BLOG | JUN. 22, 2010

I (probably) will not listen to your CD

My pal just sent me this awesome piece written by a screenwriter about people asking him to read their scripts. And yes, I think anyone who works in whatever given field can understand this. Damned if you do, and an asshole if you don't. And of course you're doing this for free... Look, I love music. I love great CDs. Some of my friends make amazing music that I enjoy. Some don't. And some people I don't even know want me to listen to their music. Okay, sometimes I do. But not every goddamn CD that's handed to me gets listened to - I simply don't have that much time. Nobody has that much time. And not many of these CDs are really worth my time. Why am I listening to this CD? If you aren't asking me to record your next album or mix the songs I'm checking out or paying me to analyze your recording technique and critique you (yes, I've done that), there's really no absolute reason I need to listen to an album. I can assure you that a positive CD review write-up in Tape Op (and they are almost all positive) won't sell (m)any CDs, and I've never heard of anyone getting signed through Tape Op reviews. Ever. Am I gonna be bowled over by your AMAZING recording techniques? Guess what, I'm probably not listening for that. No, I'm listening to your songs. And if I'm not bowled over by the songs/music then what the hell am I getting out of this? Jesus Christ, can I get that 45 minutes back? Can I put on Here Come The Warm Jets for the millionth time? But read the link above, cuz I'm glad other people have to deal with similar wastes of their time - I'm not alone! (Sorry, maybe I'm in a cranky mood)

Tape Op is a bi-monthly magazine devoted to the art of record making.

Or Learn More

Tape Op Podcast LISTEN NOW
Latest Podcast Episode

NEW! EP115: STUART WHITE

MORE ENTRIES

Harry Styles Live From Funkhaus

BLOG

Harry Styles Live From Funkhaus

May 5, 2026

Tape Op publisher John Baccigaluppi came across this beautifully shot, long-form video of Harry Styles live in session at Berlin's Funkhaus...
Mitchell Sigman releases "Memory Banks" LP

BLOG

Mitchell Sigman releases "Memory Banks" LP

By Larry Crane - editor

May 3, 2026

By Mitchell Sigman's own description: "Memory Banks is an all-original love letter celebrating the futuristic musical visions of ELO,...
New Music From The Black Keys: Peaches!

BLOG

New Music From The Black Keys: Peaches!

By Geoff Stanfield

May 1, 2026

Although the opening moments of The Black Keys' (Dan Auerbach [Tape Op#127] and Patrick Carney [#136]) new release, Peaches!, sounds like a...
Tape Op Mentioned on Reddit

BLOG

Tape Op Mentioned on Reddit

By Larry Crane - editor

April 19, 2026

Visit this recent Reddit thread to follow an interesting conversation about YouTube recording influencers and Tape Op shout out. OMG. Larry has...
New Music From I'm With Her: Sing Me Alive (Live 2025)

BLOG

New Music From I'm With Her: Sing Me Alive (Live 2025)

April 17, 2026

I went to see I'm With Her [Podcast Ep. #106] at The Moore theater here in Seattle on their 2025 tour, and it was among the best performances I...
New Steve Gunn EP: Shape of a Wave

BLOG

New Steve Gunn EP: Shape of a Wave

By Geoff Stanfield

April 11, 2026

I interviewed Steve Gunn in 2023 for Episode #80 of the Tape Op Podcast after coming across his 2019 album, The Unseen in Between. His 2025 release,...
New Single from Weezer produced by Kenny Blume

BLOG

New Single from Weezer produced by Kenny Blume

By John Baccigaluppi

April 6, 2026

Weezer is back with a new album coming soon and they have released the single, “Shine Again,” which was produced by Kenny Blume and Klas Åhlund at...
New Music From SUNN O)))

BLOG

New Music From SUNN O)))

April 3, 2026

How low can you go? Few bands today (too few?) can wear black cloaks, tune their instruments so low that the strings are in a state just above...
Tape Op’s Scott McDowell hit by a car, help with his recovery

BLOG

Tape Op’s Scott McDowell hit by a car, help with his recovery

By Geoff Stanfield

March 30, 2026

Our good friend and frequent contributor to Tape Op, Scott McDowell, was hit by a car last week. His friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help...