're gone, it's not just a broken string the drawer.

This whole topic is undervalued. There is so much information and meaning and eyewitness accounts that are not recorded and not preserved.

Yeah, that's been done. The ticket stub is there, too.

 

[day67]

....And in an even bigger picture think what music (and the arts) have historically done to foster relations between countries that otherwise had or would have no alliance with each other. The Ballet, Music - often the bridge when all other efforts (political) to maintain peace have deteriorated. (Apology, getting a bit off track but I
love where you're coming from).

 

[kirk57]

Recently there was a thread here on AK that linked to an article about a guy who had some uber-expensive stereo. When asked about it, he made the remark that it was expensive for a stereo, but cheap for a time machine.

That's kind of how I view audio equipment too.

That kind of connection is enhanced when you hold media that was new at the time that the music was new, often complete with the scars of a long life. This connection is one of the things that drives me to collect LPs, warts and all.

 

[toxcrusadr]

Recently there was a thread here on AK that linked to an article about a guy who had some uber-expensive stereo. When asked about it, he made the remark that it was expensive for a stereo, but cheap for a time machine.

That's kind of how I view audio equipment too.

That kind of connection is enhanced when you hold media that was new at the time that the music was new, often complete with the scars of a long life. This connection is one of the things that drives me to collect LPs, warts and all.

Took the words right out of my mouth. :yes: