I am an older music buyer who has been buying music since the 70's and have vinyl, jewel cases, digipaks and boxsets of all shapes and sizes. I do like the Japanese CD, they are well packaged and a nice size and look very tactile so I would have no problem in buying them to add to my collection.
Paper is cheap, but you can make it as fancy as you like, but for most it will be about the price. Record companies will encourage anything for a bigger percentage.
Hi Fi systems/CD Player manufacturers might be missing trick too Phil. A good proportion of homes up to late 80s/early 90s had home stereo systems with speakers. All but gone now and music listened to on shitty phone speakers, which is sacrilege in my book. Air has to move for music to be truly appreciated. Everything is becoming digitised now, all to easy to erase art forms, physical copy is a must for music, books, dvds. You own it outright.
A true music fan is someone who takes time out of their day to choose an album and then just sit there and listen to it *WHILE DOING NOTHING ELSE*. Yes, I agree that doing so in front of a reasonably good hi-fi system is the best way to do that, but ultimately I've also got a real buzz from an album just sitting on a chair in the sunshine watching the sea and listening to an album through headphones from my mobile phone. It's the act of just focusing on the music alone that's important and gets the best out of it - having it playing in the gym, while out jogging, doing the ironing or any other activity is just providing some stimulation away from a boring and repetitive activity, but you're not truly absorbing the music. This also explains why so much modern music is complete plastic trash, because it's just there to be background noise while people do other things - it's not designed to be thought about or to think about the lyrics being sung at you. For the record, I do not stream any music - streaming services are a complete rip-off to the musicians, I only buy music on physical media. But I do rip my albums myself to my own music server (in the FLAC lossless format) and then just "convert and copy" to MP3 if I need to stick albums onto a mobile phone to listen to when away from home.
I would buy these although of course they will be more expensive. Sadly I can't help thinking that increasing prices are what might kill physical product in the end, it all depends on how on many people are willing to pay for it.
The packaging is a tiny factor in pricing. LPs cost more because they are in demand by collectors willing to pay the higher price. Profit margins on records are high these days. You could argue that more attractive packaging will increase demand for CD format & that may boost prices.
Re:digipacks…I wish disks were easier to take out without getting fingerprints on them. The recent Keane Hopes and Fears 20th Anniversary set was slightly bigger than usual to allow each CD to have its own cardboard sleeve and I’d love to see more of that.
Dear Phil, Thank You for mentioning my comment of ''7'' inch CDs as The Future of CD'' question; which means You care. 💚 Well, I guess I already answered the question in the comment; but let's see! When I started collecting Japanese Paper Sleeve CDs on 2008, I read about them; I knew they are better than US and Europe editions; 'though the fonts on artworks were small and sometimes hard to read; but the rest is Very Good! High Quality CDs (SHM, SACD, Blu-spec 1&2, HQCD, and recently MQA) and they fill less space. They were publishing hundreds of precious anniversary editions of great labels like Island, A&M, Polydor, Purple, Motown, EMI, Reprise, Elektra... all in Paper Sleeves; who could miss that! Do I like my collection!? I Love It! 💜 When I bought 7'' inch CDs of Jeff Beck on epic from Sony Music Japan; I was not sure if I like them. Now, I believe they are Perfect in Quality and Size. But let's not go Bigger!! I know about the shelves issue; all collectors have the new space matter for new formats. Fortunately I had already the right drawers for 7'' inch CDs made before. I might buy some records that I already have in 7'' inch CD format; 'cuz there are more cool stuff inside 7'' inch CDs. I hope companies in US and Europe start manufacturing 7'' inch CDs; but with right quality and price! I like digipacks too and I agree with You about 7'' inch CD format and I think this new format would encourage new CD collectors. Kind Regards... Behnam
I guess I count as younger-ish being in my early 40s. CD was always king for me (cool though vinyl is) mostly due to versatility and its relatively compact nature. Wnat to spin a physical disc? Done. Want to rip a disc so you can take it on the go? No problem. So, the packaging change doesn't hurt anything, but I would have the concern that it would be justification for rather stupid inflation of prices for basic releases. Similar concept to those box sets that staple on vinyl to CD/DVD/Blu-Ray and then double the price. Gotta say though, I'll always prefer jewel cases. Replaceable parts, easily sourced... You can keep a CD going strong and looking great by keeping a few on hand if it's housed in one of those. Digipacks and the new soft packs though? I've had CDs delivered in those that were already broken or cracked because of being manhandled in transit. Let alone moving with them and all that sort of thing. Kind of miss when the cases were meant to PROTECT the contents.
To clarify: I chose Jewel cases because they are more difficult to damage as digipak’s get damaged easily. On the flipside, I prefer digipak’s from an artistic perspective because there’s more printable area and an opportunity to provide more context visually. That being said, I would buy these larger format digipak’s of the industry chose to go with this format ❤️
Interesting topic Phil. I am old school and I like a physical product, out of the three physical formats I have, I prefer the sound of the CD, LPs take too much looking after and deteriorate over time, cassettes also deteriorate, Lps are great to hold and look at, so I would love it if these Japanese CDs were available over in this part of the world. I don't stream but I have most of my collection digitised on hard drives and some that I couldn't get on physical. Great video as usual Phil.
One of the reasons people love vinyl is cos of the size of the artwork, i am firmly in the camp of unless you have a very high end stereo (and most dont) the cd sounds better than vinyl, but why cant we have the same packaging? Just give us the vinyl gatefold with slots for the cd’s in the back, we all love big physical media why does that have to be dictated by the size of the disc needed to play it?
As an old music lover I hang long passed the attraction of the packaging. A simple picture on one side and track listing/credits would do me fine. To me it's all about the quality of the recording, music, songs, the mastering (take your pick) that is most important. Generally once I've read everything through I don't read it again except to settle discussions or as a reference. I simply want to get it on the TT or in the player, get to my favourite listening spot and LOVE that music, AND, when it's quality, JUST FEEL A HUGE SMILE SEEPING THROUGHOUT ME or DANCE AROUND MY KITCHEN. Gawjus. Thanks Phil for a great talking point and channel. Please keep them coming.
My collection is pretty much complete except for special edition releases every now and then. Classic rock from the 60's,70's and 80's and some of the 90's. When you bought a ticket for a concert and payed between $4.00 and $6.00 and that was in the 1970's. I saw Jethro Tull on the 'Thick s a Brick' tour for $6.50 with 'Wild Turkey' Those were the good old days. I was born in 1955 and I still listen to my classic rock music on CD's every weekend.
Like i said before, Phil if this comes here Im in 💯 i have thousands of cds 9/10 jewel case. Given the choice Ill always choose jewel case but will happily switch if this 7" size packaging makes it way to us. Just to add i also have load of vinyl.
Fully agree with the demographic comment. So many kids these days are buying vinyl at ludicrous prices - no longer can you fill up your Christmas list with 10 albums, lucky if you get 2. I like this format, but also annoying that some albums, especially the Japanese - looking at Paul McCartney's latest 5 releases here - differ in size again. Consistency would be a good thing across the industry. Certainly the square format works and looks good and so I guess if its 3", 7" or 12" so be it (as you increase in size you get more "tat" haha).
I stream for two reasons, one, to check something out to determine if I want a physical copy and two, I stream albums that I enjoy, but not enough to shell out real money for. So, I guess I'm part of both demographics. I'm sure I'm not alone. Such interesting times. Oh yeah, I'm with you Phil, digi pak all the way!
I have about 5k cd’s and recently bought a cd from Japan which arrived in 7” packaging! I initially thought “Oh no. I ordered the wrong format”. Once I got over the initial surprise I was pleased by all the additional material I found inside. Initially I thought only in Japan. But, for fans of artists, and those who used to listen to LPs whilst reading liner notes this could be BIG. Record labels are are always looking for ways to increase profit and this would surely do it for them. Like when CDs were originally launched, I’m sure there are people who would replace CDs they already have. Especially if the sound quality improves or bonus tracks are added. Artists could sell these at their concerts to raise their own revenue too So, perhaps we should be keeping a closer eye on this new development. 🎉
Sadly , new cars don't have cd players anymore ... Personally , I prefer digi-paks but I would buy the new format , and I have loads of the old cases ( I'm not that bothered about packaging ) . A properly remastered new CD ( if the album is older ) is my favourite format ( sound wise ) as great improvements can be heard on a reasonable quality system / set up ... Vinyl was obviously the format that initially got most of us hooked ( especially in the gatefold cover / rock era ) , but the modern day brand new prices ( especially of older recordings ) are beyond extortion in my view . Long live the cd format !
I understand why some won’t like a new size but I have box sets of all different sizes. I say the bigger the better. The more extras in the box the better. It’s all part of the experience of physical media. Nothing beats an album for size but I like CDs and streaming better. My vinyl is in boxes and will stay there. Thanks for the video and discussion. Rock on!
I'm 48 and would welcome different sized packaging. The lowest shelf is always reserved for oversize box set items. I'm actually building a barn home for my 80,000 cd collection.
I'm 57 years old and would love it: I have vinyl, I have CD's and box sets with different media. I prefer vinyl from the time of analogue recordings but I also buy some new vinyl releases for the beauty of their packaging or the beauty of the vinyl record itself. If these style of 7" CD digipacks would be available for a price under 20 Euros I can imagine it can win a young audience to buy this instead of only streaming. This new 7" format could also be used for more bonus like an additonal BluRay with live video or special audio mixes or demos - we have this already in book format CD boxsets. Such things like photos, a band family tree, ticket stubs could also be included in this 7" digipack format. Using the whole range of content it certainly could be higher priced especially for bands with a grown fanbase. The cheaper once with less content but beautiful cover artwork in 7" digipack format to gain interest for newer and upcoming bands. The bands which came as one of the first offering their CD album in this new 7" digipack format have a good chance to get special attention with their release in music magazines, record shops, mailorders, social media and at the merch desk.
Well, Phil, I don't want to come off like a moldy fig, but the reason I initially liked the CD format was the size compared to vinyl. I was given the Hot Rats box set a few years ago, and the packaging in a 12inch box immediately caused storage problems for me. It dwarfed my everyday Zappa CDs, and basically requires the purchase of a bookshelf to file such packaging in. I see the same situation with the Japanese packaging. It requires a bookshelf. I'm even pickier about bookshelves, I would rather buy full wood shelves, but usually shelves sold in the west have this tack board backing, which basically compromises the integrity, and longevity of the bookshelf. For this reason, most of my rather large book collection resides in boxes instead of being easily accessible, and on display. So keep the CD compact, digipacks are fine, jewel cases inevitably break during shipping, and have to be replaced anyway, besides the environmental concerns about plastic. Plus one more comment. The Japanese always out-class the Americans in packaging our beloved CDs. The U.S. would surely cheapen this packaging over time.
The way I have always viewed streaming is it should never have been allowed to affect chart positions. I know its too late to change that, but there is something we can do to adopt a more friendly service between streams and sales. My belief is we should change the rules so that streams are only used as a vehicle to test songs or albums to see if we like them enough to purchase them. Its reported that a lot of royalties are not paid to artists through unfair streaming services, so we urgently need to curb that. We need to encourage the interest of the physical media in general, not just CD's if this music industry is to stay alive in my opinion.
Really interesting topic this, CDs are definitely still relevant - but a way to package them as more of a tangible, special thing might bring a bit more respect to them - and not just a thing to sling to gig-goers after the show.
A 7" design works out as a 10" square package. As i had commented on the previous video, i feel an intermediate size at an 8" square design would be better (6" x 6") and still feel fairly compact but have a big improvement to its art size, booklet readability, bigger posters etc. Possibly a 9" square (6.5" x 6.5") but at this point we are just apeing what vinyl is and losing the CD's indentity, unless it is strictly for special editions. I would have no problem with the 8" being an actual replacement for the base CD size though. That said, there's no reason we can't have dynamic, non-brick walled masterings on all CD's, especially as its niche and should be targeting enthusiasts. Thats priority.
Let's be honest here for one minute. CDs have increased in price *DRAMATICALLY* since the 2021-2021 lock downs because people were staying indoors and spending more money on entertainment - retailers, particularly big online ones, took advantage of this and bumped up their prices. Even though you tell us that the popularity of physical media has increased dramatically since then, which should mean that manufacturing prices decrease as more copies are made, those prices have not come down. And that's due to too many greedy entities in that chain from manufacturer to customer all "taking their cut". There's no way we existing CD buyers are going to be getting that prestige packaging format at the same price that we get our CDs at and I am sure the manufacturers know this. We're also a lot of "old guys" who like things the way they are and have been for 40 years now with the CD format - you could argue that CDs were seen as a "gimmick" when they first came out and many of us abandoned buying new vinyl very quickly in favour of them. If it's a young demographic that wants this prestige format then good luck to them - it's probably not that different to us rushing to buy CDs from vinyl some 40 years ago, although ultimately there's no format change - just more cardboard, plastic and paper from my perspective. I just hope that it doesn't "split" the CD customer base to a point where less copies of each album are made and, yet again, we get another completely unjustifed price increase.
Hi Terry, physical media sales have increased but they are still niche. Overall it's about 15% of the overall market in the UK. CD manufacturing prices have increased 4 times in the last 12 months. Pressing runs are very small now from 100 - 4000 copies. Many vinyl releases are 150 - 300 copies. The numbers I am quoting here are for new and independent bands selling their albums via Bandcamp and their own website and at gigs. Just as we have seen our energy bills increase and the price of Olive Oil a jar of coffee etc so have musicians. So many of the many I talk to can't afford to sell a CD for £10 or a vinyl alsom for £20. The price is around £18 for a CD and £30 for a vinyl album. I think CDs arrived at that price in the late 80s early 90s so it seems fair for a band doing its best against streamings and less physical sales and no record label support. I do agree 100% that some big labels see the older demographic as a cash cow to try and get as much out of them as possible when it come to reissue box sets. Not all of them do this but some certainly do. The perceived value is down to each of us. For example I recently criticised the price of the forthcoming Queen 1 Deluxe Set and was quickly told by many Queen fans in our FB group that they had already pre-ordered it! What we will see is Amazon becoming less competitive as labels, bands and outlets like Burning Shed stop sending them stuff and sell music directly. A friend of mine has just ordered 'Born in The USA' in this new Japanese 7" format and loves it. It cost quite a bit and it is very limited, but he is happy! The cheaper jewel case will survive but we will see more limited and yes expensive edition for uber fans. Thank you for your comment - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine I am still buying more CDs than ever, even stuff I have already bought once as remasters, box sets and special editions - so I do my bit in supporting musicians, and it's the main reason I will *NOT* subscribe to streaming services because musicians get a terrible deal from those. But let's be honest here, and I go back to my example of the "Anno Domini" box set - the only reason the big online retailer had put it on special offer at $50 is that not enough people were buying it for $80, which was the original price they had it up for. So, yes, I accept manufacturing costs overall have increased but we've also got the "greedy middle men" acting as monopolies and trying their hardest to rip us off - and then having to reduce prices to get rid of stock. And *ABSOLUTE KUDOS* to Burning Shed and their ilk - that was a *FANTASTIC* move them re-releasing the four Jethro Tull box sets at a very fair retail price recently, and I snapped those up immediately, especially as they were the only 4 JT sets I didn't have. And they are *GREAT* value for money!
The Anno Domini" box set is a brilliant example. BMG were the same on the other Sabbath Deluxe sets which were priced at around £99 while you could buy the Rhino equivalent from the USA for half the price. Eventually the price dropped in the UK to match this.
@@NowSpinningMagazine I don't own any of the other Sabbath box sets yet, just the Deluxe Versions from a few years ago - I will get around to picking up those I can still find at a good price eventually. To be honest, shopping around more makes what I buy feel a bit more "special" anyway, so it's a positive thing to be doing.
@@NowSpinningMagazine PS. The big retailer is asking £143 for the Anno Domini box set at this moment in time - so not sure what is happening there, apart from another one of their rip-offs.
Thanks Phil for acknowledging me into the "younger demographic". I am 54, been collecting CD's and Vinyl for years and I love the idea. I would definitely buy them in that presentation. I would take it further though to DVD's and Blue-Ray etc.
I'm 60 yes old, Phil... I LOVE 'digipaks' and I would absolutely immediately jump over to these new Japanese 7" CD packaging in a heartbeat!! They look great, there's more room for photos and liner notes etc.. but most importantly...I'm a 100% TACTILE person!! I have an intrinsic need to OWN, sit down with a coffee, hold, read, and pour over my CDs or Vinyls, like they are "precious stones"! Jewel cases... happy to see the death of them!! This beautiful, tactile, new cardboard packaging, is definitely the way to go!! 👌👍
Great points Phil. I prefer the physical copy of the CD as I want to support the artists. Unfortunately car manufacturers want to encourage streaming by not including a CD player which is really annoying or is it just me?
I would buy CD packages like that. But I also would worry about the price. If the price is the same as vinyl records. I would buy very few. Just go back to the regular CD. But I do think they should try different things with CDs just to see how people feel about it. They just need to keep the price reasonable.
What I can conclude is we are having a revolution in physical media packaging ! Even cassettes are being seen as creative artwork. It is like a Renaissance in physical media. I'm all for it.
Why make the new digi pak packaging so much larger than the circumference of the CD itself? It defeats one of the biggest advantages of CDs - they take up so much less space than LPs when stored. Total waste of space.
These 7" vinyl-esque designs work out as being 10" square. I like the idea of bigger packaging but not that big. I'd prefer something along the lines of 8" square (6" x 6"). To me, this still feels compact enough but could be a luxurious upgrade over what we currently have. It would allow for noticeably bigger artwork and booklets etc without being excessive.
Remember when cd's came in long boxes. That soon fell away. Also it's going to be a way of charging 20 pounds. Music should be accessible for all, not a lucky few, who can afford it. Anyway thanks Phil, for getting us thinking!!
I like my stuff to be the same. I started buying Uriah Heep CD's all over again (for the sixth time) when they brought out the two disc digipaks. Then after around six albums, they changed to jewel case and my OCD took a nosedive. Likewise, I bought Leaves Eyes "King of Kings" album in a nice 5"x6" hardback book format with a CD inside each cover. It was part 1 of a trilogy yet the following two albums were digipak and didn't match. I do prefer digipaks to jewel cases but some digipaks opening in six directions are a bit overkill.
I'd go for the 7". As for a 12" version, if an artist is putting out LPs anyway, why not do some for CDs as well. I also bet the nature of this argument would have been the same at the birth of the cassette and CD.
Have one, it was an import and not cheap. However storage not that hard, in with other outsized box sets, DVD and BluRay. Problem solved. Lovely package it is too …
to me there's more questions than answers. - in short, would i buy a cd in the hypothetical new packaging? no. mainly because i have approx 2000 cd's IN case logic cd cases (that hold the jewel cases) i don't like cardboard cd wallets because it will always get messed up in time. digi-paks are ok as they have a tray for the cd to hold it but the outside art usually gets scuffs and marks. so jewel cases win because they're easy to replace. - that fancy packaging takes too much effort to get TO the cd. if i want fancy packaging i want it in a box set. - is that japan release a limited edition? japan is known for limited editions and extravagant packaging is really crazy with k pop / j pop. its probably a "japan only" thing. - jewel cases are a made from a oil byproduct, which is why digi-paks and cardboard cd wallets became the norm for the most part. they can still be avail but most likely only if its worth the investment (aka big band = buck$) - "IF" the new packaging became the norm today, young people may not have a choice to buy it as a physical copy IN a jewel / digi / cardboard case.
Hi Phil. I love the new Japanese format…but…I have custom built shelves for my CD collection which number approximately 2000 and growing every day. I also own 100+ box sets scattered around my listening area. If I could accommodate the larger format I would be all in, in a heartbeat.
I love buying CDs... Jewel case Digi fold out packs CDs.. I just purchased Bruce Springsteen's Born In The USA 40th anniversary Japanese edition 4disc set done in the replica viynl.. The packaging and sound is absolutely awesome... Love Japanese CDs ❤
Hi Phil, over in Japan they already do 12 inch vinyl covers for cds, l have Sticky Fingers by the Stones, complete with zip. Also it’s a gatefold. Love your channel, always watch it. I like your review recently of Dave Gilmours new album, agreed superb music. 🎸👍
Very interesting. The music industry needs to engage with younger people and this format could be the way to go. Vinyl expensive, paper booklets much cheaper but still cool.
The curse of awkward packaging! I’ve got a few of these 7inch style CD sets - and they are lovely - BUT they don’t quite fit anywhere storage wise - 1st world problems though and if it keeps CDs going then great , especially if they have multiple discs
The main problem with CD's is 9 out of 10 bought have a damaged booklet, either creased, scuffed or a big fold down the pages. Digipaks are even worse because they get easily damaged unless you keep them in a plastic bag or bubble wrap bag. These over sized ones that you are showing look ridiculous and i would never buy one. Have no storage space for them.
Speaking of formats ... When Iron Maiden brought out their "Daughter to the Slaughter" single, it was relesed on 7" vinyl / 12" vinyl / 7" vinyl pic disc / 12" vinyl pic disc / and cassette tape. No CD because only 5 formats were allowed whilst in the charts. The CD was only released after the single had dropped from the charts. Who on earth would buy the cassette tape over a CD?
I really feel like the CD market is a one of those arenas where nobody needs to reinvent the wheel. CDs are my format of choice. I actively resent some of the non-standard packaging I've seen on certain CDs lately. It just makes managing a whole bunch of CDs that bit more unwieldy.
Formats ... stick to one. We've had 8-track tape (nothing to play them on now), cassette tape (once chewed up can't be replaced anymore), vinyl, CD, MP3 downloads (dead money). Worth noting that vinyl albums usually contain around 25 minutes per side and a double album would typically be around 80 minutes. Most CD albums these days are more than an hour long but because a single CD can easily fit a vinyl double album, the prestige of a double album is lost.
Does the younger market actually want a copy of the vinyl or CD. A proportion of these buyers do not own a turntable or CD player. They are making a purchase as a means of supporting the artist. Perhaps there is a market for booklets and artwork with a digital download of the music.
WTH, my comment was deleted. While I mostly have been buying downloads on Bandcamp, I did make exceptions for the Black Sabbath - Sabotage and Rupert Hine - Surface Tension box sets, as well as, what Fire Records calls "bookback," replcating a hardcover book, with The Jazz Butcher, The Dream Syndicate and Pere Ubu special editions. The first three Wire albums were released on deluxe bookback editions a few years back that match the dimensions of the Japanese ones you're talking about. I'd certainly buy more of those if the prices can be kept sane, like under $50. Top of mind are Comsat Angels. I was chuffed when Renascent released them on CD for the first time ever in the early 00s, but they were skinny and flimsy, couldn't even see them on the shelf due to lack of spines, so they are prime candidates for deluxe reissues as popularity continues to grow for that underrated band along the lines of The Sound.
Coincidentally, Rhino is reissuing the first three Sound albums on colored vinyl on Nov 29. I really wish they'd also do hardcover bookbacks. They are releasing Talking Heads: 77 in a bookback with Blu-Ray Atmos & 5.1 on Nov 8, but man, is it expensive, 3x more than Stop Making Sense. I'll have to look out for sales. I see they also have these in that packaging: David Bowie - Rock 'n' Roll Star The Darkness - Permission to Land 20th Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick 50th Jethro Tull - A 40th Jethro Tull - The Broadsword and the Beast 40th Marillion - Fugazi
K Pop music is releasing singles and eps with cards, pictures, stickers. For heavy metal and hard rock for the collectors, and nostalgic sentimentalists it will be awesome. Creativity is the key.
I'd love that format for archival releases with substantial booklets with text and photos, like those done by Ace Records, that are hampered by the small size they are printed on. Now, it doesn't matter how good the package is is if they are still mastered like sh**e.
I agree with you that CD booklets can be a bit small but I strongly object to what would ultimately be having to pay more money for a different packaging format with a bit more cardboard and paper. I actually think the record companies could give us a good service here and give we who purchase the CDs access to download PDFs of the booklets that we can read on on PCs and tablets.
You don't have to pay for it - but the fans that like this can and are. Personally I would not be interested in PDFs as I prefer everything to be in the box / package
@@NowSpinningMagazine Do bear in mind I am talking about the PDF being *ADDITIONAL* to the booklet in the CD or box set, not a *REPLACEMENT* for it. My CDs are their own backups - I rip them to my music server and they sit on a shelf until I want to flick through the booklets for a read. As I play all my music from my home server or mobile device, having a PDF format on those would be a nice thing to have.
I like these. I’ve only ever seen one Pink Floyd album in this format. And it was way overpriced! In any event, I’d get on-board with this if they also included a 7-inch with some bonus tracks…or live cuts…
Hi Phil - interesting format. I am from the older age group have approx 2500 CD's and a few hundred albums. Like you, I do love my digipaks - as you say they are more tactile and are almost like a mini album. They already come in various sizes lol, and dont quite fit on my CD racks, but that's OK. I guess these would be more expensive than the standard jewel case or digipak, so that would be an issue for me. Other than that they look really nice, and if the price was right I would go for them. Do they have a spine that shows the artist and CD title? Is it clearly visible on edge? "Myles" below mentioned that its another way of the record companies making money at the buyers expense. I dont agree with that, with physical copies being only 15% of the market then I'm all for different options for buyers and maybe even increasing the market share. If you dont like it, dont buy it - also the record companies are, believe it or not in the business of making money - right? Without them we have nothing !! Did I mention CD Box Sets Phil - WOW, how I just love them 🙂lolol Cya on the next one Doug
I don't do streaming. I own physical media 99.8% CD and 0.2% vinyl. I have ripped my CDs into FLAC. Also, should not be allowed to be labeled as re-mastered when they just compressed it to make it louder. Re-mastered must mean they have cleaned it up and made it sound better. Release Supertramp - Even in the Quietest Moments on DR Pure Audio.
I have to say i get annoyed when the packaging of a cd means it cannot go with other cds in my collection and these oddments gather in a different place. With cd box sets i stiil like to take the cds out and store them with the main collection. However i guess for young people with few cds due to streaming this new format is a likely option.
I like this format; in fact, I wish they'd put CDs in this kind of packaging from the start. I have a Bob Dylan best-of CD that was released several years ago in a package that appears to be the same size (8" x 8"). But I found it (and several others) in a closeout store -- apparently the idea hadn't caught on at that time. And I wonder -- if CDs had come this way from the start, would they seem "old hat" to younger buyers today? As someone with 1,200+ CDs, I'm not thrilled with the idea that I'd need to start a new section for this larger product, but I suppose I could live with that situation. (As yes, I also agree with another comment on this page, that a package like this is designed to cost more money-- each item in there gets marked up.)
I also have two CDs in LP-size packages -- 10cc, The Original Soundtrack, and Bowie, Heathen (a promotional package). I think I prefer the smaller versions! The LP package just seems too big for a CD.
The regular duel case. It can be replaced if it's broke plus it's smaller. I'm from New Jersey. Not in the U.K.. They look cool though. The new larger case is cool looking. I can see the appeal.. )^_-)/
There is a major problem here. IF buyers go back to these nice CD´s, they will become as expensive as vinyl now. The alternative will always be cheaper, but as soon as these CD´s take over the lead, vinyl will go down. Remember as CD´s where coming on the market, they where way more expensive than vinyl. It is the usual ripp off of the record industry, nothing else.
It will still be more expensive than a standard CD and how many of them have CD players? When they say they would buy that, how many would they buy? I would be willing to bet it will be one off purchases here and there and then fade away. I may not be part of the younger target market, but I'll bet I would buy more of this format than they would. But bring it on, see what happens.
The music is “free and we want it now” generation will not pay $26 plus shipping for a Japanese import CD. Love the channel Phil but this kind of special edition approach is for old school collectors like us - an exception to the rule packaging scenario for releases that might warrant semi-deluxe treatment.
Don't know how or why this "Vinyl is too expensive" thing started other than most folk just follow whatever is the popular opinion of the day, sadly... In the 70's the average cost of a LP was about $12 USD (you all can look inflation calc/s up but they are skewed somewhat). I agree LP's are expensive but only from the following facts; 1. Quality in both mastering, production, and manufacture 2. Most are from digital sources 3. Quality control Take away- Just another way for the greed of Record labels to extort you $$$, no thanks
CD is far from dead. Artists will go back to self promotion and production with CD . Its easier than ever to reach your fans and Artists and sell direct. Big labels are obsolete.
I would 100% invest in luxury 7” sized CD packages like that. Love it. The recent Floyd AHM “Hakone Aphrodite” Japanese set is brilliant and I’d love more of that please!
I'm happy with the digipaks. I think most of the gumph in those large CD packs wouldn't bother me at my age, I've no use for posters or loose photos of band members, books in the box sets are of more interest
This will probably disappear just like my comments on the Zep , Purple thread , not a member you see. Anyway those flimsy card digipack things are bloody awful. Cannot see that Japanese style coming here but would not mind if it did. Vinyl rules at the moment , it just means I am more selective , which probably a' int a bad thing. Will this disappear , who knows ?.
Cardboard creases in the same way a plastic case breaks if you handle them both roughly. Plus you can almost always replace a case if it cracks. Having said that, I got rid of all my "standard" single and double jewel cases anyway and my CDs and booklets are in plastic sleeves - good advice from Phil on that.
I’m in camp Digipack. Old white collector with 7000+ CDs and 200+ oversized CD Box sets that don’t fit the Ikea shelves. I have dedicated shelves for these and that’s where i have my so far one and only 7Inch CD. Santana’s Japanese Edition of Lotus. And yes I would buy more, especially if they have extra tracks. And no, I’m not ‘Multiformat’. CD only!
I love digipacks, and certainly don't mind avoiding the consternation of getting a cracked jewel case in a thinly padded package from Amazon. I do like that Japanese packaging, and I would buy well-presented releases like the one you showed.
You said NOT using jewel cases is better for the environment. Not manufacturing CD's to begin with and just streaming would be even more better. ALSO digi-packs or the Japanese 7"inch sleaves are made of paper which comes from trees that were chopped down. That's worse for the environment than plastic buried in a landfill.
As someone who love physical media including books that come from trees etc I am trying to suggest a lesser evil and something that can be sustainable and recycled.
As an older collector I’d love to buy this type of cd. It looks great.
The Jethro Tull books are the pinnacle for CD release packaging, in my opinion.
CD NUMBER ONE 👍💿
As an older consumer of physical media, I am attracted to the larger format. Never underestimate the power of having a booklet that is easier to read!
I am an older music buyer who has been buying music since the 70's and have vinyl, jewel cases, digipaks and boxsets of all shapes and sizes.
I do like the Japanese CD, they are well packaged and a nice size and look very tactile so I would have no problem in buying them to add to my collection.
Paper is cheap, but you can make it as fancy as you like, but for most it will be about the price. Record companies will encourage anything for a bigger percentage.
Hi Fi systems/CD Player manufacturers might be missing trick too Phil. A good proportion of homes up to late 80s/early 90s had home stereo systems with speakers. All but gone now and music listened to on shitty phone speakers, which is sacrilege in my book. Air has to move for music to be truly appreciated. Everything is becoming digitised now, all to easy to erase art forms, physical copy is a must for music, books, dvds. You own it outright.
There are still plenty of great CD players being manufactured. Hifi is far from dead!
Great post, agree 💯
A true music fan is someone who takes time out of their day to choose an album and then just sit there and listen to it *WHILE DOING NOTHING ELSE*. Yes, I agree that doing so in front of a reasonably good hi-fi system is the best way to do that, but ultimately I've also got a real buzz from an album just sitting on a chair in the sunshine watching the sea and listening to an album through headphones from my mobile phone.
It's the act of just focusing on the music alone that's important and gets the best out of it - having it playing in the gym, while out jogging, doing the ironing or any other activity is just providing some stimulation away from a boring and repetitive activity, but you're not truly absorbing the music. This also explains why so much modern music is complete plastic trash, because it's just there to be background noise while people do other things - it's not designed to be thought about or to think about the lyrics being sung at you.
For the record, I do not stream any music - streaming services are a complete rip-off to the musicians, I only buy music on physical media. But I do rip my albums myself to my own music server (in the FLAC lossless format) and then just "convert and copy" to MP3 if I need to stick albums onto a mobile phone to listen to when away from home.
I would buy these although of course they will be more expensive. Sadly I can't help thinking that increasing prices are what might kill physical product in the end, it all depends on how on many people are willing to pay for it.
No way this packaging would be much cheaper than vinyl. Can't see how this would be changing anything
Agreed. It will just split the CD customer base and give them an excuse to put up prices even more.
I see it being another option ( if it arrives in this part of the world)
The packaging is a tiny factor in pricing. LPs cost more because they are in demand by collectors willing to pay the higher price. Profit margins on records are high these days. You could argue that more attractive packaging will increase demand for CD format & that may boost prices.
Re:digipacks…I wish disks were easier to take out without getting fingerprints on them. The recent Keane Hopes and Fears 20th Anniversary set was slightly bigger than usual to allow each CD to have its own cardboard sleeve and I’d love to see more of that.
Dear Phil, Thank You for mentioning my comment of ''7'' inch CDs as The Future of CD'' question; which means You care. 💚
Well, I guess I already answered the question in the comment; but let's see! When I started collecting Japanese Paper Sleeve CDs on 2008, I read about them; I knew they are better than US and Europe editions; 'though the fonts on artworks were small and sometimes hard to read; but the rest is Very Good! High Quality CDs (SHM, SACD, Blu-spec 1&2, HQCD, and recently MQA) and they fill less space. They were publishing hundreds of precious anniversary editions of great labels like Island, A&M, Polydor, Purple, Motown, EMI, Reprise, Elektra... all in Paper Sleeves; who could miss that! Do I like my collection!? I Love It! 💜
When I bought 7'' inch CDs of Jeff Beck on epic from Sony Music Japan; I was not sure if I like them. Now, I believe they are Perfect in Quality and Size. But let's not go Bigger!!
I know about the shelves issue; all collectors have the new space matter for new formats. Fortunately I had already the right drawers for 7'' inch CDs made before. I might buy some records that I already have in 7'' inch CD format; 'cuz there are more cool stuff inside 7'' inch CDs.
I hope companies in US and Europe start manufacturing 7'' inch CDs; but with right quality and price!
I like digipacks too and I agree with You about 7'' inch CD format and I think this new format would encourage new CD collectors.
Kind Regards...
Behnam
I guess I count as younger-ish being in my early 40s. CD was always king for me (cool though vinyl is) mostly due to versatility and its relatively compact nature. Wnat to spin a physical disc? Done. Want to rip a disc so you can take it on the go? No problem.
So, the packaging change doesn't hurt anything, but I would have the concern that it would be justification for rather stupid inflation of prices for basic releases. Similar concept to those box sets that staple on vinyl to CD/DVD/Blu-Ray and then double the price.
Gotta say though, I'll always prefer jewel cases. Replaceable parts, easily sourced... You can keep a CD going strong and looking great by keeping a few on hand if it's housed in one of those. Digipacks and the new soft packs though? I've had CDs delivered in those that were already broken or cracked because of being manhandled in transit. Let alone moving with them and all that sort of thing. Kind of miss when the cases were meant to PROTECT the contents.
To clarify: I chose Jewel cases because they are more difficult to damage as digipak’s get damaged easily.
On the flipside, I prefer digipak’s from an artistic perspective because there’s more printable area and an opportunity to provide more context visually.
That being said, I would buy these larger format digipak’s of the industry chose to go with this format ❤️
I'm rapidly approaching my 60th Birthday and I love this new format.
Great points!
That CD packaging is the CD version of vinyl, lots of interesting stuff to check out
Interesting topic Phil. I am old school and I like a physical product, out of the three physical formats I have, I prefer the sound of the CD, LPs take too much looking after and deteriorate over time, cassettes also deteriorate, Lps are great to hold and look at, so I would love it if these Japanese CDs were available over in this part of the world. I don't stream but I have most of my collection digitised on hard drives and some that I couldn't get on physical. Great video as usual Phil.
One of the reasons people love vinyl is cos of the size of the artwork, i am firmly in the camp of unless you have a very high end stereo (and most dont) the cd sounds better than vinyl, but why cant we have the same packaging? Just give us the vinyl gatefold with slots for the cd’s in the back, we all love big physical media why does that have to be dictated by the size of the disc needed to play it?
As an old music lover I hang long passed the attraction of the packaging. A simple picture on one side and track listing/credits would do me fine. To me it's all about the quality of the recording, music, songs, the mastering (take your pick) that is most important. Generally once I've read everything through I don't read it again except to settle discussions or as a reference. I simply want to get it on the TT or in the player, get to my favourite listening spot and LOVE that music, AND, when it's quality, JUST FEEL A HUGE SMILE SEEPING THROUGHOUT ME or DANCE AROUND MY KITCHEN. Gawjus. Thanks Phil for a great talking point and channel. Please keep them coming.
My collection is pretty much complete except for special edition releases every now and then. Classic rock from the 60's,70's and 80's and some of the 90's. When you bought a ticket for a concert and payed between $4.00 and $6.00 and that was in the 1970's. I saw Jethro Tull on the 'Thick s a Brick' tour for $6.50 with 'Wild Turkey' Those were the good old days. I was born in 1955 and I still listen to my classic rock music on CD's every weekend.
Like i said before, Phil if this comes here Im in 💯 i have thousands of cds 9/10 jewel case. Given the choice Ill always choose jewel case but will happily switch if this 7" size packaging makes it way to us. Just to add i also have load of vinyl.
Fully agree with the demographic comment. So many kids these days are buying vinyl at ludicrous prices - no longer can you fill up your Christmas list with 10 albums, lucky if you get 2. I like this format, but also annoying that some albums, especially the Japanese - looking at Paul McCartney's latest 5 releases here - differ in size again. Consistency would be a good thing across the industry. Certainly the square format works and looks good and so I guess if its 3", 7" or 12" so be it (as you increase in size you get more "tat" haha).
As long as the packaging would have booklets the same size and other things included to make the purchase worth while.
I stream for two reasons, one, to check something out to determine if I want a physical copy and two, I stream albums that I enjoy, but not enough to shell out real money for. So, I guess I'm part of both demographics. I'm sure I'm not alone. Such interesting times. Oh yeah, I'm with you Phil, digi pak all the way!
I have about 5k cd’s and recently bought a cd from Japan which arrived in 7” packaging!
I initially thought “Oh no. I ordered the wrong format”. Once I got over the initial surprise I was pleased by all the additional material I found inside. Initially I thought only in Japan. But, for fans of artists, and those who used to listen to LPs whilst reading liner notes this could be BIG.
Record labels are are always looking for ways to increase profit and this would surely do it for them. Like when CDs were originally launched, I’m sure there are people who would replace CDs they already have. Especially if the sound quality improves or bonus tracks are added.
Artists could sell these at their concerts to raise their own revenue too
So, perhaps we should be keeping a closer eye on this new development. 🎉
Sadly , new cars don't have cd players anymore ... Personally , I prefer digi-paks but I would buy the new format , and I have loads of the old cases ( I'm not that bothered about packaging ) . A properly remastered new CD ( if the album is older ) is my favourite format ( sound wise ) as great improvements can be heard on a reasonable quality system / set up ... Vinyl was obviously the format that initially got most of us hooked ( especially in the gatefold cover / rock era ) , but the modern day brand new prices ( especially of older recordings ) are beyond extortion in my view . Long live the cd format !
But you can always have a new cd player put in a new car.
I understand why some won’t like a new size but I have box sets of all different sizes. I say the bigger the better. The more extras in the box the better. It’s all part of the experience of physical media. Nothing beats an album for size but I like CDs and streaming better. My vinyl is in boxes and will stay there. Thanks for the video and discussion. Rock on!
Those Jethro Tull books are my favorite. I would only buy my absolute favorites though... not entire catalogs.
The only way this will work is to keep the price competitive
I'm 48 and would welcome different sized packaging. The lowest shelf is always reserved for oversize box set items. I'm actually building a barn home for my 80,000 cd collection.
I'm 57 years old and would love it: I have vinyl, I have CD's and box sets with different media. I prefer vinyl from the time of analogue recordings but I also buy some new vinyl releases for the beauty of their packaging or the beauty of the vinyl record itself. If these style of 7" CD digipacks would be available for a price under 20 Euros I can imagine it can win a young audience to buy this instead of only streaming. This new 7" format could also be used for more bonus like an additonal BluRay with live video or special audio mixes or demos - we have this already in book format CD boxsets. Such things like photos, a band family tree, ticket stubs could also be included in this 7" digipack format. Using the whole range of content it certainly could be higher priced especially for bands with a grown fanbase. The cheaper once with less content but beautiful cover artwork in 7" digipack format to gain interest for newer and upcoming bands. The bands which came as one of the first offering their CD album in this new 7" digipack format have a good chance to get special attention with their release in music magazines, record shops, mailorders, social media and at the merch desk.
Will clearly cost ( a lot?) more, and prices are creeping up as it is, so would I buy more? Not a chance.
Well, Phil, I don't want to come off like a moldy fig, but the reason I initially liked the CD format was the size compared to vinyl. I was given the Hot Rats box set a few years ago, and the packaging in a 12inch box immediately caused storage problems for me. It dwarfed my everyday Zappa CDs, and basically requires the purchase of a bookshelf to file such packaging in. I see the same situation with the Japanese packaging. It requires a bookshelf. I'm even pickier about bookshelves, I would rather buy full wood shelves, but usually shelves sold in the west have this tack board backing, which basically compromises the integrity, and longevity of the bookshelf. For this reason, most of my rather large book collection resides in boxes instead of being easily accessible, and on display. So keep the CD compact, digipacks are fine, jewel cases inevitably break during shipping, and have to be replaced anyway, besides the environmental concerns about plastic. Plus one more comment. The Japanese always out-class the Americans in packaging our beloved CDs. The U.S. would surely cheapen this packaging over time.
Hi Phil, Digi packs for me never liked the jewel case before but would go for the Japanese version depending on price.
Could keep them next to the 7" singles.
The way I have always viewed streaming is it should never have been allowed to affect chart positions.
I know its too late to change that, but there is something we can do to adopt a more friendly service between streams and sales.
My belief is we should change the rules so that streams are only used as a vehicle to test songs or albums to see if we like them enough to purchase them.
Its reported that a lot of royalties are not paid to artists through unfair streaming services, so we urgently need to curb that.
We need to encourage the interest of the physical media in general, not just CD's if this music industry is to stay alive in my opinion.
Really interesting topic this, CDs are definitely still relevant - but a way to package them as more of a tangible, special thing might bring a bit more respect to them - and not just a thing to sling to gig-goers after the show.
A 7" design works out as a 10" square package. As i had commented on the previous video, i feel an intermediate size at an 8" square design would be better (6" x 6") and still feel fairly compact but have a big improvement to its art size, booklet readability, bigger posters etc. Possibly a 9" square (6.5" x 6.5") but at this point we are just apeing what vinyl is and losing the CD's indentity, unless it is strictly for special editions.
I would have no problem with the 8" being an actual replacement for the base CD size though.
That said, there's no reason we can't have dynamic, non-brick walled masterings on all CD's, especially as its niche and should be targeting enthusiasts. Thats priority.
Let's be honest here for one minute.
CDs have increased in price *DRAMATICALLY* since the 2021-2021 lock downs because people were staying indoors and spending more money on entertainment - retailers, particularly big online ones, took advantage of this and bumped up their prices. Even though you tell us that the popularity of physical media has increased dramatically since then, which should mean that manufacturing prices decrease as more copies are made, those prices have not come down. And that's due to too many greedy entities in that chain from manufacturer to customer all "taking their cut".
There's no way we existing CD buyers are going to be getting that prestige packaging format at the same price that we get our CDs at and I am sure the manufacturers know this. We're also a lot of "old guys" who like things the way they are and have been for 40 years now with the CD format - you could argue that CDs were seen as a "gimmick" when they first came out and many of us abandoned buying new vinyl very quickly in favour of them.
If it's a young demographic that wants this prestige format then good luck to them - it's probably not that different to us rushing to buy CDs from vinyl some 40 years ago, although ultimately there's no format change - just more cardboard, plastic and paper from my perspective.
I just hope that it doesn't "split" the CD customer base to a point where less copies of each album are made and, yet again, we get another completely unjustifed price increase.
Hi Terry, physical media sales have increased but they are still niche. Overall it's about 15% of the overall market in the UK. CD manufacturing prices have increased 4 times in the last 12 months. Pressing runs are very small now from 100 - 4000 copies. Many vinyl releases are 150 - 300 copies. The numbers I am quoting here are for new and independent bands selling their albums via Bandcamp and their own website and at gigs. Just as we have seen our energy bills increase and the price of Olive Oil a jar of coffee etc so have musicians. So many of the many I talk to can't afford to sell a CD for £10 or a vinyl alsom for £20. The price is around £18 for a CD and £30 for a vinyl album. I think CDs arrived at that price in the late 80s early 90s so it seems fair for a band doing its best against streamings and less physical sales and no record label support. I do agree 100% that some big labels see the older demographic as a cash cow to try and get as much out of them as possible when it come to reissue box sets. Not all of them do this but some certainly do. The perceived value is down to each of us. For example I recently criticised the price of the forthcoming Queen 1 Deluxe Set and was quickly told by many Queen fans in our FB group that they had already pre-ordered it! What we will see is Amazon becoming less competitive as labels, bands and outlets like Burning Shed stop sending them stuff and sell music directly. A friend of mine has just ordered 'Born in The USA' in this new Japanese 7" format and loves it. It cost quite a bit and it is very limited, but he is happy! The cheaper jewel case will survive but we will see more limited and yes expensive edition for uber fans. Thank you for your comment - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine I am still buying more CDs than ever, even stuff I have already bought once as remasters, box sets and special editions - so I do my bit in supporting musicians, and it's the main reason I will *NOT* subscribe to streaming services because musicians get a terrible deal from those.
But let's be honest here, and I go back to my example of the "Anno Domini" box set - the only reason the big online retailer had put it on special offer at $50 is that not enough people were buying it for $80, which was the original price they had it up for.
So, yes, I accept manufacturing costs overall have increased but we've also got the "greedy middle men" acting as monopolies and trying their hardest to rip us off - and then having to reduce prices to get rid of stock.
And *ABSOLUTE KUDOS* to Burning Shed and their ilk - that was a *FANTASTIC* move them re-releasing the four Jethro Tull box sets at a very fair retail price recently, and I snapped those up immediately, especially as they were the only 4 JT sets I didn't have. And they are *GREAT* value for money!
The Anno Domini" box set is a brilliant example. BMG were the same on the other Sabbath Deluxe sets which were priced at around £99 while you could buy the Rhino equivalent from the USA for half the price. Eventually the price dropped in the UK to match this.
@@NowSpinningMagazine I don't own any of the other Sabbath box sets yet, just the Deluxe Versions from a few years ago - I will get around to picking up those I can still find at a good price eventually.
To be honest, shopping around more makes what I buy feel a bit more "special" anyway, so it's a positive thing to be doing.
@@NowSpinningMagazine PS. The big retailer is asking £143 for the Anno Domini box set at this moment in time - so not sure what is happening there, apart from another one of their rip-offs.
Thanks Phil for acknowledging me into the "younger demographic". I am 54, been collecting CD's and Vinyl for years and I love the idea. I would definitely buy them in that presentation. I would take it further though to DVD's and Blue-Ray etc.
I'm 60 yes old, Phil... I LOVE 'digipaks' and I would absolutely immediately jump over to these new Japanese 7" CD packaging in a heartbeat!!
They look great, there's more room for photos and liner notes etc.. but most importantly...I'm a 100% TACTILE person!! I have an intrinsic need to OWN, sit down with a coffee, hold, read, and pour over my CDs or Vinyls, like they are "precious stones"!
Jewel cases... happy to see the death of them!! This beautiful, tactile, new cardboard packaging, is definitely the way to go!! 👌👍
Great points Phil. I prefer the physical copy of the CD as I want to support the artists. Unfortunately car manufacturers want to encourage streaming by not including a CD player which is really annoying or is it just me?
i have a collection of original Beatles CD's in twelve inch boxes with posters and booklets - brilliant and worth collecting (-:
I would buy CD packages like that. But I also would worry about the price. If the price is the same as vinyl records. I would buy very few. Just go back to the regular CD. But I do think they should try different things with CDs just to see how people feel about it. They just need to keep the price reasonable.
What I can conclude is we are having a revolution in physical media packaging ! Even cassettes are being seen as creative artwork. It is like a Renaissance in physical media. I'm all for it.
Why make the new digi pak packaging so much larger than the circumference of the CD itself? It defeats one of the biggest advantages of CDs - they take up so much less space than LPs when stored.
Total waste of space.
These 7" vinyl-esque designs work out as being 10" square. I like the idea of bigger packaging but not that big. I'd prefer something along the lines of 8" square (6" x 6"). To me, this still feels compact enough but could be a luxurious upgrade over what we currently have. It would allow for noticeably bigger artwork and booklets etc without being excessive.
Remember when cd's came in long boxes. That soon fell away. Also it's going to be a way of charging 20 pounds. Music should be accessible for all, not a lucky few, who can afford it. Anyway thanks Phil, for getting us thinking!!
The long box was not for the consumer but to make it easy for retailers to use their existing bins and transition from selling LPs to CDs
I like my stuff to be the same. I started buying Uriah Heep CD's all over again (for the sixth time) when they brought out the two disc digipaks. Then after around six albums, they changed to jewel case and my OCD took a nosedive. Likewise, I bought Leaves Eyes "King of Kings" album in a nice 5"x6" hardback book format with a CD inside each cover. It was part 1 of a trilogy yet the following two albums were digipak and didn't match. I do prefer digipaks to jewel cases but some digipaks opening in six directions are a bit overkill.
I'd go for the 7". As for a 12" version, if an artist is putting out LPs anyway, why not do some for CDs as well. I also bet the nature of this argument would have been the same at the birth of the cassette and CD.
Have one, it was an import and not cheap. However storage not that hard, in with other outsized box sets, DVD and BluRay. Problem solved. Lovely package it is too …
The main problem is - better packaging equals an opportunity to raise prices for the greedy record companies!
to me there's more questions than answers.
- in short, would i buy a cd in the hypothetical new packaging? no. mainly because i have approx 2000 cd's IN case logic cd cases (that hold the jewel cases) i don't like cardboard cd wallets because it will always get messed up in time. digi-paks are ok as they have a tray for the cd to hold it but the outside art usually gets scuffs and marks. so jewel cases win because they're easy to replace.
- that fancy packaging takes too much effort to get TO the cd. if i want fancy packaging i want it in a box set.
- is that japan release a limited edition? japan is known for limited editions and extravagant packaging is really crazy with k pop / j pop. its probably a "japan only" thing.
- jewel cases are a made from a oil byproduct, which is why digi-paks and cardboard cd wallets became the norm for the most part. they can still be avail but most likely only if its worth the investment (aka big band = buck$)
- "IF" the new packaging became the norm today, young people may not have a choice to buy it as a physical copy IN a jewel / digi / cardboard case.
I love the concept. I think the price will determine how successful this will be.
I’m also a contrary old git who would get with the younger crowd and buy these 😂
Hi Phil. I love the new Japanese format…but…I have custom built shelves for my CD collection which number approximately 2000 and growing every day. I also own 100+ box sets scattered around my listening area. If I could accommodate the larger format I would be all in, in a heartbeat.
I love buying CDs... Jewel case Digi fold out packs CDs..
I just purchased Bruce Springsteen's Born In The USA 40th anniversary Japanese edition 4disc set done in the replica viynl.. The packaging and sound is absolutely awesome... Love Japanese CDs ❤
CDs will bring good prices in the future with the limited editions etc etc
Hi Phil, over in Japan they already do 12 inch vinyl covers for cds, l have Sticky Fingers by the Stones, complete with zip. Also it’s a gatefold. Love your channel, always watch it. I like your review recently of Dave Gilmours new album, agreed superb music. 🎸👍
Very interesting.
The music industry needs to engage with younger people and this format could be the way to go.
Vinyl expensive, paper booklets much cheaper but still cool.
The curse of awkward packaging! I’ve got a few of these 7inch style CD sets - and they are lovely - BUT they don’t quite fit anywhere storage wise - 1st world problems though and if it keeps CDs going then great , especially if they have multiple discs
I want to see the pivot table! 😂 I left a big 'ol comment in the last video, so I'll shut up for this one hahaha Cheers! ❤🔥🕉🕊
1980 I destroyed all my tapes...still chokes me up today
I have a friend who threw all his vinyl in the local dump because he thought it was worthless
1984 I was offered video business for 2m. 6 months it was worth nought
Not quite done that but have run several businesses where tech made them extinct
The main problem with CD's is 9 out of 10 bought have a damaged booklet, either creased, scuffed or a big fold down the pages. Digipaks are even worse because they get easily damaged unless you keep them in a plastic bag or bubble wrap bag. These over sized ones that you are showing look ridiculous and i would never buy one. Have no storage space for them.
Speaking of formats ... When Iron Maiden brought out their "Daughter to the Slaughter" single, it was relesed on 7" vinyl / 12" vinyl / 7" vinyl pic disc / 12" vinyl pic disc / and cassette tape. No CD because only 5 formats were allowed whilst in the charts. The CD was only released after the single had dropped from the charts. Who on earth would buy the cassette tape over a CD?
I really feel like the CD market is a one of those arenas where nobody needs to reinvent the wheel. CDs are my format of choice. I actively resent some of the non-standard packaging I've seen on certain CDs lately. It just makes managing a whole bunch of CDs that bit more unwieldy.
Formats ... stick to one. We've had 8-track tape (nothing to play them on now), cassette tape (once chewed up can't be replaced anymore), vinyl, CD, MP3 downloads (dead money).
Worth noting that vinyl albums usually contain around 25 minutes per side and a double album would typically be around 80 minutes. Most CD albums these days are more than an hour long but because a single CD can easily fit a vinyl double album, the prestige of a double album is lost.
Does the younger market actually want a copy of the vinyl or CD. A proportion of these buyers do not own a turntable or CD player. They are making a purchase as a means of supporting the artist. Perhaps there is a market for booklets and artwork with a digital download of the music.
WTH, my comment was deleted. While I mostly have been buying downloads on Bandcamp, I did make exceptions for the Black Sabbath - Sabotage and Rupert Hine - Surface Tension box sets, as well as, what Fire Records calls "bookback," replcating a hardcover book, with The Jazz Butcher, The Dream Syndicate and Pere Ubu special editions. The first three Wire albums were released on deluxe bookback editions a few years back that match the dimensions of the Japanese ones you're talking about. I'd certainly buy more of those if the prices can be kept sane, like under $50.
Top of mind are Comsat Angels. I was chuffed when Renascent released them on CD for the first time ever in the early 00s, but they were skinny and flimsy, couldn't even see them on the shelf due to lack of spines, so they are prime candidates for deluxe reissues as popularity continues to grow for that underrated band along the lines of The Sound.
Coincidentally, Rhino is reissuing the first three Sound albums on colored vinyl on Nov 29. I really wish they'd also do hardcover bookbacks. They are releasing Talking Heads: 77 in a bookback with Blu-Ray Atmos & 5.1 on Nov 8, but man, is it expensive, 3x more than Stop Making Sense. I'll have to look out for sales. I see they also have these in that packaging:
David Bowie - Rock 'n' Roll Star
The Darkness - Permission to Land 20th
Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick 50th
Jethro Tull - A 40th
Jethro Tull - The Broadsword and the Beast 40th
Marillion - Fugazi
K Pop music is releasing singles and eps with cards, pictures, stickers.
For heavy metal and hard rock for the collectors, and nostalgic sentimentalists it will be awesome. Creativity is the key.
I'd love that format for archival releases with substantial booklets with text and photos, like those done by Ace Records, that are hampered by the small size they are printed on. Now, it doesn't matter how good the package is is if they are still mastered like sh**e.
I agree with you that CD booklets can be a bit small but I strongly object to what would ultimately be having to pay more money for a different packaging format with a bit more cardboard and paper. I actually think the record companies could give us a good service here and give we who purchase the CDs access to download PDFs of the booklets that we can read on on PCs and tablets.
You don't have to pay for it - but the fans that like this can and are. Personally I would not be interested in PDFs as I prefer everything to be in the box / package
@@NowSpinningMagazine Do bear in mind I am talking about the PDF being *ADDITIONAL* to the booklet in the CD or box set, not a *REPLACEMENT* for it.
My CDs are their own backups - I rip them to my music server and they sit on a shelf until I want to flick through the booklets for a read.
As I play all my music from my home server or mobile device, having a PDF format on those would be a nice thing to have.
I like these. I’ve only ever seen one Pink Floyd album in this format. And it was way overpriced! In any event, I’d get on-board with this if they also included a 7-inch with some bonus tracks…or live cuts…
I only buy CDs, and only jewel case ones. I got nine CDs in the mail yesterday, one of which came in a digipak, so I threw it in the bin, unopened.
Hi Phil - interesting format. I am from the older age group have approx 2500 CD's and a few hundred albums. Like you, I do love my digipaks - as you say they are more tactile and are almost like a mini album. They already come in various sizes lol, and dont quite fit on my CD racks, but that's OK. I guess these would be more expensive than the standard jewel case or digipak, so that would be an issue for me. Other than that they look really nice, and if the price was right I would go for them. Do they have a spine that shows the artist and CD title? Is it clearly visible on edge? "Myles" below mentioned that its another way of the record companies making money at the buyers expense. I dont agree with that, with physical copies being only 15% of the market then I'm all for different options for buyers and maybe even increasing the market share. If you dont like it, dont buy it - also the record companies are, believe it or not in the business of making money - right? Without them we have nothing !! Did I mention CD Box Sets Phil - WOW, how I just love them 🙂lolol Cya on the next one Doug
The digit pack is it
I don't do streaming. I own physical media 99.8% CD and 0.2% vinyl. I have ripped my CDs into FLAC. Also, should not be allowed to be labeled as re-mastered when they just compressed it to make it louder. Re-mastered must mean they have cleaned it up and made it sound better. Release Supertramp - Even in the Quietest Moments on DR Pure Audio.
I have to say i get annoyed when the packaging of a cd means it cannot go with other cds in my collection and these oddments gather in a different place. With cd box sets i stiil like to take the cds out and store them with the main collection. However i guess for young people with few cds due to streaming this new format is a likely option.
I like this format; in fact, I wish they'd put CDs in this kind of packaging from the start. I have a Bob Dylan best-of CD that was released several years ago in a package that appears to be the same size (8" x 8"). But I found it (and several others) in a closeout store -- apparently the idea hadn't caught on at that time. And I wonder -- if CDs had come this way from the start, would they seem "old hat" to younger buyers today? As someone with 1,200+ CDs, I'm not thrilled with the idea that I'd need to start a new section for this larger product, but I suppose I could live with that situation. (As yes, I also agree with another comment on this page, that a package like this is designed to cost more money-- each item in there gets marked up.)
I also have two CDs in LP-size packages -- 10cc, The Original Soundtrack, and Bowie, Heathen (a promotional package). I think I prefer the smaller versions! The LP package just seems too big for a CD.
Si tienes razón los Lp son tan caros esa presentación es maravillosa 1970
The regular duel case. It can be replaced if it's broke plus it's smaller. I'm from New Jersey. Not in the U.K.. They look cool though. The new larger case is cool looking. I can see the appeal.. )^_-)/
There is a major problem here. IF buyers go back to these nice CD´s, they will become as expensive as vinyl now. The alternative will always be cheaper, but as soon as these CD´s take over the lead, vinyl will go down. Remember as CD´s where coming on the market, they where way more expensive than vinyl. It is the usual ripp off of the record industry, nothing else.
It will still be more expensive than a standard CD and how many of them have CD players? When they say they would buy that, how many would they buy? I would be willing to bet it will be one off purchases here and there and then fade away. I may not be part of the younger target market, but I'll bet I would buy more of this format than they would. But bring it on, see what happens.
context 4 hours ago had 1st Colonoscopy
Been there done that - Hope everything was ok?
The music is “free and we want it now” generation will not pay $26 plus shipping for a Japanese import CD. Love the channel Phil but this kind of special edition approach is for old school collectors like us - an exception to the rule packaging scenario for releases that might warrant semi-deluxe treatment.
I just love being told over and over that I'm a dinosaur.🦕
Love the 7" cd format + blu ray audio as bonus. Problem is the horrible mastering nowadays.
Yes please! I'd buy CDs with that format.
Mini album covers, no jewel cases, yes please, the Japanese have been doing this for years. Jewel cases are the pits
Don't know how or why this "Vinyl is too expensive" thing started other than most folk just follow whatever is the popular opinion of the day, sadly... In the 70's the average cost of a LP was about $12 USD (you all can look inflation calc/s up but they are skewed somewhat). I agree LP's are expensive but only from the following facts; 1. Quality in both mastering, production, and manufacture 2. Most are from digital sources 3. Quality control
Take away- Just another way for the greed of Record labels to extort you $$$, no thanks
CD is far from dead. Artists will go back to self promotion and production with CD . Its easier than ever to reach your fans and Artists and sell direct. Big labels are obsolete.
I would 100% invest in luxury 7” sized CD packages like that. Love it. The recent Floyd AHM “Hakone Aphrodite” Japanese set is brilliant and I’d love more of that please!
instead of a record store day how about a cd store day for a change
I like the digipack it seems like a good compromise, much better than jewel case
Don’t change an already great invention. Why are the jewel cases not now made of a recyclable product? I wouldn’t by the new format 💁🏼♂️
I'm happy with the digipaks. I think most of the gumph in those large CD packs wouldn't bother me at my age, I've no use for posters or loose photos of band members, books in the box sets are of more interest
This will probably disappear just like my comments on the Zep , Purple thread , not a member you see.
Anyway those flimsy card digipack things are bloody awful. Cannot see that Japanese style coming here but would not mind if it did.
Vinyl rules at the moment , it just means I am more selective , which probably a' int a bad thing.
Will this disappear , who knows ?.
Comments don’t disappear because you’re not a member? Not sure why that happened.
Definitely the way to go i hate those plastic dual cases they always break.
Cardboard creases in the same way a plastic case breaks if you handle them both roughly. Plus you can almost always replace a case if it cracks. Having said that, I got rid of all my "standard" single and double jewel cases anyway and my CDs and booklets are in plastic sleeves - good advice from Phil on that.
I’m in camp Digipack. Old white collector with 7000+ CDs and 200+ oversized CD Box sets that don’t fit the Ikea shelves. I have dedicated shelves for these and that’s where i have my so far one and only 7Inch CD. Santana’s Japanese Edition of Lotus. And yes I would buy more, especially if they have extra tracks. And no, I’m not ‘Multiformat’. CD only!
I love digipacks, and certainly don't mind avoiding the consternation of getting a cracked jewel case in a thinly padded package from Amazon. I do like that Japanese packaging, and I would buy well-presented releases like the one you showed.
You said NOT using jewel cases is better for the environment. Not manufacturing CD's to begin with and just streaming would be even more better. ALSO digi-packs or the Japanese 7"inch sleaves are made of paper which comes from trees that were chopped down. That's worse for the environment than plastic buried in a landfill.
As someone who love physical media including books that come from trees etc I am trying to suggest a lesser evil and something that can be sustainable and recycled.