“Have you heard of 'Serial'?”
“Yeah, it’s this new thing called 'Serial.' You should check it out.”
“No, not cereal. It’s with an S.”
“Yes, S-E-R-I-A-L.”
“Just look it up. ”
Radio is making a comeback. Like ass-play and vinyl, people are starting to like things not because they are inventive and “the latest,” but because they have quality.
Yes, streaming music and missionary are easier, faster and by industry standards, “better,” but sometimes we want the old way because there’s just something about it.
The new podcast series, “Serial,” is just that. And it's sweeping Millennials with the same power “Breaking Bad” and “House of Cards” once reined.
The podcast was only released last month and, according to Apple, has already made history with five million downloads. It's holding steady at the top of the iTunes chart and each of its soon-to-be 12 episodes have been downloaded roughly 1.2 million times.
But "Serial" isn't the first and only podcast to make waves. Did you know Alec Baldwin has a podcast? It's called "Here's The Thing," and it's basically just our favorite hot-headed actor talking to other actors.
Then there's Marc Maron, who could be called the father of the comedy podcast. And for all the intellects, "This American Life" has been popular for years as weekly radio show broadcast.
It’s safe to say we’re in the eye of another cultural upheaval. But wait. Go back for a second. Did you say a podcast? You mean like... radio?
But that’s so barbaric. What hipster voodoo are you pulling here? What ironic, nonsensical movement are you trying to start?
For those who believed Millennials couldn’t sit without a screen in front of their faces for more than 10 minutes and that they just like to buy record players at Urban Outfitters because they look cool in the window display, this is for you.
Because this podcast thing is a testament to the idea that some things never die, and history, my friends, really does repeat itself.
To all of you who think that those who want a return to “the way things were” are nostalgic hippies with no understanding of the brilliance of the future, you’re entitled to your opinion, but that’s about it.
Because unlike your overstimulated ass, some of us still like to take our time and enjoy the quality of things that may not be "technologically advanced." Sometimes, records do sound better than iTunes and sometimes, podcasts are better than Netflix.
I, myself, am happy to see this backward revolution. I can’t say that radio days were the golden days without sounding like a morose Woody Allen character, but I will say that there’s nothing wrong with wanting to slow the technological tidal wave we’re drowning under.
I'm not sure about you guys, but I’m ready for some good old-fashioned basics.
And hell, if we’re bringing radio back, why can’t we bring some of the other stuff back, too. Why can’t we just say “f*ck off” to all the elitist assh*les who like to treat nostalgia like some sort of disease?
Because this is America, god damn it, and if we want to watch reruns for the rest of our lives, we reserve that right.
Bicycles, not Citi Bikes.
Imagine being able to ride your bike without having to return it in an hour...
Vinyl, not illegally downloaded music.
Having something from the artists in your hand. Tangible evidence of their work will always be better than sh*tty sound quality of the illegally downloaded songs on your iPod.
Polaroid cameras, not vintage filters.
Imagine having a photograph that in 25 years you can actually call vintage?
Writing love letters, not ignoring texts.
You can save those hundreds of letters the man of your dreams wrote to you. You can't save the "lol" text you got.
Regularly scheduled programming, not binge-watching Netflix.
We've lost the element of suspense. The level of appreciation that came from waiting a week for a new episode week is now gone.
Movie drive-ins, not watching a movie while driving.
Imagine driving your car to see a movie, not seeing a movie just because you're driving to the shore.
Ringing doorbells, not texting "I'm downstairs."
Do you even remember what a doorbell sounds like?
Listening to albums on an 8-Track Player, not just Track 8.
Listening to one song is like a hand job... It's OK and sometimes gets you off, but an entire album is like a threesome with two of the hottest people you know.
Friends in real life, not Facebook friends.
Remember when a friend was defined by actually knowing someone and poking a stranger was completely unacceptable?
Playing sports, not Wii.
There was a time when telling people you were playing tennis in your living room was not normal...
Actual visits, not a Skype visit.
Before it became so easy to communicate across oceans, we actually took the time to experience what it means to miss someone.
"Harriet the Spy," not drones.
The only time I'd like to be watched is by a fictional middle schooler with a notebook...
Real face time, not FaceTime.
I don't even know what that would look like.
The Stones, not One Direction.
Would it kill any 14-year-old girls if we went back to some decent rock 'n' roll?
Real dancing, not "Dancing With The Stars."
Do you think our grandparents ever said, "Hey, you know what would be more fun than dancing? Watching other people dance!"
