On one hand, I’m pleased that CD sales have increased. It could signal a return to a greater availability of new and old albums on disc. I have been purchasing them all along, but certain older albums have become difficult to find even through Amazon and other online sources. Then there’s the issue of which reissue is this copy? Sometimes remastered version sound worse than the original run of CDs.
Vinyl is cool, but cumbersome and expensive. CDs have always had the smaller booklet, with tiny artwork, but they offered the ability include “hidden tracks” and remixed versions. Both mediums have experienced increased sales, as have cassettes. Yay to the younger music fans who have sought out a tangible artistic experience. Digital is a given, but sometimes hollow.
On the other hand of increased CD popularity: will their price begin to increase again? In 1990, CDs were often found at $15-20. In the past decade, some stores like Barnes & Noble have carried $4.99 & $7.99 CDs…because nobody was buying.
Next up, can we witness an increase of smaller, independent CD stores?
Alex Kelley 