CDs, MP3s and WAVs of music

With the summer music season rapidly approaching, it makes me wonder about CDs and MP3s. I just saw a news segment on FOX5 about the 'death' of CDs.

It's true though. There is now a replacement for the compact disc. Just like there is a newer version of the iPod, which included the Mini, Nano and Shuffle. And we won't get into the feature specifications and color availability that change quite often.

The life of the CD was short-lived with the emergence of iTunes + iPod as well as methods to copy albums and post them through Internet music sharing Web sites.

I listen to a variety of music and I'm constantly searching for new bands. My iTunes library is packed with close to 5,000 songs and I think I may need a much larger iPod. It's difficult at CD stores like BestBuy and Tower Records, which is now out of business, to sample songs. I think places like Barnes & Noble and FYE are sticking around because they allow customers to preview tracks before making purchases. However, the price tends to be higher at these joints.

You risk the chance of paying the price for an entire album, which you have no idea if it will be great or not. That's why I advise people to purchase CDs if they are a dedicated fan because there are times where other songs may not be as exciting as you expected. But I like the convenience of a CD when I'm driving in my car. I am able to connect my iPod to the main car stereo system via an old-fashioned cassette tape audio converter. Although the thin, black wire is silly looking, it gets the job done. However, if I don't like the playlist currently playing, it could divert my attention away from the wheel.

I also do enjoy album art, photos and messages from the band members located inside the cover pamphlet. However, this may be an obsolete activity if CD sales continue to decline. For the most part, iTunes offers songs for $0.99 but this may rise by $0.30 within the year.

The executives at Apple are wondering whether customers who make a single track purchase should be entitled to a discount if they decide to purchase the entire album by the same artist. That makes sense. Especially if the music audience has already spoken by showing their purchasing power.