CDs vs Digital Downloads

[Cheesus]

This is a topic I have been thinking a lot about lately and I want to know how others feel about this.

A band I like recently sent out a message from its label stating,
"Due to the demand for hard copies we have decided to release a 1 time, limited edition CD pressing. The reason for making it a limited edition release is that we still want to keep our over-all goal in mind - which is to eventually embrace and cross over to a CD-free world."

A CD-free world just sounds to me like a shitty place.

Another person stated, "By using digital downloads the band nets a lot more money. Sure maybe now individuals will want a physical item of their favorite band, but just like the cassette, cd's will be replaced by digital downloads"

Still sounds like garbage to me.

What do you think? Should CDs stop being made and switched exclusively over digital downloads?

[tonyC4L]

Here's the thing: digital downloads aren't tangible. There is nothing you get to hold in your hand and say "This is mine." I like staring at my cabinet on the wall and saying, "This is my CD collection." Trust me, it's a lot more fulfilling than saying that while scrolling through your Itunes library. For me, it is very important that I have the option to purchase a physical copy. If the only copy of an album you own is on your computer, and your computer crashes, how do you get your music back? I guess you could be okay if you had it backed up to another drive, but I'd rather not worry about that and just have the option to re-rip the original. I've also been re-ripping some older CDs into higher quality files, some at 320kbps and some lossless. I couldn't do that if all I had was a digital copy at 256kbps. I understand that a lot of people don't mind low-quality files, and some even prefer them (http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/09/survey-shows-increasing-preference-for-mp3-by-youngsters-audiop/). I would just like to always have that option, to have something that is always perfect, something I can look back at in 30 years and say "This is a great CD."

[Cheesus]

Here's the thing: digital downloads aren't tangible. There is nothing you get to hold in your hand and say "This is mine." I like staring at my cabinet on the wall and saying, "This is my CD collection." Trust me, it's a lot more fulfilling than saying that while scrolling through your Itunes library. For me, it is very important that I have the option to purchase a physical copy. If the only copy of an album you own is on your computer, and your computer crashes, how do you get your music back? I guess you could be okay if you had it backed up to another drive, but I'd rather not worry about that and just have the option to re-rip the original. I've also been re-ripping some older CDs into higher quality files, some at 320kbps and some lossless. I couldn't do that if all I had was a digital copy at 256kbps. I understand that a lot of people don't mind low-quality files, and some even prefer them (http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/09/survey-shows-increasing-preference-for-mp3-by-youngsters-audiop/). I would just like to always have that option, to have something that is always perfect, something I can look back at in 30 years and say "This is a great CD."

I honestly couldn't agree more with this post. I share your feeling on the entire deal. The ripping into "loseless" files is also a huge thing for me as well. I tend to be an audiophile with music I really enjoy and the higher quality files helps capture all the true detail of the track.

As far as having a tangible album goes, I don't get how anyone could want anything less.. It would be endlessly lame to download a cd AND album art and have it sitting there lifeless on your computer screen. That just sounds like balls to me. If some people enjoy that, that's fine, I just don't.

Anyways, good post.

[Cheesus]

I love how I misspelled the poll option and can't edit it. awesome

[fadedmemories]

CD's are the only way to go!

[dpetty21]

Here's the thing: digital downloads aren't tangible. There is nothing you get to hold in your hand and say "This is mine." I like staring at my cabinet on the wall and saying, "This is my CD collection." Trust me, it's a lot more fulfilling than saying that while scrolling through your Itunes library. For me, it is very important that I have the option to purchase a physical copy. If the only copy of an album you own is on your computer, and your computer crashes, how do you get your music back? I guess you could be okay if you had it backed up to another drive, but I'd rather not worry about that and just have the option to re-rip the original. I've also been re-ripping some older CDs into higher quality files, some at 320kbps and some lossless. I couldn't do that if all I had was a digital copy at 256kbps. I understand that a lot of people don't mind low-quality files, and some even prefer them (http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/09/survey-shows-increasing-preference-for-mp3-by-youngsters-audiop/). I would just like to always have that option, to have something that is always perfect, something I can look back at in 30 years and say "This is a great CD."

I very much agree with this. I am so happy to see it is 16-0 in support of CDs. I was gonna be furious if I came in and saw digital was winning haha.

[Pat Brown]

, and some even prefer them (http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/09/survey-shows-increasing-preference-for-mp3-by-youngsters-audiop/)."I knew what link you were talking about before I clicked on it. I saw that article on engadget yesterday too.

And CD, no question. If I wanted digital downloads, I wouldn't be paying for it.

[Cheesus]

If I wanted digital downloads, I wouldn't be paying for it.

Haha so true.

[phil19]

i buy cd's. i like the whole packaging that you get with it. the booklet, the pictures, the lyrics, the thankyous. all of that stuff. i love it.
and theres soemthing about actually being able to hold it in your hand that appeals to me.

[TheJazzDJ]

The only CD I will ever buy will be the next Neutral Milk Hotel album.

[MADSTA]

If your computer crashes, you lose all of your downloads.
I haven't gone on a CD run in forever. :-( I feel like I'm going through withdrawal.

[dpetty21]

I will say the only time I download are when I am absolutely forced too. For a while I didn't even download if it was online only(like the Jacks Mannequin EP that I still haven't got). Now I do so I just got the Ace aussie EP which is sounding great by the way. I also download bonus tracks released in other countries only and shit like that. Basically just shit I can't get a hard copy of here. It bugs the hell out of me knowing I don't have the physical copy in my collection though.

[phil19]

I love how I misspelled the poll option and can't edit it. awesome

haha it took me ages to even see the mistake

[Cheesus]

haha it took me ages to even see the mistake

lol I know its so insignificant yet it annoys the shit out of me..

[fadedmemories]

Good to see the first choice winning.

[Cheesus]

Good to see the first choice winning.

I agree, I'm kinda surprised actually.. its only a matter of time before the votes even out though.. hopefully they don't :]

[AussieBoy]

cd's they cost the same nearly so u might as well get it at thew best quality u can, then rip em onto ur ipod

plus booklet, lyrics, photos, drink coaster if shitty

[dmb]

i'd say CD's for sure but lately I am LOVING vinyl

[wheresadalia]

i love having the physical cd...i actually hate when something is only available on like itunes :[

[petethemeat]

never gonna buy another cd again. If i want a physical copy ill just get the vinyl because it sounds better AND looks better. i have my ipod for easy accessibility when im not home.

[jordalsh]

haha, found the mistake:-|

[Alex DiVincenzo]

CDs, of course (though I do like vinyl)

[steveC]

cd's they cost the same nearly so u might as well get it at thew best quality u can, then rip em onto ur ipod

plus booklet, lyrics, photos, drink coaster if shitty


well said, lol at the last part

long live the compact disc

[voncorn]

I just paid 26 bucks for two CDs (shipping included) off of the Hydra Head webstore (Botch - Unifying Themes Redux and Daughters - Canada Songs for anyone that cares) and I know a friend who would stab me for PAYING for my music. Well I look at it this way: I fucking love my CD collection. I pride on it, and it's something I hope that my own children can browse and check out two decades from now. And if the CD comes with a lyrics book, like they do 90% of the time, I don't need to read lyrics off of websites that potentially have mistakes in them (this has happened to me many times). I also believe in supporting indie labels. If a CD is released on a major label, I'm more likely to just download it, depending on the artist. But hell, I feel like I'm giving 21 bucks towards Hydra Head who truly put out nothing but Grade A releases. Aaron Turner is clearly not in this business to be able to wipe his ass daily with 100 dollar bills like Tony Brummel does.

[Cheesus]

I just paid 26 bucks for two CDs (shipping included) off of the Hydra Head webstore (Botch - Unifying Themes Redux and Daughters - Canada Songs if you care) and I know a friend who would stab me for PAYING for my music. Well I look at this way, I fucking love my CD collection, I pride on it, and it's something I hope that my own children can browse and check out two decades from now. And if the CD comes with a lyrics book, like they do 90% of the time, I don't read lyrics off of websites that have mistakes in them (this has happened to me many times). I also support indie labels, if a CD is released on a major label, I'm more likely to just download it, but hell, I feel like I'm giving 21 bucks towards Hydra Head who I truly believe put out nothing but Grade A music, Aaron Turner is clearly not in this business to be able to wipe his ass daily with 100 dollar bills like Tony Brummel clearly does.

your friend is the one who deserves to be stabbed. Why in the hell would they be upset that you're paying for music?

[voncorn]

your friend is the one who deserves to be stabbed. Why in the hell would they be upset that you're paying for music?

His logic is basically "If you can get it for free, why bother paying for it?", of course referring to file-hosting sites, torrents, peer-to-peer networks, etc. So he thinks I'm an idiot for spending money on music when it's easily accessible, for free, by said means.

[Cheesus]

His logic is basically "If you can get it for free, why bother paying for it?", of course referring to file-hosting sites, torrents, peer-to-peer networks, etc. So he thinks I'm an idiot for spending money on music when it's easily accessible, for free, by said means.

haha his logic isn't even logic. If everyone though like him there would be no bands. You should sit him down and explain to him, like you would a child, that paying for music ensures that your favorite bands continue to make music.

[voncorn]

haha his logic isn't even logic. If everyone though like him there would be no bands. You should sit him down and explain to him, like you would a child, that paying for music ensures that your favorite bands continue to make music.

He doesn't listen to good music anyway, just shit that's on the mainstream rock station for the most part, so it's not really a dying concern of mine that he pays for the Seether album he downloaded. It's no use with him though, he downloads movies and watches them on his computer, bootlegs and steals PC and video games, this kid steals everything that's in any media form. We'll always have some people that pirate and bootleg stuff that can be commercially bought.

[Cheesus]

He doesn't listen to good music anyway, just shit that's on the mainstream rock station for the most part, so it's not really a dying concern of mine that he pays for the Seether album he downloaded. It's no use with him though, he downloads movies and watches them on his computer, bootlegs and steals PC and video games, this kid steals everything that's in any media form. We'll always have some people that pirate and bootleg stuff that can be commercially bought.

haha yet again confirming my beliefs that people who listen to mainstream music suck. They just don't seem to take it seriously. Who knows. But I totally hear what your saying. Hopefully the Feds knock at his door one day and hand him a bill for thousand of dollars wewt

[jay_klinkhammer]

If your computer crashes, you lose all of your downloads.
.


K. If someone sits on your cd, you lose that cd. Your argument is bullshit.


Ever since I got my first mp3 player and finally was able to quit hauling around a huge CD case, life has been great.


MP3 Player with everything at your fingertips >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CDs

[jay_klinkhammer]

haha his logic isn't even logic. If everyone though like him there would be no bands. You should sit him down and explain to him, like you would a child, that paying for music ensures that your favorite bands continue to make music.


YOU need a lesson in logic. Bands barely make anything off of CD sales.


They make money off of you going to their shows and buying their t shirts more than you buying their albums.

Don't argue things when you don't really know what you're arguing.

[Cheesus]

YOU need a lesson in logic. Bands barely make anything off of CD sales.


They make money off of you going to their shows and buying their t shirts more than you buying their albums.

Don't argue things when you don't really know what you're arguing.

your right. I shouldn't have said people should buy CDs instead of illegally downloading songs, what was I thinking? I mean the band only nets an average of 8-16% from cd sales so I guess it just makes more sense if they're pulling in 0% (keep in mind my discussion with "voncorn" was about illegal downloads, not purchased mp3s).

What in the fuck are you even talking about? Of course bands make the most at shows, which is irrelivant in this discussion.

[tonyC4L]

K. If someone sits on your cd, you lose that cd. Your argument is bullshit.


Ever since I got my first mp3 player and finally was able to quit hauling around a huge CD case, life has been great.


MP3 Player with everything at your fingertips >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CDs
Or you could just buy CDs and rip them to your computer so you have your physical collection at home and your music on your mp3 player.

[Cheesus]

Or you could just buy CDs and rip them to your computer so you have your physical collection at home and your music on your mp3 player.

Exactly.. And don't forget to mention the endless file type options which are completely forfeited when downloading MP3s

[eliselovesmusic]

CDs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

It's so much more of a musical experience when you have a physical thing (ie a CD/cover/lyrics) to hold and obsess over - well that's what I reckon anyway. Besides: listening to a song through your MP3 often means you are doing something else at the same time therefore not concentrating on the musical genius being pumped through your ears....

There is sooooooo much more I wanna say but I'm sure people have already covered it

[Cheesus]

K. If someone sits on your cd, you lose that cd. Your argument is bullshit.


Ever since I got my first mp3 player and finally was able to quit hauling around a huge CD case, life has been great.


MP3 Player with everything at your fingertips >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CDs

Yea I remember this one time I sat on my entire cd collection and they all shattered in to a million pieces and from then on out I vowed to never purchase another cd cause they're just too damn fragile.

Soon after that my computer crashed from some weird porno virus and I lost every single file and had no backup because I swore I'd never buy another CD again.

Now this was bullshit.

MP3 Player with everything at your fingertips and a CD collection at home>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>MP3 Player with everything at your fingertips

[flks511]

What kind of idiot wants to live in a world without CD's? The only reason they would want that to happen is just to rack up more money.....curious, what band issued that statement?

[darkmartheight]

Cd's at the way to go.

I like to have something physical.

[MyNameIsRoss]

I don't know anyone who ONLY listens to vinyl, it's more like a collector's thing..

and I haven't bought a CD in like 4 years..

[Bloodsucker II]

I love how I misspelled the poll option and can't edit it. awesome

hahahaha, it took me like 10 years to find that.


CD's are definitely the way to go. It's nice to have something physical I can actually look at and feel.

[Pat Brown]

K. If someone sits on your cd, you lose that cd. Your argument is bullshit.


Ever since I got my first mp3 player and finally was able to quit hauling around a huge CD case, life has been great.


MP3 Player with everything at your fingertips >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CDsYeah, but you can turn CDs into mp3s that are DRM free. You can't turn your album you purchased from iTunes into a factory made CD.

[Pat Brown]

Looks like what I said has already been brought up. Nevermind. Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

[Cheesus]

Looks like what I said has already been brought up. Nevermind. Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
lol its ok... redundancy is needed in this case.

[fadedmemories]

CD's FTW!

[blankets]

Definitely CDs. Like people have said, I like being able to look at my shelf and think "Sweet, I have x amount of CDs! And my favourite bands can keep making music because I didn't download their music for free!" Or ya know, something along those lines hah. I like looking at the liner notes too.
I download sometimes, but usually end up buying the physical copy afterwards.

Vinyl is great too, but not everyone releases albums on vinyl so that's not entirely tangible.

[Bloodsucker II]

Definitely CDs. Like people have said, I like being able to look at my shelf and think "Sweet, I have x amount of CDs! And my favourite bands can keep making music because I didn't download their music for free!" Or ya know, something along those lines hah. I like looking at the liner notes too.
I download sometimes, but usually end up buying the physical copy afterwards.

Vinyl is great too, but not everyone releases albums on vinyl so that's not entirely tangible.


Everything in this statement is truth.

[billyboatkid]

I collect Cd's so that's what I picked.

[spunkmastaflex]

CDs are def the way to go imo. Everyone is bringing up great points about why just DD is inferior.

But for DD, remember, you can always have a backup external harddrive to save everything (I actually have two to save all my music =0 )

[yoyostring]

CD's for sure. theres nothing like struggling to get the wrapping off, spending half an hour getting the top tape off so you can listen to that baby!

[Cheesus]

CD's for sure. theres nothing like struggling to get the wrapping off, spending half an hour getting the top tape off so you can listen to that baby!

LOL this is so true. I've broken the case a few times trying to get that thing off

[kianacarly]

I'm writing my final draft on a paper about this right now actually :-)

[Cheesus]

random surge of digital download votes FTL

[stonecoldfox]

to me, there is nothing more satisfying then going to a local indie record and wandering around until I find some sort of gold at a cheap price. Nothing more satisfying!

[Cheesus]

victory!

[RustyxDrums]

I love having a physical copy, but I also like having the digital version as well. I'm kinda split 50/50.

[Robototron]

CDs are a waste of time. Outside of a few CDs that I haven't sold or continue to buy due to things like excellent packaging (last CD I bought was Gas' Nah Und Fern box set) that are more for the artistic value, CDs are pointless. I'm just going to put all the MP3s on my computer, stick the CD on the shelf, and leave it there, so CDs haven't really served much of a purpose for me since I first got an iPod like six years ago or whenever. Digital downloads ftw.

[Charles777]

I'm a big fan of artwork, so whenever I buy, I get cds

[fran.182]

CD's!

[Cheesus]

CDs are a waste of time. Outside of a few CDs that I haven't sold or continue to buy due to things like excellent packaging (last CD I bought was Gas' Nah Und Fern box set) that are more for the artistic value, CDs are pointless. I'm just going to put all the MP3s on my computer, stick the CD on the shelf, and leave it there, so CDs haven't really served much of a purpose for me since I first got an iPod like six years ago or whenever. Digital downloads ftw.
Please help me understand the, "I just bought an iPod so CDs are now irrelevant" argument. You can obviously upload your CDs to your computer and from there, put it on your iPod. The only difference is when you buy a CD, you actually have something tangible to hold on to for roughly 2-3$ extra. Not to mention the limitless quality/file types which are completely forfeitted when downloading MP3s.

[Colin1755]

i like itunes because i cant go to the cd store every week of my life i ccan just buy 200 dollars of itunes and buy the cds that release

[Robototron]

Please help me understand the, "I just bought an iPod so CDs are now irrelevant" argument. You can obviously upload your CDs to your computer and from there, put it on your iPod. The only difference is when you buy a CD, you actually have something tangible to hold on to for roughly 2-3$ extra. Not to mention the limitless quality/file types which are completely forfeitted when downloading MP3s.

1. If I download things in FLAC and other archival formats I don't "forfeit" anything. I'm just going to rip CDs in V0/V2 anyway so I just might as well download them in that format, though.

2. I don't care about things are that "tangible," as if I needed the physical object to enjoy the music. Like I said, I buy the CD, put it on the shelf and with very few exceptions never look at it again, so the $2-3 is money wasted, especially since buying multiple CDs does add up to quite a bit of money (not to mention the fact that I download most of my music via filesharing).

I don't understand why in this day and age people still act like your average CD is something to place so much value on.

[live not exist]

Old fashioned here. I don't own an ipod. There's nothing like buying a CD and popping it in your CD player, sorry :)

[DaveZeroZero]

If I'm going to buy the music, I'm going to get the CD. No questions asked. In fact, sometimes it's cheaper.

[IanIsSuperRad]

I buy vinyl and then download the album. No CDs for me, save for a few bands well deserving bands.

[SanePsychotic]

I prefer CDs, always. Downloading is great for getting into different artists, but in terms of what I'm paying money for I'd rather have a CD.

[SanePsychotic]

I don't understand why in this day and age people still act like your average CD is something to place so much value on.

Some people like to have the physical CD so that when their computer crashes (or they have to transfer files or something) they don't have to worry about where their music went. Sure, backing your music up can prevent file loss, but some people just don't do that.

Others want to have the CD for the artwork, the credits, the thanks, ect.. This may be because it makes them feel "closer to the artist" or something along those lines. They want the "whole experience." This is also one reason why so many people prefer vinyl to CDs.

As for me I just feel that merely downloading is like paying for gas; I get what I want/need but what do I really have to show for it? Nothing.

[Cheesus]

Some people like to have the physical CD so that when their computer crashes (or they have to transfer files or something) they don't have to worry about where their music went. Sure, backing your music up can prevent file loss, but some people just don't do that.

Others want to have the CD for the artwork, the credits, the thanks, ect.. This may be because it makes them feel "closer to the artist" or something along those lines. They want the "whole experience." This is also one reason why so many people prefer vinyl to CDs.

As for me I just feel that merely downloading is like paying for gas; I get what I want/need but what do I really have to show for it? Nothing.

:appl:

[yoyostring]

Some people like to have the physical CD so that when their computer crashes (or they have to transfer files or something) they don't have to worry about where their music went. Sure, backing your music up can prevent file loss, but some people just don't do that.

Others want to have the CD for the artwork, the credits, the thanks, ect.. This may be because it makes them feel "closer to the artist" or something along those lines. They want the "whole experience." This is also one reason why so many people prefer vinyl to CDs.

As for me I just feel that merely downloading is like paying for gas; I get what I want/need but what do I really have to show for it? Nothing.
BAM!

[Neo Cassady]

CDs for most, vinyl for my favorites.

[Bloodsucker II]

Some people like to have the physical CD so that when their computer crashes (or they have to transfer files or something) they don't have to worry about where their music went. Sure, backing your music up can prevent file loss, but some people just don't do that.

Others want to have the CD for the artwork, the credits, the thanks, ect.. This may be because it makes them feel "closer to the artist" or something along those lines. They want the "whole experience." This is also one reason why so many people prefer vinyl to CDs.

As for me I just feel that merely downloading is like paying for gas; I get what I want/need but what do I really have to show for it? Nothing.


Beautiful.

[SuNDaYSTaR]

I would just like to always have that option, to have something that is always perfect, something I can look back at in 30 years and say "This is a great CD."This.

[FailedRepublic]

I prefer CDs by far, as most people have said, it's great to have a tangible copy. However, I usually buy MP3s because I just don't have an option to buy most CDs where I live. But I do have quite a few CDs and just ordered like 12 from Amazon.

[blinkme]

i like digital downloads. i tend to buy way more now that i have itunes/amazon mp3. takes up way less space and all my music is backed up on to another hard drive. i'll still buy the occasional hard copy if it's a band i really love.

[ship of fools]

I don't give a shit about feeling it or seeing it. I listen to my music. CD's just take up space. You can't organize them like you can on digital, or mix with playlists, the lists goes on. People can be stuck in the 90's all they want..but digital downloads are the way to go.

[live not exist]

I don't give a shit about feeling it or seeing it. I listen to my music. CD's just take up space. You can't organize them like you can on digital, or mix with playlists, the lists goes on. People can be stuck in the 90's all they want..but digital downloads are the way to go.

Preferring CDs doesn't mean you're stuck in the 90s.

Preferring walkmens do.

[tonyC4L]

Preferring CDs doesn't mean you're stuck in the 90s.

Preferring walkmens do.
haha i love my walkman.

[Cheesus]

CDs win.

[kevinrocks409]

Hey cheesus, who is the band mentioned in the original post?

[Yellowcard2006]

Everyone that is comparing only CDs to having digital, please understand: CDs are allow for both digital files AND physical copies. You can't say that double clicking a song name in your feels the same as opening up a CD player to insert your music. I hope CDs are never out of style, unless they can think of a better way to present a physical copy of music.

[circatbs]

gotta love cd's

[Kozzy333]

I really do like having a physical copy of a CD but a large majority of the bands I listen to don't have places that sell their CDs so I usually just download illegally. Some bands that do have CDs sold here, they are often fairly expensive ($19.99 or so). I still pick CDs though.

[Cheesus]

Hey cheesus, who is the band mentioned in the original post?

I'd rather not say in this thread for certain reasons. PM me if you really wanna know though.

[FueledByRock]

I prefer CDs for so many reasons. I couldn't imagine a world with no CDs, although it seems as though the music industry is heading that way. Making everything digital would be terrible, reducing sound quality and the tangibility of music. There's a great feeling I get when I get home and unwrap a CD and pour over the booklet, looking at artwork not available when you get a digital copy. Sometimes they cost slightly more, but I think it's worth it to have something tangible that you can also put on your computer. I sincerely hope that the phrase "a limited hard copy release" doesn't become commonplace.

[MikeTheManR]

My music collection mostly consists of vinyl records and digital downloads. Personally, I think cds are kind of useless. This is partially because I dont have a cd player in my car, and when I listen to music, I listen to it on my Zune with one of those old school cassette adapters. When I buy cds, I immediately rip the songs to my hard drive, read the liner notes, and put the cd in a pile somewhere where it just takes up space. A Zune or an iPod takes up less space than a single jewel case. I understand the need for a hard copy, and if I like a record enough, I buy it on vinyl. Most indie labels are good about including digital download of the album with vinyl purchases.

The argument that cds are better than digital downloads simply because your computer can crash and cause you to lose your entire music collection is ignorant. If you're too lazy to back up your files, you deserve to lose everything. I have my entire music collection on my computer, my Zune, and my external hard drive. Unless all 3 of these crash at the same time, my digital music collection is safe.

Far too many people are also associating digital music with iTunes. Digital music is great, but right now, the widely accepted business model for purchasing digital music is terrible, and I avoid iTunes at all cost. I have over 7000 songs on my Zune, and if you honestly think that I should have paid 7000.00 dollars for those files, you are out of your fucking mind. However, eMusic is only like 30 cents a song, they've been DRM free since the beginning, and they have a suprisingly good selection of indie rock.

I'm not an audiophile, so the slightly better quality means nothing to me, and half of the people who say they can tell the difference between MP3 and FLAC are lying anyways. It all sounds the same when its played through a car stereo.

That said, I'll still occasionally buy cd if it's the only way I can get the album, a band I really like/respect, or if its an impulse buy. In 2009, the only cds I've bought have been an Otis Redding box set, the new MC Lars, the new Winston Audio, and a Replacements tribute cd I randomly saw at Record and Tape Traders, which I wasn't aware existed but bought because it was only 5 dollars and it had Against Me covering Bastards of Young. While I do have fond memories of sitting on my floor listening to a new cd and reading along with the liner notes, I'm fully prepared to embrace a world without cds.

[MikeTheManR]

I prefer CDs for so many reasons. I couldn't imagine a world with no CDs, although it seems as though the music industry is heading that way. Making everything digital would be terrible, reducing sound quality and the tangibility of music. There's a great feeling I get when I get home and unwrap a CD and pour over the booklet, looking at artwork not available when you get a digital copy. Sometimes they cost slightly more, but I think it's worth it to have something tangible that you can also put on your computer. I sincerely hope that the phrase "a limited hard copy release" doesn't become commonplace.

Pouring over the cd booklet is the only thing I would miss in an all digital world. I'm honestly not sure what the solution to that is. I really liked the lyric book that came with my vinyl copy of The Glass Passenger. Perhaps bands set up some kind of system where fans could mail them dollar bills and recieve a lyric book in return. I'm actually suprised no one's thought of that before.

[dirtysneakers]

I personally think the majority of people who would choose digital downloads over cds would be complete idiots.

[dirtysneakers]

Pouring over the cd booklet is the only thing I would miss in an all digital world. I'm honestly not sure what the solution to that is. I really liked the lyric book that came with my vinyl copy of The Glass Passenger. Perhaps bands set up some kind of system where fans could mail them dollar bills and recieve a lyric book in return. I'm actually suprised no one's thought of that before.
Brand New did that, but eventually gave up when they recieved too many requests

[DaveZeroZero]

Guys, you pore over a CD booklet, you don't pour over it.

[MikeTheManR]

Brand New did that, but eventually gave up when they recieved too many requests

Haha, I know. I was joking about that part

[dirtysneakers]

Haha, I know. I was joking about that part
haha oops. sarcasm is hard to tell on the interwebz..

[cburton92]

CDs all the way. although i am guilty of using torrents. but if i download an album and really like it i make sure i buy the CD.

[Theseventhson]

CD's all the way. When people come over my house, I show off my wonderful collection of music that's up against my wall. I love to flip through the booklets and examine the artwork. I love to read through the lyrics and read the thank you lists. I honestly wouldn't spend money on a download. Unfortunately I do have to download (illegally) from time to time, mainly because my financial situation isn't amazing. I buy a lot of vinyl, too, but a lot of albums aren't available in that format, unfortunately.

[Cheesus]

CD's all the way. When people come over my house, I show off my wonderful collection of music that's up against my wall. I love to flip through the booklets and examine the artwork. I love to read through the lyrics and read the thank you lists. I honestly wouldn't spend money on a download. Unfortunately I do have to download (illegally) from time to time, mainly because my financial situation isn't amazing. I buy a lot of vinyl, too, but a lot of albums aren't available in that format, unfortunately.

I like your style

[Cheesus]

Bump for votes