First, this morning’s brilliant comment on our modern reality from xkcd (click through to the site for full version).
Which reminded me that I had been saving this article for post-holiday reading, an essay which teased “new devices that make downloaded music sound good.” For audiophiles who die a little every time they hear the term “mp3” (let alone the actual sound files) and for those of us who swear the difference is indistinguishable, Kaplan’s article is a nice review of the situation. In simple English, he outlines the fundamentals, down to his clear acknowledgment that how you listen (computer vs stereo, for example) is an important factor in determining how much impact file size and sampling rate have on your listening experience. But, as with most things, better technology comes along to correct problems and allows us to have it all.
On this New Year’s Eve Day, Chris Foley over at the Collaborative Piano blog shares this amazing Carol Burnett sketch. I don’t know about you, but I think I’ve been to this concert.
I have not, however, ever been to Germany. But if I ever get the chance, I hope to find myself there on a future Dec. 31, in a bar watching this bit of sketch comedy with the locals. In the meantime, Google brings the show to you.