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! EP106: I'M WITH HER

MORE ENTRIES

Remembering Greg Brown of CAKE

BLOG

Remembering Greg Brown of CAKE

By John Baccigaluppi

February 9, 2026

I just found out that Greg Brown, the guitarist for the band CAKE, passed away this weekend. I had not talked to Greg in many years, but knew him...
NYC Studio Photo Essay: Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

BLOG

NYC Studio Photo Essay: Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

By Geoff Stanfield

February 8, 2026

Photographer Stephen Jess has created an in-depth project of images and overview histories of historic New York City recording studios titled...
Rose Colored Moon: An Evening Tribute to Elliott Smith in Film and Music

BLOG

Rose Colored Moon: An Evening Tribute to Elliott Smith in Film and Music

By Larry Crane - editor

February 5, 2026

March 19th in Portland, Oregon, at The Tomorrow Theater, this event is sponsored by Tape Op editor/founder Larry Crane's Jackpot! Recording...
New Harry Styles song and video, “Aperture”

BLOG

New Harry Styles song and video, “Aperture”

By John Baccigaluppi

February 7, 2026

Harry Styles has a new album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, coming out March 6, and has released the first track and an accompanying video...
Remembering Bob Weir

BLOG

Remembering Bob Weir

By Geoff Stanfield

February 4, 2026

My first listen to the Grateful Dead was a cassette of Reckoning that I got from the Columbia House Record Club. I thought the cover that had the...
Talk Talk: Spirit of Eden Vinyl Reissue

BLOG

Talk Talk: Spirit of Eden Vinyl Reissue

By Geoff Stanfield

February 2, 2026

At any given party or get-together we've all been asked "What's your favorite album?" For me it's an impossible question, but...
The 2026 Resonator Awards from We Are Moving the Needle

BLOG

The 2026 Resonator Awards from We Are Moving the Needle

By Meredith Hobbs Coons

January 31, 2026

When I first heard about the Resonator Awards in 2024, I had recently interviewed artist/producer SASAMI [Tape Op#157] and production great Jennifer...
New song, video, and album from Moby

BLOG

New song, video, and album from Moby

By John Baccigaluppi

January 23, 2026

I’ve been following Moby for several decades now as he’s moved between different styles and phases of his career. I can’t say I love everything he’s...
Sleaford Mods: The Demise Of Planet X

BLOG

Sleaford Mods: The Demise Of Planet X

By Geoff Stanfield

January 16, 2026

England's post-punk duo Sleaford Mods, who we interviewed for Ep. 82 of the Tape Op Podcast, are perhaps the most punk band I have heard in...