Hidden tracks. What exactly is the point?
I imagine that the intention is to make the listener feel special, and
maybe create a sense of anticipation. Like I'm delving into the
unknown to touch upon a special creation that nobody else will
experience, because they don't have what it takes to be a proper fan
and wait seven-and-a-half minutes to hear this mind-blowingly
inventive compostion.
In reality, though, I just fast forward the blank bit to find some
2-minute bum gasp written by the drummer. Or in the case of Ash's
1977, the sound of someone violently emptying their stomach in public.
In some cases, I'll forget that the album's still running and
promptly fill my breeks when the unexpected racket starts up.
In the odd rare case that the track is any good, just put it on the
album properly. Nobody's fooled that putting a good song somewhere
awkward makes for a better listening experience. If they do then they
probably shouldn't be allowed a stereo in case they try and breed with
it or something.
Otherwise, just put the bloody song on a b-side, or your website or a
large pyre. Or give it to someone wank like Embrace to put on their
album, thus preventing me from having to listen to it at all.
2 comments:
Good point, well made. Ash's one is by far the most unpleasant.
That said, the hidden track on the Menswear album is the best thing they ever did. Not the greatest recommendation, granted, but it is quite good.
And extra credit go to the Super Furries who have 2 hidden tracks on Guerilla! At the end AND the beginning. Nice!
And what's the point of having them with CD's telling you the exact track length of what you're listening to?
You're not fooling anyone Mr. Trendy Band by putting what appears to be five minutes of silence at the end of your last song. It didn't work for John Cage, it's not going to work for you.
Mind you, I happen to like the Ash track; it appeals to my childish side.
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