The death of the compact disc

The media release from Universal MCA Music, Inc. was very precise in its message: “Walt Disney Records is set to release the digital version of the original motion picture soundtrack to Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time…” Take note of that “…the digital version…” Only the digital version will be released. So, do not bother looking for CD versions. Those copies will not be available locally. Local music distributors have stopped releasing recordings on CDs and the stores have stopped selling them.

This is just one more proof that the CD or compact disc has gone the way of the LP or long-play album and the cassette tape years ago. Dead. The CD, a digital data storage format, replaced the vinyl disc and the cassette tape as the dominant medium for recorded music during the mid-‘80s. The VCD and later the DVD also did the same to the VHS tapes and laser discs commonly used then for films.

The compact disc made for an excellent replacement. It was not as bulky or as fragile as vinyl and could withstand temperature changes and rough handling. A recordable version also came about and users had a great time putting together their favorite tunes in those discs. So did the pirates who were soon selling their own copies of everything. But, of course, there will always be those who will take advantage of such developments for their own, even if illegal ends.

I think the death of the CD first came in sight with the invention of the iPod, a tiny device that could load hundreds of hours of sounds. No need to lug CDs around anymore, let alone change those discs. For the first time in years, the idea that music could be easily stored and enjoyed without the physical devices took root. Then came Napster and other peer-to-peer sites. Why recordings could be shared with others or summoned from a cloud to play at any time with a few clicks on the computer.

And now, there are iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, etc., etc. digital platforms where you can listen to any song you want at any time you want. If you want a personal copy of the film or the recording, you can also purchase from these sites. But no need to worry anymore about where to put it on the bulging shelf housing your collection, the recordings will be unseen and unheard up there in cloud until called down to earth. How space saving. Isn’t it amazing what technology can do! And can you just imagine what other developments will come about in the future.

I am glad that the switch, this time around, I mean, storage-wise, was totally painless. Just think of how it was going from the LP to the cassette and then to the CD and not knowing what to do with all those records. I am sad for the CD. I felt bad seeing the record sections in the stores reduced to tiny spaces and until these finally gave way to other goods.

But I would not advise anybody to get rid of those old players yet. Last I checked, vinyl LPs sales are up. Cassette tapes are also selling again. Before you know it, the CDs will be back.

And now back to the A Wrinkle In Time soundtrack. This is made up of the sounds from the star-studded motion picture of the same title based on the novel by Madeleine L’Engle.

Directed by Eva DuVernay, the sci-fi fantasy stars Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling as the much-loved trio of Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, plus Michael Peña and Zach Galifianakis. Newcomer Storm Reid plays Meg, the young girl who takes the journey through time to find her missing father and discover her self-worth. Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Chris Pine are her scientist parents.

The soundtrack is equally star-powered with new original songs of varied types, especially created for the movie. Flower Of The Universe No I.D. Remix from Sade. This is the Grammy winner’s first release in seven years; I Believe from DJ Khaled which features Demi Lovato. Check out the gorgeous video with eye-popping visuals; Magic by Sia; Let Me Live by Kehlani; Warrior by Chloe x Halle; Sade again with Flower Of The Universe; and the motion picture score by Ramin Djawadi of the Game of Thrones fame.