Today, what we call the modern world, records and songs are treated like files. The only songs that should be treated like files are ear bleeding contrived singles.  Even though it takes more physical effort, I would rather throw a mediocre CD in the trashcan than pressing a delete button. We want to touch, smell, and stare at CD’s that are created by our favorite bands. Fans of career bands like Tool and Pearl Jam respect the artistic vision of these bands including CD packaging. Universal has a new idea and it may work. Universal Music Group is experimenting in Europe to try to boost CD sales.

Universal Music is testing different levels of packaging and pricing for CDs. With cheaper digital music now available, it makes perfect sense for the recording industry to recognize that CDs lend themselves more toward a truly collectible experience than a costly, cookie-cutter product destined to collect dust.

Will this bright idea save the CD? Who knows, but it will certainly appeal to people who have appreciation for the arts. It may not appeal to the “mooches” who want everything for “free” and who are entrenched with digital music files.