(I did try to find a way to comment an existing posting as suggested in the search results page, found none so here goes)
Hi,
I am in 100% agreement with the issue presented on please make a way to remove all the remastered "pe... - The Spotify Community
Here's my 2 cents on it (written before seeing the above request):
I am writing to propose a feature that I believe would greatly benefit a significant portion of your user base, particularly those who value the artistic integrity of music and prefer to listen to recordings as originally released.
I would like to request the implementation of user-profile settings with the following functionality:
- "Prefer Original Recordings" Setting
- This setting would allow users to prioritize original recordings when available. When enabled, Spotify's algorithm would, whenever possible, select the original release of a song or album for playback.
- "Original Version Handling" Sub-Setting
- This sub-setting would provide further control over how Spotify handles cases where the original recording is unavailable. It would offer the following options:
- "Play any available version" (Default): This would maintain the current behavior, playing any available version of the song.
- "Skip non-original versions": If an original recording is not available in Spotify's catalog, the platform would refrain from playing any other version (e.g., remasters, remixes). The song would be skipped or omitted from playlists/queues.
- Enhanced Search Functionality
- To improve the discovery of original recordings, I propose an additional search filter:
- "Show only original versions": This filter, when applied, would restrict search results to display only original recordings, excluding remasters, remixes, and other alternative versions.
- Implementation Note: A simple heuristic could be used as a starting point, such as excluding tracks/albums with "Remastered" in the title. More sophisticated methods could be explored later for greater accuracy.
Rationale:
- Many listeners, including myself, appreciate the sonic qualities and artistic intent of original recordings. Remasters, while sometimes offering technical improvements, can often alter the dynamics, tonal balance, and overall feel of a song in ways that detract from the original listening experience.
- The "Prefer Original Recordings" setting would empower users to curate their listening experience according to their preferences, reducing frustration with unwanted remasters and ensuring a more authentic connection with the music.
- The "Skip non-original versions" sub-setting caters to users who prioritize authenticity above all else, even if it means missing out on some songs. This option provides the ultimate control over their listening experience.
- The "Show only original versions" search filter would address the issue of original recordings being difficult to find within Spotify's search results. This would greatly improve the user experience for those seeking specific original versions.
I understand that implementing these features may present some challenges, such as catalog management and licensing issues. However, I believe that the benefits to a substantial segment of your user base would outweigh these challenges.