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Then, out of the blue, we find that Stephen can't recall when last he bought a record or CD. Stephen, of all people, who has the enviable privilege of living with wonderful speakers and electronics which will do justice to whatever music suits his fancy, surrounds himself with compressed music which won't sound materially better on his latest borrowed gear than it does on the earbuds that came with his iPod. Does that make sense? Does our young friend Stephen simply need better mentoring or has something fallen on his head and injured him permanently?

I was a suprised when I read this as well. On its face, I originally interpreted his statement as you have Clay. Finding it hard to believe I was left wondering if Stephen meant he could not remember when he last visited a record store to purchase music, as was the context of the article. Perhaps because of Stephens' enviable position the music he prefers just comes his way, on CD or Vinyl? Perhaps all his music buddies make DUPS for him? Perhaps he orders most of his CD's and Vinyl online as many of us do? The article did not spell out that he was downloading everything he desires.

Stephen...could you elaborate on this?

RG

Clay, maybe he's just in love. I vaguely remember something like that. The music came from the cosmos, as I recall. And it was rather like getting hit in the head with something heavy. Doink. It's all right, Stephen -- you don't have to explain. Just don't let her near your listening room. THAT part I remember clearly.

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Does our young friend Stephen simply need better mentoring or has something fallen on his head and injured him permanently?

It's a good question, Clay.
RG and Clifton are both correct. (Thanks guys.)

First, Robert was trying to make a point, which, as stated, is valid and true: it is tough for me to remember the last time I bought a CD. But I'm not really the best example for the point RB made.

I certainly care about sound quality. In fact, I find I'm becoming a bit snobby. Also: I don't even own an iPod.

While there are a bunch of albums I'd like to go out and buy immediately, I've been trying to save money for other things, and, yes, I have been acquiring just enough free music (almost exclusively from friends) to keep me busy.

The big thing, however, is what Clifton said.

'Tis a blessing, my man, an absolute blessing. Use the money you're saving by not buying CD's for buying flowers. Now, THAT part I DO remember. In fact, the memories intensify with each passing moment. I have this neighbor who smiled at me the other day. I wonder if...

Hell, I'll buy you some CD's -- you go for the gold!

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'Tis a blessing, my man, an absolute blessing. Use the money you're saving by not buying CD's for buying flowers.

Thank you, Clifton. We put the flowers in a glass vase which sits atop one of her loudspeakers. It's a fine tweak.