[jgorham]

This post really made me jealous that I am (supposed to be) writing a paper rather than just relaxing after a long weekend with some music. I agree with what you say here, and just wanted to add a couple things to it:

1) Besides giving direct access to music, the internet is a great resource to know what records to check out. There are a ton of great review sites for various genres (as well as message boards), so it is easy to weed out the really good stuff.

2) Record companies have lost a lot of power, and are losing more every year. IMO, this age gives more people the opportunity to go out and play music if they want to; more selections = better stuff all around.

Now, I know you are stoned and so this seems like the greatest revelation ever, but isn't just about everything better in the 21st centurty than it ever has been? Makes me want to live in the 24th century...