Woolworths give up on long-forgotten “compact disc” format for singles; record companies seek new licences to print money

compact disc Woolworths give up on long forgotten compact disc format for singles; record companies seek new licences to print money ‘Twas but a matter of time, but it’s still kind of sad to think that, in a few months, you’ll be able to walk into your local Woolies and see no more CD singles being grabbed and flung about by toddlers in pushchairs. And not because they’re banning nippers.
Nope, the once cutting-edge compact disc is on its last legs as a high street retail audio concern, and it’s all because of you (and me) turning to downloads. Of course the death of the CD has been mooted ever since that there internet thing started making it easier to obtain music, and this is just another step in that direction.
Sad times. But, nostalgia aside, I think the record industry did pretty well out of the CD single.

I mean, they cost like minus 30p to produce, or something. Beyond the lead track they usually have nothing more than studio offcuts and phoned-in remixes to recommend them.
And the money they used to charge for them! I distinctly remember paying like £3.99 for singles on their first day of release - for one song! Never mind that other bits and bobs were tacked on in an attempt at convincing me I was getting value for money - the purchase was never about them.
It was about the all-consuming need to possess the song that wouldn’t stop going round in my head, and that’s something that can be done without leaving my chair these days.
So farewell, CD singles. It’s been real. And if it’s any consolation I’ll hold on to you few I still own for a little while yet, for the simple reason that I’m too darn lazy to think about getting rid of you. I’m also too lazy to buy coasters, so there may be life in you yet.
[source: Gigwise]