datay:basshead:
i hope cd players do die off. not because of the cd player, but because of cd's - they are rubbish. digital downloads dont skip when you play them, dont rot away over time and dont get lost at parties.
I agree, the thing is: I've always felt that the cover art and liner notes (whatever form they take, sometimes very little) are part of the package. I started out buying records in the 80s, and of course LP sleeves were works of art in their own right, then also gatefold and box sets...The scale was reduced with CDs, but still some great and innovative packaging. I am guessing that along with digital downloads we will soon be able to order the accompanying booklet. I am sure some will call this attitude shallow and that this has nothing to do with the music, but for me and I'm sure many others that is simply not true. Music needs a context, and artwork/photos/notes etc, provide that.
i don't think that attitude is shallow, i agree with you that music needs a context. this is why i still love going to record fairs (the one in southampton can be pretty good). I love discovering vinyl from 10 years ago or so which is now out of print and un-available, i cherish these songs/albums and they mean so much more to me than just the music its self. I would never, however, buy second hand cd's from any record fair or charity shop, as i would have no faith in the cd playing properly when i get it home.