No doubt, tapes, LPs and CDs are an incredible piece of history because they have the associated coolness of being a vintage item. For us in our 50s, we’ve spent considerable time listening to such music devices but going with modern technology can benefit us more actually. As you know, larger LPs can hold only 45 minutes of music, and you have to be extra careful with them. Moreover, these are easy to scratch and warp if they get too hot while playing. In the last few decades, some mind-blowing advances in music technology have entirely changed the way people listen to music. This modern technology has changed the way we interact with the world around us. So, it’s the right time to get rid of the tapes, LPs and CDs collection and opt for the best modern technologies. Enhance your experience of listening to different music genres.
Streaming Services
Today streaming is the most favorite way to listen to music. Most streaming services allow their users to create a free account, while some services charge a few dollars. Spotify and Pandora are among the most famous streaming services and very popular among music lovers of every age group.
Spotify
Pros
Offers a free account and you can upgrade to a premium version at very affordable prices. Its extraordinary and unbelievable features have made it the number one streaming service. Its “Spotify wrapped” option gives you a memorable revisit of all the podcasts, genres, artists and the songs you have heard the entire year. If you love pop music or a fan of rock music, you can create a playlist having your favorite pieces of the respective genre. It is much easier on Spotify to find the music you love to hear.
Cons
Spotify is not available in all countries. Moreover, the sound quality of its free version is not so good.
Pandora
Pros
This streaming service allows its users to listen to the music of all genres and decades. If you think ditching your old CDs and LPs will take away the kind of music you love to hear, then turn to Pandora. This online streaming service plays your most wanted songs and shows the list of related songs. In short, it responds to your musical taste in a short time and let’s your music hours pass so fastly. Its ad-supported version is free; however, you can upgrade your account to a paid version by paying $5/month.
Con
The biggest con of Pandora is its access to limited countries, including the US, New Zealand and Australia. The rest of the world can’t use it.
Youtube
Pros
A significant number of consumers prefer online streaming services but it’s outnumbered by the 55% who prefer to watch music videos on YouTube. Now, YouTube has gained a firm place as one of the front runners in the music world. YouTube is most popular for music videos; you can search for any song accompanying some kind of music with it. It can be any video, including lyrical video, live concert or a full-on music video.
Its content does not cost a single penny, and it’s highly accessible. The availability of several music videos makes it a radio which you can change anytime. In fact, its content makes it a modernised MTV. Users can also share their opinions in the comment section under every video.
YouTube is best for the younger generation, but interest is growing in the 50 plus age category, giving a whole different kind of listening to music experience. If you prefer to see visuals along with music, then YouTube is the best to go and enjoy the music you love. When it comes to watching old songs back in the 1960s, you may have limited options to find your favorite old track. If you are into the mainstream genres, then YouTube is the best option among all to go for it.
Cons
Not much to say here. I personally use YouTube for everything including learning about gardening – my favorite is Garden Answer by far, buying stocks, how to fix something, a new recipe. I use it a lot and love it.
Alexa
Pros
Alexa is a famous robot of Amazon and acts as a virtual assistant. From answering your queries about the weather or anything to playing your favorite music and podcasts, it is no doubt a platform to experience a different kind of listening to music. All you have to do with Alexa is say something for example, “Alexa, tell me the weather” then Alexa will respond to your query after thinking about it for a second. You can be specific with Alexa by asking for particular music by particular artists, or you can ask something in general in case you don’t have any specific track name in mind. You can simply say, “Alexa, play some good music”.
One of the best things associated with Alexa is that you can connect your other music services with it like Spotify or Pandora. Amazon Echo is a modern smart speaker which supports the functionality of Alexa
Cons
Since Amazon Echo has no internal battery, it must be plugged in when you use it. It’s also cloud-based, so things can go wrong while listening to music. It also interrupts your home privacy as it has a record of everything you say to it. Others can also access the Echo conversations.
SiriusXM
Pros
SiriusXM is a satellite radio which brings a vast variety of music, live sports, talk shows, news and much more. You can listen to it in a car, on your phone or at home. This satellite radio has over 150 channels offering you almost everything of your taste. If you travel a lot or a radio lover, then SiriusXM is the right option for you.
Cons
A SiriusXM subscription costs $10-$18 per month, which could have you asking yourself why you should go for it when you have an option of free local radio? Well! It’s another option. If money is not an issue and you see value in it, then go for it. It has its perks like quality shows, plenty of channels, vast music and fewer commercials with its monthly fee.
MP3 Player
Pros
Most people prefer to download their favorite music to an MP3 player. This way, you can store music on your phone. Whenever you crave music, these MP3 music files are ready to listen to; just connect your earbuds and press play. These digital music files are much easier to store than CDs, Cassettes and vinyl records. A 120-gigabyte MP3 player can hold 280 hours of music. To carry this much music, you would have to carry 2000 compact discs or 3000 cassette tapes.
Cons
However, this MP3 player option is becoming less common among people due to the hassle of downloading or buying MP3 files.
If you’re looking for an MP3, you may be interested in this one. Check it out:
32GB Mp3 Player with Bluetooth 5.0 – Portable Digital Lossless Music Player for Walking Running,Super Light Metal Shell Touch Buttons with TF Card Expansion
Every modern technology gives you a whole different experience of listening to music. However, it’s up to you to select the one which suits your musical taste and offers the kind of music you love. Charlie Parker, one of – if not – the greatest American jazz saxophonist of all times said…
Podcasts
If you prefer to listen to chatter between hosts, or listen to a news program or human interest stories – whatever interests you, you can find a PODCAST on it. You may just need to search a little and ask friends and family about some of the best podcasts they’ve uncovered. [Maybe I’ll research and create a list of popular podcasts for the 50 plus crowd].
Podcasts apps are available for you to download as an MP3 file or on your phone, desktop computer or tablet. They are really popular and growing all the time. Don’t be worried about “subscribing” to that podcast channel, they’re not looking for money. You’re signing up to get an alert of their next podcast so you don’t miss any. Since I’m not an expert (although I stream pretty much everything now – but still have cable because my beloved mother, who lived with us but passed away in 2020, couldn’t live without it. So keeping it for now until we think we can also live without, too), I came across this recent article that explains more about podcasts for beginners.
So, start living it with modern technologies to listen to music and say goodbye to your tapes, CDs and LPs collection. When the music hits you through the right platform, you feel no pain. So, make sure you allow yourself to soak in good quality music. I decided to purchase a monthly Apple Music subscription so that I can listen to and download any music that moves me. As a Zumba instructor, I’m always listening for inspiring songs that make me say, “I’d like to do choreography to that…songs that make participants “want” to move/dance.”
Leave us a comment. Wed’ love to hear from you about your record collection or your move to more current ways of listening to music or watching movies – did you struggle?
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My mom meant the world to me. She LOVED crossword puzzles. Many people do, so you might find one added every once in a while in the articles on The Spunky Skipper website so you can enjoy them, too.