cherish

The much debated topic of which is better, CD’s or MP3’s, is probably a never ending battle. Most people would say the MP3’s are a better value, easier to carry, makes a better playlist etc. and while I agree with these points, I don’t think that it is an even trade for the CD.

What some people don’t seem to realize is that even though MP3’s are an amazing invention, the CD sound quality is much better. Even if you bought a CD and copied it into an Ipod or similar device, a lot of the song is lost in translation. If you are a true music lover like me, it’s a lot better to hear a CD turned up loud than a compressed file that drowns out the intricate guitar work or low bass line. What we really need is a new and improved type of file and player that can keep the quality of the CD while making it cheaper and more mobile.

Another thing I like about CD’s is the artwork. If you find an album you especially like, nothing beats browsing the artwork and reading the lyrics along with the music! Now of course you can look the lyrics up online, and the artwork too in most cases, but it simply isn’t the same. Zune and Ipod display the cover art, but not the inside content or lyrics. Sadly, this aspect of music is changing also. People no longer care so much about the booklet, they just want the songs now. As someone with close ties to the local music scene I also choose to buy albums to support my friends, and I take personal pride in being listed in the thank you notes or helping with the photo choosing process - something I would lose if CD’s no longer existed.

I’m sure it’s only a matter of time until the MP3 gets perfected and can compare with disc quality, but until then I will continue my balance of collecting both. I have thousands of MP3’s, but if it’s a band I really like, or someone I want to support, I will still by the CD as long as they are being produced.

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