It’s been a busy year for Neil Young. He unveiled his PonoPlayer, which was clouded in junk science at best for high-resolution music streaming. He got into a little dust up with GOP presidential candidate hopeful — legendary man of calling out Bozos — Donald Trump over use of his song “Rockin’ In The Free World.” He released an anti-Monsanto protest album with some of Willie Nelson’s kids that was hit and miss in terms of quality — which makes it a typical Neil Young record.
Now, he’s on the warpath with the quality of sound with streaming services like Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music. In a couple of Facebook posts, Young pretty much says he’s had it with these services with their sub-par sound quality.
“Streaming has ended for me. I hope this is ok for my fans.
It’s not because of the money, although my share (like all the other artists) was dramatically reduced by bad deals made without my consent.
It’s about sound quality. I don’t need my music to be devalued by the worst quality in the history of broadcasting or any other form of distribution. I don’t feel right allowing this to be sold to my fans. It’s bad for my music.
For me, It’s about making and distributing music people can really hear and feel. I stand for that.
When the quality is back, I’ll give it another look. Never say never.
Neil Young”
The other post is similar.
“I was there.
AM radio kicked streaming’s ass.
Analog Cassettes and 8 tracks also kicked streaming’s ass,
and absolutely rocked compared to streaming.
Streaming sucks. Streaming is the worst audio in history.
If you want it, you got it. It’s here to stay.
Your choice.
Copy my songs if you want to. That’s free.
Your choice.
All my music, my life’s work, is what I am preserving the way I want it to be.
It’s already started. My music is being removed from all streaming services. It’s not good enough to sell or rent.
Make streaming sound good and I will be back.
Neil Young”
A recent check on Spotify shows his catalog is still available for streaming, but for how long is up in the air. You got to give the guy credit, he’s sticking to his guns in how he wants people to hear his music. Granted, it seems like most people use streaming services while driving or while working — and in those situations, the quality difference between CD and streaming is probably hardly noticed anyway. But it’s his music, and he can do what he wants with it.
The JOE-DOWN 