Meaning: This quote by Bill Laswell, a renowned musician, offers a profound perspective on the nature of records and their significance in the world of music. Laswell's analogy of records as "moments of achievement" and "receipts for work done" encapsulates the transient and continuous nature of musical expression and creation. To fully understand the depth of this quote, it is essential to delve into the multifaceted aspects of records, achievements, and the enduring impact of music on individuals and society.

When Laswell describes records as "moments of achievement," he emphasizes the temporal nature of music recordings. Each record represents a specific period in time when artists, producers, and engineers collaborated to capture a particular musical expression. It encapsulates the culmination of creative efforts and the realization of artistic visions at a specific point in the artist's journey. From the inception of an idea to its realization in a studio, a record serves as a tangible artifact that immortalizes the creative process and signifies the culmination of artistic endeavor.

Furthermore, Laswell's comparison of records to "receipts for work done" highlights the functional aspect of music recordings. In a similar way that a receipt serves as proof of a transaction, a record serves as evidence of the musical labor invested in its creation. It documents the dedication, skill, and passion of the musicians, producers, and other collaborators involved in bringing the music to life. Moreover, like a receipt, a record provides a tangible representation of the intangible artistry and emotions encapsulated within the music, allowing listeners to engage with and experience the artist's creative output.

However, Laswell's statement also suggests that records are not the ultimate endpoint in the creative journey of music. Instead, he emphasizes that "time goes on and people keep playing music." This assertion underscores the continuous and evolving nature of musical expression. While records capture specific moments in time, they do not encapsulate the entirety of an artist's creative output or the ongoing evolution of musical styles and genres. Music is an ever-changing art form that transcends the confines of a single record, continually inspiring new generations of artists and listeners.

In the context of technological advancements and the digital age, the concept of records has expanded to encompass various forms of music consumption, including digital downloads, streaming services, and physical formats. Despite these changes, the essence of Laswell's quote remains relevant, as it speaks to the enduring value of music as an art form and the transient nature of individual records within the broader landscape of musical expression.

In conclusion, Bill Laswell's quote encapsulates the multifaceted nature of records and their significance in the world of music. It emphasizes the temporal, functional, and continuous aspects of music recordings, highlighting their role as tangible artifacts of artistic achievement and creative expression. By recognizing records as moments of achievement and receipts for work done, Laswell invites us to appreciate the transient nature of individual records while acknowledging the enduring impact of music as an ever-evolving art form.