Casparcritique: CDs in the post-modern age (part 2)

One of my first blogs for CasparSongs dealt with the question if we should hang on to our CDs, now that online streaming of music is gaining strength. The blog dealt with the way we choose our tunes, the quality of the sound, and vinyl albums as an example of how old music carriers might be en vogue again in the future. Last night I had an interesting conversation about this with my friend Maurits. He pointed out that there is also a technical side to this from the part of the sustainability. Apparently, CDs might run the risk that its coating wears down. Does this alter my advise to hang to your CDs?


It is certainly true that bloggers and other media have written about this problem. (for example: http://rense.com/general52/themythofthe100year.htm) Much has got to do with the quality of the product. In many ways, manufacturers have sought options to make it cheaper, experimenting with coatings that might wear down after a while. So, there is a real problem there. From what I have found out, it is likely that some CD-Rs are better than others. We should not take our chances that way, and let's not rely too much on the long-term saving qualities. Personally, I do not see too much problems arising with original CDs, as you can see what are good quality CDs, and what are not. Do not rely on cheap CD-Rs, or copied vinyls from unknown labels. Most of the information we find on the net tells us that the 30 year period is sort of the minimum CDs should be able to last. Interestingly, it has been 30 years now since CDs started to replace vinyl. That means that soon we will found out for ourselves.

Still, we do run the risk of losing some special ones along the way. As Maurits told me, his very first CD, Bob Marley live, is not audible anymore. The black spots you can see on the photo is where the coated paint that was used when manufactured has worn down. That is a real bummer. And, it got me thinking of course, if I could remember my first one, and what it's state would be like... Not an easy one, mind you. I believe the first vinyl I bought was The Joshua Tree by U2. As far as CDs are concerned, there are two possibilities. Either it was Freaky Styley by the Red Hot Chili Peppers which I got from my brother as a gift, or else Robert Cray Band with their second album called Bad Influence. Luckily, they're both in mint conditions, bearing dear memories for me. Some silvery discs I will never dispose of. That was not what Maurits thought: just the other day, he got rid of his complete collection...