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Balancing time for music: Discovery/acquisition vs. listening

I have limited time to devote to my music/audio hobby.  I love listening to music on my server whenever I get a chance (and this is listening as a destination activity).  But I am also aware there is an incredible amount of music out there to be discovered.  Liking many different genres only expands the music I want to discover.  So, I have to decide how best to use my time:  Listening, or discovery/acquisition.  I discover music largely via internet radio (nearly infinite choices).  I acquire it through a variety of means, from recording music from various sources to buying CDs on line or visiting record shows.  But every minute spent adding music to my collection is a minute spent not listening to music on my system.  What to do?  What do you do?  I know many will suggest Tidal as a way to eliminate the acquisition phase, but I am reluctant to pay a monthly fee, and I have been able to stump Tidal when I have had access to it (stump it, meaning I was able to find music not offered on Tidal - mostly obscure stuff, but, there you go).  I'd appreciate any input you can give me on how you handle this dilemma.  TIA!
bondmanp
bondmanp OP
1,465 posts
 

Thanks, Loomis.  I am not ruling out a streaming service, but I am indeed a collector of music - CDs & LPs.  Also, I have no economical way of streaming in the car, and I drive a lot each day.  The car is a very imperfect environment for music listening, but I have a decent car stereo, and I really enjoy listening to CDs on my commute (my older system has no auxiliary input or USB slot).  So, I lean towards collecting physical media.  I know, the 20th Century just called, and it wants its media back.  I'm old.


jafant's avatar
jafant
10,525 posts
 
bondmanp-

check out NPR both on-line and in your car on commute. It is a free and easy way to discover new music.

I am an avid collector of CD & SACD as well.
bondmanp OP
1,465 posts
 

Thanks, jafant.  But if I am flying down the Garden State Parkway at 70 mph and I hear a song I want to add to my collction, what would I do?  Too dangerous.  Years ago, I heard my first The Sundays song on the car radio.  I had to pull over to write it down.  I can't really do that most of the time.

I have other issues with NPR, too, although they are not relevent to this thread.

But I will say that internet radio has been a fantastic source for discovering new music.  I was just listening to Call Me Kat on my way to work today, just one of dozens of internet radio discoveries.

sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
Download Shazam app onto your smartphone with a shortcut on your homepage. 
Listen to WFUV out of Forham or drive south on the GSP and pickup WXPN 88.5 out of U of PA. tap shazam when you hear something you like, and it will find the song and store it for you in your phone so you can investigate when you aren't driving. Cheers,
Spencer
bondmanp OP
1,465 posts
 
Thanks, Spencer.  I might try that, although I still would prefer to listen to my own music in the car.  Internet radio is ideal backround at home while checking emails.  Easy to have a pen & paper nearby, and my Squeezebox Touch usually displays artist & title.  If not, I have Midomi open in a window on my laptop.
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