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| Second Wave Compilation, Talking Heads, and SOM all purchased at a used book store |
Are CD's obsolete? With all of this digital downloading, most people don't even bother with them. Even vinyls (which are technically obsolete) have a vintage charm which CD's currently lack. I have a friend who jokes, "It's 2013. Who listens to CD's anymore?" while knowing full well that I still buy them. It might seem that I have luddite tendencies--I don't use an e reader either. However, I can make some very good arguments for purchasing CD's.
Buying your music on compact disks nowadays is really cheap, especially if you know where to look. I tend to shop for them at Goodwill, thrift stores, and used book stores. I found Ministry's Psalm 69 (in very good condition) at my local Goodwill for only $1. Keep in mind, many people pay that much for a digital copy of one song. When I shop for them at my local used book store, the CD's are guaranteed to be in good condition. They're a little more expensive, but I can also use trade credit to purchase them.
I also enjoy the fact that having a CD is more than just the music. Sometimes it's an experience. It's like owning a hard copy of a book. It's more than just the words, but the feel of the pages and the smell of the paper. When you purchase music on disc, you have the album art and CD booklet that may include band pictures, song lyrics, and other information that you wouldn't otherwise see on iTunes.
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| She Wants Revenge, Ministry, and Gothic Rock 2 purchased from a thrift shop, Goodwill, and CD store sale, respectively. |
You also have a hard copy as backup since technology is not always reliable. I, personally, have had trouble with iTunes in the past. There have been a few instances in which I have purchased faulty song files on iTunes. If you have digital copies from a less reliable source, you run high risk of losing those songs. (I still download music, but I like to purchase CD's when I can)
Song and artist discovery is another advantage of CD shopping. I bought some Leaether Strip albums from the used book store before I knew who they were. I recognized the band name, so I picked up the case, which has interesting cover art. I had money to spend, so I thought it would be worth a try. I was right. Sometimes, there are compilation CD's where you might recognize a couple songs, but end up discovering new artists to check out. A couple of days ago, I purchased "The Second Wave." It's a compilation CD. I knew some of the songs on there, but I was curious about the rest. I now have a soundtrack to my summer, which I can pop in my car's CD player, let the wind blow through my hair, and enjoy.
Here's the playlist I made with all the tracks on "The Second Wave."
CD's may be out of style and obsolete, but I think I've listed some pretty good reasons why you music enthusiasts who don't purchase them, should start. If I haven't managed to convince you, well, you're probably just as stubborn as I am. If any of you readers still listen to CD's, let me know why in the comments.
I agree, even though I'm not a CD person. I can appreciate them. Plus, I think I'm going to be listening to your playlist a lot in the near future. :3
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I made the playlist then!
DeleteYour argument is reflective of my own; I especially appreciate album art, something that is diminishing rapidly much like prop artists.
ReplyDeleteI do own an mp3 because I'd rather keep my CD's in mint, just like when I make copies of my most prized vintage books! They receive much use in my hands, heh, I'd rather not let that wear start literally showing.
I have an iPod which I use almost every day, but I like to transfer the CD files to digital. I like to keep my discs in good condition as well.
DeleteI completely understand why you buy CD's and your passion for holding it in your hand like a book.
ReplyDeleteBut personally I never bu CD because I strictly admire downloading music and movies, especially when it comes to discovering new artists, when you don't need to buy it and won't feel sorry whenever it would be an artist you won't like.
But that's me and I will never convince anyone who feels the complete opposite way about CD. I can relate to it because I love reading real books and despise reading in the computer. :)
There have been CD's that I disliked after I bought, but I was able to trade them at my used book store. I still download songs as well.
DeleteI still love my CDs! I find that the quality of sound is much better than digital downloads. Also, where I live (the Bay Area) there are a ton of great record stores that sell good condition used CDs for only a few dollars (usually I can find multiple $3 or $4 CDs at Rasputin or Amoeba). Plus, often times I like to listen to a complete album in order. It's more of a full experience, especially since the CDs that were released before the swarm of digital downloads were designed so that the songs would somehow fit together and convey a theme or topic. And I just like using my boombox :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great! I'f I'm ever in your area, I'll have to check out the record stores. Albums are often made with themes in mind, and one doesn't get to hear that by purchasing one or two songs. You're exactly right.
DeleteI completely agree with you! I get made fun of all the time because I don't use Itunes but I don't care. I like having the album artwork, etc. Also,I can find many old cd's that are out of print that I would have been too young to get at the time at the used cd stores! Used cd shopping is one of my favourite things!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Used CD shopping brings me joy whenever I find a rarer album.
DeleteYes! I love CDs! I hope to get into vinyl records as well, but I am very proud of my small CD collection...The majority of them were bought from thrift stores as well.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. For me, downloading music just isn't enough. Like books, I need to have that physical connection. Holding the book. Holding the CD. Admiration...CD booklets! Lovely things like that.
I'm glad you agree! I don't own any vinyls either...I might if I ever purchase a record player!
DeleteI'm kind of embarrassed to admit we have over 1,000 LP's and haven't had a record player set up since we've been in this house. I asked the spouse whether we were going to move them again. He promised he'll set up the system after this move. Roxy Music's Avalon just happens to be one of the many in the collection.
ReplyDeleteI still buy CD's because I like to listen to them when I'm driving. Thank heavens they're much smaller to store than LP's. ;o)
Over 1,000! You should definitely set up your record player so you can enjoy them.
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