Are albums becoming obsolete?

Good debate. I like it. I think that Marina's issue framing and stands is preferable, however.

Nice debate. I like the build up and how it has shaped out. I like the simplicity of the question and the use of the word 'obsolete.' It perfectly fits in with this issue.

Sure.

issue prior to revisions:

I'm fine with "Are albums becoming obsolete?"  I think it covers the issue perfectly (and succinctly).

i like esperanto's revision

Keith is totally articulate!  (He's no Ron Wood! Though my perception of the latter is probably influenced by Mike Myers' impersonation.)

why do you have to hate on keith richards?  perfectly articulate guy ...

The point is to talk about an album, as in a collection of songs that are supposed to go together in a certain way, not the physical medium the songs are imprinted on.
 
Are albums becoming obsolete?

Before you start complaining that this issue is making assumptions, consider the fact that it is absolutely not debatable that albums either currently are or very recently were not obsolete. Therefore this issue is not based on a debatable assumption. It is based on a premise and the observable fact that sales of digital downloads are increasing and it's much easier for people to buy individual songs than it used to be. So I don't think that's a valid objection to this issue.

(PS - if you are looking for the clearest and most correct wording of a question, Keith Richards is probably not the person you want to rely on.)

I think we should stick to wording that specifically mentions the album format, since that has been the dominant form of recorded music forever (also how music has been marketed, etc.)

What if we took out the "still"? Is the album format relevant? Or:

Should the the album format be sustained?

"still relevant" is not neutral enough.  there is obviously public figure opinion evidence out there on this so let's mirror the language in the evidence we find.  richards seems to be asking this:

Does the format music comes in matter?

horrible phrasing but you get the point ...

How about "Is the album format still relevant?" (and we definitely can assume that it once was!!)

I don't think we should make it so cut and dry.  Who is going to discontinue the "album" concept, like it's a subscription everyone has? 

i like marina's approach with this.  i would revise this to your suggestion for sure!!!

According to this USA Today article:

"The album," Apple CEO Steve Jobs recently declared, "is obsolete."

Judging from statements like the following, though (from the same piece), I wonder if we should change the question to "Should the album format be discontinued?" to make it more of a question of opinion:

"The entire game is changing," says singer Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty. "I can handle the fact that artists are selling fewer records and making less money, but you can't take away our albums! It's a conscious step toward disposable art. On an album, the artist creates a full work of art with songs that fit together and create a mood. If we become a single-minded nation, where careers depend on hits, you won't hear challenging music that takes risks."

"I really treasured albums, but what's going to take their place is more interesting," says the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards. "I started off with shellac 78s. The format doesn't matter so much as long as you're getting music that sounds the way the musicians intended. If someone can deliver that, I don't care if it's on a frozen pea."

It is much better as is.

issue prior to revisions:

either is fine by me, marina.

The  problem I have with "record album" is that it implies vinyl (which has become obsolete except for DJs and purists).

How about: What is the future of the album format? or maybe,  What is the future of the CD?
It will become obsolete
Consumers will continue to purchase it

i agree with andrea.  this issue should cover all genres.  but i also think we need to rid the issue of the term "endangered species"; it's too loaded.

What is the future of the record album?

It will become obsolete.
Consumers will continue to purchase albums.

background from wikipedia

I like this issue. I think, though, that it shouldn't be limited to popular music but it should cover all musical genres.

 As this issue is people will take sides. There are tons of people who still prefer to have a cd in their hands. Buying music online is not as advantageous. It's like newspaper, people still like to have those dirty unconfortable long sheets in their hands.

Maybe: "Should the album format be discontinued?"

It is part of the bigger debate: "What effect has the Internet had on music?" (Which is different than asking  "What effect has the Internet had on the music industry?") and I think we should have that issue, too.

I agree with you on why this is an issue, but I'm just not a big fan of how it's currently framed. 

Brian, your sentiments ("You lose so much when  you do away with the album concept") are exactly why I think it's an issue. Some people wouldn't mind losing the format and others (like you and me) think otherwise.

I think by asking if the format's obsolete, people will take sides.

I don't think this is a big debate.  Everyone knows the industry is changing.  Why don't we ask what effect these changes are having on the music or artists?

What effect has the digital music age had on music?

 

Some people like the idea of going in and picking one or two songs from an album.  I think it takes away from the industry.  You lose so much when you do away with the album concept, the art work the song sequence, etc. 

Yes, I think "obsolete" is exactly the right word.

I might reword it: "is the album in popular music obsolete?" because the danger is definitely there, albums sales aren't what they once were, but this would poll what people think about the survival of the format.

Good issue, but we should be more specific here. Something like, "Is the popular music album in danger of becoming obsolete?" Don't know if obsolete is exactly the right word, but something like that.

I like the re-wording.

At first reading the question I wasn't too sure but thinking about itunes and all the internet possibilities, I think it would be an interesting topic to pursue.

issue prior to revisions:

Wanted to address the fear among many in the industry that the ability to download individual songs is threatening the album as we know it. But I think I have to re-word it, now that I see it.

issue prior to revisions: