By Joe Crollard
The compact disc was first introduced in the late 1980’s, but did not gain momentum until the early 90’s. Since that time it has been the main source of purchased music – making it an affordable and flexible medium for listening to music. However, with the rise of digital downloads and music sharing and purchasing software such as iTunes and Spotify, CD sales have steadily declined.
And with all of the available (both legal and illegal) access to free music, along with the high tech gadgets such as smart phones and media players that play it – who really needs to buy a CD?
I asked 10 random Peninsula College students: “Do you still purchase CDs from record stores?” Only three said yes.
So that begs the question – will the CD become obsolete? Has it already?
According to Michael ‘Coog’ Colgan, owner of Budget CDs Tapes & Records in downtown Port Angeles for 19 years, it isn’t looking good.
“The people who buy CDs are generally 30 and up, but I just sold three to a 20 year old. So who knows, I just know that it’s a fraction from what it was in the good old days,” Colgan said.
“CDs will be obsolete soon I’m sure. Some releases aren’t even being made on CD.”
Regardless, he plans to keep his business going.
“I’m sure down the road CDs will be ‘cool’ like vinyl though! That’s how it works. I still sell cassettes. Some weeks I’ve sold more cassettes than vinyl records. I sell whatever people want as long as I can. The future is grim though.”