The CD is Obsolete

"The hard copy, album-form compact disc will die. It is happening," says Don Gorter, chair of the Music Business Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In this artice, it is stated that a fundamental change in the conception of music, and the way it is bought and sold, is not only on its way, but already here. We see this in technological advancements like iTunes and other internet sites that allow for free, and often illegal, ways of obtaining music. The recording industry as we know it is completely reinventing itself, as not only ways of buying and selling music are being completely changed, but ways of recording it as well. While in the past musicians have had to go into studios to get a high quality recording, it is easier than ever to get this quality in any home studio.

The record industry is also allowing people to purchase or download one song, as opposed to entire albums as it was in the past. This will completely change the future of music, and in my opinion, it is for the worse. Many older albums from bands like The Beatles, and Pink Floyd were concept albums, where the entire album was one piece of work composed of different songs that tell one larger story. This gave a more intimate connection between the listener and the music, which is something I've always enjoyed. The CD is becoming more and more obselete, and while it is inevitable because of the changing record industry, I think that it will have a negative impact on music to come.

Daniel B. Wood. "The CD Is Obsolete." At Issue: What Is the Future of the Music Industry?. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 11 Feb. 2010 .