The cost of LP's and CD's - an observation


Back just before CD's, Albums were usually around $6-8.00, cutout less, double albums a bit more. When CD's first came out they were 'premium' items and cost $10-15.00, slowly the prices for CD's came down and records slowly all went down to a buck or two then disappeared. Now it's reversed, CD's are a few bucks, new Albums are usually around $15 to 25.00. (I didn't figure out the inflation rate, someone else can add that in) . And those cutouts can now be worth a small fortune. I just thought this reversal was interesting. Of course with Streaming, music of any quality is very cheap.


128x128deadhead1000
thank you for the comments about the ’Ferit Odman’ rec. we need more music recorded and played like that. :-)

I would not venture into saying that they think of current music as not being the golden age for the music they like. And they like it, no doubt about it.

well....maybe....but all we have to do is look at the 80’s music to realize how little youth liking the music might matter. in the winds of time it’s like it never happened. time has not been kind to it. i suspect today's music might not be much better.
I distinctly remember new CD's, at their height in the mid-2000s, regularly costing $18.99 or so
Wait a second, 1980s? Has there been a more fun year than 1983 or 1984?
One thing that should be considered is longevity.  CDs backed-up on HD can last forever (can be restored), while LPs will develop over time more noise and pops (that I cannot tolerate).  Of course one can make analog tape copy or digitize LP, but original media cannot be recreated from it.

Also, according to RIAA, copying CDs (for non-commercial use) on Audio CD-Rs is perfectly legal, since royalties are paid (included in the price of Audio CD-R).  CD I copy from my friend doesn't have box/booklet but it cost about $0.25   It is not only the way to save money, but mostly to legally obtain CDs that are impossible to buy.
it’s not just that analog is better, but that the recording process served the music and music making, much better then. and the musicians were....more special.

Imagine: one take, no mix-downs- and all recorded to a standard far in excess of the finest playback systems of the day. Lightning in a bottle. Special, indeed.