The CD Revival & Vinyl Revival, are they the wrong terms? Is this is the physical music revival?

This is another update on the CD Revival. I have been asked to do this as more mainstream media outlets are running articles and features talking about the CD Revival. Many of these still find it hard to talk about the CD without making a few digs at the format saying it was never as cool as vinyl. Anyone who remembers the vinyl cull in the 1990s may suggest otherwise.
However, I feel all these articles from the N.M.E, The Guardian, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone Magazin are missing the point. It is not about simply CDs or Vinyl. What we are seeing is a physical music revival. All formats are relevant.
Streaming has 80% of the market, I can use it as the radio to discover new bands and music but unless you are a legacy band or a big label the financial return for artists is very poor.
Streaming can also make music become a background activity. It becomes the tomato sauce sitting on the plate of your main meal. When you put a physical album on you can commit to that 20 mins aside of a vinyl album or the 40-60 mins of a CD. You can just be with the music and nothing else.
The main voices I listen to are Music Week and Billboard, they are basically trade papers and there is little spin as they mainly talk via industry stats.
I thought these two quotes were very encouraging for the CD Format.
"We need to give the CD format a bit more love and invest in it, just as we have done with vinyl" Charles Wood (Sony Music)
“I think the release schedule in 2021 really helped to support this mini-revival and it’s clear that the CD remains an important format for both consumers and us,” Linda Walker (Warners Music)
Phil Aston
Now Spinning Magazine
www.nowspinning.co.uk
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[@seand67]

I will never mess with 'streaming' (aka Renting music via a subscription). Owning physical media is simply the BEST

[@chriswright5016]

Interesting Phil. I also think it's better to think of the "revival" as speaking for physical formats. It's just that CD has finally started to regain some of the ground it lost, which is where the press attention is coming from. They've already decided to talk it up, which is a great thing.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

I agree, but with cassettes even coming back into the physical arena something is happening on a deeper level. I can also see how I am changing. I am buying CDs but also every so often buying vinyl. It just feels more normal now. The CD only or vinyl only groups on Facebook seem really out of touch now. Phil

[@bslomof-1901]

I love the sound quality, the ownership and physicality of cds.

[@Norshammar72]

Spot on! I’ve been collecting CD’s since 88. Never stopped but for the last 15 years been heavy into streaming as well. More and more the pleasure of having your own stuff has become more and more important. The recent algorithms and the targeted marketing also makes it feel like someone knows all about you. What ones was a cool thing now feels like being trapped almost. If I play an album at home I have more privacy sort of.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Pontus, thank you for watching and for your interesting comment. I had not thought of streaming in that way before but you are right. I like to choose what to play next myself! - Phil :)

[@stevesloan7132]

For me it was always about sound quality at home, so there megachanger CD players reign supreme! And when I had money problems I cut out as many monthly bills as possible, so I cut out streaming. That left my hard drives & physical media. It's fun to look through my physical music collection. And for portability this also includes minidiscs, mp3 players, and CCTs using 🎧 for that pronounced stereophonic experience.

[@perryfan49]

I’m loving these videos! It’s great to hear you talk about the sales and informing people.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@kevinmuldoon224]

Very interesting as ever, Phil. One thing that comes to my mind when considering this issue is the fact that I can remember where and when I bought the majority of my records and CDs. And this is something I value. I like the fact that I can picture the day I first listened to it, and that when I pick it off the shelf today - and decades may have passed in the interim - that’s something I treasure. It’s the very same thing I’m holding in my hands. It makes me feel good. If all I ever did was Stream, and assuming I was starting out now, there would be none of that. Of course, you don’t miss what you’ve never had, but streamers are, I think, missing out on something that can and does have meaning and significance in our lives. That might sound like I’m over-egging the pudding a bit...but maybe not. My life wouldn’t be poorer without a physical library of music, and perhaps people are waking up that idea? Cheers, Kevin

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Kevin, I totally agree with this. I have never kept a diary but in someways I have never needed to because my music collection does that for me. Some albums can contain several memories from different times. The first time you heard it and bought it, or the first time you played it to some one else. Just the physical item can remind you where you were, what you were doing, your hopes, dreams etc. All these memories sit there waiting to be triggered not just by the music but just by picking up the album cover or CD case. Great comment - Phil :)

[@kevinmuldoon224]

That should read ‘would be poorer’ of course!

[@clivesnowden4348]

I think I can remember where each record or CD in my collection came from. Which record shop it was. Or which concert. Or who I received it from. My whole life is in there. So many memories.

[@backrowbrighton]

@@kevinmuldoon224 We all knew that was what you really meant Kevin. Great stuff.

[@keitholiver1299]

Very positive news about the future of CD's from the larger record companies, thank you for or sharing Phil, I just hope they don't blow it (again) by overpricing. We saw it with the first generation of CD sales back in the 80's and early 90's and again now with the vinyl 'revival', they really know sometimes how to 'shoot themselves in the foot'. I completely agree with your appreciation for Cherry Red label. I can't quite believe they have just put out a Mandy Morton boxset, God Bless them!!!

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Kieth, thank you for watching. I am sure we will see some silly prices again but this time a lot of artists have control over their music and you can buy directly from them. So hopefully that will help. I also hope we will some CD box sets reissued in the future. Phil

[@SJHUE]

Interesting video! I have knocked CD`s in the past but look at my shelves...CD`s everywhere!

[@backrowbrighton]

Very well informed content Phil. I feel our music collections reflect our life journeys, we probably all reach for an album we have not listened to in a while and all sorts of memories are triggered, good and often not so good. As Kevin commented earlier, we also remember where and when we bought it and that is important because where were we in our lives then? I took a walk yesterday to my local HMV to buy the latest Saxon album on CD and I felt the same thrill at sixty-four that I did at fourteen. Long may the latter feeling continue for us all.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Peter, thank you for watching. I might do a separate video on how our music collections are part of our lives and memories. The comments here have really struck a chord and it is a strong emotion that does not get mentioned as much as it should. I have also just ordered the Saxon album as well ! Phil :)

[@vinny2242]

Love CDs I have several thousand all types of different music from house , rap to heavy metal 🤟🤟and picking them up cheap in my local charity shops and carboots

[@graemeknowles1431]

Long live the CD. I've been buying them since 1988. Even though the vinyl resurgence I was buying CDs. .. Will always purchase them

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Graeme, thank you for watching- you are amongst friends here, I just ordered the new Saxon and Jethro Tull albums on CD! - Phil :)

[@robbrittain9369]

Hi Phil. Loved the video. It's clear to see that you have real passion for music and physical media. Let's see CD & vinyl continue to go from strength to strength. I agree with you that Cherry Red are an excellent company that really push the CD format and produce some fabulous titles. I look forward to all of your future videos. Take care.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Rob, thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Have a good evening - Phil :)

[@COLDMKULTRA]

Spot on Phil 👍👍👍 ... Great analysis !

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you - Phil :)

[@bobdarlington4634]

Top job Phil, all bases covered there. We'll see how the industry handles all this, cd prices have already started to increase in price, round here anyway. Hopefully the musicians will benefit from the increase in new cd sales, I can't see a slight downturn in streaming damaging their income too much, if at all, it's outrageous how little they are paid currently. It's obviously been a very tough time for everyone over the past two years, that goes without saying, but hopefully, with the return of more live music events, venues as well as artists can look forward to their incomes increasing.Meanwhile, thanks again for everything you do Phil, it's a real pleasure watching your videos, there is so much positivity on this site.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Bob, thank you again, it is supportive words like yours that spurs me on to do more and expand Now Spinning Magazine as much as i can. Phil :)

[@stevesloan7132]

I don't want an algorithm "recomending" or pushing music at me. I play the killer tracks & albums that I want to hear, when I want to hear them! And likewise I won't let my computers organize my music collection. I can do better job of that myself.

[@clivesnowden4348]

I enjoy both formats - vinyl and CD. I love browsing through the racks - again, of both formats - at record shops. That's a kind of therapy for me. I love holding the physical product in my hands. There's a much deeper connection to the music and the artist. It's the whole experience. When I look at my record & CD collection I can see my whole life in there. So many memories and experiences - all reflected in the music (and the packaging). Who wouldn't want that? Not true music nuts like us, I suppose. Anyway, well done, Phil, for championing ALL formats. You're seeing through the clickbate headlines and making good sense of it all.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Clive, your comment follows on so well from Kevin's. You are so right, our whole lives are in our collections. A music collection is like a private art collection, even without being played it can bring joy, hope and comfort. Every format is valid, they all help form a connection to events in our lives and the artist. Phil

[@clivesnowden4348]

@@NowSpinningMagazine That's so true. It really does bring joy, hope and comfort.

[@DorianPaige00]

There's an arithmetic function here you may or may not be taking into account. The labels themselves and retail network may cannibalize sales but discontinuing to offer a given format. We saw that in the late 80's when titles became few on vinyl due to profitable margin and thus new sales of vinyl were shrinking even more. Labels are not offering as many titles for download. Often you could never pay for a full album on download as some tracks would be withheld. For catalog titles, Concord has done very little to offer the Fantasy catalog on cd. They've played a dirty game of offering cd-r's for core catalog titles. That leaves a very sour taste much like relying on a streaming service and having that service lose the rights to music on your playlists. Music libraries that were downloaded can't be backed up in Amazon cloud and libraries can get jumbled, be tough to access, and if you clicked on the wrong button, replaced with new versions. All of these issues lead to the demise and downturn of a given format. Furthermore, used sales are never included in the sales numbers which is in essence what drives a given market (a think that term again was "catalog".) Used sales are a leading indicator.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Autumn, thank for watching and for you very informative and important comment. That is a great addition is helping us understand the story behind the numbers. Phil

[@the80slivehere]

Thanks, Phil. I love your analysis! Viva La CD! - Heather

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Heather, thank you for watching. So pleased you enjoyed it - Phil :)

[@johnthompson7611]

Great update Phil.Let us not forget that second hand markets are an influence on the revival (Am I right in thinking your reports are based on the sale of new cds?). When shopping for vinyl that is second hand you have to make an appraisal of its condition looking for scratches,scuffs etc. Then there's the concept of the worn out vinyl with that rumble occuring. So there is a bit of a leap of faith here when purchasing sometimes unless its in absolute mint condition. When buying a second hand CD even if the CDs condition looks a bit ropey the chances are its still very much playable. Also you can get them cleaned up and reskimmed on these machines out there. A lot of these second hand retailers have these in the back for customers returning them. So it's less of a gamble really. The longevity aspect of the cd is underestimated in my opinion and this will enevitably play a part in its revival. Especially with those limited edition releases.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi John, thank you for watching and your very informative comment. The points you make are very important. I am seeing a more younger music fans at record fairs. Thank you for mentioning the process of resurrecting poorly looked after CDs. You are right they can be brought back to life very well. There is also a big demand now for record cleaning machines ! Phil :)

[@SaintMartins]

Started out buying vinyl as a kid in 1981, then I bought my first CD in 1991, since then i only buy a recording on vinyl if it's exclusively only available in that format. CD's will always be my 1st choice.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Saint, thank you for watching. I am the same as you. Phil :)

[@moodlefyful]

Really interesting & informative show!..I enjoy both vinyl and CD....sometimes I'll purchase an album on CD simply because the vinyl edition can be quite expensive...agree about the streaming...great way to discover music...not sure about the brown sauce..more of a ketchup fan.😄

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi, thank you for watching! I am similar to you. I buy mainly CD as vinyl is very expensive and so I keep that for special releases or if I find a bargain. CD box sets just work. They have really come of age and can seem like works of art in their own right. As regards a full english breakfast is has to be brown cause for me. For chips, I am with you - Ketchup - Phil :)

[@Nephilim-81]

The stabilization of a market is so aptly put, Phil. Well said and I agree. Terrific video. :)

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching, there have been some really interesting comments on this video already! Phil :)

[@unclegregs.5673]

Phil - I completely agree with you about Cherry Red Records. They are a fantastic company focusing mainly on quality reissues in some very nice packaging. I've been recently buying some box sets by such artists as Affinity, Rare Bird, and the Vapors. They specialize in collecting all (or most) of the albums and music from the vaults of these artists. And very affordable! Glad that you're an advocate of them!

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Uncle Greg, thank you for watching, Cherry Red deserve the mention as they have made me aware of a lot of bands and music I missed first time around. The presentation of their box sets has just got better overtime as well. Phil

[@vagabond197979]

I love buying great sounding CDs for 3 to 5 dollars when the comparable LP version costs 30 to 50 dollars. The pendulum has seemingly swung back to CDs being a good value and vinyl being overpriced.

[@ldesaes]

Fantastic video! Let's support the artists and buy physical media!!

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi, thank you for watching. That is what Now Spinning is all about. So pleased you enjoyed it - Phil :)

[@mrglasses8953]

The one thing I hate about CDs is the plastic jewel boxes most come it. I much prefer the ones that come in custom cardboard boxes, it's basically a mini record then. Or even plastic soft cases - one of the most interesting cases I have is Tony De Vit's Limited Edition "Live in Tokyo"

[@roadrash2005]

As a person that owns a 1000 cd’s I hate cardboard. Jewel cases are replaceable and can look like new while my digipacks get bent and squished and can never look new ever again. I’d have a jewel case for every cd if I could.

[@mrglasses8953]

@@roadrash2005 Jewel cases are easy to replace when they break (which happens a lot) and they're certainly more robust that digipacks. But there are other, better options.

[@derekthompson1759]

Great article Phil, very enjoyable. The problem with streaming as you says its background music. Christmas Day 1972 my Mother & Father bought me Deep Purple in Rock, Deep Purple Fireball and Led Zep 2. I was 15 years of age and had never heard those albums. Image my delight on Christmas Day playing those 3 albums on vinyl. It must have meant something to me as I remember it so well and I have those 3 albums on display in my music room. Move forward to today and that delight has gone. A new album is released (take the new Jethro Tull album for instance), a quarter of it has been streamed months before release day. Image if they had done that with Dark Side of the Moon. So I totally agree with what you are saying except I don't agree that that the sausage is the main part of the breakfast. That has to go to the fried egg !!

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Derek, that you for watching and sharing your story. That must have been a great Christmas, such classic albums. You made me realise I can also remember family Christmases and what albums I had. I have just ordered the new Jethro Tull album. Phil

[@derekthompson1759]

@@NowSpinningMagazine Hi Phil, I will be getting the new Tull album, but first I need to collect another 5 albums of a great band that I have discovered 50 years too late, Procol Harum. What a classic band. Keep up the great work, you are now required viewing!! All the Best, Derek

[@martinmullen71]

Physical music you cannot beat it, I will support it always especially knowing more money goes to the artist !!

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching, I agree 100% Phil

[@davidmarshall5596]

Another excellent review by your good self!!! All this has been 'created' by technology & the younger generation it is aimed at!! Well the world 🌎 needs to realise there are more of us 'oldies' than youngsters & we are "WISE' in what we want..& now we are seeing it being taken a little more seriously & bloody right ✅ too..! Keep up the great work doing your bit to promote what the people really want 👍

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi David, thank you for watching and your supportive words - I think we are making a difference now.. little by little - Phil :)

[@jegarajramoo3873]

The Riverside album is really cool. Both CD and Vinyl in a single package. That should be the concept in releasing physical media. Imagine releasing an album with CD, Vinyl and cassette in one package. That will be a collector's paradise.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Jegaraj, exactly! I would be the same. I would hope bands and record labels start to realise that music fans that buy CD or vinyl are the same people. Different format bundles is a good way forward. Thank you for watching. Phil :)

[@davidmarshall5596]

The good thing is Phil when 'BIG' operations start realising their is 'money 💰' to be made.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

That is usually the tipping point!

[@bobby666666]

Long live the CD. As just seen on the Website, they can be obtained secondhand for very little money. Not everyone has Vinyl funds.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Robert, the CD is still very much my format of choice. Although very many can be picked up cheaply some are more rare than their vinyl counterparts. I am after an album by Montrose called mean and the CD is £40+ and the vinyl album about £10.

[@bobby666666]

@@NowSpinningMagazine Yea, it can work the other way too. Vinyl can sometimes still be cheaper.

[@3015axe2]

Nostalgia is fine, and collections are fine, but in terms of timbre and dynamics, vinyl records are poor compared to CDs.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. Phil

[@darlenegoodwin]

Come to think of it, streaming services would be very boring only if you have it. No physical media in your hands. For there's KZbin there's CDS right next to it. I can switch and it wouldn't be as boring.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Darlene, thank you for watching. I agree, very good point! Phil :)

[@darlenegoodwin]

@@NowSpinningMagazine thank you sir

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

You are welcome, thank you for supporting my channel. Phil :)

[@darlenegoodwin]

@@NowSpinningMagazine you're welcome

[@LowNoiseJasonSkilz]

CDs will become the new cool. Just like tapes are lately. Record market is bloated and over priced. Too many novelty pressings, color vinyl etc. Box sets for a single Beatles album.. its peak vinyl now. Just like comic books with the junky multiple varient covers etc peaked in the 2000s and sales plummeted.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Jason, thank you for watching. Vinyl sales are about 1.5% up this year. I think it is levelling off now. Phil :)

[@LowNoiseJasonSkilz]

@@NowSpinningMagazine i just got back from a record shop today. Scooped up 5 used CDs for cheaper than 1 new vinyl album. Of course I already own over 8,000 records so its easy to say Im moving on from vinyl soon. Haha