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Do you remember how many of us used to take our baseball cards in the 1960s and stick em in the spokes of our bicycles to hear that cool sound? After we were done with them we just threw them onto the street to be washed away by the rain or the town’s street cleaners. Some of those baseball cards would become worth thousands of dollars many years later. We had no idea what we were throwing away. In the mid-1980s, CDs became the biggest technological advance in the music business ever. Millions of record collectors threw away their record collections as they replaced each album with a CD. Many of those fans who kept their vinyl collections reaped the benefits of holding on to them as an even greater technological advance evolved ten years later called the internet. That internet would eventually host a company called eBay that would serve as a gold mine for people selling their old vinyl records.
Many vinyl albums on eBay and other auction sites would sell for five to fifty times more than the original owners paid for them. I sold a Beatles album for five hundred dollars one time to a collector in Japan. I sold a 45 rpm single that I purchased for 10 cents in a garage sale for almost three hundred dollars to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I sold many original Bob Dylan six-eye Columbia record albums for hundreds of dollars. I could go on and on with the hundreds of records I sold from my 1960s and 1970s record collection. I am not alone. Will this happen eventually to CDs? Read on…..
The Demise of CD Sales
The fall and almost complete end to CD sales is a consequence of illegal file-sharing services like Napster and Limewire, legal mp3 sales through Apple and Amazon, and finally streaming services like YouTube, Pandora, and Spotify. An entire generation of people have been raised never knowing the joy of purchasing a CD in a store. That generation for the most part is unaware of the sonic superiority of the CD compared to the narrow bandwidth of a music streaming service.
The Discovery of Vinyl
Teens and twenty-somethings have recently discovered the joy of owning vinyl. For the first time in their lives, they have experienced the pleasure of holding album art in their hands while listening to the sound of vinyl records reverberating through speakers bouncing of the wall of a room. Music sounds very different when its listened to in a living environment as opposed to pods in an ear canal. The vinyl experience illuminates all the senses. We took it for granted when we were young because we grew up listening to music on vinyl in the 1960s and 1970s. Today’s youth generation never experienced the organic sense of listening to music outside of a set of Apple ear pods from an inferior source of music such as an mp3.
Our Discovery of CDs
The recent explosion of new vinyl sales is a result of the youth generation experiencing what we did and it has blown their minds. These kids shared their experiences through social media, posting pictures of purchased vinyl albums and so on. The resurgence in vinyl was never expected. It happened fast and it has not slowed down. It would probably be even more successful if record companies were not charging such outrageous prices for new vinyl, but that’s the history of record companies.
The story of vinyl’s resurgence and acceptance by today’s youth culture is important to note because economic and social patterns always repeat themselves. What happened with the resurgence of vinyl in the past five years will undoubtedly happen with CDs probably in the next ten years. It’s possible it may even happen earlier than that. Whether it happens with today’s youth generation or tomorrow, there is no doubt that a new generation of music fans will discover the sonic superiority of music CDs.
All it takes to argue that point is a reminder of what we experienced the first time we heard CDs. Most people who listened to their first CDs back in the 1980s were blown away by the sound instantly. We never heard the bass resonate as powerful as it did through the speakers. The sound of the drums hit you in the face as they had never done before. Come on, I know you remember that feeling of hearing those first CDs and being knocked out by how powerful and full the music sounded.
Of course, not all CDs sounded great as the record companies made many mistakes in mastering to CD old catalogs that still sounded better on vinyl. Nonetheless, the new stuff being released on CD was mind-altering and blew away the vinyl. The incredible financial and commercial success of the CD format is simple proof of that.
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In recent years, most brick-and-mortar stores have stopped selling CDs or have limited space for the sale of CDs. The space in the music departments of chains like Best Buy Walmart and Target are now filled with Blu Rays, DVDs and Vinyl. However, this is a process that has happened over the past five years and we have gotten used to this. What is really unsettling for CD lovers is that the search for catalog CDs on the internet is starting to dry up. Record companies have pretty much stopped pressing CDs. Of course, one can find any Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd catalog CD on the internet as record companies continue to press these mega sellers for now. Nonetheless, certain titles from the catalogs of even big time artists like, Carly Simon, Little Feat, Carole King and so many more have disappeared.
Carly Simon’s Another Passenger CD was a huge-selling album in the 1970s. It is out of print and sells for close to fifty dollars on Amazon and even more on eBay. Many of the 1970’s Little Feat CDs are very hard to get. The Little Feat album Hoy-Hoy sells for close to a hundred dollars on Amazon. This is a major classic rock band. John Lennon’s Mind Games will cost you over thirty dollars for a new CD on Amazon. Foghat’s Night Shift on CD sells for around fifty dollars. These are just four quick examples. CD titles from so many classic rock bands from the 1960s, 70s and 80s are all now gone from the internet for basic CD prices.
So to answer the question will CDs become collectible,? the answer is many of them have already become highly collectible. The real question is will basic CD releases from bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen and so on become collectible? Will record companies start to press entire catalogs of legendary classic rock bands again? If they do, the prices will probably be high as we have witnessed how they have priced their reissued vinyl releases.
So think twice before you sell those old CDs you own for 25 cents in your garage sales, because collectors like me will be walking up your driveway looking to turn over those CDs for big-time auction prices. Basic CDs will become the next big collector’s item. History always repeats itself.
Why Basic Music CDs Will Become Collectors Itemsarticle published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
So 1970s cds are becoming valuable? Considering the first commercial CD was in 1982, I imagine any product that went through a time machine backwards is going to be valuable
The article does not say that CDs FROM the 1970’s are going to become valuable. It says basic CDs such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd type titles etc…. will become valuable. We were arguing that CDs released during the CD era from bands of all time periods would become valuable, not CDs released from the 70s. We think most people understood that.
Great! Wanna buy mine?
I’m skeptical. Two big differences between CD and vinyl:
1. CDs are of digital formatting with no unique audible characteristics (besides scratches). I can listen to the same or sometimes better files on services like Tidal.
2. Their small physical size means the artwork has far less of an impact compared to the huge covers and completely customisable vinyls.
I too buy only CD’s because they are the best sounding recorded media period. I had vinyl, still do, but not being a serious collector, I have instead kept them boxed up and the albums I liked the most I replaced with CD’s.
CD’s are compact, still have artwork or at least photos, sometimes if you buy a great multi-CD set of jazz or blues artists containing booklets of information, and if kept clean sound as good the first play as the last. They can be a pain when I go on a trip, but I refuse to stream my music for a couple reasons.
First, I’m not as wrapped up or skilled in the downloading world. Streaming TV is one thing, but I want my musical purchases to be physical. One thing you cannot do with streaming, and that’s have a collectible single or album. And if your device screws up somehow, you can’t go to Best Buy and get another turntable, CD player or order one. Your music is gone forever. I might have to get another amp, CD player, etc., but my close to or over 1000 CD’s are safe.
The sound is superior. Vinyl is a pain. I hated starting an album, sitting down to read or relax, and 20 or 25 minutes later have to get up, flip the damn thing over and start over again. When there was no choice, you didn’t really care, but when CD’s came out you could play start to finish without interruption. If your car had a CD player, even better. Now I have to take a portable CD player with me but that’s okay.
I do agree with the author on the likelihood of CD survival. It isn’t just a fad. People, I believe, did not get into vinyl again as a mainstream thing to do. Buyers missed the packaging, I know I do. They’re higher maintenance, but the sound is second to the CD in quality. No matter how well you clean your albums, and I cleaned mine EVERY time I played them, a scratch or pop will sooner or later show up.
But CD’s will survive for sonic reasons. The packaging not so much. The internet has killed CD artwork for the most part unless you have a Hubble Space Telescope in your living room. The details are faint, almost unintelligible. But the music is the drawing card.
The last thing: your favorite bands are getting royally hurt on digital media. We can read all the enormous download figures, but the pay rate is abysmal, into the tenths of a cent for playing time and royalties. A band cannot make it on streaming alone. They must have tours and merchandise, and now nobody is getting it.
But CD’s and vinyl have much better royalty rates. You want to support your band, don’t be a crook. Some people who have bragged about going to illegitimate web sites to stream their favorite bands’ music are hurting artists. Would that person like it if their boss told them they had to work today for free? That’s what the music fan is expecting of their band. And what do we think that illegal downloader would do if told to work for free? I’d tell the boss to go to Hell, go directly to Hell, do not pass GO!, do not collect $200. We should not demand our artists work for free. So buy CD’s and vinyl if you like vinyl.